Norwegian Gem Review

I want a complete refund, NCL.

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Gem
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Norwegianstinks
First Time Cruiser • Age 40s

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Sail Date: Jan 2013

This cruise was a horrendous experience. The islands were gorgeous, except for where the boat docked in DR, an area that had medical waste strewn across the beach and and human fecal matter (yes, I'm sure) and wild dogs, but the cruise line itself is detestable. Let me begin by stating I am not a bitter or hard to please person. My partner and I are literally writing to NCL to demand a full and complete refund. Where to begin?

Boarding the ship was a crowded mess of stinking humanity. Disorganized. Mayhem. We waited for hours despite being early after not being told where to even stand or wait and also completing online check-in (according to their website, this avoids you standing in line...utter lies) which we clarified with NCL after waiting for hours did Nothing to expedite our wait time. We checked our bags which we regretted miserably since we waited for them for hours after boarding the ship and worried they'd been lost with our sanity. The website clearly states you are allowed one carry-on. We saw people with four bags each. We asked about the rule. We were told it did not apply. We wouldn't have checked our luggage.

If you enjoy walking up at 7:30am with horribly annoying announcements in your room from cruise directors with the professional integrity of a Snickers bar regarding ways to spend your money onboard, lucky you. If you'd like these announcements to continue hourly, you're in luck. Never in my life have I ever felt so intruded upon to BuyBuyBuy. It infuriated me, solely because I firmly believe you got nothing for the money you paid for anything extra. My partner did however win a necklace onboard, solely because no one showed up to the raffle, held at 10am the first morning. He asked the jeweler what the stone of the necklace was set in. He didn't know. What is it appraised for? He didn't know. We literally went to the store the necklace was allegedly being sold at in port to dictate its authenticity, expecting it to be fake. I believe it's an authentic piece of jewelry based on the fact that it is sold at a legitimate store but the lack of professionalism from their "Head Jeweler" is incredibly astounding.

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