Norwegian Gem Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,589 reviews

A Relaxing Cruise

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Gem
User Avatar
wildbill426
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Mar 2016
Cabin: Mid-Ship Balcony

My second cruise with NCL. The first was on the Epic so the boat was a slight letdown, but it was very nice. Some areas, like the Grand Pacific dining room, were exceptional. I liked the layout of the boat. In short, the food/dining was great. New gimmick: upcharge dining in the MDRs, but a good one; I had an 18 oz ribeye that was inexpensive and as good as any steak house. Service in the MDR was fantastic. Also ate at the Brazilian steak house; that was good and worth the money. Overall food was similar to Epic, MDR has normal stuff and some upscale stuff. The complimentary Chinese restaurant was VERY good and not crowded; the portions are small so just order more than you usually do. Remember, its free!

Bars were great, especially the Spinnaker in the front of the ship. I drank heavily for 10 days and still didn't hit all of the lounges! The health club is very nice but isn't maintained as well as it should be; they kept running out of towels and wipes. I signed up for the hydrotherapy spa, a letdown, much smaller than the Epic, and I got a skin rash from all the chlorine. It wasn't worth the $200 upcharge. Back to food, love the freestyle, also the buffet food was VERY good, much better than on the Epic. The entertainment was the worst; aimed at old Trump supporters from Arkansas. Epic had Blue Man Group. Oh well, if you keep drinking you make your own entertainment.

On shore excursions, I figured out they are aimed at first time cruisers. Anyone else can handle the ports on their own and do more for about 1/3 the cost. I'll never do another NCL excursion, not that they're bad, but you can do much better on your own. I also noticed a big emphasis on shopping on board; jewelry, chains, stuff like that, not my bag but it seemed like they were doing a business.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Balcony

Cabin BA

I traveled alone and for me the cabin was great. It would be tight for two but manageable. There is only room for one suitcase under the bed. The décor is a little seventy-ish but clean, very well laid out, good attention to detail like lots of hooks to dry things. One entrance bath; toilet area is very tight, shower is roomy, sink area very well laid out. Bed had a funky mattress but was adequate. The porch was the same size as my room on the Epic but was dirty; they said they were going to clean it but never did. I read that there is not adequate light to read in bed; not so, plenty of light for same. Would recommend this room to others.

Port Reviews

San Juan

san juan rocks.

St. Maarten

the airport rocks.

St. Thomas

nice place, we only spent a few hours here.

Tortola

boring and very little time at the attraction.

7 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a Norwegian Gem Cruise from $279

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.