Before I begin with the detail let me first say that overall this is the worst cruise I have ever taken. Now I would love to say that there was one thing that has made me bitter and hence this review but this is not the case. Therefore I will try to be objective and state before I go on that if you are the type of person who enjoys large Resort style holidays with fast food, buffets and the anonymity then you would undoubtedly enjoy this cruise line. Similarly if you have children I think you would have a good time as it did seem very child friendly and the menus would definitely appeal.

Personally I dislike the impersonal service and production line feel of Resort holidays, now I'm not attacking them, but they just aren't for me. Also I don't have any children. I prefer holidays with a bit of style, sophistication, elegance; somewhere where you can indulge in fine cuisine, feel totally relaxed, enjoy the finer things in life and of course all backed up with stellar service. If this sounds like you, if like me you choose cruise holidays to get a few precious weeks of luxury each year then I do urge you to reconsider your choice of cruise company if you are thinking of taking a trip on the Norwegian Gem.

Having cruised with a number of cruise lines before including the obvious large operators such as Carnival, RCI, Princess, P&O as well as the smaller niche players such as Clipper and Seabourn (Part of Carnival Group and simply the best operator out there - I would say beg, steal or borrow to take a cruise on the Legend) I was drawn to NCL in the belief that they operated in the premium end of the large ship players. Attracted by a fantastic itinerary I booked on the Norwegian Gem cruise sailing out of Barcelona on the 27 July 2008 for my partner and myself. I booked a BB cabin, in English that is an Outside room with a Balcony. Read more