NCL Gem 9/11-18...the story, the silly and the sublime...long review of a solo cruise

[Fawn524]

Background

 

I have been on over 20 cruises…mostly DCL with a stop along the way to try RCCL and Carnival. This is my second NCL…I was on the Jade out of Venice in May. This is my first solo cruise, and I had planned it for right after my girls left for college…always a depressing time for me. It was a good plan, and one I intend to repeat! I choose the Gem because it was out of NYC, which meant no flying. I was in Cabin 10004 at the front of the ship. Our itinerary was to Bermuda, but due to storms we ended up in Port Canaveral, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay….bummer! We did get a port credit back due to the change.

 

[Fawn524]

Embarkation

 

This morning I was up at 5:30am. I popped right out of bed, regardless of the fact I hadn’t slept well…just too excited about my first solo cruise! My car showed up promptly at 7am, and after a last hug and promise of a swift return to my dogs, my “butterflies” and I were on my way!

 

We had planned for 3 hours for a normal 2.5 hour drive. Being 9/11 and with four ships in port that day, it seemed the safest bet! There was an obvious presence of police everywhere from the time we went thru the Holland Tunnel until we pulled up to port…however, no traffic! We pulled up at 9:20, and I was afraid they wouldn’t even be open for me yet! However, no fears…deposited my bags with the porters, headed upstairs and waited for security lines to open about 10:30. Sat in waiting area until 11ish, at which time I checked on NCL on my Droid and learned we weren’t going to Bermuda! Disappointed, but knowing that cruising during Hurricane season is a hit or miss with ports, I would have been happy to have been at sea for 7 days. I was checked in thru the priority line and in the waiting lounge for suites by 11:30. I heard that as the morning went on, embarkation became somewhat of a nightmare with 4 ships leaving port on the same day…too many lines, too much confusion, not enough help.

 

Around 11:45, they put us in groups with a butler to lead each one. He took us to our floor, let us off the elevator and pointed the direction. No guidance to head to Cagney’s after dropping off my bags, noone to show me around my room and how everything worked…very disappointed after my wonderful experience on the Jade last summer.

 

So after dropping off my stuff, I headed up to Cagney’s to enjoy lunch. I took the stairs up 3 flights…my goal is to stay off the elevators as much as possible this week! Had the French dip…not a standard French dip and too sweet for my tastes. However, the brownie dessert made up for everything! Met another solo traveler, Lana, at lunch. She has done this before, and was very reassuring I’d have a good time.

 

Spent the afternoon unpacking, going to the safety drill, buying a Spa Pass for the week and wandering the ship. At 4pm, I headed up to Deck 14 for the Haven sail away party…free champagne! There I met up with a few people from the CC boards. Cherie and Daniel invited a group of us to their cabin on Deck 15 for sailaway! What a perfect location to sail under the GW Bridge…and how nice of them to share their space. As we sailed past the Statue of Liberty, I felt honored to be in NYC on this anniversary of 9/11 and slightly awed by the Lady herself! I will always remember sailing past the USS New York, a ship made with steel from the World Trade Center towers!

 

I finally met up with my butler. I requested the menus for the week from the main restaurants and was told he would bring them everyday since they changed. I requested dinner in my room, and was told he was very busy delivery 4 dinners already. Ooookay…so get some help? Finally, he agreed he could find some time to delivery around 8:30 or 8:45. When I showed up at 8:35, I got a little bit of “well, I was here on time, where we you” attitude. I never received another menu during the week from the main dining rooms…no biggie since I tried all the other options. However, after having Jose as my butler on the Jade last summer, it was clear that this cruise was going to be a far difference experience!

