We've traveled on the GEM on two occasions over the past 2 years and love this ship and crew. This time we went north to Canada with 3 stops (Nova Scotia, Saint John and Portland, Maine). If you're looking for someplace other than a warm climate, this is a great cruise stopping at three beautiful and safe ports. We did have 3 days of traveling in dense fog (thus the title of this review). Fog horn went off every two minutes pretty much 24 hours per day.

This ship had recently (Nov 2015) been in dry dock where most of the common areas were updated beautifully. Two years ago I would have classified the decor as "Austin Powers on the high seas" and now it is more like James Bond. They did not touch the staterooms (or at least it appeared that way). The atrium has a stunning new light fixture that changes colors in mesmerizing patterns.

The crew under Captain Lars is exceptional. His sense of humor on his daily briefings is almost worth the cost of the cruise. The entertainment was on-par with what we've come to expect on cruises. Cabin stewards and wait staff are 2nd to none in my years of cruising. Read more