I recently cruised on the Norwegian Gem out of Manhattan. My husband and I decided to treat ourselves and we booked a suite. Our room was at the aft end corner of the ship. The room was very dated and could use a good cleaning. I did however love our Concierge Carlos. Anything we wanted he was on it. I cannot say enough good things about him and the the extra touches one can only get in a suite, such as nightly chocolate covered strawberries, fruit plates, finger sandwhiches etc. Was it worth the extra money?? No.

Now for the smokers wondering if and where you can smoke on the ship. You can smoke at one outside bar at the forward top part of the ship. So, book your room up front. You can also smoke at the casino, but only if it is open. In these two places you will be harassed by the non smokers who had 10 other bars to go to but will trek all the way to the smoking one just to tell you how awful you are. There was one man who decided to parade his children through the casino while yelling "Run kids and hold your nose"..instead of walking up and over with his precious little ones. So, after paying double the money for my suite with a "private" balcony at the aft corner of this ship, I still could not have a glass of wine and a smoke while I was all alone back there. Save your money, book the cheap seats or better yet.......Fly to your destination.

Back to the ship. Worst casino I have ever been to in regards to paying anyone anything at all. Best bartenders I have had the pleasure to meet in quite a few cruises. Read more