whenisthemidnightbuffet?

That question was already answered at least twice. Yes, you get sides.

Dined at Cagney's on the Gem with Plat. Plus Certificate Easter Sunday and was told no sides are included and would be billed separately. The server explained that If we ordered an entree that was less than $20 than the leftover amount could be used for sides. So if you ordered pork chops for $16 then you could get two sides at $2 each. However, some are reporting getting their sides and not being charged so I am guessing it all depends on the ship and server how this plays out.

Phyllis

Geri is not exaggerating about the comedian, Tim Kaminski, he was hilarious. His shows were so popular if you didn't get there early, standing room only!

Also agree Geri, St. Marten was so beautiful. I have visited the island before and liked it but never realized how much it had to offer. Our excursion was a highlight of the cruise.

Two thumbs up for the Fajitas in OSheehans!

Our cabin was very tight. I have sailed on the Gem 10 times but this is the first time in a balcony where the beds were separated and this I think contributed to the awkwardness of the room, since the foot of the bed came out more than a foot and was inches from the vanity area and right at the entry into the main part cabin.

Funny story speaking of vanity area. Each cabin has it's own hairdryer and it is on the vanity. You cannot unplug or move it, it is hardwired. I was drying my hair one morning and was smelling burning and then noticed smoke coming from the blow dryer handle. I immediately turned it off and looked for the outlet to unplug it and realized I could not. I placed it in the metal wastebasket just in case it decided to ignite again even though it was off and called front desk to tell them we had a potentially dangerous situation. They sent someone up and he confirmed it was an "issue" and said someone would come to repair. Our wonderful room steward, Roberto, heard about what happened and I guess while we were away from our cabin wanted to check it out for himself. He told me he went in cabin, turned on the "broken" hairdryer and it sort of exploded on him and set off the fire alarm and everything in the cabin!!!!! He had me laughing so hard. I was like, really, you didn't believe me, you had to go get electrocuted yourself, Hehehe!

Anyway, Geri and I had a great 10 days. I do love the Gem!

Phyllis

I sort of knew my theory of the transderm patch was a long shot, so continued to do research again this morning. My google search now finds a woman who experienced the swelling and is blaming it on the patch, lol! Oh well!

Phyllis

Find this thread very interesting. I sail 2 to 3 times a year, and have been for the last several years and never had a problem with swelling until last year. Sailed April on Gem, horrible foot swelling and then sailed again on Gem in July, same swelling. I too thought it was the food, water, alcohol, heat, sitting in casino for hours, walking more than normal. But the only thing that doesn't make sense is this is my normal cruising behavior and for all the years and cruises I have been on this is a new malady for me.

While reading these posts I was trying to figure out what has been different on those two cruises and the only thing I can think of is I usually cruise with the Transderm patch to prevent seasickness, not sure it is something I suffer from but have used it as a precaution for years. I recently switched to Bonine, and the last two cruises I've taken and experienced the swelling I was taking the Bonine. Eureka!

So now I have this "aha" moment and google Bonine and swelling and nada.

Just curious if my fellow foot swelling CC folks are taking over the counter seasick meds?

I leave this Saturday on the Gem for a 10 night sailing and have decided I will experiment - I will not take the Bonine and will use my patch again. I will also drink more water, lots more and preferably bottled. Sure hoping this is "my" solution!

Phyllis

Agree the entertainment on the Gem is not as stimulating for that age group as say the Breakaway would be. However, I would encourage them to attend the the non-headliner entertainment that the ship lists such as Newlywed, Quest, even Trivia, etc. These are usually a lot of laughs and appeal to a wide age range. The dance parties will also be fun for them!

Sailing on the Gem in 18 days, hoping someone may know who the Captain will be and other officers. TIA! :D

Phyllis

We are sailing on Gem 3 / 29 . Would anyone know if inside cabins have refrigerator in them ?

 

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Yes you will have a small fridge.

The admin fees dropped to $20 per day on all cruises about a week ago.

Also the CAS program will be revamped again on April 1st. I do not have details but my rep did confirm changes were coming on that day (At least this time they are starting it at the end/beginning of the new period and not midway through the year). Stay tuned for details........

