GEM June 19-26 NYC to Bermuda

[brettgirl]

We are a family of 4, 18 year old daughter and 10 year old son plus hubby and myself. My father wanted to see his inheritance in use so he paid for the trip-a balcony and an inside room. We did get a call from the upsell fairy 3 days before our cruise. For 400 we upgraded to two mini suites (one was aft-ours) on deck 11.

 

Instead of the usual paragraph day by day layout of the trip, I am going to give tid bits of information I found useful on the trip. Hope this helps. We DID have a FABULOUS time!!!!!

 

-FOOD-We are not picky in taste of the foods we like, I am just happy somebody else is doing it and cleaning it up. If we did not like something, we just choose something else or never got it again (very infrequent). We ate numerous dinners/lunches at the Grand Pacific-dress casual nice, boys can wear shorts and sandals-never had to wait when we went around 6 pm. La Cucina-good, somebody described it as Olive Garden, agree. My birthday cake was yummy. Great Outdoors/Garden Cafe (right up from our suite) was quite handy especially with the ice cream, all chocolate small cake and cookies. Hamburgers by the pool are absolutely yummy-fries great too. We all enjoyed the fruit-watermelon and pineapple especially-ate lots during the week! I took note of those who mentioned getting cheese cake with blueberries and whip cream from Blue Lagoon-get two slices to go as the slices are small, very good. I did bring manufactured closed snacks to bring with us when we got off the ship to go to Bermuda, you could bring other things off the ship as well as carry a coffee and water (dont bring back on though-scanners).

 

-GAMES/SHOWS-Hubby and my Dad participated in the men's Sexy Leg contest-tooooo funny. Name/Sing that Tune-I actually got up and did this and I am petrified of a mic, my whole family at one point or another did this very FUN game. Newlywed/Not So Game-Hubby and I tried to be contestants, but others were chosen (the crazier you are the more chance you have to be one of the couples)-it was funny to watch as we had funny couples. Deal or No Deal- ($20 a card) May seem hard to understand how to do, but you pick up on it right away-don't worry. We shared one card. Battle of the Sexes-not so much fun. I was impressed how they really try to include everyone in the game and they are fine for all ages. BLUE MAN-GOOOOOO, really good for everyone. HYPNOTIST-whether you believe it or not, just go for the laugh-he is very funny. My daughter was actually chosen to go up, but was not able to be hypnotised so she was sent back to the audience. The late night adult show was not as funny as the early shows-just colorful language and people who may have drank a little too much. 70'S SHOW-if you like this music go, if not skip it-I enjoyed some of it. GOMBEY DANCERS ON DECK-if you miss going to the special nights in Bermuda-go see these entertaining costumed people-you will tire just watching them. BERMUDA TALK-I thought I studied it all, I learned a few things.

 

-PASSPORT-can be stamped in Hamilton (9/10 am-5pm)-Parliament Street/Gov't building, second floor immigration. If you hit the post office-you have gone too far. If your child does not have a photo id to go back and forth from the ship just have the front desk copy the passport and bring ONLY that (leave passports locked on the ship). I was also told that since my children had our last name that that was also ok for getting kids back on the ship with their ship id card. My daughter's high school ID was perfectly fine for those who do not have a license or passport.

 

-CHILDREN'S CLUB-My son was having way too much fun with us that he rarely attended except the last day (of course!). You really should just register them in case your child wants to go-do it as soon as you board, bring all of your medical cards, your id and those who you will allow to sign your child out with (they have to sign the sheet too). We did make pizza, missed the sundae making and he did one short free session play. I must say those children who were leaving were crying because they did not want to go.

 

-SHIP PHOTOS-Seek out your photos, ask the person in charge to put all of your photos in a folder with your room number on it so at the end of the cruise you can go through and pick the best ones. They have a buy 4 get 5th free (almost 13 each).

