To begin with, the Gem is a beautiful, clean ship! When we embarked after a bus ride from Pennsylvania with our travel group, we were very pleased! Most of the staff was outstanding- especially our two cabin stewards. They were always professional, helpful, and greeted us with a smile! We were on the 11th deck- midship- in a lovely mini suite. The cabin had adequate room for storage and our bed was very comfortable. To us, having a balcony was important and we felt it was worth it- even though we did have a lot of windy conditions. We hit extremely rough water on our at sea day that even some of the crew told me that they felt it also. Later in the day, the outside decks were all closed due to high winds. My husband started his medication at noon and felt good most of the day and night. I didn't start mine until dinner time which was a mistake. Next time I would start it as soon as I felt the ship start to sway!

The food was good but nothing outstanding. When we embarked, which was simple especially after they just spend 5 days crossing the Atlantic, we went right to the Grand Pacific Dining Room instead of the buffet which was mobbed. I was told the buffet was so crowded and seats were hard to find as everyone went there. We felt the breakfast buffet was the best meal everyday. For lunch and dinner, the buffet seemed to have the same things all the time with just some variation. You could always get hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza which thrilled my husband but I like variety. The two dining rooms, Magenta and Grand Pacific, did not offer many selections that really appealed to us. Because of this,we ate in the specialty restaurants 3 nights and the main dining room once (Great Pacific). We really hadn't intended to do this. Cagney's was very good with excellent service. I paid $10 extra besides the $20 service charge for lobster tails. I found any lobster I had on the ship was dry and tough with only the melted butter saving it. The filet mignon there was very good as well as the cheesecake. We also ate at LaCucina which was great! Again, the service was very good as well as the food. Unfortunately, there was a very loud obnoxious woman in a party of two couples at the next table. Most people were happy when they left after telling the server she was the only good thing about the whole meal.

We only went to one show which was great and featured the 70's music. We enjoyed the various piano and guitar players in the atrium and other lounges every night. The drinks were not too expensive unless you bought the keepsake glass which we did a few times as we were not told you could get the drink without it. Each day a new drink was featured and they were all good! We had no complaints with the casino except the smoke!! I was surprised the slots did pay and I won about $90 at first which I eventually gave back. My husband played in the Texas Holdem tournaments plus at the regular games. Read more