Shaded outdoor space on Gem?

[Ash1982]

Hi Everyone...

 

We're total NCL newbies, and while in the middle of booking our cruise on the Gem, we realized that the ship does not seem to have the promenade decks we are used to on other ships of other cruise lines we've been on. This has my husband and me worried, because we both cannot take long periods of time in the sun and usually choose to relax in loungers that are either under shade or enclosed in an "indoor" pool space, and love to spend time on promenade decks for fresh air (but no direct sun).

 

So... would you say that, perhaps, we might be miserable on an NCL ship like the Gem? It's hard to tell from the online brochure if it does, in fact, have any shaded chaise space. All we can really see is the one main pool area, with what looks like SOME chaises under covering -- but not enough that might avoid us fighting for one or left out completely.

 

Can anyone please give any insight to this -- we're also staying in an inside stateroom, so if we REALLY have no means of relaxing in fresh air, I think this will be a big mistake. :(

 

Thanks!

 

Ashley

[RocklandCruiser]

My husband and I also like to sit in the shade. There are options for that on the Gem. Deck 7 is the promenade deck, and has some lounge chairs in a few areas. Also on the back of deck 12 at Great Outdoors and on deck 13 at the Bimini bar, there are tables and chairs under a covered area where you can sit outside in the shade.

On either side of the pool are areas that are shaded. They are under the deck 13 "overhang" - one side has wide lounge chairs for two, and the other side has tables and chairs that are shaded.

We found that most people want to sit in the sun, so chairs (not necessarily lounge chairs) in shaded areas were not difficult to find.

[Freckles_51]

There are loungers in the shade on deck 13 mid, but you have to get up early to get one, at least on our sailing. It might depend on the itinerary and age group of passengers. We were in Europe and there was a large number of more senior people who don't want the sun.

 

We found that the sofas on deck 12 pool area near the towel station/poolside casino were the best location, but some afternoons the sun came through the windows so keep this in mind if you are choosing a spot to spend the day. Occasionally we had to go to the smokers' side but there were no smokers around us.

[Ash1982]

Thanks for your replies. I reread my original post and it sounds like we're a couple of vampires. :p We just burn really easily. One reason we love to cruise is because you can do a lot of other things besides lay around by a pool when you're on a ship and while visiting new places. That being said, while on the ship we like to be comfortable (and not lobsters).

 

It did dawn on me that we ARE departing NYC in February, so it's not like it's going to be in the 90s in Florida or the Bahamas (I don't think), so maybe on sea days it won't be so hot and we won't mind a little warmth from the sun, either.

 

Ashley

[Freckles_51]

Oh yes I'm sure it will be cold sailing out of NYC at that time of year :eek:

 

If it is a sunny day but with a cool breeze and you want fresh air, go to 12 AFT (Great Outdoors) to avoid the wind - we went there on several occasions when there was a cool breeze around the pool.

[Ask4Jay]

@Ash1982

Not only does the Gem have a Promenade Deck but also a Pool Deck. On the starboard (right) side of the pool, protected by the jogging track above, are tables of various sizes, and on the port (left) side are rows of loungers. Depending on the angle and direction of the sun, one side will be in the shade.

The picture below shows the starboard-side tables (looking forward), the pool is to the left, jogging track above, buffet behind the camera.

[dahirsh]

the loungers on deck 7 are rather awkward. They are very low to the ground and not adjustable at all. The back support is at an odd angle for reading or looking out at the scenery.