 

-DVD PLAYER-bring one if you are a TV old movie queen like me or have kids who like a little tv before bedtime. The TV is the only horrible thing I can say about the cruise-E channel, FOX/BBC NEWS, numerous cruise ship channels, FAVORITES channel (I never saw anything I remoatly would want to watch on that channel), sports channel. You can not hook up to the flat screen tv in the mini suite, bring an extension chord (for other things too, only ONE outlet!!!!!!)

 

-ODDS and ENDS-

--Bringing COFFEE MUG-holds more than the tiny cups they provide.

-Bring LANYARDS for everyone, better than paying the 4 bucks on the ship-the courtesy desk will punch hole in your card to put on your lanyard.

-bring a case of soda. I did buy a soda card as I like club soda-I was treated nicely each time I ordered it.

 

-WINE-We brought two big bottles of wine and went immediately to the desk on the left after when we went into the ticketing building and showed him our papers and he put stickers on each bottle to show we paid $15 a bottle (the restaurants did check for the stickers if you brought it in with you)

 

-DUTY FREE SHOP/LIQUOR-don't wait until the very last moment as it is VERY crowded, Picking up booze-dont go right at the exact time as you WILL wait-we did not as we went near the end of the time.

 

-SMOKE SMELL-I am a smoker (not inside my home or the ships room either-went out on the deck-was also consciencous about this too). I did not smell it in the room nor other areas of the ship-the casino, in my opinion, was not as bad as everyone says.

 

-SHIP EMPLOYEES-I found them all very nice, smiley and oh, so HARD working. They especially love little kids. Merianne was our room person and she was absolutely a dear, my son loved her and still talks about her and the towel art she did everynight. If we needed something she quickly tried to help out. (we did tip everyday a few dollars)

 

-PRESSING-the first day it is half price-I did have a pair of nice pants that got totaled even though I rolled them. I took advantage of the pressing. WRINKLE RELEASE works wonders for most clothes.

 

-ROOM SERVICE, ESPECIALLY AM-Bring a clock, there are none in the room or you could do what we did, ordered coffee and fruit in the am and they always called 5 minutes before they came. Free service, we did tip.

 

-POOL CHAIRS-there is definately chair hogs! On port days you can definately get great seats (hubby and son stayed aboard the last day). Other days we were lucky if we got two chairs which we all took turns sitting in and holding/reading while the others swam/ate. My dad told me he complained and an employee said he would take off towels after 30 minutes, which my dad witnessed him do-BE WARNED.

 

-BERMUDA-DO IT YOURSELF WAY- We had planned on hitting the circle building to get the transportation passes but we lucked out on the mobile home style place as there was NO line to get them. Bring cash! We got two day passes $20 for adults and $10 for child. Get Up and GET OUT EARLY! be at least 30 minutes earlier than the bus/ferry you intend on taking-you will see the line form BEHIND YOU getting enormous. Day 1-Bermuda Wanted to get as far away from the two ships docked (Celebrity came in 20 minutes behind us), took fast ferry to St. George. You are let out near town square-charming-cobblestone streets everywhere, little homes. We walked to Tobacco Bay (right before you head up BIG hill go into the grocery store-beer, soda, water, snacks-bring to beach).On your way you will pass the Unfinished Church. I dont snorkel (dont like seeing what I am swimming with), but my dad is an experienced one and said it was great. Water a little cold for me but we all went in. Beach is smaller than I imagined. Take a walk up the rocks and take pictures-the ship is in the distance and it is a beautiful view. Perfumery-lovely place to just go and smell the beautiful perfumes-I did buy Orleander. Also went to the famous church and it's very old graveyard.

-Day 2 Bermuda-GIbbs Lighthouse, Horseshoe Bay, Hamilton-we took bus 7 "beaches". You will have a fright just on the bus alone-the streets are soooo small and windey, you have to wonder how in the world do they not crash! We asked the bus driver if he stops at Gibbs and he did. Walk up the huge hill at Henry the 8ths Pub and buy tickets inside the gift shop (great prices on magnets and small trinkets) $2.50. It is a wonderful view after the 186 or so steps. We then walked down to the pub and made a left heading towards Horseshoe Bay-head towards the big resort (cross the street) and when you see a tunnel go right there-a cut through to the bay. You must go past the resorts ammenities and walk through the roped-off area (so cars cant go through) and make a right-Horseshoe Bay area. It is crowded right there so head left down the beach, even go into the water to go around the big rocks-fewer and fewer people are there. So lovely and the sand is so soft and pinkish-Must see. We did pay to go up the hill to head to the bus to Hamilton (we were bushed from all the walking-$2, son was free). Did not wait long for the bus, get off in Hamilton and browse. I hit Marks and SPencers and some souvenier shops (Hodgepodge near the ferry area is cheaper than most and unique). Hamilton is a newer area, nice though.

Day 3 Bermuda-Daughter and I shopped in the Dockyard-Dicksons has some bargains. If you decide you really did want that Bermudian Perfume you can find it here for the same price (all places are the same). Go into the Pharmacy-it is not just that. I bought a children's story by a Bermudian writer and she was book signing in there, they have everything in that store. Check out the pottery place and glass blowing. My dad said the Frog and Onion was delicious. Please take note that food in Bermuda is VERY expensive, $14 for a hamburger and fries-we snacked with what we brought and waited until we got back on board the ship.

 

-MEDICAL ISSUES-my hubby accidently cut himself on the beer bucket opener (don't ask, he hurts himself some way every vacation!). NCL took such wonderful care of us-a steward was right there when it happened and it was just that an "accident" a fault of my hubby's and of the contraption. Well, 4 stitches later and not being able to play his beloved guitar he brought, he is fine. NCL called us frequently, the NCL person brought over slushy drinks for my kids and water for us a few days later, always asked if there was anything they could do. I was afraid to ask how much this whole thing would cost, but did and they said - nothing!

 

-SEA SICKNESS-if we got sea sick, it should have been on this cruise. We had a few times where we all walked around as if we had been drinking for days-kind of funny! I did bring bromine and dramamine but both were not necessary. Be careful in the pool on these crazy wave days as the water really takes you for a ride! Our bathroom door drove me crazy with it opening and closing so I had to prop bags on both sides of it so I could sleep. Also be careful of the sliding door if you just want it open a bit-we held it so it would not slam and bother the others on board.

 

-Embarkation-Go up to the top and lounge/sit/stand to view leaving the port. When you go under the bridge all the people clapped and yelled-it was a great feeling. We got into our rooms rather fast-by 2. We ate at the pool as it was not awfully crowded. Our luggage came quickly, by 5, but I did pack swimming gear and suntan lotion (use a ton!!!!!) as my son was in the pool the second we said good bye to the bridge!

 

-Take the kids to see where the captain steers the boat-deck 11. There is a glass partition and there are some cool pictures to see how the GEM was made.

 

-Promenade deck is a very nice walk all around the ship (why dont they have the running people here????)-my son loved looking at all the life boats.

 

-DISEMBARKATION-we choose to haul our own crap out. It was a nightmare. I think there was a problem at immigration that was slowing things up as the cruise director kept telling us not to go down until he says as the line is horrible. Took over an hour and then when we finally hit immigration and it's line, we were swooped through so fast I did not believe they even glanced at us. If you are being picked up, it is also bad-you must make your way across the busy street with all of your things to get picked up on the street by whom ever-ugh!!!!

 

 

If I remember anything else, I will write again. It was a great trip and I would recommend NCL GEM to anybody. I want to thank all those who contribute to this site as I read faithfully to help plan my trip. I hope I have helped someone with their trip-planning is also part of the fun!

 

A little bit of my wisdom that helped me have a wonderful trip:

Anybody can have fun if THEY choose to, I never sweat the small stuff as I have learned that life is just tooooo dam short and........ a smile says a thousand words.

