"LIVE" from Norwegian GEM / March 7, 2009

[cessick7]

Radio, thank you so much for your updates and pictures. My wife and I are going on our first cruise and will be on the Gem in less than 2 weeks. This has been a great preview and I can't tell you how excited I am. By the way, what kind of internet plan are you on. From what I read on this site, it looks pretty expensive. Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to post.

[megr1125]

Radio...gorgeous photos and excellent report as usual!

 

thanks!

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . I got off of the ship by around 10. The weather turned out to be very nice. We had warm temps, and no rain.

 

I started off by renting a scooter (BowCar Scooter Rental) and heading over to Atlantis Resort.

I have been to Nassau many times but it has been a few years since I have been to Atlantis. It has really grown. It is a massive resort that seems to go on forever. It appears that they are still adding on.

 

Atlantis doesn’t charge a fee to have access to the inside of the Resort. You can go shopping in the Mall, and have access to the Casino, dining, and view some of the Aquarium.

 

You can have an Aquarium tour for $35, Beach Access, and Aquarium Tour for $80. And get a full day pass that includes Aquaventure, Tour and Beach.

 

NCL has the Aquaventure tour for 119 (includes transportation), they have several Atlantis tours that start at $55.

 

I also went over to Cabbage Beach which is over near Comfort Inn and Suites. This is a public beach, that offers rentals, and a beach bar. The water there is beautiful. I took a swim there and it was very relaxing (a little cold though)

Cabbage Beach is right next to RUI Resort.There was a lot of cruise passengers there. They also had parasail, and Jet Ski Rentals.

 

I went to many areas of Paradise Island, and was happy to see many resorts that were new, and there was a lot of construction going on for residential and commercial buildings.

 

While coming back the ship, the traffic was very bad. . .with a lot of congestion, I made it back and forgot that I had to go back out for a newspaper. I figured it shouldn’t be hard to find a newspaper in Nassau.

Oops was I wrong.

 

The Pharmacy, and News stands were closed, so I had to walk over to the British Colonial Hilton (just a few blocks away). I picked up a couple of papers, and stopped into Starbucks, and Hard Rock Café on the way back .

 

It seemed like a long day, but it was fun, and relaxing.

 

Tomorrow we will be in Freeport, Grand Bahama. We arrive early and only stay a few hours. I am sure I will just hang out around the Port marketplace tomorrow.

 

 

Here are a few pics from today. . . Thanks for tuning in!

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

Festival Place

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside Festival Place were lots of shops, and food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bridge over to Paradise Island was close to the Cruise Ship piers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Atlantis grounds were beautiful. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Aquarium was nice too. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atlantis Interior Lobby

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[Radio]

Here are a few more pics. . .

 

More pics tomorrow from Freeport ! !

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cabbage Beach, Nassau (very crowded )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Beach in front of RUI Resort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The water was spectacular

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just South of Cabbage Beach . . . Great Blue water !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Norwegian Gem viewed from British Colonial Hilton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Norwegian Gem tied up to the dock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[Radio]

I want to swim in this water Everyday !

 

 

I have alot more photos to post of Nassau, but will post them when I get home to my Norwegian Gem Album found HERE

 

I still have more to Post on CC. . .during the last 3 days though !

 

Stay Tuned. . .

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

 

 

It was so clear. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beach here was a little rocky though. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[prg2101]

What fine memories u bring back to me and my wife of our trip on the Gem last January......I follow all of your "live from"......so I have one question......please tell me your gonna have a video feed when u return.....I told u I follow u..dont hide..lol:D:D

 

John

[ex-Freeporter]

Just loving your 'Live' report again, Radio. I do hope you will venture a bit further than the port area today and see something of Grand Bahama Island - my former home. :p :D It's almost 40 years to the day since I first arrived out there - lots of changes over the years since then! Look forward to your pics .... thanks!

 

Rosie :)

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . We have arrived in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island at 7AM. It was still dark when we pulled into port, but the sun came up quickly, and the forecast for today is the same as it has been this week. . .Warm (78f) and sunny.

 

We are the only ship here today, except for the Norwegian Dream which is anchored off of the coast at Freeport Harbor.

 

There are several shops here at the port, and local vendors for any last minute souvenirs. There is also a Car rental facility, and scooter rentals.

 

We are only here until 12Noon, and all passengers must be on the ship by 11:30AM.

 

I will just walk around the Port today, and see what I can see. I may wander over to Lucaya.

 

I am going to dinner tonight at Tequila (Tex Mex) with some Cruise Critic freinds . I am looking forward to some Lobster Tacos !

NCL had a big Tropical Deck Party last night with good music, and alot of passengers. . . It was fun.

 

 

Here are a few pics from last night and this morning. . . .

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes:

 

 

 

Last night at the Tropical Deck Party

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early Morning as we pull into port

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We arrive into the harbor at Freeport

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excursion busses are ready for passengers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It looks like it will be another sunny day ! (Norwegian Dream anchored in the background )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[mickeysgal]

Every day I start my day off with your posts and pictures. What am I going to do once you're done with your LIVE postings?

 

Great job, Radio. Enjoy your day.

[SandyMom]

:) Hi Radio!

Love your reports from the Gem!

Love the photos, too!!

