lunaxmars

Just left the Gem today. They've been sanitizing and cleaning extra the past 5 days.

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I think I understood your post as that you are the legal guardian of your daughters and they are traveling with you, but I'm giving this link just in case.

If the child is not traveling with at least one parent or guardian- this form must be filled out, along with a copy of both parents ID: https://www.ncl.com/csimages/214/345/ParentGuardianForm_2.pdf

You may already know about this- but figured it'd be worth saying since it could be the factor of someone being left behind! Make sure you have the Parent/Guardian Release Forms (fully filled out and copies of the parent's ID cards) for each of the kids who you are not the legal guardian of.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! Thanks! :D

I wish stellar customer service was more consistent.

From a biochemist:

 

There is NO need to line the toilet seat before going. You aren't going to catch anything from sitting on the seat. Total urban legend. A quick Google search will show you that based on numerous tests over many years the toilet seat is actually one of the cleaner objects we come into contact with in public spaces. It has lower incidence of harmful microbes than doorknobs, public phones(when they were a thing) remote controls, and your OWN cell phone in most cases. The part of your body that touches the seat stays covered and protected from microbes. So if you don't put on a glove or use a tissue to open doors, use utensils at a buffet, or touch surfaces like bars and handrails, you don't need to line the seat either. you really aren't doing anything, it's just perception.

Perfectly stated!

I've never stayed in a suite but I am familiar with the perks and how lovely it is. I'd still choose to go more frequently on a balcony. I need cruise vacations to be a part of my yearly life!

Majority of the people that say Nassau is unsafe usually have never left the comfort of a 1st world country. Just because the area doesn't look like home doesn't mean everyone that lives there is out to get you. Tourism is a huge part of their economy, robbing all visitors wouldn't help tourism.

 

Everyone wants paradise and they want it ASAP. Yes, the beach by the dock is unimpressive and gets crowded, But taking a taxi or walking a bit will pay off immensely in finding a more spacious beach area. The port is whatever you make of it.

Perfectly stated!

Thanks for your review! I'll be boarding the Gem next month.

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Thanks so much for your review! I'm really curious- did 18 people actually show up and use the chairs? Even so- that's really excessive.

I got that message when trying to look at my excursions a few nights ago (probably should have been sleeping anyway!) And I'm also contantly getting logged out. It's annoying, but l love what Casofilia said- It's just another cross we NCL liking cruisers have to bear! :D

Thanks so much for your review! I board the Gem for my trip next month. :D

Yes if your mom is the sole guardian then that should be fine. But can you bring a copy of those court papers stating that just to be safe? And yes birth certificate is fine too.

 

 

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I don't believe my mother is the sole guardian. I have a notarized document that states I am a guardian (my sister lives with me), which I am absolutely also bringing- but don't think it would help much. I just want to make sure I cross all my Ts and dot my Is. I don't want any surprises. Glad to know just a birth certificate will be ok!

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If your sister is 15 or under her birth certificate will suffice if it was issued by a government agency and if she is 16 or over she will need a government issued photo ID to go with it. If something happens and she needs to fly back early she would need to get a document from the Consulate/Embassy to let her fly (unless of course you are flying from a US territory). If your mother is sole legal guardian then I would think her signature alone would be enough.

My apologies, I forgot to write that she is 9 yrs old. Thanks for your response! I think her father is still considered a legal guardian, I don't recall my mother ever getting sole guardianship. But my PCC said that they understand "in this day and age there are a lot of single parents". I just don't want to get to the port and her not get on the ship because of paperwork. I (as she) would be devastated!

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I am traveling next month with my little sister whom I am not the legal guardian of. I've got the Parent Consent Release Form signed by my mother who is her legal guardian. I have two questions because after I asked my personal cruise consultant my second question- he's made me very nervous with his answers.

1) The Parent Consent Release form says both living parents must sign the form. My sister's father lives about 2,000 miles away and is not part of her life. My PCC said that it's fine with just my mom's signature and a copy of her photo ID. Is this true?

2) I am doing the Gem 10 Day that stops in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, St Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands. I know for PR and the Virgin Islands she does not need a passport, but what about St Maarten and the British Virgin Islands? When I asked my PCC, he said he was "not an expert with that stuff" and referred me to travel.state.gov, which is a very confusing website. I don't know why he didn't just give me the NCL Required Travel Documentation page. On the NCL website, it seems to say that for sailings that are closed loop in the Caribbean, a Birth Certificate will be fine for a child. Is that so?

I really appreciate any help with this. It's the first time I'm traveling with a child!

We hit the teens today! 19 more to go!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I'm going on the Gem next month for 10 days as well. Glad to hear the ship feels like new. Disappointed to hear most people say they don't get the 18% service charge.

On the Epic they had some decorations. That was about it. There were lots of passengers who preplanned for it and dressed in green.

Cool, thanks!

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Is anything special done on St.Patrick's at O'Sheehans or maybe even the ship in general?

I'll be cruising on St. Patrick's day and I'm curious if there's anything fun planned. TIA!

Midship and a lower deck is the optimal place. However, if it's really rough, you're going to feel it everywhere...can't be helped. And, you won't be IN your cabin except for sleeping, really....you'll be out and about...all over the ship!

Thanks! I do plan to be out and about very much! :)

I'm fairly certain this has been asked a million times here, and I apologize for being the millionth and one person!

I'm looking to sail on the Norwegian Gem from NYC to the Caribbean. DH and I get seasick sometimes, but I'm more concerned about my sister who is 9 and will be joining us (and my dad) for her first cruise. I'm looking at a trip that leaves next month so I won't have much to pick from I'm sure- but I'm looking to book a balcony. Any tips on a deck or area of the ship that would be best? TIA

I am very suseptible to seasickness... have tried everything you can think of.. some work some dont... but the ones that worked tended to cause me drowsiness... I watched an old Myth Busters show on dizzyness and seasickness... they came to the conclusion that Ginger tablets were the best... I have started using those for the last 6 or so cruises and have had NO seasickness and no side effects... I am hooked on Ginger... you can pick them up at most discount pharmacies... I start taking two a day for about a week before the cruise..and then all through the cruise... have had no problems

 

good luck

Very interesting! I'm going to try this on my upcoming trip. Especially for my DH to be since he gets motion sickness sometimes and its his first cruise.

Non-Drowsy Dramamine and Bonine work great (I can't recall a preference) I was given the patch by a nurse I had met on a ship when I was very sick once- no side effects and it worked. However on my next trip I was prescribed the patch by my doctor and I experienced blurry vision, so I wouldn't reccomend it anymore. Especially after reading how so many other had side effects too.

Hilarious! Thanks for posting! I'll be sure to warn my DH to be.