 

Happy Sailing,

Brettgirl

[Laszlo]

My wife and I were on the same cruise. What time did you do the walk off? We got in line around 7:30 and were off the ship by 8:10. We flew thru customs, they didn't even look at my passport. lol

[brettgirl]

We did not go down as the announcement was given not too, we were still eating at the time you left-I was prolonging the vacation! I think we hit ground around 10 after an hour at least in line. They barely glanced at our passports.

 

Did you hear about us going back to NYC to drop off a sick older person with heart trouble? Never even realized we turned back! Then I heard at Bermuda 2 people fell off either our ship or Celebrity-drunk????

 

Did you enjoy the cruise???? We all most certainly did......

[Laszlo]

We liked the cruise a lot. I'm surprised you slept thru that whole thing the 1st night. Do a search, their are a few post about it

[islandmandan]

We did not go down as the announcement was given not too, we were still eating at the time you left-I was prolonging the vacation! I think we hit ground around 10 after an hour at least in line. They barely glanced at our passports.

 

Did you hear about us going back to NYC to drop off a sick older person with heart trouble? Never even realized we turned back! Then I heard at Bermuda 2 people fell off either our ship or Celebrity-drunk????

 

Did you enjoy the cruise???? We all most certainly did......

 

Hey Brettgirl, we were on that cruise and definitely don't remember having to turn around and go back to Manhattan. When did that happen?

[searoses]

happy to hear that! i didn't hear a thing,either! no alcohol involved....lol

i loved the cruise,dealt with the very uneven quality of the food and service. my hc aft penthouse was the best cabin ever. awesome bed.decided to book my kids and grandson to go next june....

[Laszlo]

Hey Brettgirl, we were on that cruise and definitely don't remember having to turn around and go back to Manhattan. When did that happen?

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1435955

[islandmandan]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1435955

 

Thanks Laszlo, we had no idea and didn't hear any talk of it

[beachlady60]

brettgirl Sorry to hear about your husband's accident. Glad he's okay.You said in your note about the steward bringing you water and slushies and telling you it was all free. Did you mean the stitches your husand got was free also? On our last cruise I fell and had to have 16 stitches in my head.The bill was $1050.00. While I was there a guy came and wanted to see the doctor and they told him it would be $100 so he left. I was just wondering if the cost of medical care is different on each ship.

[brettgirl]

Beachlady60-it was all free! Maybe the stitches because it was their equipment, I was stunned that it was no cost. I think too, that they were afraid we would sue. A non issue in my opinion-it was an accident!

 

Sorry about your stitches and the cost-that would have killed me, we are broke and about to send a child off to college........

[rikatine]

Great review! Thanks.

 

How was it getting back from St George? Planning on going there, but keep reading on ferry overcrowding to get back to the Dockyard. What did you guys do?

[searoses]

was on the same sailing. we chatted with a couple of people at tobacco bay who were headed for the 3:45 ferry. we left 5ish for the last ferry at 6pm. the same people were still waiting!! they did not make the earlier one due to the length of the line. there were people left for the 6pm,too. get there early!:eek:

[rikatine]

was on the same sailing. we chatted with a couple of people at tobacco bay who were headed for the 3:45 ferry. we left 5ish for the last ferry at 6pm. the same people were still waiting!! they did not make the earlier one due to the length of the line. there were people left for the 6pm,too. get there early!:eek:

 

That's what I was afraid of. Do you know what happened to the 6pm people left behind?

[brettgirl]

Rikatine-thank you and we went to St George on our first day there, we always got to any bus/ferry 30 minutes before it was to go. We seemed to always make it because of this. I am not sure what time we left St. George-I would almost say it was nearing 4ish.

 

If you dont catch the last ferry I read there is a bus you could take to Hamiliton then take the ferry from there (faster than taking the bus all the way from St. George).

 

The only issue we had with transportation was the crowded bus to the beaches #7, but at least we got a ride (and a fun amusement ride at that).

 

Have a blast!!!!!!

