Gem June12-19th NYC to Bermuda

[BahamaMama247]

It was a fabulous cruise! 25 of us came from the Philadelphia area via a chartered bus.

Embarkation: We arrived into the port around 11:15 and the porters helped to unload our luggage from the bus. We did have a few cases of water/ iced tea/ redbull between us and with the luggage tags on them they arrived to our cabins without a problem. We went right through in the latitudes line (a few of our group were first time cruisers but they were allowed to come check in with us rather than spilt up the group). Security point was a breeze (even though DH had a knife in his pocket and didnt realize it until after we arrive in the port so he turned it in to a guard before going through the metal detector to avoid any issues that could come from it). We were given number 12 and did not even have to take a seat. The "cash down" line was a bit long, those who chose to put credit/debit down were done about 15-20 before those who put cash on their account. We walked on to find out that most of our rooms were ready (all 10th and 11th floor but not all 4th and 5th) so we dropped our bags in some of the rooms and headed to the MDR. Even in front of the MDR the crew was trying to direct most of the traffic up to the buffet for lunch. Food was delicious, staff was very attentitive and energetic. Then off to explore and settle in! Some of our bags arrived closer to 7pm other not until after 10pm (Cagney's Steakhouse was not concerned with your attire the first night because of this).

 

Sea days were fun. Trivia was a blast even though we did not make it to all of the sessions. Bliss lounge (bowling alley) had much of a "club" feel just about every night. There were many early 20 year olds on our cruise, so I'm sure that could change with the group of passangers. Some in our group attended the martini tasting others attended the pub crawl (fun was had by all). I took advantage of one of the deals at the spa (first time I had ever used the NCL spas). I had a mini facial, scalp, neck and shoulder massage and a foot and ankle massage. All were very relaxing and I will absolutely be going to the spa again for cruises to come (Carley was wonderful!). Blue lagoon is not to be missed, and don't forget, you can order things to go. I recommend the wings and wonton soup. However, I was not thrilled about the potato skins this year. Room service was always fast and delicious.

Arrival in Bermuda was quick and easy. We got off just a bit after 8a.m and the gangway was not even crowded yet. We were lucky though, we went right over to Oleander Cycles to rent scooters and although we made it in good time, a long line started forming just behind us. We explored the whole island. It was a bit windy and even rainy for a bit so we headed into Hamilton for a bite to eat.

We decideed to head into Flanagans on Front St. and could not have made a better choice. We walked in to an empty place (they had just opened) and asked if they could accommodate 15. They laughed and asked us "only 15." Then they showed us through a hall way and opened their back sports bar so that we could pull all of the table together and sit as a group. Since the sun was back out we headed around the island some more making sure to stop and take a dip at Horseshoe Bay.

The second day on the Island was my (and now DH) Wedding at Warwick Long Bay, so my activities in Bermuda may seem short.

We also went to Snorkel Park. It was much different than 2 years ago. The Slides that were out in the water are gone and the beach is seperated into a pavilion and a place to rent cabanas and things. You could book a guided jet ski tour, kayak, or paddle boat right at snorkel park.

The only specialty restaurant we visited this cruise was Cagney's, and the food was delicious each time. Staff was very nice and willing to accommodate you in any way.

Wedding made me tired so I missed the White Hot Party but everyone said it was a blast.

Shows were fantastic. The Gem dancers were amazing as were both Man fron Mars and the Farewell show (make sure you do not miss them).

Deal or no Deal was fun, but in my opinion it is much like Bingo except more than one person can win at once.

Staff on board the Gem were absolutely my favorite part of the entire cruise experience. Elwynn was the group services coordinator, she was always around to help and mae sure the cruise was enjoyable for all. We met one of the Gem dancers Anthony, who was so friendly and upbeat. He even ended up doing my hair for the wedding :) Which turned out amazing. Sinan was the cruise director and he seemed to be everywhere at once. He kept everyone smiling and laughing the entire cruise long (even during debarkation which is hard to do considering everyone is sad to be ending their vacation).

This voyage on the Gem was the first time I have ever had the interactive TV. I did like having the option to check my balance and to order things from the TV. They had excursions, drinks (even though Miller Lite wasnt an option on there), Pay Movies, and Spa services. However, there are not as many regular viewing channels as there have been in the past.

 

Disembarkation: Because the Bus was not coming until closer to 11 we decided to take the last luggage tag that we could which was for 10pm. We waited in Blue Lagoon until our color was called and sadly departed the ship. One person from our group misplaced her card but only had to show her account work up reflecting a 0 balance and her ID and she was fine to leave.

