Norwegian Gem Review
Rating by category
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Ship: If you are looking for action packed... This smaller ship is likely not for you. Luckily I was looking for the perfect solo getaway with a good balance between things to do and solitude. I found just that on the Gem. The ship was clean. Would have liked to have had a few more quite zones but I was get all that I needed. It was nice that there was no smoking section on the pool deck, but not nice that the Bali Bar 1 deck up was the outdoor smoking section. Non-smokers could not enjoy this bar without putting up with the smoke. The staff was a pleasure. Very polite, attentive and helpful.
Cabin class - Inside Family: It was really small. Honestly I had enough room to change my mind. As a solo in that room it was perfect. The description says sleeps 4. 3... ok. Not sure where the 4th person would sleep although there was a trundle bed under one side of the bed. The only way I see that 4th bed is to squeeze it in and have wall to wall bed. The closest was more than enough for me. Again, not sure where clothing and luggage for 3 or 4 people would fit. The bathroom however was one of the larger ones I've had. Very nice. The shower was twice the normal square. My cabin steward Paul Navarro was fantastic.
Dining: The food quality was okay. Didn't eat in the dining rooms due to the lack of choice. The buffet was a really nice size, but again not a lot of variety. Repeating stations, i.e 3 non-busy omelet stations instead of an added option. I did dine at 2 specialty restaurants. Teppanyaki was nice. Pleased with the staff and Chef Jason. I ordered a the filet. Was served shrimp and filet. Would have been okay if I ate fish. The gentleman next to me was very happy to receive some extra. The amount of filet was served was plenty for me. The food quality sadly was again only okay. For paying a dining fee that was disappointing but I would go again for the experience. Cagney's Steakhouse was definitely the best dining experience by far. I had the petite filet and potatoes-Au-grautin. Oh boy was it delicious! Staff was excellent.
Cabin Review
Family Inside
My cabin was classed as Inside Family. It was really small. Honestly I had enough room to change my mind. As a solo in that room it was perfect. The description says sleeps 4. 3... ok. Not sure where the 4th person would sleep although there was a trundle bed under one side of the bed. The only way I see that 4th bed is to squeeze it in and have wall to wall bed. The closest was more than enough for me. Again, not sure where clothing and luggage for 3 or 4 people would fit. The bathroom however was one of the larger ones I've had. Very nice. The shower was twice the normal square. My cabin steward Paul Navarro was fantastic.
Port Reviews
Antigua
Really didn't feel safe outside the harbor area. In the harbor area I couldn't take more than 3 steps without being harassed by a taxi driver or women trying to braid my hair. This is no fault of Norwegian and definitely do not hold this against them.
St. Kitts (Port Zante)
In St Kitts I was looking to just walk around and shop. And oh boy... Perfect! The only thing would be that due to recent hurricanes closing ports in a number of islands, we were docked over in the commercial port. However, free bus shuttles were provided. Loved St Kitts. Would definitely consider an excursion next time.
St. Thomas
Sadly St Thomas was ravished by hurricanes. Despite the only 40% of the island having power, the cruise port and shopping were up and running. Definitely looking forward to getting back there to really explore the island.