Norwegian Gem Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Embarkation was very easy and fast. Since we were in a suite we got to go through the short line for security and there was no wait checking in and getting our key cards. We arrived at the port at 11:30, it took us approximately 15 minutes to get through security and get our cards. We waited about 10 to 15 minutes before we were cleared to board. By 12:15 we were in Cagney’s eating lunch. Cabins were ready sometime between 1:30 and 2:00.
Our butler was Roshan who introduced himself within about 5 minutes of our entering the suite. Roshan always made sure we had everything we needed. He made sure I had a fresh bowl of the cracker and nut mix they serve at the bars when he found out I really liked it. My husband drinks multiple cups of green tea with honey during the day. Roshan made sure we always had plenty of green tea and honey. The steward was Aldrin. Aldrin always kept the suite looking perfect and was always friendly. The concierge was Elvina. Because I am a hyperplanner and already had all of our dining reservations and shore excursions booked before we even got on the ship, the only time we used Elvina was for priority boarding and priority disembarkation at the end of the cruise. Elvina always made herself available and made it clear that she was there if we needed her. A number of times she dropped by our table when we were at dinner just to see how things were going.
The cruise director was Lorena and she was the best cruise director I have ever had on a cruise ship. She was hilarious and really seemed to love her job.
Cabin Review
Family Penthouse with Balcony
Our cabin was the Emerald Penthouse – a non-Haven suite. It was a 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite on deck 11. In the suite was my husband and I and our 22 year old son. There was plenty of space so we didn’t feel like we were on top of each other for the 10-day cruise. The 2nd bedroom was small but adequate. I believe the bathroom for the 2nd bedroom was about the same size as a bathroom in a regular cabin. The master bedroom had a king-size bed that was very comfortable. The master bath was huge. Sometimes we all wanted to watch something different on t.v. just before bed and that is where the 3 of the 4 t.v.s in the suite came in handy. We never even turned on the 4th t.v. which was over the tub. One of the best perk was getting to have breakfast in Moderno and lunch in Cagney’s. Every meal we had in these locations was excellent.
Port Reviews
St. Thomas
We were only there from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. We did not do any excursions here but just walked to the downtime area – a long walk but interesting. This island is a long way from being fully up and running. The aftermath of the Hurricanes was apparent. I still felt good about coming here, though, because I felt that the island desperately is in need of tourist dollars in order to help them recover.