Live from the Gem

[Baitman19]

Surprised to hear that Matt is not the cruise director this week, What is he doing this week?

On the Jan 16 it was his first week as CD on the Gem and Cue was the asst CD for part of the week-

 

Frrom what we heard from Cue, Matt is now working in Miami on special projects for CDs.

[coffeebean]

Answers to some questions:

 

Boarding for passengers not penthouses: People are given a number as they arrive to the pier and go thru security and you board in that order after the VIP’s board. There is a separate check-in for Latitudes.

 

Freestyle 2.0 & the Gem. Some things have been upgraded, but there isn’t lobster every night. Should be in place by April.

 

When does Claudio go on vacation: March

 

Smellytoes: Claudio says hello and he’s fine now. He couldn’t find anything about the Spirit & repairs being completetd.

 

Does LeBistro serve choc fondue & CD?

Yes it does and they have station in the Garden Cafe. The CD is "Q" Matt Baker has been given a promotion.

 

Happy Cruising

 

 

Does this mean that Matt Baker won't ever work as CD again??? That's too bad because he is so talented and wonderful in front of an audience.

 

Regarding the Chocolate Fondue...Some folks have come off other ships very recently and said that the Chocolate Fondue is no longer available. I'm realizing it may be different from ship to ship.

[coffeebean]

Answers to some questions:

 

Boarding for passengers not penthouses: People are given a number as they arrive to the pier and go thru security and you board in that order after the VIP’s board. There is a separate check-in for Latitudes.

 

Freestyle 2.0 & the Gem. Some things have been upgraded, but there isn’t lobster every night. Should be in place by April.

 

When does Claudio go on vacation: March

 

Smellytoes: Claudio says hello and he’s fine now. He couldn’t find anything about the Spirit & repairs being completetd.

 

Does LeBistro serve choc fondue & CD?

Yes it does and they have station in the Garden Cafe. The CD is "Q" Matt Baker has been given a promotion.

 

Happy Cruising

 

 

Does this mean that Matt Baker won't ever work as CD again??? That's too bad because he is so talented and wonderful in front of an audience.

 

Regarding the Chocolate Fondue...Some folks have come off other ships very recently and said that the Chocolate Fondue is no longer available. I'm realizing it may be different from ship to ship.

 

Thank you for your responses.

 

coffeebean:)

[willysgrandma]

Can you tell me about your experience using the Courtyard? Is it crowded or are there any particularly loud guests?

 

I've heard reports that there have sometimes been some loud groups in the private courtyard that sometime disturb other Villa passengers.

 

It is such a peaceful area and that retractable roof must have been wonderful while you were still sailing in cold weather.

[coffeebean]

Frrom what we heard from Cue, Matt is now working in Miami on special projects for CDs.

 

Baitman19...

Thanks for the information update about Matt Baker. I'm hoping this is just temporary for Matt so he can entertain the passengers like no other cruise director we have had in 21 cruises on 6 different cruise lines.

 

I'm happy for Matt and his promotion, but not happy that he won't be our CD on Gem end of March. I really wanted my sister and BIL to see Matt on their very first NCL cruise and intoduction to Freestyle.

[snorklinbarb]

coffeebean,

 

Rest assured that choc. fondue is on the menu on Gem.

 

Matt is helping to roll out freestyle 2.0 for now. Klaus Lugmaier is heading the team to do so, ship by ship.

[jbluemaxie]

Is Cue the one who used to be on The Disney Magic? If so, we had a blast with him. He's great with both adults and children.

[cruise4kicks]

Monty, please give Claudio a big hug -- or handshake, whatever you're comfortable with! ;) -- from me!!!

[coffeebean]

coffeebean' date='

 

Rest assured that choc. fondue is on the menu on Gem.

 

Matt is helping to roll out freestyle 2.0 for now. Klaus Lugmaier is heading the team to do so, ship by ship.[/quote']

 

Hello Barb...

Thanks for remembering how concerned I am about the CD and Chocolate Fondue. I guess you've been on Gem recently??? I can't remember when you said you were going on her.

 

Thanks for finding out what Matt is doing specifically. I have read that Freestyle 2.0 will be in place on all ships by summer so I assume there's a good chance Matt will not be on Gem end of March. At least I won't be getting my hopes up to see him when my sis and BIL cruise with DH and me.

 

Happy cruising!!!

[ktpc2005]

How does the fully stocked bar work? Are they small bottles and every bottle you open is charged to your account? Are they expensive?

