Adele1

I agree w/Biker@Sea...was there recently on the Breakaway.

We docked at the Royal Navy yard where one can purchase tix

for the ferry to Hamilton (20 minute ride) or St George (75 minute ride).

while I enjoyed Hamilton I truly loved St George with all its quaintness

I have not been on Princess but have taken quite a few cruises on the Gem

which IMO is a GEM! The entire staff is friendly and as previously stated,

the entertainment is quite good.

If you enjoy daytime activities there are plenty to choose from.

As for specialty dining I prefer Le Bistro and Cagneys.

DO sign up on Roll Call here and hope there is a Meet & Greet aboard as

that is another way to meet your fellow pax.

Thanks for the review. I have been on a few cruises wherein DanDan &

Luz led the cruise team and found them to be quite enjoyable...an added

talent is that they both can sing.

I agree with Turtles06; been thee twice and you can easily do your

own stuff in Valletta.

Before the Gem discontinued it, I had dinner with the Captain a few times

which was great as he was quite personable & we received wine, ate

from the menu and also had a made-for-us only fabulous dessert.

Recently on the Breakaway I dined with the Training specialist.

Could not really speak much w/him as 1 gal commandeered the table

of 8 which was not round. Again wine offered but no special dessert.

It is the luck of the draw who is selected and what officer you will

dine with.

I too rec'd an email from the Bermuda Tourist Board but I had

written them for info (map is very handy) and am SO GLAD I do not have to repack for colder climates or visit unwanted ports!111

Best

Rhea

Comfort Inn Midtown West and right next door is the

Holiday Inn Express Manhattan Midtown West

both are on West 48 Street on block from the Pier 88 entrance.

I have stayed @ Comfort Inn - $169 seems to be the going rate for

March booking thru one of the on-line sites

thanks for checking. I bring my own coffee so those won't work for me

Best

Rhea

Thanks for posting the pics as I will be sailing the Breakaway for first time

on October

I ring my own coffee. Could you tell me if the coffee maker in your cabin took

special pods or was a drip type

with thanks

Rhea

As for breakfast, I always like to go to Cagneys as I am fond of their

buffet for the variety - esp. the fruit. Then I order from the menu.

The first day will be crowded for lunch so instead of going to teh Garden Cafe

have lunch in the dining room.

Ira - love the wit - keep us posted!

Nest

Rhea

Thanks for the review...Thinking of taking her this fall.

RE: Also concerned about which restaurants we can eat in and do we still have to pay something or is it completely free dinner since I paid in advance?

If you have paid the package you can eat in all the specialty restos w/o further charge allowing you an app, main course & dessert.

On the day you board eat in one of the 2 main dining rooms for lunch as it

will be less hectic than the Garden cafe which can be a zoo on boarding day.

Internet sucks big time so be forewarned.

I've been on the Gem many times and she is a lovely clean ship w/a personable crew.

There are 2 hotels a block and a half from the 48th street entrance.

Comfort Inn where I have stayed (previously mentioned). Free wifi,

good breakfast, 24 hr coffee/tea

and next door

is Holiday Inn Express.

lenquixote66: Yes, the hotel director is your friend so in the future always

contact him/her. They can make things happen. I recently returned from a cruise & she made things happen that noone else can.

Not sure but I think it is about every half hour.

If you are interested in viewing el moro

check this out - it gives the routes:

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/free-trolley-old-san-juan/

Best

Rhea

Cannot address your bus question but I always take the free trolley

rides around Old San Juan. From the cruise ship dock it is an easy

walk uphill.

Totally agree with your review altho I have not been on the Breakaway.

The main dining room menus have been vastly improved & while lobster is no longer free they offer so many good Italian dishes one need not go to La Cucina.

Crew handled the crowds very well.

Leo in Magnums was superb as were the shows I saw. Loved the female comedian.

I sail the Gem every Feb for my b'day and was pleasantly surprised at the upgraded menu. While lobster is now extra, the entree choices have vastly improved. And they offer Italian dishes that are superb in the main dining rooms.

Crew was great and not phased by the 1000 kids on board who were annoying at times. Those in the Splash Academy were having a great time.

The activities card affords one souvenirs the last night but the choices were

few and hardly worth the effort.

All in all it was a good trip. Leo in Magnums is not to be missed. The Fountains

sequence on final night has been discontinued.

I just got off NCL's Gem today and during the cruise staff Q&A the question

was asked on how old one can be to work on board....The answer I am sorry

to report was 55!

For proximity, there is a Holiday Inn Express AND a Comfort Inn next door

on West 48th street which is one block and a half from the 48th street

entrance to the port.

Have stayed at the Comfort Inn: free wifi and breakfast.

You are posting this on the NCL site...

You have to go to ROLL CALLS under NCL, scroll down to Escape and post this

message there.

Thanks Bonobochick - he is a new one to me!

Glad to hear the Gem is delivering.

Do you recall who the Hotel Director was?

Thanks

Rhea