Cabin Review

Cabin 9502 - Forward Penthouse Suite

I love the forward Penthouses, the sweeping views from these balconies are just fantastic.

I've heard many say that you can't go out and enjoy the balcony when the ship is at sea, but I have never found this to be true. I have always used my balcony when at sea, as do the other passengers in the surrounding cabins. Unless the ship is headed directly into the wind on a blustery day, they're often the calmest decks on the vessel. Yes, there is a required sign posted on the door, but my Butlers have always told me to just ignore it except during heavy weather, in which case common sense applies, and you shouldn't have to be told. On this particular voyage, the ship was headed south, with high winds coming in from the North. Passengers out in public deck areas were being blown off the deck while the forward penthouse decks, shielded from these winds, were calm and quiet.

The Suite itself hasn't changed much over the years, so the decor could, and probably will be, receiving an update soon enough. Still immaculately clean and in full working order of course, just out of date. The coffee maker has been updated to a new look; it's still the same full featured coffee maker, just a new shape. My only pet peeve here on the GEM is the bathrooms. They're really no different from the bathrooms found in the Mini-Suites, identical in fact. Basic Family Suites on similar ships like the Dawn and the Star have much nicer facilities like His & Her sinks, separate bath and showers, more floor area, etc. Shelf and Closet space is a bit limited as well for a Penthouse, but adequate enough for most.