djpk2003

Just returned from a fabulous vacation aboard NCL Gem and wanted to put a warning out there about Antigua. While shopping in port, I was in an upstairs shop while my husband and kids waited on the lower level. As I began down the stairs I noticed a man was lurking behind my husband and watched as he tried to open the backpack on my husband's back. I called out to my husband and scared the man away, thankfully. A few minutes later, I witnessed a different man try to pick-pocket his wallet from his shorts. Just thought I should put it out there - we have never experienced something like this, let alone twice in one day! I did not feel very safe in port, TBH. To all traveling there, please keep your wits about you and be very aware and cautious/watch your surroundings. This was right in the main part of port with all the touristy shops. Not trying to scare anyone - Antigua was a beautiful island and we otherwise enjoyed our day here - but wanted to make sure people traveling there soon were aware.

Just off Gem's 1/23 sailing, and we needed warm clothing for the first full sea day and last full sea day. By (full) Day 2 @ Sea we were wearing pants and t-shirts and that afternoon switched to shorts.

Top of the Rock offers better views, IMO. Recently did it at night and it was breathtakingly beautiful to see the city all lit up from that height.

We just recently participated in this process for the first time, and we bid in the 'good' category and were awarded a balcony room from Obstructed OceanView. We found out about 12 days before sailing.

I bid $165 per person for balcony from obstructed oceanview and it was accepted. That was the lowest possible bid in the 'good' range.

New to this bidding process, so forgive the ignorant question...but if others on my sailing have heard on theirs and I have not yet, should I assume this means I won't be getting accepted? I'd think they do all of one at the same time, no?

No mini-golf, but there is a driving range :cool:

So bummed he's not on Gem anymore. I sail in 18 days and was hoping to see him again!

I had them done professionally - I wish I could do them like that myself!! Looking for good ideas for this round at the end of the month. It's a fun little extra I love to do.

Would love to see everyone's mani/pedi choices for a cruise! This was mine for my last cruise:

Not sure why. This was the room we stayed in on the Gem and we loved it. :hearteyes:

This is actually our second cruise. But the amount of excitement feels like the first all over again, LOL. We're heading to southern caribbean on Gem 1/23.

We sail away in 34 days and the excitement is killing us. Curious what your timeline of preparation is leading up to a cruise? When do you start packing? What other things do you do as a family to prepare or as activities to continue the anticipation?

Example: We always spend some time watching YouTube videos of the beaches or ports we'll be visiting - it helps amp us up even more. :D

Just thought it would be fun to hear what others do. Also - I'm fighting my urge to pack now, LOL. I actually enjoy the packing part of it and want to hold off at least until 3 weeks out. ;)

I had this question as well. So am I understanding that all the balcony rooms for 4 include a pullman bed? Or do some only have the pull-out couch and expected to share it?

If you like coffee, try an espresso martini. They're amazing.

Awesome to hear! Sapphire is our favorite beach of anywhere we've gone...glad that it's bouncing back!

So, I wonder if those of us who had St. Thomas on our original itineraries can expect the replacement of St. Croix back to St. Thomas, or if this will only be on some....would be nice to know where we're headed either way!

Enjoying your review! We will be on this itinerary on the Gem in January, so really happy to read through your review for a glimpse of what to expect! Thanks for sharing!! :)

can someone please advise!!!! i have a long gold evening dress which i will be wearing for our golden wedding on the cruise ship AZURA 15 to 30 dec 2017, i am not sure what color to have for a wrap/ bolero jjust to cover my shoulders in case the aircon is cold i would welcome any ideas. many thanks. lynn

White and gold look beautiful and timeless together.

Looking to find out if Tim will be on the January 13th sailing on the Gem. We saw him on our last cruise and it was so much fun.

I'd love to know this as well. We sail Jan 23rd. Tim is hilarious!

Following along; great review so far! Thanks for sharing!

I've been trying to lose weight for my upcoming January cruise and just wanted to share my trick. About three months ago, I saw an ad on facebook that almost seemed like a gimmicky, too-good-to-be-true ad about a weight loss supplement. It caught me on a low day and I responded to it, and was added to a group about a supplement called TruVision. I had never heard of it and was very skeptical, so I did some research and after a few weeks of sitting on the decision, I took a leap of faith and ordered. It's seriously AMAZING. My husband and I both started taking it and drinking our water, and within a few days we noticed that we had more energy, were sleeping better, had no cravings (that's the biggest win for me!), and our formerly ravenous appetites were gone. I was so excited to watch the pounds and inches coming off that I signed up to sell it. It sounds like BS, but it really does work wonders. If anyone is interested, let me know and I can send you info! :)

Try posting this on your roll call or the East Coast Departures threads - you might get more responses that way. :)

Miami Vice, Toasted Almond, any of the specialty martinis....YUM

We are currently booked in an oceanview and considering upgrading for a balcony. This would be our first time in a balcony room, and I'm wondering a few things:

1. What are the balconies like on Gem? Is the railing high? Glass or bars? My concern is, of course, with the kids' ability to fall over. They are old enough to know better (10 and 11) but I still don't want it to be easy to do if horsing around or something.

2. How much do you all use your balconies? Just unsure of how often it will be used and if it's worth it. We are traveling with other people, so the introvert in me loves the idea of having a little place to escape and read in peace and quiet if I want to :halo: