This was my third cruise, second on NCL as I sailed the Pearl last December. Knowing that the Gem would be similar to the Pearl, I must say that a number of improvements have been made and the Gem is a fantastic ship.

4 of us, all in our mid-20s, boarded in NYC (we are from Manhattan) and it was a quick and easy cab ride to the pier. The pier is nice and clean, and by 2pm we were able to board the ship. The staff was still working on cleaning, but you could already feel the Freestyle 2.0 in effect - as many passengers boarding were given free champagne. We put down our carryons in our room (inside, on the 9th floor aft) and met our cabin steward and stewardess who learned our names instantly and were the nicest people ever (we ended up tipping them extra, they were so fantastic). The inside room is just like the Pearl, with flat screen tvs and small, but livable conditions. We then toured the ship and found that most notably were the improvements and upgrades in the furniture around the ship - think more beds and cushions around the ship unlike the old hard wood or clanky poolside chairs. It was fantastic. We sailed off, past the Statue of Liberty and it was beautiful.

Dinner at the teppanyaki was EXCELLENT - well worth the cover (and with our coupon booklet, buy one cover charge get one free). We all agreed it was the best steak we've had in a while (and we are discerning New Yorkers). After some saki and more food than we could handle, we set off for the bars. The whiskey bar and the martini bar were favorites. Read more