[family cruisers]

Loved your review and your wonderful attitude about everything :)

We've been to bermuda and have sailed NCL (not gem) but are in October. We love to watch tv before falling asleep, you mentioned to bring a dvd player. Is that allowed do you know ??? I can always contact ncl to find out for sure. Small enough to pack in suitcase so it's a good idea.

Would appreciate any comments on this.

 

Thanks and glad you had a terrific time.

[brettgirl]

Family Cruisers,

Thanks for the compliment. NCL does not mind DVD players, in fact we had two with us. The only thing to remember is the flat screen tvs do not have hook up capability to your dvd player if you wanted to stream it through

 

I would also keep in mind when packing that the dvd player could get stolen if in suitcase. I carried mine on in my carry on without any problems. I do this on planes too.

 

Have a blast!!!!!!

[rikatine]

Rikatine-thank you and we went to St George on our first day there, we always got to any bus/ferry 30 minutes before it was to go. We seemed to always make it because of this. I am not sure what time we left St. George-I would almost say it was nearing 4ish.

 

If you dont catch the last ferry I read there is a bus you could take to Hamiliton then take the ferry from there (faster than taking the bus all the way from St. George).

 

The only issue we had with transportation was the crowded bus to the beaches #7, but at least we got a ride (and a fun amusement ride at that).

 

Have a blast!!!!!!

 

Thanks, good to be prepared.

[family cruisers]

Good to know , Thanks again !!

 

Family Cruisers,

Thanks for the compliment. NCL does not mind DVD players, in fact we had two with us. The only thing to remember is the flat screen tvs do not have hook up capability to your dvd player if you wanted to stream it through

 

I would also keep in mind when packing that the dvd player could get stolen if in suitcase. I carried mine on in my carry on without any problems. I do this on planes too.

 

Have a blast!!!!!!

[kelly4126]

We are a family of 4, 18 year old daughter and 10 year old son plus hubby and myself. My father wanted to see his inheritance in use so he paid for the trip-a balcony and an inside room. We did get a call from the upsell fairy 3 days before our cruise. For 400 we upgraded to two mini suites (one was aft-ours) on deck 11.

 

Instead of the usual paragraph day by day layout of the trip, I am going to give tid bits of information I found useful on the trip. Hope this helps. We DID have a FABULOUS time!!!!!

 

-FOOD-We are not picky in taste of the foods we like, I am just happy somebody else is doing it and cleaning it up. If we did not like something, we just choose something else or never got it again (very infrequent). We ate numerous dinners/lunches at the Grand Pacific-dress casual nice, boys can wear shorts and sandals-never had to wait when we went around 6 pm. La Cucina-good, somebody described it as Olive Garden, agree. My birthday cake was yummy. Great Outdoors/Garden Cafe (right up from our suite) was quite handy especially with the ice cream, all chocolate small cake and cookies. Hamburgers by the pool are absolutely yummy-fries great too. We all enjoyed the fruit-watermelon and pineapple especially-ate lots during the week! I took note of those who mentioned getting cheese cake with blueberries and whip cream from Blue Lagoon-get two slices to go as the slices are small, very good. I did bring manufactured closed snacks to bring with us when we got off the ship to go to Bermuda, you could bring other things off the ship as well as carry a coffee and water (dont bring back on though-scanners).

 

-GAMES/SHOWS-Hubby and my Dad participated in the men's Sexy Leg contest-tooooo funny. Name/Sing that Tune-I actually got up and did this and I am petrified of a mic, my whole family at one point or another did this very FUN game. Newlywed/Not So Game-Hubby and I tried to be contestants, but others were chosen (the crazier you are the more chance you have to be one of the couples)-it was funny to watch as we had funny couples. Deal or No Deal- ($20 a card) May seem hard to understand how to do, but you pick up on it right away-don't worry. We shared one card. Battle of the Sexes-not so much fun. I was impressed how they really try to include everyone in the game and they are fine for all ages. BLUE MAN-GOOOOOO, really good for everyone. HYPNOTIST-whether you believe it or not, just go for the laugh-he is very funny. My daughter was actually chosen to go up, but was not able to be hypnotised so she was sent back to the audience. The late night adult show was not as funny as the early shows-just colorful language and people who may have drank a little too much. 70'S SHOW-if you like this music go, if not skip it-I enjoyed some of it. GOMBEY DANCERS ON DECK-if you miss going to the special nights in Bermuda-go see these entertaining costumed people-you will tire just watching them. BERMUDA TALK-I thought I studied it all, I learned a few things.