 

There was a solo M&G at 8:30 which I didn’t attend since that seemed to be the only time I could get dinner delivered. I headed down to the Stardust Theater at 6:30 for a 9/11 commemoration. They sang the National Anthem, a gentleman told us his story of that day, and then they sang God Bless the USA. By the end, we were all standing and there were very few dry eyes in the house….short, but lovely. Went by the store to check out the free liquor tasting, but it was a madhouse. After a glass of wine at the Champagne bar, where I really enjoyed Leo and his guitar, I was back at the Stardust where Ana Maria, my concierge, showed me to the reserved seating. A little singing and dancing, an introduction from Sinan and some comedy with Jeff Harms. Enjoyed it all except Jeff…he seemed to be a little off tonight, but I had hopes he’d improve as the week went on since he got some good reviews. After dinner, I explored the shops and bought a few items for the M&G raffle tomorrow. After a quick stop for a glass of wine at Shakers I headed to bed. All in all, a pretty good start to my first solo cruise!

[Fawn524]

Day 1

Started my day with breakfast at Cagneys…absolutely one of the nicest suite perks, imho. A little early for the stairs, but I stuck to the plan! Headed to the M&G at 11am at Le Bistro. It was fun to put faces to names! We had a pretty good showing…about 40-45 people. I handed in my money for the Slot Pull immediately following the M&G. The Officers and the Captain were there to introduce themselves and assure us that they were reachable for any problems we may incur. Very friendly group. The Captain explained his decision to change our ports, and it was clear it was a very difficult decision to make.

 

After a bit of chit chat, we were off to the Casino for the Slot Pull…my first experience with gambling. Took about an hour, my $15 investment went down, but I left with $7...worth the fun of sharing with new friends.

 

At 1:30, I headed to the Latitudes Party at Spinnaker. Free wine, some little appetizers, and they raffled off a few gifts! Officers were once again introduced to the crowd. I’m very impressed with how accessible Officers are onboard NCL…it really gives the ship a friendlier feel all around. I stuck to one glass of wine since we had the Martini Tasting at 4pm. After a short stop at the shops again to buy some goodies for my daughters…and a new watch for myself at Cherie’s insistence…we headed up to the Star Bar. After many tastings on many ships, this was my least favorite. It was disorganized and I was disappointed in the types of martinis offered. They did ask who wanted gin or vodka martinis…everyone voted for vodka. They then proceeded to serve us gin? Even Cherie, a martini drinker, said the drinks were made too strong to be enjoyable. Anyway, it worked well for my neighbors since I was giving out my drinks. The last one was a chocolate martini…I finally found my nitch! Yummy!! J

 

After a short nap and shower, I had the VIP party at the Haven. Once again, I get to meet the Officers. Got some pictures and had some great conversations with them. Again, so friendly! After a couple of glasses of wine to fortify myself, I went to the Mexican restaurant for dinner…no reservation, just walked right in. I had my Kindle with me, and I surprised myself by feeling fairly comfortable…wine or martinis maybe? In any case, this remains my favorite specialty restaurant…delicious food and a reasonable charge of $10.

 

At 9:30, I was once again shown to reserve seating by Ana Maria for World Beat. It was a terrific show, lots of great singing and dancing…boy, they have such energy! After that, it was the Newlywed Show in Spinnaker…funny as always!

 

As I headed to bed, I realized that I hadn’t really had any downtime so far…not at all my expectations of a solo cruise…and I fell asleep very happy with the way things were turning out!

[Fawn524]

Day 2

 

Today is Canaveral, and I made no plans to get off ship. It was nice to be able to talk and text with my girls for a day. I was thinking relaxing in the spa sounded sublime! I headed up the darn stairs to breakfast at Cagney’s…again. I love their green tea! Was invited to share a table with Marilyn and Scott and Nancy and Frantz. Cherie and Daniel joined us before too long. Everyone is having a great time so far, it seems…regardless of missing Bermuda.

 

After breakfast, we decided to go view each other’s cabins. At Marilyn’s, Mimosa’s seemed like a great idea…11am is 5pm somewhere! We passed a Tiki Bar as we sailed into Port Canaveral, and made plans to go a little later. By the time we got to Cherie’s cabin, we were on straight champagne and it seemed we forgot about the Tiki Bar! Their butler was off for the day, so “Special K” took “special” care of us…bringing us more champagne and lots of little goodies to munch on! Imagine our surprise when he said we had finished their supply of whatever champagne we were drinking! Cherie, however, not one to be daunted by bad news, searched high and low throughout the ship…by the next day she had found her supplier! We took pictures of the Bermuda guide book, as close as we were going to get….but we really didn’t care by that point! were still sitting there sipping away at 3:30 that afternoon when I decided that a nap seemed like a pretty good idea.

