The Gem arrived in NYC at about 10a.m., and was still unloading passengers at 11:30 (compared to being off the ship at 9:40, when we returned). As a result, we didn't board until 1:30.

Since we had booked on a casino rate, we were seated in the VIP lounge with Penthouses & Villa passengers. There we waited for Claudio the concierge of the Gem to escort us onboard. We were served cookies, orange juice & hot chocolate. Strangely, no coffee.

Boarding the Gem was like returning to family. Having cruised on both the Jewel (twice) and the Dawn, the layout of the ship was reassuringly familiar while maintaining some distinctive characteristics. Read more