NCL Gem Review 1/27/2013 through 2/5/13 6 Adult in the Garden Villa Suite 14500. Both my husband and I are platinum latitude members. This was a last minute cruise for us (we booked 2 weeks prior to sailing) none of our guests had ever cruised before. Having been on the Gem 3 times prior, I had a very good idea of what to expect.

We left New Hampshire at 7:30 on the morning of our cruise and arrived at the Port of NY by 1:30. An easy Sunday drive. We dropped off the bags, tipped the porter and parked above for $350.00, very easy.

FYI ... The cruise prior to ours was delayed due to a medical emergency and we could not board until after 2pm. This delay caused longer lines than usual. We were given color cards and waited at the next pier until our color was called. Once we got in the boarding area we were escorted to the Villa or Haven line and Shirley processed us very quickly and got our key cards and let us cut through her counter ... and so the "special treatment" began. We were onboard by 3:30 I think ... Read more