This was our first NCL cruise and it was chosen to avoid air fare for 9 people. I actually did not know if I would be pleased with the Norwegian Gem but I and the 8 others were totally impressed.

Start off with remembering this is a large ship that had many, many families with children in the week following July 4th. As a result embarkation might have been a little slower than a more adult-oriented cruise. So, have a good attitude, smile and talk to the employees and you will find that they will go out of their way to please you.

The biggest thing that made this cruise exceptional was that I choose a concierge/butler cabin. With this came VIP status that served us very well throughout the cruise. I think it even expedited the boarding process a bit but since I didn't highlight this perk we got on in about the same time as everyone else, I believe. We were quickly impressed by the cleanliness of the ship and found our way to the Grand Pacific Dining Room where they seated all 9 for a quiet, delicious and well served lunch. The Grand Pacific actually became our favorite non specialty place to eat. It is a beautiful room and the wait staff seemed particularly efficient, especially since we had three children, ages 14, 9, and 2! Read more