This is my fifth NCL cruise out of NYC. Love the convenience of going from this port. I'm not too concerned with how hot the weather is...I just like the cruise!
Nice touch by the captain to greet oncoming passenger with a glass of champagne. Also a great idea to have complimentary drinks at the various bars so that you could sample them and know what you would like.
I had been warned by my travel agent about the gaudy interior of the Gem and he was right. Some parts of the Gem were nice and tasteful but what were they thinking with the colors and decor in the Atrium? There was also just so much "stuff" in the Atrium...reception desk, internet cafe, Wii, java bar, gift shop, shore excursions, piano/guitar player, flashing works of art on the Wii, gift shop, lectures and 2 places for picture taking. Ditto for colors and decor in Spinnaker Lounge plus there was not a comfortable chair in the place. We went there once and never again. The colors and decor in these two areas really did not fit with the rest of the ship which was much more tasteful. I know taste is personal so I'll move on.