A little about ourselves- there were 5 of us on this trip, DW and myself (47 and 55), a family friend (25 and first time cruiser) and DS#4 (17) and DS#5 (18). This was our 4th cruise with NCL and 5th cruise overall. If you want the Cliff’s notes version we had a great time on the Gem and look forward to sailing on her again.

Day 1- I was a little nervous about departing from Manhattan but it couldn’t have been easier. Straight down the Henry Hudson Parkway (Route 9) and the port is right there when you get to 12th Avenue. Traffic was stop and go before the Henry Hudson Bridge and that delayed us about 40 minutes. Paid for parking ($280), dropped luggage and people off at the front of the lot and found a spot easily. Check in took about an hour and we were onboard by noon. Bought the soda package for the boys in the Atrium and bought a 4 bottle wine package for $88. The rooms were available at 1 pm. Grabbed a quick bite in the buffet, which of course was very busy. As has been mentioned the rooms are on the smallish size but the storage is good. We had an enclosed balcony on deck 8, cabin 8530. I normally bring a measuring tape but forgot it this time. The bathroom had three compartments, one for the shower, one for the sink and one for the toilet. It was nice but a bit tight (I am 6’ and 250 pounds). Our shore excursion tickets and OBC certificates were in the cabin. We had ordered room decorations for our friend and they were in their cabin (8531 across the hall), but the cake was delivered later. Cabin had a small flat screen TV and you can access your onboard account info from it. Muster drill took place at 2:30 and we mustered in the theater without lifejackets. Got underway at 3pm and came to a stop in the Hudson because of a medical emergency (found out later it was a 10 year old who suffered an asthma attack). Took the obligatory pictures of Lady Liberty from the pool deck then went down to unpack. Met our room steward Noli. Received a call from Entienne, the Group Services Coordinator, confirming the Cruise Critic meet and greet for the next day. We had dinner at Magenta. We were seated at 5:30pm and were done by 6:45pm. I had the Surf and Turf and the lobster was a big improvement over the last time we sailed with NCL. It was about twice the size that it used to be and it was very tender and tasty. The Chocolate Raspberry Truffle cake was very good. Went to the welcome aboard show which was hosted by CD Ben Kitchen. Gave us a good idea of what was to come. The welcome aboard photo cost $19.95 and you may buy a composite for $5 extra (three smaller pictures).

Day 2 At sea- The shower was fantasitic, great water pressure and tempurature. I normally get up early and am always the first one out of bed. I walked around taking pictures then had breakfast in the buffet. The Cruise Critic meet and greet was in the Bliss lounge at 11. We had 16 people there out of a potential 49 and it was nice meeting fellow members and putting faces with the screen names. The Captain even showed up briefly for the Meet and Greet. Hotel Director Jenny Lim said that she does read Cruise Critic but of course doesn’t have time to post. They had printed out cards with everyone’s name and phone number who attended the Meet and Greet and 9 senior staff were there (not counting the Captain). Jenny encouraged us to let them know if there was a problem because they can’t fix it if they don’t know about it. After a few minutes they took their leave and the rest of us mingled and chatted. NCL provided light refreshments, coffee and juice. I ran into different cruise critic members throughout the cruise and we were able to chat and compare notes, which was very nice. We had lunch at the Blue Lagoon and the spinach artichoke dip’s reputation is well deserved, it was very yummy. We attended the Latitudes party in the Spinnaker lounge at 1 and waitstaff walked around with drinks. They gave out several prizes and we won a small art print. Captain Stefan Nordberg attended this function also. Both he and the Cruise Consultant talked about Cruise Critic (nicely) and said they welcome all kinds of feedback. Went up to the pool deck and were able to find a seat. Relaxed in a hot tup and listened to Uprizin’, one of the bands onboard. They were joined for a few songs by a Jamaican recording artist who was onboard (I didn’t catch his name but he sounded good). Went to dinner in the Grand Pacific at 5pm and were done by 6:15pm. We dressed up for Norwegian’s Night Out and DW and I got our picture taken with the Captain ($21.95 and if you bought it the next day you received a free 5x7). We received an invite to the VIP cocktail party in the Haven Courtyard and it was nice. Waitstaff circulated with h’ordeourves (sp) and trays of drinks. I found out later that this invite was because I had coordinated the meet and greet. We went to the Variety Show in the Stardust and found it entertaining, then went to the Newlywed, Not So Newlywed game which is always funny. Read more