On Friday, we received word that the Gem would be late getting into NYC. This was due to the Gem leaving Boston Harbor late, due to being in dry dock for a full week. On Saturday, we had anticipated a long wait, once we got to the cruise terminal. They had food for us, as we waited for our ship to come in. Once the ship came in, at 5:00 pm, all choas erupted. People were trying to check in, but there was a glitch with the computer. We had arrived at the port around 2:00 pm, on that afternoon. We talked to some first time cruisers, who were really fun to hang out with. That passed the time, but we were still anxious to get onboard. The first time cruisers had not received the message about the Gem arriving later. Many people were very upset because they were in the same boat, where they did not receive word on the late Gem.

Once we were able to board, around 7:30 pm, we went straight to our cabin. Luckily, the suitcases were at our door. We walked inside, and were very pleased with the picture window, and the size of our cabin. It was adequate enough for our 7 day cruise. Our cabin stewards were very nice, however, we didn't feel the hospitality to be up to par with the Norwegain Dawn. We were a little disappointed in that sense.

Dinner in The Grand Pacific Dining Room was also chaotic. They had many of us sharing tables with other people, because they were so crowded. We didn't mind sharing with out table mates. We were, however, disturbed by the parents a few tables over. Their children were running back and forth across the dining room, and basically being obnoxious. We couldn't figure out who was more obnoxious, the parents who couldn't control their kids, or the kids themselves. We ran into that family more than once, and I must admit, those children were getting more and more obnoxious as the cruise went on. Read more