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PJTM

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    thinking of April trip to Bermuda - need thoughts on GEM vs Escape

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

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    On ‎1‎/‎7‎/‎2019 at 12:41 PM, graphicguy said:

    Lots of good questions.  Have sailed both the GEM and the Escape out of the East Coast terminals.

     

    First, they're kind of 2 different kinds of ships.  The GEM is much smaller than the Escape.  Escape is one of the many "mega-ships" that are a current trend on ALL cruise lines.  They try to put as much as they can on one ship.....water slides, wall climbing, etc. That's either a good or bad thing.  

     

    I enjoyed both cruises for different reasons.  The GEM is easier to get around, but the Escape has more to do.

     

    I'd say the entertainment on the Escape, the highlight being the Million Dollar Quartet (which is probably the best show I've seen on any cruise ship, on any line).

     

    GEM has good entertainment, too.  It's just scaled back a bit compared to the Escape.

     

    Bermuda is one of my favorite ports.  It's beautiful.  In April, it starts warming up again.  You can have days in the lower 80ºs, and you can have days that will be in the low 60ºs.  Sailing from either port in the Atlantic in the early Spring can get a little rocky.  But, that never bothers me.  The further south you travel to Bermuda, the calmer the water will be.

     

    Plan on having your first day at sea to be jacket weather if you go on deck.

     

    GEM is more intimate.  I got to know the crew quite a bit more, which was a good thing.  They remembered me and what I liked, from the bartenders to the restaurant Hostesses.

     

    Regarding Haven....don't bother on the GEM.  Her Haven is tiny and first the first day or two, you won't want to use the Haven pool or loungers outside because it's likely to be chilly (true of the Haven on the Escape, also).  The good part about getting a non-Haven Suite on the GEM (I had an Aft Suite Balcony) is you still get to use the Concierge (Elvina when I sailed her last year....absolutely excellent) and the Butler.  You also get to eat breakfast in Moderno and lunch in Cagney's.  You don't have to pay the prices for the Haven by booking a non-Haven Suite.  It's like all the benefits with none of the cost of the Haven.  

     

    Different story on the Escape.  They have a much larger Haven.  The Concierge, Anoop is outstanding, as well.  The Haven Bar and Restaurant are exemplary.  I'd consider bidding on the Haven on Escape, but not on the GEM.

     

    Speaking of bidding, NCL uses some sort of unknown equation when it comes to bids and who wins, who doesn't. I don't pretend to know how it works, and anything you read is speculation.  Overall, you CAN get a better deal by booking a balcony and bidding on the Haven.  But, that's not guaranteed.  If you have your heart set on the Haven, book it. If not, book a less expensive cabin and bid, with the understanding your bid may get rejected for the Haven upgrade.

     

    To sum up, if you're looking for the best entertainment at sea, and tons of activities, and a newer ship, sail the Escape.  If you're looking for a good time, on a more intimate ship, one that's been very well maintained, but is a little older, the GEM is a fine ship.  I enjoyed both immensely, for different reasons.

     

    The Suite experience on the GEM or the Haven experience on the Escape will make for some of the most memorable vacations and service levels you'll experience anywhere on land or sea.

     

    Plus, if you get a Suite or Haven, you get all the goodies.....Specialty Dining Packages, Drink Package, internet, some excursion discounts, etc.

     

    Be happy to answer any questions.

     

     

    My wife and I will be sailing on the GEM out of Boston to Bermuda this may. We booked a mini suite and would like to know if there are coffee pots in the cabins and if so what type? Thanks for any assistance Happy Cruising 

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