Norwegian Gem Review
Great staff; good itinerary; mediocre food and public spaces
Rating by category
Additional details
My friend and I chose this cruise for a winter getaway to some new places and to revisit others. We both speak Spanish and are comfortable on our own in Spanish-speaking countries.
Embarkation was organized out of LA; no major hiccups; the typical long lines. Our luggage made its way to our cabin in a reasonable amount of time.
We boarded and ate lunch in the main cafeteria shortly afterwards. While there was someone at the entryways with a bottle of hand sanitizer, plus dispensers at each entry, I was surprised that guests were allowed to serve themselves even on the first day. I haven't cruised in a few years - maybe things have changed. I'm more familiar with being served the first few days in an attempt to cut down on germs.
Cabin Review
Inside
Excellent steward. Good location - we had pretty smooth sailing, for the most part, so convenient to the pool deck/cafeteria on deck 12 and the main dining rooms, theater, and bars on decks 6 and 7.
The service in the cabin was great - the cabin as to be expected for an inside cabin. No complaints.
Port Reviews
Manzanillo
Walked around on our own. Visited the cathedral and some shopping areas. Basically got some exercise walking around
Puerto Quetzal (Antigua)
Tour offerings were unavailable online; had to wait to embark. We chose 'Antigua on your own' since we speak Spanish. Would have preferred to get a cab - a little concerned about the return trip as it's an hour plus from the ship. We hired a Guatemalan guide for $10. Looking back, I would rather have just done it all on our own, spending time where we wanted to. You can, of course, buy coffee and chocolate at many overpriced tourist traps. I waited for Colombia. Antigua is a lovely old city. Be VERY careful walking - cobblestone, skinny sidewalks with beautiful, but dangerous, window sills sticking out, etc. Lots of opportunity for accidental injury. Lots of peddling in the squares - be persistent with your 'no, gracias'. Or just, 'gracias'. Don't display a lot of money or jewelry. All the same cautions everywhere.
Corinto
We took the Mud Pots tours. Nicaragua is very much a developing country - watch the streets and sidewalks so you don't fall. There's a lot of poverty - and a lot of beauty in the people and the country. The mud pots were interesting. In time I imagine it will be more developed. We enjoyed the not-so-impromptu and still quite enjoyable dancing and music by the local children. Younger ones may grab your hand and ask for money. Catch 22. You want to help - and you don't want to encourage keeping children out of school to beg.
Curacao
A lovely area. We took a cab to the Butterfly farm and spent a few hours learning about butterflies, from caterpillar to butterfly, and observed the various stages of development. Many of the butterflies are not native - good selection and caring guides. We then walked to a bird tower - basically a tower in the middle of a water fowl preserve. No fishing, boating, swimming, etc. Allowed. An old dog seemed to guard it, along with a host of iguana and birds. We climbed the old tower for a great view of ducks, heron and other birds - watching them hunt in the lilly pads. This isn't well marked - it's across from a resort with a windmill. The butterfly people told us where to walk. A fun adventure. We returned to the butterfly farm; they called a taxi. Ate in town and then did some walking around and shopping. A lovely day.
Aruba
Aruba is a pretty area - with a ton of shops. Nice to just walk around at will, absorbing the sun and culture.