[andychris]

First off- Congratulations on your wedding!!

Glad you had a wonderful cruise. We are sailing on the gem in a month and can not wait.

Thank you again

[rikatine]

Thanks for the review and congratulations.

[www3traveler]

It was a fabulous cruise! 25 of us came from the Philadelphia area via a chartered bus.

Embarkation: We arrived into the port around 11:15 and the porters helped to unload our luggage from the bus. We did have a few cases of water/ iced tea/ redbull between us and with the luggage tags on them they arrived to our cabins without a problem. We went right through in the latitudes line (a few of our group were first time cruisers but they were allowed to come check in with us rather than spilt up the group). Security point was a breeze (even though DH had a knife in his pocket and didnt realize it until after we arrive in the port so he turned it in to a guard before going through the metal detector to avoid any issues that could come from it). We were given number 12 and did not even have to take a seat. The "cash down" line was a bit long, those who chose to put credit/debit down were done about 15-20 before those who put cash on their account. We walked on to find out that most of our rooms were ready (all 10th and 11th floor but not all 4th and 5th) so we dropped our bags in some of the rooms and headed to the MDR. Even in front of the MDR the crew was trying to direct most of the traffic up to the buffet for lunch. Food was delicious, staff was very attentitive and energetic. Then off to explore and settle in! Some of our bags arrived closer to 7pm other not until after 10pm (Cagney's Steakhouse was not concerned with your attire the first night because of this).

 

Sea days were fun. Trivia was a blast even though we did not make it to all of the sessions. Bliss lounge (bowling alley) had much of a "club" feel just about every night. There were many early 20 year olds on our cruise, so I'm sure that could change with the group of passangers. Some in our group attended the martini tasting others attended the pub crawl (fun was had by all). I took advantage of one of the deals at the spa (first time I had ever used the NCL spas). I had a mini facial, scalp, neck and shoulder massage and a foot and ankle massage. All were very relaxing and I will absolutely be going to the spa again for cruises to come (Carley was wonderful!). Blue lagoon is not to be missed, and don't forget, you can order things to go. I recommend the wings and wonton soup. However, I was not thrilled about the potato skins this year. Room service was always fast and delicious.

Arrival in Bermuda was quick and easy. We got off just a bit after 8a.m and the gangway was not even crowded yet. We were lucky though, we went right over to Oleander Cycles to rent scooters and although we made it in good time, a long line started forming just behind us. We explored the whole island. It was a bit windy and even rainy for a bit so we headed into Hamilton for a bite to eat.

We decideed to head into Flanagans on Front St. and could not have made a better choice. We walked in to an empty place (they had just opened) and asked if they could accommodate 15. They laughed and asked us "only 15." Then they showed us through a hall way and opened their back sports bar so that we could pull all of the table together and sit as a group. Since the sun was back out we headed around the island some more making sure to stop and take a dip at Horseshoe Bay.

The second day on the Island was my (and now DH) Wedding at Warwick Long Bay, so my activities in Bermuda may seem short.

We also went to Snorkel Park. It was much different than 2 years ago. The Slides that were out in the water are gone and the beach is seperated into a pavilion and a place to rent cabanas and things. You could book a guided jet ski tour, kayak, or paddle boat right at snorkel park.

The only specialty restaurant we visited this cruise was Cagney's, and the food was delicious each time. Staff was very nice and willing to accommodate you in any way.

Wedding made me tired so I missed the White Hot Party but everyone said it was a blast.

Shows were fantastic. The Gem dancers were amazing as were both Man fron Mars and the Farewell show (make sure you do not miss them).

Deal or no Deal was fun, but in my opinion it is much like Bingo except more than one person can win at once.

Staff on board the Gem were absolutely my favorite part of the entire cruise experience. Elwynn was the group services coordinator, she was always around to help and mae sure the cruise was enjoyable for all. We met one of the Gem dancers Anthony, who was so friendly and upbeat. He even ended up doing my hair for the wedding :) Which turned out amazing. Sinan was the cruise director and he seemed to be everywhere at once. He kept everyone smiling and laughing the entire cruise long (even during debarkation which is hard to do considering everyone is sad to be ending their vacation).

This voyage on the Gem was the first time I have ever had the interactive TV. I did like having the option to check my balance and to order things from the TV. They had excursions, drinks (even though Miller Lite wasnt an option on there), Pay Movies, and Spa services. However, there are not as many regular viewing channels as there have been in the past.