 

When I got back to my room, I was excited to find an invitation to dine with the Captain on Thursday evening…an opportunity I’ve never had! At 7:30, I went to see The Second City comedy show. It was pretty funny, and they had the audience laughing! I ordered dinner in my room from Cagney’s tonight at 8:30. My filet was very good, my brownie delicious, the rest of the meal just ok. I feel they overprice this one, but again, jmho.

 

After dinner, I met up with new friends for the Dancing with the Gem Stars in Spinnaker. Really enjoy this show! After that, we headed to Bliss for some dancing…the place was hopping! Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your hubby with me on the dance floor…Frantz, you wore me out! LOL

 

Made it back to the room, enjoyed some time on my balcony and called it a night. I realized that I hadn’t even read three chapters of my book yet…and I usually read 5 books a week. Solo cruising is not turning out to be the quiet time I’d imagined…and definitely NOT lonely! J

[Fawn524]

Day 3

Today is Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island. I had not been able to reserve a clam shell, and wasn’t sure I was going to get off the ship…I don’t do well without shade! After some breakfast at Cagney’s…yes, there is a disturbing pattern here… where I was again asked to share a table with new friends, I wandered back to my room. Those stairs are starting to tick me off a little, but I’m hanging in there. I tossed around the idea of the spa, but decided to at least get off the ship and walk around for a bit beforehand.

 

I had priority tenders, and we met up with Ana Maria in the Star Bar. She whisked us down to the boat and after a hot time waiting for them to load everyone we were finally off. It’s a short ride, a bit choppy, but not so bad. Everyone was wandering around confused about where to go. This is where DCL does it so much better with their map of the island! Even the workers didn’t seem sure about what was where?

 

In any case, I was able to find a clam shell to rent…there were plenty and not sure why they said they were sold out on the ship? Fair warning…it is hot in there! I did pick up the back like someone had mentioned, but it was stifling. There were some with mesh backs, and I wish I’d known to get one of those…much better. After a beer, which was warm, I went for a nice swim. The water was warm and mellow, and I stayed out for a half hour or so. I was near the slide, and had fun watching people go down for a bit. It was too hot, and I decided to head back to the ship for a late lunch. They made us sit in the tender boat until it was full…maybe 25 minutes…and it was hot! More choppy going back then it had been in the morning, but again not too bad. Overall, I was not impressed with this stop, but again, I’m comparing to Castaway Cay which is phenomenal. They need a lot of work to upgrade, imho.

 

After a shower, I headed up to the Garden Café and grabbed a plate. Ended up eating a couple pretzel rolls, a slice of roast beef and some ice cream. Buffet was clean, had lots of offerings and there was plenty of seating. I then had a Bahama Mama out by the bar overlooking the pool…a family cruise tradition! I headed up to the Spa for a couple hours. Boy, is that place heaven! I love the therapy pool and those heated loungers. Spent a little time in the wet and dry sauna, also…so relaxing! Didn’t make it back to my room till about 8!

 

I was exhausted, so I skipped the shows tonight. I met the gang up at Cherie’s for awhile to watch the Pool Deck party and drink yet more champagne! Afterwards, I had a light, late dinner in the room from the Blue Lagoon and fell asleep out on my balcony for a couple hours until it rained on me. Tomorrow is Nassau!

[Fawn524]

Day 4

 

Breakfast at Cagneys…again! Today I learned that you can order the French toast and have the Filet on the side! Good thing I’m still doing those freaking stairs everywhere! I am trying to stick with only 2 of those beautiful little chocolate croissants every morning, but it’s hard! Our little group made plans to meet and go into Nassau around noon…a little shopping and then Senor Frog’s!