You should have someone take a photo of Y*O*U, and include it in your next update! That way, we can all see the smiling face of our Grand TourMaster!

Thanks!

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . Today was our last Port of Call. . .and I wish we could have stayed here longer.

It seems that Freeport for many Cruise Lines is always a short stay. I think that many passengers would really be able to see the things that Freeport offers, if the Cruise Lines could stay longer.

 

I can understand why we left today at noon, because we are heading to New York at full speed. There are many passengers waiting to board this beautiful Ship when we arrive.

 

There are many activities planned for today. . .Blackjack Tournament, Soccer Tournament, Rock Climbing. . . Lots of indoor and outdoor activities.

Tonight is the Chocoholic Buffet, James Bond Night, and Shadow Dancing.

 

I’m heading down to the Casino to see if the machines will be nice to me today.

 

Here are a few pics from Freeport today. . . More pics later !

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Freeport

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were a lot of shops at the Freeport Terminal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passengers in line to get back on the ship after a short stay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone back at the pool, just as we sail away !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Norwegian Dream looks lonely out there (Maybe she will be sailing again soon with NCL ?)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are off to New York. . . We should be there by around 9AM on Saturday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[Mommy40]

Thank you so much for this. I have been following you all week because a good friend of mine is on this cruise for her first cruise ever. I am so glad you guys had beautiful weather and calm seas. I am sure she will be hooked when she gets back.

[funhouse8]

Hello Radio,

I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work and tell you how much I enjoyed cruising with you. LOL We are leaving on the Gem 3/28 and boy have you made our countdown even more exciting. Your pictures are the best. Can't wait to view them all. Have a safe trip back. Gina

[Radio]

Hello Radio,

I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work and tell you how much I enjoyed cruising with you. LOL We are leaving on the Gem 3/28 and boy have you made our countdown even more exciting. Your pictures are the best. Can't wait to view them all. Have a safe trip back. Gina

 

Thanks Gina ! I will have alot more pics to upload when I am home on Saturday night. . .The Internet is much faster, and free !

 

They will be on my Norwegian Gem album HERE

 

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[prg2101]

Thanks Gina ! I will have alot more pics to upload when I am home on Saturday night. . .The Internet is much faster, and free !

 

They will be on my Norwegian Gem album HERE

 

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

 

How about a video Radio.....;) come on now.....lol

[family4]

Radio your thread was AMAZING!!!, we are sailing out 4/4 and I can't wait.

 

I looked forward every morning and evening to get your updates, and the pictures were breath taking. What type of interactive slot machines do they have in the casino?. We love going to the casino, it will be my Dads birthday:) while we are onboard and he loves puling the slots or should I say pushing the button. Hopefully he will win a little something, and I hpe you will for all your hard work with this thread.

 

Again Thank you and I can't wait to read more and look at all the pictures. If you can find out "what perks you get when booked in the penthouse" I would love it.

 

Thank You Liz

[darkenstormy]

Norwegian Dream looks lonely out there (Maybe she will be sailing again soon with NCL ?)

 

 

 

 

Good to see The Dream again... we sailed her third-to-last cruise back in October 2008. Her bridgecam is still active... I check the view every few days.

 

Interesting! It looks like the "NCL" has been removed from the funnel!

 

I wondered when an image of her laid-up in those blue Bahamian waters would surface... thanks, Radio, for making it happen!

[mickeysgal]

Good to see The Dream again... we sailed her third-to-last cruise back in October 2008. Her bridgecam is still active... I check the view every few days.

 

Interesting! It looks like the "NCL" has been removed from the funnel!

 

I wondered when an image of her laid-up in those blue Bahamian waters would surface... thanks, Radio, for making it happen!

 

Can someone tell me what happened to the Dream such that she's stranded out there?

[darkenstormy]

Can someone tell me what happened to the Dream such that she's stranded out there?

 

She was to be sold last year, but the sale fell through. NCL withdrew her from service as scheduled in November, and she is currently laid-up, that is, just sitting there at anchor, awaiting an uncertain future.

[Radio]

Good to see The Dream again... we sailed her third-to-last cruise back in October 2008. Her bridgecam is still active... I check the view every few days.

 

Interesting! It looks like the "NCL" has been removed from the funnel!

 

I wondered when an image of her laid-up in those blue Bahamian waters would surface... thanks, Radio, for making it happen!

 

 

Thanks. . . .

 

Norwegian Dream is still on the AFt and Bow. . . .:)

 

(Maybe you will soon see Dream Itineraries for 2010-2011 ?)

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Radio]

How about a video Radio.....;) come on now.....lol

 

 

Yes, there will be a Video. . .very soon ;)

 

 

Some of my other video's are HERE

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[jaja]

enjoying it all radio...and YES--at least post one photo of you enjoying the Gem...:D

[oceanquest]

hurry home Radio

We're next on the ship :)

We loved your live reports and can't wait to for our week on board! :)

[K-tionGirl]

Radio,

 

Bravo!!!!

Thanks for sharing. I hope the casino is very good to you.

Enjoy the rest of the trip back.

[Kwynot]

Whaaa - my vicarious trip back to the Bahamas on the Gem is going to be over much too soon...

 

Thanks for taking us along with you. Looks like you had a wonderful week!