Norwegian Gem Review
18 day Panama Canal from NY->LA
Rating by category
Additional details
Our booking agent Janet at NCL was also fantastic and always answered our questions promptly. Overall, the ship staff, amenities, and dining were great. Being new to having limited mobility I found that the ship and the staff - aside from the shore excursion team - were fantastic at managing mobility issues. Lots of disabled restrooms, staff was always eager to assist.
The room was clean, and had enough room for a family of four, and our balcony was fantastic. Our steward Biency was always available, always called us by our names, consistently asked us if we needed anything and was generally accommodating. We always had what we needed in our room and it was made-up/turned-down at good times. He was a true highlight.
The restaurants and bars were always well stocked and had a good selection. I would like to see the service at O'Sheehan's improve and some additional things added to the menu (a BLT or club sandwich, onion rings, guac & salsa for the nachos etc). Also the quality of the food at O'Sheehans varied dramatically every time we went in.
Cabin Review
Mid-Ship Balcony
Balcony room with a pulldown and a pullout couch. Great for a small family.
Port Reviews
Puerto Quetzal (Antigua)
Guatemala was fantastic. We took the Fabric Market and Jade Factory tour with lunch at the hotel & tour of colonial Antigua and it was FANTASTIC! Unfortunately, it was 1.5 hours from the dock but this experience was well worth it. Beware: the fabric market is CASH ONLY so bring lots of money if you want to purchase woven goods made by the Mayan women. I was disappointed to learn that as it was the first time we had encountered a cruise-sponsored experience that was cash-only. Also, the Mayan women sell their wares all over the streets at a lower price point - they are everywhere! So save some money for when you are walking in the town square.
Manzanillo
We walked to a local beach. Dirty port, very little to do. Nice people though.