Norwegian Gem Review
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EMBARKATION: We arrived at Pier 88 Saturday March 7 at 11 am, parked on the roof and off we went. A porter was easily available and ready to take our luggage. Soon we were checked in and sitting in the embarkation area thinking we were early but to our surprise there was lots and lots passengers already waiting. We amused ourselves talking to fellow passengers and before you knew it we were on board. Off we went with champagne in hand. We headed for the Grand Pacific dining room and had a great lunch. No chaos like I expected. Just calm.
ROOM: We got a balcony room on Deck 9. It was smaller than I had expected but was adequate for my DH and myself. I must say the cabin was clean and we quickly made ourselves at home. Our room steward was on the spot whenever we needed anything. He was pleasant and accommodating and constantly asked if there was anything else he could do for us or get for us. Every night the room was turned down and I looked forward to my towel animals. Mints for our pillows, curtains drawn, lights down. PERFECT. Mini bar stocked. The room was immaculate every day.
FOOD: When they say you can eat wherever, whenever and whatever you like they are not kidding. We did try La Cucina (Italian) one evening and were not disappointed. We found the atmosphere of an Italian home, warm and inviting. Dinner was excellent, the servers were excellent. Well worth the small fee. Another evening we tried Cagney's Steakhouse. To say the least we were pleasantly surprise. We both had Filet Mignon which was tender and cooked perfectly. The entire meal was excellent. Another good choice, well worth the coverage charge. Service was excellent. The next evening we ate at Orchid Garden, not your typical Chinese fare. It was good but after La Cucina and Cagney's I was somewhat disappointed. Lastly, we tried Tequila. I am a Mexican food fanatic and enjoyed my entire meal. The waitress was even nice enough when my husband ordered the lobster tacos to tell him to order something else because they would not be filling. I on the other hand had fajitas and could not finish my meal. Service was excellent.