callmebetty

We were told by a few hosts that things like dining and drinks are comped double (1 point=$2) as opposed to spa and gift shop items (alcohol, jewelry, etc). 

If it's any help, Diet Sierra Mist comes out of a can at the bars...

Not sure if the host looks at what was comped while playing in the casino and takes that into account when comping you at the end of the cruise (especially non drink package drinks). If it is an every day occurrence, I would question it....multiple drinks over multiple days can add up...I could absolutely be wrong...

There is a table at the pier she may be able to do it at. She can also call when on the ship from any phone. Or, she can make reservations through the ncl while waiting to board and then cancel her existing one. Those are the options I can think of.

Not a fan. Especially since they are excluding Platinum and above (not that I would really use any of these). $50 off spa on port days isn't that much different than the port day specials, unless these stack. We had CAS boarding in NY last year and the priority boarding area was already overflowing., They actually stopped letting people in. Not sure where they will squeeze those extra 50ish people in (assuming there are no.more than 2 per cabin)...

As for the free breakfast, maybe they should look at loyal customers and waive the fee for them too...just a thought that will never happen. It is just a test phase, maybe it won't go fleetwide.

 

Oops! Didn't mean to post here!

We went in February (not sure if it's that recent). $12 upcharge, seafood extravaganza excluded. Hubby ordered it and paid 39.99 but we were refunded the 12 upcharge they initially charged him.

On 6/25/2019 at 8:14 PM, mtns2sea said:

Thanks for the info Two Wheels Only. I just booked 9320. Anyone have pictures of this cabin and balcony? Thanks.

I have a few pics...we had a bit of a room party....pardon the mess, but we were able to fit 8 people comfortably!

I get a Mango Meltdown with vodka instead of the spiced rum. There was also a lavender martini on the Gem that was delicious served at the champagne bar (I would think all ships would have it?) The Lychee martini at Teppanyaki was wonderful, as were all of the mojitos at Modernos.

It has been my experience to bring lots of conditioner! The salt, sea, sun, and chlorine really dries out my hair. I have not been in the Haven so maybe the conditioner fairy is more bountiful than in the minisuite. I love the lotion, but again, the sun and sand dries out my skin and feet so I always bring an abundence.

The brand both in the minisuite and spa was Bvlgari. Again, Haven may vary, but I think this is the higher end of the provisions...someone will correct me I am sure.

 

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I know you didn't ask, maybe you already know...BX does not include any perks (drinks package, etc).

 

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My guess would be confusion around the soda source...fountain soda is included, cans are not...unless you order diet Sprite, then they open a can and pour it in a cup.

Would that make sense?

 

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We stayed in 10668...great room with a lovely view!

 

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We are also aft only people (3 times on the Gem alone)... if the ship backs into a port you feel the shudder. Otherwise, no noise or other unsavory things to report. I think you said you are headed to Bermuda so that wouldn't happen more than once lol

 

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If all else fails, bring some hangers, put shirts in bathroom, and run a hot steamy shower. Wrinkles should fall out...

 

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I will be on the Gem in November. I like cool/cold weather, so I think I will enjoy this cruise better than my last one, in June, on the Escape (the sea days were fine, although a bit rainy and the water was rough; it was miserably hot and humid in Bermuda.) Looooove the stunning ship though.

 

From what I've read on the NCL site, it seems there are more (and more varied) complimentary dining venues on the Gem (than the Escape), which is a great thing (I love to eat. ;) )

 

Since I don't like gambling, and I don't drink, a lot of the regular "adult" activities and venues are moot for me (although I am an adult.) What I particularly love on the Escape were the Rope Course and the water slide. What are similar types of activity on the Gem? And is there any requirement for engaging in such activities?

There is not ropes course, but there is a rock wall (if memory serves me correctly, I should remember after 3 gem trips, but...). The open hours are listed in the dailies. The waterslides aren't as passable as the breakaway, some of my friends had to scoot down the slide. The Gem continues to be our favorite ship because of the size and crew.

 

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The Gem did not sell them in March, but we found them on St Kitts, Antigua, and Barbados...that doesn't really answer your question for Cozumel, but we did find them on islands...

 

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Are the reservations open at that time (the ones that they hold back until you board)?

Yes :) I was able to book 4 nights that were previously full...all from the comfort of my pier seat.

 

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Download the iconcierge app before you go. While you are sitting waiting to board, you can log in and make reservations.

 

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Here is the travel insurance sub-forum of CC:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=635

 

Ask this type of question there, where everyone participating is specifically interested in and often knowledgeable about travel insurance.

 

Also, check with a broker, who can explain many policies from several insurers to find the best fit for your type of issues.

 

We use

 

www.TripInsuranceStore.com

 

and have had a lot of policies with Travel Insured, including having several claims paid promptly.

 

But CALL them; don't just try to read all the find print, especially when you have specific issues. They'll know just which policies would work for your needs.

 

I *think* there IS a policy for what you need, but you'll need to ask them about when you made your initial deposit.

There are policies that you could still get, but I'm not sure if it has this specific coverage.

So ASK them!

 

Good luck.

 

GC

Thank you!!! I am on the Tapatalk app so all I currently see are the boards I follow. I will search on the full site

 

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Thanks! I have been reading them (now my eyes are crossed) and even though they say any reason, the job issues are pretty specific. Maybe I need to just hope something happens before final payment!

 

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I have searched the internet and have not been successful. I rely on you fine folks...

I am possibly changing jobs (in the process of applying and interviewing). Our final payment is due 10/6 and the fine state I work for takes forever to make decisions and get them approved. In the event I get a job offer and cannot take the time off, is there a plan out there that will cover a non military, non layoff vacation denial? I am currently.approved by the agency I work for but may not get approval for the new state agency i am trying to move to. We initially booked in April which lessens my pool. Thanks in advance!

 

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We loved 10666 and 10668!

 

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We love the Gem! Bali Hai is a nice place to sit and watch the pool activities (it is smoking). The Great Outdoors is a nice buffet alternative to the main buffet (always found bacon there in the mornings). We learned that the gym has a refrigerator full of cold towels, great to grab if you are sunburned or hot, it was always full.

You will get stuck at the dining room if you take the aft elevators to the casino deck (it's 6 or 7).

Don't miss the poolside BBQ on sea days.

We are venturing to the Escape in February since the gem moves to Boston and we are a bit nervous to leave our happy little ship!

 

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Where to start...

The 5 pepper tenderloin in Le Bistro

The chicken at the poolside BBQ

The crepes from the Gem buffet

Grilled Provolone at Moderno's salad bar

Grilled pineapple from Moderno's

 

But the best tasting and worst for me...the crispy, crackly, pork skin from the poolside BBQ. It was so good the one time they had it.

 

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