Norwegian Gem Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I really enjoy the "free style" cruising and choices of dining on Norwegian! Seeing the Colors of the Season was a big reason for choosing this destination. We have been on many Norwegian Cruises with a variety of Cabin choices from Mini Suites to full on Suites and found then to be as presented (the bigger the ship the smaller the Cabin). We did enjoy the Ports, even with the bad weather which is certainly not Norwegian's faullt. We did a Back to Back Cruise and did find that unless you wanted to see the same shows twice, there was little variety during the 2nd portion. Something we hadn't thought about since we have taken longer Cruises and had plenty of rooms with different entertainers, comedians, magicians, even an passenger talent show.
Still like Norwegian, but learned a lesson as to not take the cabin title category literally! The food was excellent everywhere, except of O'Shannons which was slow and not very good! We ate there 3 times and each time it was worse and worse!
Cabin Review
Penthouse with Large Balcony
What was referred to as "Penthouse", is just a slightly larger Mini Suite. The furnishings were old and worn out. The bed was comfortable. Storage space for a "Penthouse" was really sad. the few drawers in the Penthouse were extremely small. The closet was very dark and difficult to find or recognize the clothing you were trying to find. The Bathroom was very small with an accordion shower door that opened and slammed shut during our rocky/rainy weather. The drapes on the sliding patio door, although they were not, appeared to be plastic shower curtains, also needing retirement. I know this is an older ship, ( which was refurbished) and the Cabins cannot be reconfigured. But call it was it is and charge accordingly, this was a slightly larger "Mini Suite', not any where near a Penthouse. Very disappointing especially when considering the cost! Lighting in the Cabin was very dark. On a good note our Cabin Steward was fantastic. We were suppose to have daily snacks, sometimes they showed up and sometimes they didn't. Obviously not pleased with the Cabin on our "back to back Cruise.
Port Reviews
San Juan
Disembarkation - to the Airport
Martinique
No tour taken since we have visited this port and the others many times in the past. Just did our own walking around and shopping
New York (Manhattan)
No tours taken- were there on our own prior to the Cruise. Nothing was offered for a Pre Cruise package.