 

-PASSPORT-can be stamped in Hamilton (9/10 am-5pm)-Parliament Street/Gov't building, second floor immigration. If you hit the post office-you have gone too far. If your child does not have a photo id to go back and forth from the ship just have the front desk copy the passport and bring ONLY that (leave passports locked on the ship). I was also told that since my children had our last name that that was also ok for getting kids back on the ship with their ship id card. My daughter's high school ID was perfectly fine for those who do not have a license or passport.

 

-CHILDREN'S CLUB-My son was having way too much fun with us that he rarely attended except the last day (of course!). You really should just register them in case your child wants to go-do it as soon as you board, bring all of your medical cards, your id and those who you will allow to sign your child out with (they have to sign the sheet too). We did make pizza, missed the sundae making and he did one short free session play. I must say those children who were leaving were crying because they did not want to go.

 

-SHIP PHOTOS-Seek out your photos, ask the person in charge to put all of your photos in a folder with your room number on it so at the end of the cruise you can go through and pick the best ones. They have a buy 4 get 5th free (almost 13 each).

 

-DVD PLAYER-bring one if you are a TV old movie queen like me or have kids who like a little tv before bedtime. The TV is the only horrible thing I can say about the cruise-E channel, FOX/BBC NEWS, numerous cruise ship channels, FAVORITES channel (I never saw anything I remoatly would want to watch on that channel), sports channel. You can not hook up to the flat screen tv in the mini suite, bring an extension chord (for other things too, only ONE outlet!!!!!!)

 

-ODDS and ENDS-

--Bringing COFFEE MUG-holds more than the tiny cups they provide.

-Bring LANYARDS for everyone, better than paying the 4 bucks on the ship-the courtesy desk will punch hole in your card to put on your lanyard.

-bring a case of soda. I did buy a soda card as I like club soda-I was treated nicely each time I ordered it.

 

-WINE-We brought two big bottles of wine and went immediately to the desk on the left after when we went into the ticketing building and showed him our papers and he put stickers on each bottle to show we paid $15 a bottle (the restaurants did check for the stickers if you brought it in with you)

 

-DUTY FREE SHOP/LIQUOR-don't wait until the very last moment as it is VERY crowded, Picking up booze-dont go right at the exact time as you WILL wait-we did not as we went near the end of the time.

 

-SMOKE SMELL-I am a smoker (not inside my home or the ships room either-went out on the deck-was also consciencous about this too). I did not smell it in the room nor other areas of the ship-the casino, in my opinion, was not as bad as everyone says.

 

-SHIP EMPLOYEES-I found them all very nice, smiley and oh, so HARD working. They especially love little kids. Merianne was our room person and she was absolutely a dear, my son loved her and still talks about her and the towel art she did everynight. If we needed something she quickly tried to help out. (we did tip everyday a few dollars)

 

-PRESSING-the first day it is half price-I did have a pair of nice pants that got totaled even though I rolled them. I took advantage of the pressing. WRINKLE RELEASE works wonders for most clothes.

 

-ROOM SERVICE, ESPECIALLY AM-Bring a clock, there are none in the room or you could do what we did, ordered coffee and fruit in the am and they always called 5 minutes before they came. Free service, we did tip.