Sounds exciting and scary!!!! I do like the Lat. Tier changes so hopefully CAS will follow suit and enhance the program as well. Thanks for the info!:D

Phyllis

If I recall correctly I paid $20 including the tip I gave. The gentlemen at the taxi stand will let you know the rates.

 

You are not permitted to bring golf clubs on the bus.

Thank you!

Phyllis

we played at Port Royal in September of 2015. We found a "cruise ship" rate that was $150 but included club rental. Took the bus to the course and played. It's an amazing course! We had to walk up the hill but they drove us back down in a golf cart. I think next time I'd take a taxi. I'm not sure if that rate is still available, we booked on line before we left on the cruise. I would highly recommend it.

Any idea what taxi fare is from port to Port Royal? Thanks.

heard from one person who said they called and asked and the rep said they know nothing about that, but that still does not mean that it is not true and not going to happen. We'll wait and see!

Phyllis

I saw and heard about this "rumor" but if I am not mistaken it was going to be effective sometime in 2017, so not necessarily 1/1/17 and also the admin fee was not going to be eliminated but was going to be reduced back to the original amount they used to charge instead of the higher $200 per person fee for 7 days (old fee was about twenty or so a day).

Phyllis

So excited for you girls. I will be following closely! :D:D

Phyllis

A classy young lady. Like mother, like daughter. :)

Phyllis

Long before I met Harriet and was lucky enough to become her sister Vixen and adoring friend, I always admired her and her class on these boards. Thank you so much Cruise Critic for bringing her into my life.

Phyllis

Welcome Home Sally! Looking forward to hearing about the remainder of your travels!

Phyllis:)

So happy you started your "live from" review Sally! Looking forward to hearing all about your journey.

Phyllis

Yes! That would be him, he played/sang at our latitudes party this week as well. Also, I saw him more than any other captain out on the pool deck and around the ship interacting with passengers. He works a 10 weeks on 10 weeks off rotation.

 

 

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Thank you so much for confirming. He is my favorite Captain by far! Hoping when I sail Gem in April he will be there.:)

The Captain was Roger Gustavsen. He sang and played a guitar at the Latitudes party - a talented man!

 

I asked a crew member about upcoming officer changes. He said Jovo and the Staff Captain would be "leaving soon". Sorry, I don't know how soon, but others here might know about that.

 

The Concierge was Elvina. We loved her! :D She was very attentive and friendly. Actually, the whole crew was great! But alas, now it's back to the real world...:(

Wait Captain Roger (the one who sings and plays guitar) is back with NCL. I don't remember last name from when we sailed with him but supposedly he left NCL a few years ago. So hoping this is one and the same if anyone knows for sure!!!!!!

Thanks for posting your review. :)

on the 4/30 sailing the HD was Yuk (sorry if I am spelling incorrectly). And agree with Geri, Monica as concierge was great. Always available and always helpful and provided service with a smile.

Phyllis

Hey girls...it was so nice to meet you all on the Gem. Thanks for the tour sally. Jeff

Hi Jeff. Welcome to cruise critic!:)

Phyllis

Hey Harriet....have you heard? Sally's afraid of heights! :D

 

 

(I just wanted to make you smile).

 

 

 

Stephen

 

 

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Aaaaah. Sweet!:)

I *really* did want to get a good formal photo of all 10 of us but that just didn't happen :( I did go look at the photo and did purchase it, although it's the first photo I've every purchased in YEARS! I'm not crazy about being 'posed' and really wish the photo I requested be 'natural' came out good, however, that photo was terrible!

 

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I much prefer the more natural, get close, smile, etc. photos!

 

 

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But, that's just me :)

 

Harriet

Yes agree with you the "natural" poses are usually the best, but damn I love you with your hands on your hips and being all sassy, hehehe. I'm over a head taller than you too my little sweetpea!

Phyllis

Sally love your "blog" what fun to see our week through your eyes.

Yes drink cards were given to both occupants of a comped CAS cabin.

Hi right back at you Stephen! Sorry you didn't join us but enjoy your Bday cruise. I'm sure we will share the seas again at some point.

Loved hanging with my Vixens and knowing that each of you own a special piece of my heart.

:)

Phyllis