Our 8th cruise with Norwegian and our first time aboard NCL Gem began on Tuesday with a 7 hour drive from home in Ontario to a Holiday Inn just minutes from the Lincoln Tunnel in New Jersey. An easy drive Wednesday mid-morning in weekday traffic took less than 20 minutes to the Pier. After paying the expected but nevertheless outrageous $300. to park at the New York Cruise Ship Pier we checked our bags, went through security and were very quickly in a short line at the Norwegian Desk. Check-in was a breeze and just 45 minutes after parking the car we were on our way aboard. Time was about 12:15 so we headed for lunch in Cagney's restaurant (one of the perks being in a "Penthouse Suite"). The very friendly and efficient staff saw to out food and beverage needs in short order. As the lunch menu at Cagney's is the same for the duration of the cruise, I figured it best to start at the top of the list of main courses with the intent to try everything before the cruise ends. Our meals were great and just as we were finishing the ship's hotel director, Steve Knott stopped by our table to introduce himself and to offer any assistance we might need.

Our cabin was ready just after 2:00. The mid-ship penthouse with separate "childrens bedroom" was fantastic. The master bedroom features an oversize queen bed, a flat screen tv/dvd player and velvet privacy curtains. The adjoining master bath is enormous with double sinks, enormous closets and a walk-in shower featuring a floor to ceiling picture window. (and a privacy curtain for showers when in port). The full size bath, also with window, sports a flat screen tv so one can check the stock markets while bathing at 22 knots of speed in the Atlantic. Neat! An opaque sliding glass separates this bathroom from the main sitting room.

The second bedroom features a bathroom with shower, limited closet space and a fold-out double bed with a single bunk above. Also another flat screen tv. The main area held a couch/sofabed, fridge with mini-bar, a fully stocked cappuccino machine and a table and chairs for 4. Also a 42 inch flat screen tv with dvd player and 2 more chairs, a buffet full of wine and beverage glasses, a tea pot and a small set of cutlery and plates. The balcony Read more