Norwegian Gem Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,589 reviews

Can a cruise be cursed?

Review for the Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Gem
User Avatar
skipperanne
6-10 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: Obstructed Oceanview

Norwegian Gem March 12-22,1016.

The cruise was way over crowded. We were told that there were 3,000 passengers on the ship, and 1/3 of them were teens. If you look up the stats on the Gem it claims it's capacity is 2400. It was "spring break" in Canada. It was also spring break in many US colleges and Universities. The US students must have gone elsewhere, but Canadians were the dominant participants on this cruise. There was also a large Chinese contingent. I like the diversity, I enjoyed practicing my French with some Quebecois.

The cruise staff were amazing. Drew was the new cruise director, he stepped right in as if he had been there forever. .. which i suppose they are conditioned to do so changing ships with each vacation. His staff were professional and friendly. You could see them all over the ship stepping up to the challenges. I have come to the conclusion that the higher your level of cabin, the more you see your steward. I had an obstructed ocean view ada cabin. I saw him about four times in ten days. That doesn't mean he didn't clean; he cleaned my room well, twice each day. I have no complaints, in terms of his service; i just saw the stewards more often when i was in a balcony room. (and not at all when i had an inside).

Cabin Review

Obstructed Oceanview

Cabin OK

I was surprised at how much smaller this cabin was compared to the ADA cabins on the Sun. As I was traveling alone i did fine. The obstruction caused by the life boats was fine, and what I expected. I hadn't thought about the obstruction of the overhead deck, and the light pollution caused by the lights on the deck 7 promenade. Still I wasn't claustrophobic. The storage space was very limited. Three small drawers, and a clothes press type of closet. There were also open shelves, which i used for shirts and trousers. The shower bench would not open, but i was able to remove it and to stand. The first time I took a shower it set off the internal fire alarm an officer came to my door and inspected my room.

Port Reviews

New York (Manhattan)

Embarkation was smooth, though the gentleman pushing my wheel chair did not know i could go to the Grand Pacific.

San Juan

I did not take an excursion and only walked around the port.

St. Thomas

A very long pier, i only got off for a short time, and then swam in the ship's pool.

Tortola

I hope we can stay longer next time.

6 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.