My partner and I consulted a Norwegian Cruise Agent about the "Gem." He told us since its a week before Christmas most of the cruisers would fall in our age range (I'm 30 my partner 31). This was not the case, 85% were senior citizens, 10% children, and 5% percent our age range. It seems to be a ship catering more to kids and older folks. Not that my partner and I have a problem cruising with older people or kids, but at least have some decent activities that cater to our age bracket.

Upon entering our room we discovered a bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberries, a gift i purchased prior to embarking for the 14th of December not the 13th, with an anniversary note for my partner. So that surprise was ruined. The music at Spinnaker and Bliss Lounges/Clubs were repetitive every night. The poolside music was ok but not something we would rock to everyday. As soon as some EDM or R&B played a senior citizen would complain to the DJ to change it. The Casino was our main source of entertainment so we were there everyday and night. Not one cruiser ever one big money. The mystery prize at the DaVinci Quarter Game was a joke. A beer cosi sleeve is the cheapest things you could give a gamble/cruiser after spending $40-$50 and a couple of hours of playing. Would it have hurt the cruise line if they gave away a dinner for two at a specialty restaurant or a free 20 minute massage. We also won the bubbly prize which was a Brut Dry Champagne, we asked if we could switch it for semi sweet or sweet since we get heartburn drinking the dry Champagne and were simply told by the arrogant lady "the prize you win at the machine is this one." Play at your own risk at the Casino, Norwegian Gem seems cheap when it comes to customer satisfaction.

We also asked if we could upgrade our room and would be willing to pay whatever it was but were told it was fully booked. Days later we met a woman who said she had bed bugs in her cabin that attacked her mother and was upgraded to another room. We soon realized there were other rooms available but nobody bothered to contact us after they said they would. My partner got sick eating some buffet food the last three days. 6 Hours (7am-1pm) in Tortola was a joke, Nothing was opened til 11am. Even the island people were surprised the ship wanted to leave that early (cruise ships are how the island people make their money). Norwegian Cruise Line SIMPLY GREEDY. Overall the ship is beautiful but the execution or even activities for our range is very very poor. I really doubt that we would ever book Norwegian again after this experience. We heard from other cruisers that Carnival or Royal Carribean would have what we are looking for. If we do decide to give them a second chance we will likely go with Sky as we were told by the crew and people we met their that Sky is likely to have what we are looking for.