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Any GEM Secrets to Pass Along

johnnyd

By johnnyd,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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johnnyd

johnnyd

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Hi; sailing on the GEM in March and was wondering if you had any secrets and/or tips about the ship you would like to share; stuff like the best place to be when the ship sets sail, favorite bar, etc. Thanks!!:)

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rzdj96

rzdj96

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The main dining room (Grand Pacific) is open during embarkation. The buffet becomes extremely crowded (especially with everyones carry-ons).

To keep from getting lost, the carpeting has fish on them and they "swim" facing forward (toward the bow). Deck 15 is the freestyle deck (no kids allowed). Topsiders (deck 12 pool deck) has a "buffet" like set-up. There's a bar there but no soft drinks (ice tea, etc). There's also a few slot machines in the bowling alley (not just in the casino). Bowling was $5 a game. The large screen in the Atrium has limited seating and the casino is the smallest we've ever experianced (but manageable). That's all I can think of right now that may help you.

Edited by rzdj96
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maddogbeast

maddogbeast

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Sailed on the Gem in the past and I'm booked on it Jan 22 2011. Best palce to sit and hang daytime is the Great outdoors. Night time is Bliss. Sailaway I like Deck 13 midships. You can watch the Sail away by the pool and still move around. NY skyline is on the Port (left) side on the way out, Enpire State building, Ground Zero and lower Manhattan. Starboord side is NJ, Weehawkin, Hoboken, Jersey City and the world's largest single faced clock, the Colgate Clock , Ellis Island and the Statue of liberty. Breakfast in the restaurants is fresh and hot and they will bring you all you want. The buffet is up to the crowd you are sailing with. Sometimes you sail with humans and other times you sail with people that are stocking up for there last meal and need that last pancake that you were just about to take when they swoop in from behind.

 

Survey the situation. if you feel like a burger and they are cooking fresh ones at the buffet wait for one, they will cook it for you if you like it a certain way just ask. Let the vultures eat the ones that are already out. I just sailed on the Jewel and the crew there was great. Be friendly with the staff. It pays off in the long run. Don't treat them like the help.

 

Mike

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hamrag

hamrag

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Eat at least once in the French restaurant!

 

Spend the day at least once on one of the three huge 8 ft radius sunlounger beds on deck 14. You will need a strategy to get one of them though....we managed it on a port day when we stayed on board.

 

Steer clear of the moaners on board....there is much more to enjoy than to complain about.

 

Breakfast in the blue lagoon deck 8....not a huge choice, but freshly prepared. Only do this if you have time, for a quick brekkie best use the buffet on deck 12. Blue lagoon is also good for a return on board snack after a port day.

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ROCruiser

ROCruiser

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Sail away--back of ship, Deck 11--hardly any one there.

Buffet--must have French Fries--the best.

Blue Lagoon--when you need to get off the ship early and everybody else is thinking the same. The buffet is crowded and crazy. Go to the Blue Lagoon and enjoy a quiet breakfast served to your liking. Not a lot of choices, but you don't have to fight for food.

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sebas030

sebas030

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The main dining room (Grand Pacific) is open during embarkation. The buffet becomes extremely crowded (especially with everyones carry-ons)...

 

So you can go to the Magenta dining room, very few people there and great food

 

 

Spend the day at least once on one of the three huge 8 ft radius sunlounger beds on deck 14. You will need a strategy to get one of them though....we managed it on a port day when we stayed on board...

 

We got one of those huge round sun lounger for sail away from NYC... it was great :D

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explorer50uk

explorer50uk

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Great selection of replies here!! we are pretty new to NCL, defectors from RCCL !!! No, just wanted to try something different. Have been on Epic and Jewel so hoping for some nice times on Gem in April. What is the deal with the Spa? my daughter likes that idea

 

Thanks to all

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TA5

TA5

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The thermal suite pass basically gets you access to the spa whenever it is open.

 

Thallasotherapy pool, private hottub, sauna, steam room, heated lounge chairs. I think the best part of the whole thing is being able to lay in a lounge chair looking forward out of the ship

 

Basically just a very comfortable and QUIET place to relax, read, and unwind especially after a long day ashore.

Edited by TA5
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