This was our first cruise to travel to the east Coast and try Norwegian for the first time. I did not pick a great week as Maria was on our tail the last few days and we could not go out on deck. The main complaint was that the pools should have been heated so we could use them. The weather was only in the 60s. We needed heat in those pools. The hot tubs could have been hotter as well. I found the drinks expensive, the 18% gratuity on top was outrageous. I felt nickeled and dimed. Norwegian staff were great, gracious, and helpful. The transfer was a bit disorganized. Lots of great people on board. Very friendly. But there was nothing special or different that would convince me that Norwegian offered more than Royal Caribbean. I have been a Loyal To Royal person for a while. The Gem had very small dining rooms and I found the ship difficult to navigate with having to go up and down floors to get from aft to bow. Overall a good trip, The live shows were fantastic. Lots to do and the food was excellent. The ship was a bit rocky, but it may have been the itinery - East Coast. I came back happy to be home yet glad I tried Norwegian. I am not so much a fan of freestyle cruising I guess. I must also say I found the perfumes really affected me and I got constant headaches. Too many older women wearing heavy perfume. I did not seem to notice this as much on RCL. There really should be a scent policy as there is a smoking policy.