 

The mini fridge is full of wine coolers and nips of liquor. They also put sodas and bags of nuts. I forget if there was beer. They are really expensive, I think the nips of vodka were like 5 or 6 bucks (usually like 99 cents at the local liquor store) The wine coolers are like 8 bucks. The room stewards keep tabs on it and right it down on a tally sheet that is in your room and is submitted at the end..

 

 

If you do not want to deal with it, just ask you room steward to emtpy it and you can fill it with your own things. It doesnt fit much but it can hold some soda and waters.

[rossbabsy]

Diane & Monty, I know your having a great time. How was your meet & greet? Did most of the people on the board attend? Which of the crew attended? Did they serve cookies, danish, coffee, tea & Juice? I usually ask them to serve fruit. Its usually too early for mini sandwiches.

 

I'm getting antsy for 2/6. Can't wait to come aboard.

 

Leave some cash in the Casino for me.

 

Barbara

[Butch2099]

Thanks Baitman for the great updates. I have 1 question about the casino, is there a Texas Hold Em regular table or any tournaments going on?

Also thanks willysgrandma for posting those really great pics from the Gem. We just booked last week for next Jan and I'm already counting down...

[Butch2099]

Thanks Baitman for the great updates. I have 1 question about the casino, is there a Texas Hold Em regular table or any tournaments going on?

Also thanks willysgrandma for posting those really great pics from the Gem. We just booked last week for next Jan and I'm already counting down...

[Britt23]

Thanks Baitman for the great updates. I have 1 question about the casino, is there a Texas Hold Em regular table or any tournaments going on?

Also thanks willysgrandma for posting those really great pics from the Gem. We just booked last week for next Jan and I'm already counting down...

 

Could you also let us know if the table is a limit or a no-limit table? Thanks so much!

[Baitman19]

Live from the Gem-The Garden Villa Experience

Tuesday January 29, 2008-St. Thomas

We went to Cagney’s for breakfast again. It’s so good and so convenient. So far we’ve tried the broiled grapefruit, Belgian waffles, Crab Cakes Benedict, Smoked salmon Frittata, Fruits De Mar in Brioche, Three egg Omelet & Eggs & Sausage. Everything has been great.

There seem to be a storm brewing as we sail into St. Thomas. The wind is howling and our hot tub is a whirlpool now. We will be anchoring in about an hour from now. We have to meet Claudio in Tequila at 10:45am to get off. The rain has held off and the sun is trying to come out. We got on the tender and were ashore by 11:30am. Boy, the streets were crowded and 98% of the Gem passengers were still on the ship. We proceeded to find our stuff we needed to buy. We found our items and took a tender back at 12:30pm. Janet was already back and using the sundeck. It was time to use our deck. I put on Caribbean Steel and turned on the outdoor speakers and made some drinks. Sharon was still ashore. She came back & Ryan brought us sandwiches and snacks. He delivered chocolate covered strawberries last night & they became chocolate-strawberry Pina` Coladas today.

We then did a walk around the ship. The Great Outdoors is really nice on the stern of the ship. The buffet is really setup well and the seating is so much nicer than on the Dawn. It actually looks like a restaurant. We ended up in the Game Room. Played some games and headed to the Atrium. Diane & Sharon played WII bowling and Sharon won. A Cosmo, Key Lime Martini and a Nutty Monk in the Java Café with Carol and it was back to freshen up for dinner in the Orchid Garden. We set up with Carol to have dinner in the GV with us on Thursday night. Freestyle attire only: shorts & t-shirts & bathing suits.

Dinner in Orchid Garden was very good. Diane & Sharon had Saki-bombs to start off. The dim sum was good, the chili mussels were excellent. The seared Ahi-tuna, Tandoori chicken was very good. The desserts, green tea ice cream, ginger crème brulee & the pineapple sorbet were a great end to the dinner.

It was off the Stardust to see The Cats Pajamas. It was 4 guys singing acapella but sounding as if they were playing instruments. They were very good.

It’s 9:30pm and the wind is howling again. All the furniture on our deck is tied down. Diane is busy addressing invitations to the CC members who attended the Meet & Greet for a cocktail party when we leave Tortola on Super Bowl Sunday.

Tomorrow we are in Antigua and Janet & Sharon are doing a 4x4 excursion & we are going fishing. I hope the wind calms down because wind & fishing don’t mix.

Be back tomorrow, Antigua

Happy Cruising,

 

Diane & Monty

[Baitman19]

[quote name='willysgrandma']Can you tell me about your experience using the Courtyard? Is it crowded or are there any particularly loud guests?

