Just got off the NCL Gem 3-21-09. Been cruising for 30 yrs approx 28 cruises. Been on NCL 3 times. After cruising on the Dawn 2 yrs ago I vowed never to go NCL again. Wish I'd listened to my own words; I wanted to go out of New York and avoid flying. It seems like everything on NCL cost extra. Most lines will give you a key to their spa so you can work out in the gym then go into the spa for a shower, steam or sauna. Nope not NCl, Spa guest only at $100 for the week or $20 per day. However try to get in on a sea day for $20 and you're turned away. Most line have a couple of movies running on the TV in your cabin which change everyday. NOPE! Not NCL you get CNN, Fox News, TNT (Charmed, Bones all day long) cartoons and pay per view at $12.95 a movie. No movie theater or movies under the stars. Most lines leave a condensed newspaper (NY Times) for free everyday. NOPE 3.95 per day but you do get to choose from about 6 different papers. Food fair nothing to write home about. 2 lobster nights (Small) Shrimp cocktail available every night oops Baby shrimp. Never saw a normal sized shrimp all week. The ship itself was beautiful but poorly designed. Like old school. Certain locations like the Grand Pacific restaurant require you to go up or down one floor or outside to enter that part of the ship. Pool set up also a poor design. Most new ships now have a separate pool usually by the spa for adults only with a retractable roof for rain and cold. Considering this ship pulls out of New York half the year and in winter months it's definitely lacking the roof. This ship has, both pools together separated by the band stand so the adults looking to relax by the pool have the band blasting in their face while they try to read a book or magazine. On a good note the staff was very friendly (Mostly Filipino) however I did notice a language barrier from time to time. The blue lagoon is open 24 hr a day so you can get fish and chips or burgers during the evening but I was there with 2 other tables and after being served I waited 40 minutes for the waiter to come back so I could order desert and a second glass of water. I went back there a few days later for breakfast and had the same problem. 3 tables 5 waitresses and I had to get the hostess to get me a waiter after waiting 15 minutes and when I told her I had the same trouble a few nights ago and just want to place my order she asked 3 times if I wanted water? Anyway I guess I'll be going back to RCCL, Carnival, HAL and Princess. Sorry NCL. PS: If you're booked in Balcony 9618 get it changed Now! They are having a noise problem which I was told can not be fixed. It took numerous trips to the purser's desk and finally got my room changed after complaining to a executive officer at the captains welcome reception.