We went to visit our son living in New York and chose to include a getaway to warmer climes, hence the Gem.

The checkin and embarkation process(as well as the subsequent disembarkation) was short staffed, chaotic and made me think that this was what Ellis Island must have been like. Bags were very late to the stateroom.

Our overall impression of the ship was that she was tired and in need of refurbishing. Stains on the upholstery were everywhere, along with scratches, nicks, stains and other signs of serious wear and tear and deferred maintenance. It was loud all around the ship, as if loud music everywhere made for a good time and thus it was near impossible to find a quiet, calm space. Signs of cost cutting abounded. An early morning cup of coffee that I could take back to my wife in our cabin was not available in the buffet, as there were no paper cups available other than uncovered 2 ounce cups. One could get a cup to go by paying downstairs at the barista station. Read more