 

Hot day…and we were all tired from the hot day before! But we wandered down the main street…I spent most of my time trying to drag Cherie out of jewelry stores! J Del Sol for a couple tee’s and hair accessories for my girls. We went into a place that had lots of pirate statues and proceeded to take many pictures…some appropriate, some not so much. And we hadn’t had any drinks yet!

 

By the time we made it to Senor Frog’s, we were all in a silly mood. Found some seats, ordered some drinks and before long we were on the dance floor…on the stools…on the walls…on the swings…you get the picture! It’s all fun and games till someone winds up on Facebook! :cool: Our waiter, William, was phenomenal and honest enough to give us back change when we accidentally gave him a 50 instead of a 20! We told the manager, who was very pleased and gave us some free guacamole and chips! All aboard was 5:30, so around 4:30 we figured we’d better head back. Cherie and I lost the group as we stopped to buy some T’s in their store. After explaining several times how we didn’t need a cab for two blocks, I finally got us back to the ship in time.

 

Tonight is dinner at the Captain’s Table! At this point, I’m tired and badly in need of a nap, but no time! I got myself ready and down to Bliss by 7. I was late so took the elevator instead of the stairs…that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! A glass of champagne while we met our table mates, and then off to Grand Pacific for dinner. We had Captain Gustavsen at our table, who introduced himself as Roger…again, these Officers just make you feel so comfortable and at ease! My tablemate for the evening was the Chief Engineer, Anders…such a lovely gentleman, and I enjoyed learning all about his home and life in Norway. I was delighted to be included in this dinner, it was a very nice surprise!

 

Tonight’s show is Man from Mars…I really liked this one! Afterwards, I headed up to Spinnaker’s for the Liar’s Club Comedy show. Funny funny!! Then I wandered around a bit before heading back to the room. It was around midnight, and ordering some food seemed like a good idea. I asked my butler for pizza, and a half hour later a whole pizza showed up!! I only ate one slice…a waste, but it was actually pretty good pizza. I read

[Fawn524]

Day 5

Today is a Sea Day, and once more we all met up at Cagney‘s (g*dda*n stairs) where once again the chocolate croissants were whispering across the room to me. We had a tour of the bridge at 11am, which was great! They let us walk around and take pictures of everything….we even got pics with the Captain, and he let us wear his hat! I got a chance to see the Gem’s good luck mermaid!

 

Afterwards, we had our cabin crawl…quite a good crowd for this! Our last cabin was Cherie and Daniels, 15000, and she had arranged a little wine and cheese party for us. Her butler did a fantastic job with the treats, and everyone stayed around for over an hour. We missed Cagneys so headed to the Great Outdoors for some lunch. Not much to offer, but enough to fill you up…the location more than makes up for it!

 

I went back to read for awhile and take a nap. Tonight we are going to Teppanyaki for dinner, and then the White Hot Party! The chocolate buffet was 7-10, and due to our scheduling I never made it. Went to the show at 7:30 with Nancy and Frantz…tonight is Get Down Together. It was a great show…they really put out the energy, and I loved the songs! Dinner was 8:30. I love hibachi restaurants, but this one wasn’t as good as it could be. I think we had a new chef, and he had trouble getting things done. By the time he served my chicken, half of the table had already finished eating. Still fun to be with friends, so all is good!

 

We headed up to get seats at the White Hot Party…this is one of my favorite parties! This party is so much fun, they really get everyone up and dancing. The head bartender, Antonio, had been so nice to us all week, going out of his way to make sure we were well cared for. Tonight he made sure I left with two of the light up glasses for my daughters!

Unfortunately, one of our group got ill that night and had to leave early. :(

 

We headed down to the casino after that, Marilyn determined to teach me all about the “sins of gambling”! LOL She introduced me to three card poker…an easy game to learn and play, not much thought process needed, good for chit chatting and having a relaxing time with friends. I walked out a bit richer than I went in, so that was fun! Not something I’d go do by myself, but really enjoyed it with friends. Finally made it back to my room around 3am!!

