My sister and I wanted to go on a Christmas/New Year cruise and the Norwegian Gem fit our schedules. My sister had been on the Norwegian Breakaway 3 years ago at the holidays and said it was wonderful. I had been on the Norwegian Jewel many years ago and my memories were also wonderful. I had always considered Norwegian to be a cut above some of the other lines.
Well, my cruise on the Gem from Dec 23rd, 2017 to January 3, 2018 was VERY DISAPPOINTING. If you are a "foodie" THIS IS NOT THE CRUISE FOR YOU.
The quality and variety of the food was extremely disappointing, not at all like I remembered it to be. If we had not taken the Upscale dining package as one of our "perks" we would not have had any quality meals. Food yes, but quality and tasty meals, No. When I went to the buffet on deck 12 I felt like I was in a hospital cafeteria. If you go to the buffet during meal times it is very difficult to get a table. Cold cuts on the buffet consisted of ham, bologna, mortadella, salami or pepperoni and mostly american cheese. Only time I saw roast beef or turkey was when it was part of a hero that they sliced and gave you a piece. Hamburgers and hot dogs a staple but I NEVER saw a chicken tender or chicken nugget.
Cabin 4590 is very centrally located. It is also right near the exit for Ports of Call. Plenty of storage space.