Norwegian Gem Review
Cape Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau Cruise July 2015 Norwegian Gem
Rating by category
Additional details
We took the same cruise on the same ship (NCL Gem) in July 2014. The only location that was really worth stopping at was Great Stirrup Cay (NCL's private island). The ship itself was great, and we did the same cruise again this year just because we enjoyed the Gem.
It was disappointing the NCL now charges a service fee of $7.95/day for room service, which is new this year, and they have completely eliminated their infamous Chocolate Buffet, which was very disappointing as this was one of their signature events.
It was further disappointing that Norwegian (and in fairness to them, probably all cruise lines) seem to punish early bookers in terms of not allowing them to take advantage of changes in promotional offers, based on when they booked their cruises. Travelers should also note that paying in full up front for your cruise can result in missing out on your ability to make changes in your promotions and other options, which NCL will allow without penalties or added cost to those people who pay in installments as long as the changes are made prior to the final payment.
Cabin Review
Balcony
We went for the guarantee balcony, which is supposed to leave you open for a possible upgrade, but that rarely happens, and if the ship is full there is no possibility of an upgrade, which is generally the case. The room was adequate, but the bathroom is really small, especially the toilet area. The location was great, especially for getting to the Atrium/Shopping level, Main Dining Rooms, Casino and Theater. It was ideal for disembarking the final day. If you carry your own luggage off the boat, you just go down the forward stairs one level to deck 8 and out to the gangway. The room is DIRECTLY above the Stardust Theater, and if there is a show going on (7pm and 9pm) you will hear it if you are in your cabin, but the shows are over by 10pm and it is completely quiet in the cabin afterwards.
The balcony is very private, and enclosed with a large bulkhead opening, unlike most balconies where you generally have a good view of neighboring passengers, but we liked the privacy and the views offered.