I chose this cruise because it was out of New York and I wanted to experience the city first. I've been on a dozen of cruises and this was my first time with NCL. First the positives of this trip, it was out of New York and I liked the "freestyle" eating plan, made it pleasant and not in a rush to be seated at a set time. The Gem is a much smaller ship than I'm used to...that being said, there's not a lot to do and the crew didn't help that much unfortunately. Don't waste your time or money on bingo, they never give out the grand payout and keep dangling the bait of next time and that its growing etc. they never gave out big win $$$ just a free cruise and to be honest wouldn't go on this ship again. Food was decent, we didn't go to any specialty restaraunts and don't eat buffets. Drinks were excellent, best pineapple coconut mojito ever! They pour top shelf alcohol on request and the drink package got its use, as there's not much else to do on the ship! My biggest disappointment was the entertainment, there was none that was worth watching actually....big bummer! As much as we enjoyed freestyle dining, we're still Royal Carribean lovers. Going on another Carnival cruise next year, it was a gift or I would not choose this line either.... I did talk to other cruisers that love NCL but just not this ship, said it was too small and not enough to do but all I can review is this ship since it's the only one I've been on. Overall it would get 3 &1/2 stars and I'm sticking to Royal Carribean as they never disappoint in all categories for our needs. Hope this helps!
Nice but nothing extraordinary
Loved New York but didn't take an excursion though the cruise
Didn't take an excursion