WARNING! If you are one of the 160 million Americans who are overweight this ship is NOT for you! The cabin was small, but manageable for one or two. The bathroom / toilet / shower can only be described as tiny. Please see my attached photos for the dimensions of the entryways of the shower and toilet - both of which opt for a sliding door, instead of curtain. If you have claustrophobia, you may have to use public toilets! The balcony only had chairs with arms. I had to request an arm-less chair for comfort. The ship makes concessions for people with disabilities, most of which enhance the experience. The Garden Cafe has an accessible area for those with mobility disabilities, but it is constantly occupied by able-bodied people looking for a quick place to sit! If you are a person with a disability you should request boarding assistance when booking. If you do not, you will not be on their 'list' for information about special assistance. The Gem does not publish disembarking process for PWD with the instructions for other guests! When you first board you are given a sheet of paper about wheelchair access. Instructions for disembarking are the last sentence on that two page document! (You are expected to remember or ask about getting off the ship!)

My balcony cabin ceiling had peeling paint, which feel to the deck and got underfoot. Apparently I was not the only one, as several days in I got a message that they wanted access to my balcony for repairs while in port. I refused as I enjoy sitting out during port days (I do not go ashore). The smell of paint was so strong from the surrounding balconies being painted it proved impossible to use my balcony that day.

While there are plenty of chaise lounges around the pool and on a few decks, there are virtually no upright chairs that are not in a dining area next to a table! Read more