I've heard reports that there have sometimes been some loud groups in the private courtyard that sometime disturb other Villa passengers.

It is such a peaceful area and that retractable roof must have been wonderful while you were still sailing in cold weather.[/quote]

The courtyard is usally empty. You used to be able to bring friends up to it. No longer. Only the guests staying in the GV, Owner's Suites & courtyard cabins may use the Courtyard and it's amenities.

It's a great place.

Happy Cruising

[dongordon]

Diane and Monty,

Thanks for the daily updates....I look forward to them everyday.

Could you ask Claudio if mini suite guests have use of the concierge. We have heard that you no longer can have restaurant reservations made by the concierge if you are in a mini suite. I heard some ships have this and others don't.

I am sailing on Feb. 16th on the Gem and that was a terrific service. I made all my reservations for the seek

Thanks and have a great day on the Gem.

Don

[Baitman19]

[quote name='rossbabsy']Diane & Monty, I know your having a great time. How was your meet & greet? Did most of the people on the board attend? Which of the crew attended? Did they serve cookies, danish, coffee, tea & Juice? I usually ask them to serve fruit. Its usually too early for mini sandwiches.

I'm getting antsy for 2/6. Can't wait to come aboard.

Leave some cash in the Casino for me.

Barbara[/quote]
Most of the people who said they were coming, came. The Captain, HD, Group Coordinator, CD 7 2 others came. The served danish, fruit, juices and coffee & tea.

The captain & HD told us if we have any problems to bring them to their attention and let them solve them. Instead of coming on here.

Happy Cruising

[Baitman19]

[quote name='dongordon']Diane and Monty,

Thanks for the daily updates....I look forward to them everyday.

Could you ask Claudio if mini suite guests have use of the concierge. We have heard that you no longer can have restaurant reservations made by the concierge if you are in a mini suite. I heard some ships have this and others don't.

I am sailing on Feb. 16th on the Gem and that was a terrific service. I made all my reservations for the seek

Thanks and have a great day on the Gem.

Don[/quote]

No concierge service for Mini-suites anymore.

Happy cruising

[Baitman19]

[quote name='Butch2099']Thanks Baitman for the great updates. I have 1 question about the casino, is there a Texas Hold Em regular table or any tournaments going on?
Also thanks willysgrandma for posting those really great pics from the Gem. We just booked last week for next Jan and I'm already counting down...[/quote]

I'll try tol find out. I'm not a card player. I don't even seem to be a casino player on this cruise either.

Happy Cruising

[cruitenn]

Hi, Monty and Diane:

Glad you are enjoying your cruise on the Gem and thanks for taking all of us on your trip. Your Super Bowl party sounds like a lot of fun.

Can you please find out if the tennis court is for regular tennis or for paddle tennis and if they provide the equipment?

Enjoy the rest of your cruise and keep us posted.

[insidecabin]

[quote name='Baitman19']Frrom what we heard from Cue, Matt is now working in Miami on special projects for CDs.[/QUOTE]

Looks like Miami are pulling together a team from the ships(people that actualy know what they are doing) to sort out some of the issues and probably roll out 2.0.

Klaus,Matt any others with good reputatons been pulled into head office?

[willysgrandma]

[quote name='Baitman19']The courtyard is usally empty. You used to be able to bring friends up to it. No longer. Only the guests staying in the GV, Owner's Suites & courtyard cabins may use the Courtyard and it's amenities.

It's a great place.

Happy Cruising[/quote]

Thank you - that is exactly what I heard, but I wanted to be sure.

I am enjoying your posts!

[nyflush]

[quote name='Baitman19']The courtyard is usally empty. You used to be able to bring friends up to it. No longer. Only the guests staying in the GV, Owner's Suites & courtyard cabins may use the Courtyard and it's amenities.

It's a great place.

Happy Cruising[/quote]

Great post! I will be on the Gem in a few weeks in a Courtyard Villa I know friends and family cant come to the Courtyard do you know if they can join us for breakfast at Cagney's?

Have fun fishing!

[angeljt]

WOOHOO!!! Go Monty and Diane!!!
Glad to hear you're having a great time on the Gem. Thanks for taking us along, and I'm looking forward to the rest of your adventures and pictures when you return. :D Diane always does a great job with them.
Hoping the winds are gone and the fish are biting today.
Enjoy, and have a couple of those martinis for me!!! ;)
Jackie