The Gem is a beautiful ship and most of the staff are very cheerful and helpful.

Embarkation was a breeze and we were aboard in no time. Once on our way after a fun sailaway, seas got rocky which we expected. Sleep that night was not to happen as the motion of the sea caused all kinds of loud cricks and crackles in our cabin. We asked other passengers if they experienced a "haunted cabin" like ours. Most replied there was slight noise but nothing that would keep one awake. We told the front desk and they were very accommodating and sent a rep to the cabin to inspect. We were told is was due to rocky seas (which we already knew) and nothing could be done. So if you take the Gem avoid cabin 9536 unless you want to be put in a Halloween state of mind. Once we hit mild seas, the sounds ceased until 2nd sea day heading home.

Food was very good. Breakfast and lunch in dining room brought with it very slow service but we weren't in any hurry. Shows were entertaining and enjoyable. We like to gamble at night but the casino is so smoke filled, I, at least, couldn't stay there any length of time. Too bad, they couldn't give smokers a room of their own. I guess that's wishful thinking. Read more