 

-POOL CHAIRS-there is definately chair hogs! On port days you can definately get great seats (hubby and son stayed aboard the last day). Other days we were lucky if we got two chairs which we all took turns sitting in and holding/reading while the others swam/ate. My dad told me he complained and an employee said he would take off towels after 30 minutes, which my dad witnessed him do-BE WARNED.

 

-BERMUDA-DO IT YOURSELF WAY- We had planned on hitting the circle building to get the transportation passes but we lucked out on the mobile home style place as there was NO line to get them. Bring cash! We got two day passes $20 for adults and $10 for child. Get Up and GET OUT EARLY! be at least 30 minutes earlier than the bus/ferry you intend on taking-you will see the line form BEHIND YOU getting enormous. Day 1-Bermuda Wanted to get as far away from the two ships docked (Celebrity came in 20 minutes behind us), took fast ferry to St. George. You are let out near town square-charming-cobblestone streets everywhere, little homes. We walked to Tobacco Bay (right before you head up BIG hill go into the grocery store-beer, soda, water, snacks-bring to beach).On your way you will pass the Unfinished Church. I dont snorkel (dont like seeing what I am swimming with), but my dad is an experienced one and said it was great. Water a little cold for me but we all went in. Beach is smaller than I imagined. Take a walk up the rocks and take pictures-the ship is in the distance and it is a beautiful view. Perfumery-lovely place to just go and smell the beautiful perfumes-I did buy Orleander. Also went to the famous church and it's very old graveyard.

-Day 2 Bermuda-GIbbs Lighthouse, Horseshoe Bay, Hamilton-we took bus 7 "beaches". You will have a fright just on the bus alone-the streets are soooo small and windey, you have to wonder how in the world do they not crash! We asked the bus driver if he stops at Gibbs and he did. Walk up the huge hill at Henry the 8ths Pub and buy tickets inside the gift shop (great prices on magnets and small trinkets) $2.50. It is a wonderful view after the 186 or so steps. We then walked down to the pub and made a left heading towards Horseshoe Bay-head towards the big resort (cross the street) and when you see a tunnel go right there-a cut through to the bay. You must go past the resorts ammenities and walk through the roped-off area (so cars cant go through) and make a right-Horseshoe Bay area. It is crowded right there so head left down the beach, even go into the water to go around the big rocks-fewer and fewer people are there. So lovely and the sand is so soft and pinkish-Must see. We did pay to go up the hill to head to the bus to Hamilton (we were bushed from all the walking-$2, son was free). Did not wait long for the bus, get off in Hamilton and browse. I hit Marks and SPencers and some souvenier shops (Hodgepodge near the ferry area is cheaper than most and unique). Hamilton is a newer area, nice though.

Day 3 Bermuda-Daughter and I shopped in the Dockyard-Dicksons has some bargains. If you decide you really did want that Bermudian Perfume you can find it here for the same price (all places are the same). Go into the Pharmacy-it is not just that. I bought a children's story by a Bermudian writer and she was book signing in there, they have everything in that store. Check out the pottery place and glass blowing. My dad said the Frog and Onion was delicious. Please take note that food in Bermuda is VERY expensive, $14 for a hamburger and fries-we snacked with what we brought and waited until we got back on board the ship.

 

-MEDICAL ISSUES-my hubby accidently cut himself on the beer bucket opener (don't ask, he hurts himself some way every vacation!). NCL took such wonderful care of us-a steward was right there when it happened and it was just that an "accident" a fault of my hubby's and of the contraption. Well, 4 stitches later and not being able to play his beloved guitar he brought, he is fine. NCL called us frequently, the NCL person brought over slushy drinks for my kids and water for us a few days later, always asked if there was anything they could do. I was afraid to ask how much this whole thing would cost, but did and they said - nothing!

 

-SEA SICKNESS-if we got sea sick, it should have been on this cruise. We had a few times where we all walked around as if we had been drinking for days-kind of funny! I did bring bromine and dramamine but both were not necessary. Be careful in the pool on these crazy wave days as the water really takes you for a ride! Our bathroom door drove me crazy with it opening and closing so I had to prop bags on both sides of it so I could sleep. Also be careful of the sliding door if you just want it open a bit-we held it so it would not slam and bother the others on board.

