Norwegian Gem Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,589 reviews

Norwegian Gem

Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Gem
User Avatar
meatballj
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Jan 2011
Cabin: Mid-Ship Balcony

We are normally Royal Caribbean cruisers, but on this cruise we were invited, all expenses paid by Park West Galleries. This provided us with an excellent opportunity to experience another line without the expense of doing so. The only stipulation was that we attend the exclusive art auction, a total of 5 on at sea days, which offered original artwork. They did a spectacular job of wining and dining us for the entire cruise. Three artists were present during the cruise so we got to know them and were offered exclusive options on their artwork. On each auction day there was a preview in which we were offered coffee, OJ, finger sandwiches, horderves and open bar. We would look at what was available to us for purchase and would decide if we wanted pieces to go up for bid or not. No real pressure,only art appreciation. The actual action would last for approximately 1 1/2 hours and then we were on our way. Almost every evening, all but 3, we met at a private party cocktail hour from 6:30 to 8:00 and then went to the dining room to our private area where the wining,

dining and entertaining continued.

It is understood that when ever you sail the Atlantic in the winter months you have to expect rough waters. The first day at sea was almost a u-tube moment with the entire pastry/bread section flying off the shelves. Along with the stories about bottles of liquor flying off the shelves in the ship's store. When we went to the ship's store there was duct tape everywhere. In the private art auction the waiters were running the grab the large urns of coffee and juice in order to prevent them from falling off the table and artwork went flying off the easels.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Balcony

Cabin BA

Balcony cabin was the standard that we are use to. The bathroom layout on the NCL Gem was somewhat roomier than those on the Royal Caribbean ships. When we first started to unpack I noticed a thick layer of dust on all the top shelves of the wardrobe area. Also the dust ruffle on the bed looked like it had been used to mop the side of the ship. We notified the steward of the discrepancies and he immediately took care of these problems.

After the first day at sea, a very rough one, we noticed that all of a sudden the frame around the sliding glass door started to intermittently pop while we were trying to sleep. After 3 sleepless nights and 3 maintenance men we finally ended up with all the hardware surrounding the door loosened and a large paint stick jammed through the handle of the sliding glass door in order to stop the noise.

previous reviewnext review

Find a Norwegian Gem Cruise from $279

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.