I chose this cruise because it was a smaller ship, the departure city of New York was easier to travel to than flying and paying a lot more money. This cruise was affordable as well. Embarkation was a very smooth process, disembarkation was not so easy because of the time it took to go through customs and the fact that it took three hours to do so since there were only two agents working on a busy Saturday morning. The Gem was a very clean ship, my cabin was always cleaned well by the housekeeper, I enjoyed the towel animals as well. The dining rooms were well equipped with professional chefs to make wonderful foods, drinks and desserts. I really enjoyed the three different restaurants that I got to experience trying different types of foods and desserts I wouldn't eat at home. There were plenty of activities to do on board daily from morning till late at night, I feel as if there was something for everyone. Our cruise director was phenomenal with planning activities and events and the the other staff were very helpful with many different answers. I got to meet several different staff members courtesy of Cruise Critic's meet and greet. I especially loved the private island owned by Norwegian, Great Stirrup Cay was so beautiful, the buffet was awesome and the water was so clear. I also enjoyed the beautiful scenery on the island, the staff working there were very kind. I also had a good time at Nassau shopping and enjoying the people and warmth of the sun. When we were at Port Canaveral unfortunately it rained all day but I was able to get off the ship and take a shuttle bus to the mall with some of the other passengers it was nice to be able to do this. I didn't travel with any children, I went with my sister and brother in law and a friend of my sister. I would definitely go on this cruise ship again probably to a different location though. I previously sailed with Carnival and a another smaller fleet, I really loved this one more and will book with Norwegian in the future.