Norwegian Gem Review
Rating by category
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IMHO, Using The NYC Cruise Terminal is not a pleasant experience. The embarkation was so backed up. Maybe because the TSA was only operating 3 of the 8 check points? Once past this obstacle, NCL did a fine job. Still it took 85 minutes from time started to being on board. Ship looked great. Not too glitzy and it is easy to transverse. Cabin reviewed below.
MDR ran smoothly and not too noisy. The Magenta was too crowded and way,way to noisy.
The Restaurant Hostesses usually did not ask if one wanted to share. We do and it irked us to always tell them They then gave us a big "Thank YOU for sharing". Then one is placed at a table for 4 - or 6 and you wait for 15 minutes for someone to 'share'. If none comes the place settings are removed. But two Hostess went out of their way to 'find' us a 'share' even after the 15 minutes! Menu is very ambitious! One can always find something. BUT once I ordered the Bibb lettuce salad and got one made with iceberg lettuce! Similar happening in the leBistro, a Specialty restaurant. I Ordered a Napoleon and got what looked like a Carvel Ice Cream Sandwich. I chose the warm goat cheese salad and the Dover sole. Salad was way too vinegary and sole bland and tough. It came With only two small white fingerling potatoes! You can imagine how monochromatic that plating looked. My wife had the seafood appetizer and the lamb entre. She was satisfied with both. BBQ by the pool was very good. The sea food 'gumbo' was excellent. The food in all of the other complimentary venues was fine.
Cabin Review
Oceanview Picture Window
Our cabin was VERY Narrow especially with beds together. Reading lamp a bit dull for this bed configuration. Bath Room also small. Knees almost touch the wall whilst sitting on toilet. Bed was comfortable. And had to sit on it because there was no chair...only a stool. Why do some OC cabins have a chair. Plenty of storage space. Very good heat/AC temperature controls. Shower OK and excellent water controls.
Port Reviews
New York (Manhattan)
we are from NYC so this rating might be a bit biased..
San Juan
usual shops and venues by the pier. Big CVS and Walgreens near by. Also many 'native' kiosks about.
St. Thomas
usual shops and venues by the pier.
St. Maarten
the usual shops and venues by the pier. We did find some very nice T-Shirts for only $5.at one of the 'native' kiosks.
Tortola
the usual shops, venues by the pier . We did find a artist that make jewelry from glass tubing . She was very creative and so nice to talk with.