We chose this cruise because of the ports and because we wanted to spend a few days in New York. We had sailed on the Norwegian Escape and enjoyed our cruise, so it was an easy choice to pick the same cruise line. The ports were wonderful, but the ship was miserable. The food was disgusting. Again, we had been on the Escape, food was fantastic! The other problem was there was no place on the ship to get away for a quiet drink and conversation. Every bar was loud!!!!! Most of the music was horrible, don’t get me started with the French singer, or the tv’s blasting sporting events. We couldn’t go outside to be away from the noise because it was too cold. Do we sound like old folks?? I’m 30 and my husband is 32. This is our 4th cruise. Needless to say, we will not be taking any future cruises on the Gem