 

Disembarkation: Because the Bus was not coming until closer to 11 we decided to take the last luggage tag that we could which was for 10pm. We waited in Blue Lagoon until our color was called and sadly departed the ship. One person from our group misplaced her card but only had to show her account work up reflecting a 0 balance and her ID and she was fine to leave.

Congratulations on your wedding. I was on The Gem earlier this year for a ten day cruise and loved. The staff we had was just great. I am hoping to go back to The Gem in 2012. Mandy

[preston]

How was the scooters you rented? Was it safe to ride on the roads?

[ClarkBHM]

How does the trivia work? Do you play in groups? Can you play alone?

[Cubechick]

How was the scooters you rented? Was it safe to ride on the roads?

 

I'm not the OP, but safety is a big issue here. Driving on the left on super narrow roads leads to a lot of tourists being road pizza. The cruise line recommends that you skip the scooter rental and I've seen and heard of numerous cruises where passengers have suffered significant injury.

 

Rent at your own risk. I stick w/ public transportation...

[rxlowry]

Great review! We were on your cruise with you! Anthony was my partner in Dancing With the Gem Stars...he was very nice! Glad to hear your enjoyed your wedding cruise!

[njcruisebunny]

Great review! We were on your cruise with you! Anthony was my partner in Dancing With the Gem Stars...he was very nice! Glad to hear your enjoyed your wedding cruise!

 

What is Dancing with the Gem Stars? Sounds like fun?

 

Great review...we're leaving in 98 days.

[rxlowry]

It is a game they host in the lounge one evening. They pick 4 women and 4 men randomly from a hat to dance with various stars of the ship (dancers, kid crew, guest services) and you dance to various styles of music. The Second City and comedians are they judges and they eliminate one couple each round. They even do a loser lounge and broadcast that into the lounge. It was so much fun.

[njcruisebunny]

Thank you for the heads up. I'll be on the lookout for Dancing with the Gem Stars.

 

Sounds like a fun time.

[BahamaMama247]

How does the trivia work? Do you play in groups? Can you play alone?

 

 

There was morning trivia and there was also evening progressive trivia. You could play alone or in groups with up to 6 players. You could just do a few of the evening ones, but team points are added up from each day. We did not make it to all of the nights, but had fun playing against one another.

[GoeCruise]

Once again, Congratulations! Glad everything went well with your wedding cruise. My fiance and I also booked an NCL wedding. It's for late October in Bermuda-Stone Hole Bay-and are also sailing out of NY. We'll also be leaving from the Philadelphia area and have over 20 guests sailing with us. Two quick questions, if you don't mind. Charter bus details-$210 per vehicle is ok, it beats flying, but with over 5 vehicles we were wondering if the bus is a better option. Amenities details. Our "personal cruise consultant" has mentioned nothing regarding the amenities. With whom did you arrange these? Sorry, one more question. Did you and your husband sleep in separate cabins the evening prior to your wedding? Thank you so much for any and all advice/guidance you can provide.

[BahamaMama247]

Once again, Congratulations! Glad everything went well with your wedding cruise. My fiance and I also booked an NCL wedding. It's for late October in Bermuda-Stone Hole Bay-and are also sailing out of NY. We'll also be leaving from the Philadelphia area and have over 20 guests sailing with us. Two quick questions, if you don't mind. Charter bus details-$210 per vehicle is ok, it beats flying, but with over 5 vehicles we were wondering if the bus is a better option. Amenities details. Our "personal cruise consultant" has mentioned nothing regarding the amenities. With whom did you arrange these? Sorry, one more question. Did you and your husband sleep in separate cabins the evening prior to your wedding? Thank you so much for any and all advice/guidance you can provide.

 

We used a yellowbird bus and it was 900 for transportation to and from. Greyhound had similar pricing but could not get a bus for return because it was on fathersday. I arranged the amenity points with mt PCC they vary depending on the sailing. He confirmed them as soon as we book as a group and after final payment I was able to pick from a list of how I wanted to spend them. Yes, one of our groomsmen had a room on a lower floor and DH stayed with him the night before while the girls stayed up with me. I thought we might run into eachother but we did not, I took a car with my father to the beach and had a bus for the rest of the party.

 

Good Luck with everything! Let me know if you need any more info

[GoeCruise]

Thank you for the information. We'll be sure to ask PCC about the amenities and try not to run into each other before the ceremony. Thanks again.