 

-Embarkation-Go up to the top and lounge/sit/stand to view leaving the port. When you go under the bridge all the people clapped and yelled-it was a great feeling. We got into our rooms rather fast-by 2. We ate at the pool as it was not awfully crowded. Our luggage came quickly, by 5, but I did pack swimming gear and suntan lotion (use a ton!!!!!) as my son was in the pool the second we said good bye to the bridge!

 

-Take the kids to see where the captain steers the boat-deck 11. There is a glass partition and there are some cool pictures to see how the GEM was made.

 

-Promenade deck is a very nice walk all around the ship (why dont they have the running people here????)-my son loved looking at all the life boats.

 

-DISEMBARKATION-we choose to haul our own crap out. It was a nightmare. I think there was a problem at immigration that was slowing things up as the cruise director kept telling us not to go down until he says as the line is horrible. Took over an hour and then when we finally hit immigration and it's line, we were swooped through so fast I did not believe they even glanced at us. If you are being picked up, it is also bad-you must make your way across the busy street with all of your things to get picked up on the street by whom ever-ugh!!!!

 

 

If I remember anything else, I will write again. It was a great trip and I would recommend NCL GEM to anybody. I want to thank all those who contribute to this site as I read faithfully to help plan my trip. I hope I have helped someone with their trip-planning is also part of the fun!

 

A little bit of my wisdom that helped me have a wonderful trip:

Anybody can have fun if THEY choose to, I never sweat the small stuff as I have learned that life is just tooooo dam short and........ a smile says a thousand words.

 

Happy Sailing,

Brettgirl

 

Loved your review..We are thinking of cruising to Bermuda next year. You are our neighbor as we live in Port Jervis!! Small world.

Kelly

[brettgirl]

Hey Kelly, Hi Neighbor! We are way over in the Ding Del section of Milford. Daughter just graduated from Delaware Valley High School, and her dentist is in Port. We just got a tatoo from The Shoppe (totally recommend). My hubby and I really miss the Italian restaurant that closed.

 

Definately do the cruise to Bermuda and NYC is so close to us (but far enough)!

 

Sorry I did not notice your reply until now.......

brettgirl

[youngestof9]

Hey Kelly, Hi Neighbor! We are way over in the Ding Del section of Milford. Daughter just graduated from Delaware Valley High School, and her dentist is in Port. We just got a tatoo from The Shoppe (totally recommend). My hubby and I really miss the Italian restaurant that closed.

 

Definately do the cruise to Bermuda and NYC is so close to us (but far enough)!

 

Sorry I did not notice your reply until now.......

brettgirl

 

Now I'm really hijacking but I graduated high school with the owner of The Shoppe (Rob). :)

 

You have me PSYCHED for my Gem trip!! Thanks for the great review (minus the beer bucket cut ;) )

[brettgirl]

Hey Youngestof9,

Thanks for my cruise trip report compliment! A vacation would not be a vacation without my husband hurting himself in some way.........oh, well.

 

Rob did not do my tatoo, Jason did. But after two years of hearing about how wonderful this place is and seeing the super artistic work-I fully recommend. All artists are great and the place is super clean.

 

When do you go on your cruise????

 

brettgirl

[youngestof9]

Rob's a super guy - always has been an amazing artist.

 

Going on 10/2 Gem to Bermuda for our 15th wedding anniversary. Leaving the kiddos home this time. can't wait!

[brettgirl]

It will be wonderful........you will have an awesome anniversary. Our 20th is coming in february, but alas we have a new college student and no help for us middle class people!!!!

 

brettgirl

[dongordon]

Thanks for the review...I am going for our 40th Anniversary on September 18th!

Hoping we have good weather.

 

Does it pay to take a taxi to the beaches.....I heard the lines and the time on the bus is lengthy.

 

Don