Janine

I searched both the St Thomas and Tortola Port of call forums. I found very limited information on the two excursions I was looking at. No recent reviews. In St Thomas I was looking at the BOSS excursion. We have been to St Thomas twice and done snorkeling there. This one looked a lot different. If you have done pros/cons?

 

In Tortola was looking at Radical Racers. We have never been to Tortola and have limited time there. If you have done pros/cons?

 

We are a family of 4. Our sons will be 20 and 21 at trip time.

 

Thanks!

We did the Radical Racers in January and it was awesome! We were picked up at the pier and went on a boat straight across the Sir Francis Drake Channel over to Peter Island. From there we paired up and were given instructions on operating the racers - super easy. We spent the next 3 hours racing in and out of numerous islands and stopping 3 times to just chat about where we were or to snorkel. The scenery was just breathe taking, so make sure you bring a waterproof camera. We also stopped at the famous Willie T's (google it)

We are going back again in February 2017 and stopping in Tortola and plan on doing the Radical Racers again.

Capt Bob does a fantastic job! I would highly recommend him.

Might I suggest you do a web search on William Griffith Wilson who was the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. He remained sober from 1934 until his death in 1971.

They said at our Meet and Greet that they do. I'm sure NCL reads these reviews. This is one of the most popular cruise sites around and there is plenty of good information here.

I must not have been paying attention when they said that. My stomach was doing a lot of flip flops during the meeting.

Just wondering if anyone from NCL actually reads these boards?

Janine I totally agree with you,we did meet some nice people on this cruise and made some life long new friends.The weather was a act of God and no fault of the cruise line,but yes it was minor compared to the obnoxious group.

You really should as we did cancel your future bookings with NCL to make our message's loud and clear!

It is a shame that NCL will be losing a lot of loyal customers because of this group and what they did.

I would rather remember our cruise as the worst storm our Captain went through on a cruise ship (as he mentioned on Sunday during the Q&A up in the Spinnaker Lounge), than how the Yeshiva group ruined so many peoples vacation!

It's funny how the storm has been over shadowed by that groups bad behavior. And that was some storm!!!!!!!

Being one of the passengers on this cruise and having the dubious distinction of being on deck 10 with this obnoxious group - it has changed my opinion of these people. And it not for the better! (just being honest here - so go ahead and flame me if you want).

I did notice the crew went out of there way to accommodate this group, even though they treated the crew like crap. And with that being said: Why is NCL doing that???? Aren't the rest of us just as important? I went down to guest services and complained a few times about the bad behavior and all I got were apologies, but the bad behavior continued.

I have decided to put my next NCL cruise on hold and think about whether or not I want to continue with NCL or not (I'm a Platinum Latitudes member).

And finally, even with the stormy seas on Saturday: if you remove the Yeshiva group..... this would have been one of the best cruises.

It was Yeshiva week so if that tells you anything !

its a Jewish Holiday .......I hate to think that

people would act this way.....sad

I was also on this cruise and have to say - I will NEVER cruise again during Yeshiva week. My cabin was on deck 10 and these kids from Yeshiva week were out of control, and the parents were worse. I cannot tell you how many times these people would cut in front of others, treat the crew like dirt and would run people over with their obnoxious strollers.

I accept people of all faiths and respect them for their commitment. But this group of people were unbelievably offensive.

We would recommend Capt. Bob. Plenty of threads about his tours on the boards. Fun day! Susan

Just got back from a 10 cruise and hand down - by far - Captain Bob's was the BEST!!!!

10 blocks

I have sailed out of NY in January or February 3x and I sailed on the Gem last April. My experience has been similar to most others. Usually partway through the first full sea day or by the beginning of the 2nd sea day it's warm enough to stroll on the outside decks. It truly is dependent on what weather systems are around. This past January I was on the Breakaway and we needed to battle icy roads to get to Manhattan (I live on Long Island), but another time I was in shirtsleeves for SailAway in February! They have lots of activities that might entertain you during the cooler weather. As others mentioned, there is the spa pass which gives you access to the spa pool (indoor) and saunas along with heated stone loungers and quiet peacefulness. There's also usually trivia games of some sort, bingo, the casino, wine, beer, and liquor tastings, port and shopping talks, etc. As for prices, I found a significant drop on Labor Day weekend last year for my January 2015 cruise. I keep watching every so often because I am booked on the Gem for January 22, 2016. I would be hesitant to change my reservation though because the promos have changed so much. Right now my husband, daughter, and I have the dining package, but now they only allow that for the 1st 2 passengers in the cabin. You really need to take in all the considerations if you want to get the price drop. You may actually find you have a better deal even though your per person room charge might be higher.

Are you on the January 22 Roll Call? We have a lot of people on it!

There are tables set up in the terminal for Spa Passes and Treatment, Dining Reservations, and others..........

I know you would make a lot of people (including myself) very happy if you were able to post the Dailies!

Would like to know too!

I am currently booked on the Gem for 10 days in January 2016. When we cruise we usually book a balcony but this time we booked an Oceanview. It's $800 more for a Balcony and I am having a hard time with the idea of not having a balcony. Considering the first few day and the last few day will be cold, do you think spending $800 more on a balcony is worth it?

If you are going January 22, 2016 - please come and join our Roll Call! We've cruised on the Gem in the winter on a 9 day cruise out of NYC and had a balcony. Just my opinion..... It was worth it to get the balcony!

Would like to know as well!

Has anyone done the ATV tour T El Yunque? If so, how did you get from the ship to El Yunque and how much did it cost?

San Juan – Tour with Ellis [/font][/size]

The tour to El Yunque Rain Forest was very nice if you enjoy hiking and nature. There were some very beautiful views and a nice trail to walk. I enjoyed taking many pictures and walking through the waterfall. I would definitely recommend visiting the Rain Forest. After the rain forest, Ellis took us to a nice little shop that didn’t force us to buy anything. The shop had hand crafted art, soaps, and other souvenirs. From the shop, we went to the kiosks to eat authentic Puerto Rican food. The food was delicious and cheap. Behind the kiosks is a nice little beach that Ellis said mostly locals go to on the weekend. It was practically empty when we went on a Tuesday. From the kiosks, we went to explore a cave that was in the middle of a town. The cave was very interesting. After the cave, Ellis dropped us off back near the pier since we still had time left before all aboard. We enjoyed Puerto Rico.

How did you get from the ship to El Yunque Rain Forest? And how much did it cost?

Just wanted an updated poll as to where the best place is to rent a jet ski. Much appreciated!

On Capt Bob's boat - is the use of snorkel equipment and noodle for free? Or do they charge a rental fee?

Just stepped off the Breakaway a few hours ago. Disembarkation was a breeze (we did self-carry off). From the moment we sailed under the Verrazano to when the cruise director (Julie) making the announcement that we were clear - was exactly 1 1/2 hours. We were ready to go with all our luggage and walked to the elevator on deck 14 and got off on deck 7, proceed to Costumes and out onto the street was a whopping 15 minutes!!!!!!

Hands down the easiest and best disembarkation!.

what time do they make you disembark?

They raised the price by $50, but are we getting anything more?