We're in our mid-60's and have done 20+ cruises (10 with NCL including the Gem in 2008) in the last 20 years. In earlier years we went every few years. But since we've retired we go 2-3 times a year. Lately we've been doing Celebrity cruises.

We chose this cruise because of the date, and cruising out of NY is very convenient for us. The drink package and 4 specialty dinners promo offer was also a big factor. We used a regional bus company (Yankee Trails) to get down to the pier, saving us the drive and parking costs. We were at the pier around 10:30 am and when we checked in we got Boarding group #1. This could be because we're at the Latitudes Gold level. We boarded around 11:30 and explored the ship, and the rooms were ready around 1:30 (?).

We had a balcony room...VERY tiny bathroom...the couch was more like a love seat size. It may have been a single bed pullout. Read more