Norwegian Gem Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,589 reviews

Best first time cruise

Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Gem
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CJA77
First Time Cruiser • Age 40s

Rating by category

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Value for Money
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Additional details

Sail Date: Nov 2018
Cabin: Mid-Ship Inside

This was my first cruise ever. It was a 12 day cruise which was great in my opinion. I went with a group of friends, we were in our 40s to 50s age group, along with my friend's parents in their 70s. We all enjoyed the ship. There was plenty to do on the ship if you like taking a relaxing walk, getting some sun, or spending time along or with people.

The food in the buffet and main dining rooms were great and the service was friendly. I always enjoyed being greeted by the young lady who would say, "Good morning, washy, washy" with the spray bottle. I had no complaints about the food. Dinner at the Grand Pacific was good and the portions were just right since we were on a cruise. We ate at the Brazilian Churascaria twice and they give you lots of food.

Lorena, the cruise director, was the nicest lady. She learned everyone's names and would talk to everyone she met. To be running all over the ship and still talk to everyone, that felt very welcoming and sincere.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Inside

Cabin IB

I got an inside cabin and it was fine. Could've had used a chair, but I only needed the room to sleep. Inside cabins are great because there is no light at nighttime and it's great for sleeping. I had Srivinas as my steward and he was really nice; always asked me if I needed anything and would ask me how my day was. During the day I could hear the band playing on deck 12 since I was on deck 10, but that didn't bother me. Night time was peace and quiet.

Port Reviews

St. Thomas

We got to St. Thomas at 7:00 am and had to be back by noon, so we just walked around the shops at the port and took a ride to Magens Bay Beach.

St. Kitts (Port Zante)

Did another minivan tour and saw some amazing views like the spot where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet. Also stopped at Romney Manor where they have the 400 year old tree, that was cool to see.

Antigua

Explored the town and then went to the beach, very relaxing.

St. Lucia

We took a local minivan tour of the island and took lots of pictures of the Piton Mountains. My friends did the mud baths in Soufriere and we toured the volcano before going to the beach. The roads were long and winding, so a lady on the cruise with us with her husband joined us and unfortunately was carsick, but other than that it was a great day.

Barbados

We went to the Boatyard beach club and that was relaxing. My friends did a snorkeling tour and really enjoyed it. Lots of good food and drinks there.

St. Maarten

We went to the shops around the port, walked around the town and even saw the Yoda Guy Star Wars museum, and then to the beach. It was really nice.

San Juan

We walked around Old San Juan and it was great seeing the city. I wish we had more time and more daylight since we got there at 4:00 in the afternoon. I was happy just being in Puerto Rico and exploring such a beautiful city.

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