sailing out of New York is an emotionally moving experience, churning through a storm with 85 mph wind gusts is a physical experience. Norwegian Gem had a surprising combination of good and bad. Ship docked at the worst pier in Halifax and Quebec City. Food experience was poor- seafood was tasteless, cafeteria experience was oppressive - attendants raced you to remove uour plates, wouldn't close the blinds, no trays. Main dining room service was slow, server quality very unevent (either many mistakes or world-class).

Housekeeping once gave us bathtowels with poop stains on them. Theater entertainment was excellent: audience gave them stabding ovations, and well-deserved. The 4 main singers, especially one of the 2 women, are amazing. We didn't book any of the shore excursions - rented a car in Halifax, Quebec City and Cornerbrook. Mahone Bay is very beautiful, old town Quebec City is nice, Cornerbrook hopsitality is wonderful. Cruising eastern Canada isn't a port destination type of cruise - you can see the same scenes along central and eastern US, and around northwest Europe and Norway/Sweden.