One has to remember cost. In that sense, Gem represents good value for $ for those getting a good ticket deal.

Unfortunately cost cutting seemed much in evidence, not just in the absence of small amenities but with long waits and poor service in the Grand Pacific Dining Room. Magenta was far superior and the food seemed better, probably because it was served more promptly. Food in the specialty restaurants (La Cucina and Le Bistro) was good but not great. Lunch in the Garden Cafe was basically the same every day, boring in presentation and execution. Indeed, food generally suffered from lack of imagination and heavy over salting. Breakfast and lunch in the dining rooms were better choices but still not exceptional.

Navigating around the pool on nice days was difficult. There were just too many people in too little space. Finding a deck chair was impossible most times. Deck chairs on deck 7 were few and horribly uncomfortable. It was impossible to read a book in one because of the angle. There were some awfully uncomfortable chairs in the Spinnaker Lounge, too, and difficult-to-navigate spaces in the cabins when the beds were moved together. Read more