We recently returned from a fabulous week on the Gem- June 21-28th out of NYC.
I never thought I'd be wow'ed in NY Harbor - yeah, I'm a lifelong NJ resident - however the moment we stepped into the terminal, I felt like our vacation had started. We were effeciently processed into the cool spacious waiting area, boarded in a relatively short time, and once on board, within minutes (like 15) we heard the announcement that our cabin was ready. After travelling on RCarribean several time, we never ever accessed our cabin so quickly.
First impression upon seeing the ship up close: the Gem is beautiful, with colorful oversized exterior paintings, desk-side murals and a spotless exterior. Our trip out into the Hudson was pretty cool- traveling alongside towering cargo ships, tiny sailboats, scows and barges, pleasure boats; a real New York scene. Then - cool! a fireboat streaming fountains of water above as we passed Lady Liberty. It was hard to determine which side to the GEM to favor with views of the new NYC skyline and Freedom Tower or the historic Ellis Island area and Palisades of NJ.
Clean, Spacious enough for 2 people, Great Location near rear staircase 2 floors down to MDR, 3 up to Garden Cafe, Pool etc...