[Fawn524]

Day 6

Our last day at sea…tomorrow back to reality! L Woke up and had to do a reality check on whether I was still a little tipsy…nope, just big waves! LOL Breakfast at Cagneys…I’m really gonna miss this place!! By now my relationship with the stairs is becoming hostile…we’re still talking but we don’t look each other in the eye anymore! Three chocolate croissants today…bad me! Nancy and Frantz were there, but Nancy was still feeling poorly this morning so they headed back to their room. Afterwards, I took her down some green apple our waitress gave me…it seemed to help her a bit.

 

It was raining for our last day, and the seas were definitely rocking! The outside activities were cancelled, and most of the decks were roped off for no access due to the wind. I didn’t feel they really made it up in other activities today. I wandered around the ship, but there wasn’t much to do other than grump at the stairs. I spent a delightful hour at the spa, but it was pretty crowded. I spent some time packing, and then went to see the Crew Show at 3 which was short but fun. The hypnotist did a show at 3:45, and I actually thought she was very good. I had a chocolate martini in the martini bar…yup, definitely found my “martini nitch”…and watched a Trivia game. Spent some time on my balcony enjoying the waves and solitude.

 

I ordered dinner in the room tonight from La Cucina. I love Italian food, and I really want to like this place. I had gone on the Jade in May, and wasn’t overly impressed with the food (although the service was wonderful). But alas, it wasn’t to be. It was honestly the worst meal I’d had all week. Different parts of it were tasteless, overcooked or mushy. However, the chocolate cake for dessert…wow! Since I’m a chocolate girl, this made it all ok in the end for me.

 

Farewell Variety show…very good and ended with “Fountains”, the crew show. Do not miss this…hysterical! Went to the Perfect Couple show in Spinnaker, pretty funny…and then stayed for a bit of the Beatles Tribute. This was not the best music for the band, Next Stage, imo…the rest of the week they impressed the heck out of me!

 

I ran down to put my luggage in the hall and headed back to Spinnaker for the Quest Game! Now, I’ve heard about this, and seen the DCL version on the Magic. But I wasn’t prepared for what I saw…and we saw a lot! Men were stripping everywhere, and all shame went out the door! The worst was the woman who took it all off! I am boggled by what people will do to win a keychain! :rolleyes: I did not play, and I’m glad I didn’t…but I’m very glad I watched the show…GREAT laughs!

 

After that I wandered a bit before heading back to my room. Couldn’t fall asleep for some reason, but I have a driver taking me home tomorrow so not too worried.

[family cruisers]

Loving your review and pictures !

[Fawn524]

Disembarkation

Was at Cagneys by 8 for breakfast. After sticking out my tongue at the stairs for the last time, I met up with Cherie and Daniel...the rest of our group had headed off the ship early. Filled out lots of STYLE cards as we ate, and headed to Stardust to meet Ana Maria for a 9:30 escorted walk off. Tipped my butler, room steward and Ana Maria. Picked up my luggage and was waiting at the curb for my driver by 9:45. He was a bit late, but by 10:15 we were on the road.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Thinking about a solo cruise? DO IT! I am hooked…what a wonderful time! You do have to be willing to put yourself out there (unless you want to be alone, of course). I’m can be a party girl when I’m comfortable, but it does take a lot of energy for me to get the ball rolling…I’m SO glad I pushed myself that first day! Of course, lucking out with a great group right from the start that was willing to share their time with me was what made the whole cruise! Definitely sign up for your roll call, do the M&G and join in with everything they do…it was a great way to force me into the swim at first.

 

I really liked the Gem. I had been on the Jade, so the setup was easy for me to learn. I felt that the Officers on the Gem were even more friendly that the Jade, and that’s saying a lot. The crew were wonderful at every turn. My only disappointment was in my butler…but I had Jose on the Jade, and he was SO INCREDIBLE that it would be hard to match. He did get better as the week went on, but never quite reached the level that made me miss him when I left. My room steward more than made up for it…Pablo rocked! Head Bartender, Antonio, was out of this world…seemed to be there at every turn with a smile and an offer to make my cruise better if he could! “Special K” is as good as everyone says he is…what a sweetie!

 

Everyone complains about food. OK, I wasn’t impressed in some places, and in others was very pleased. But never, ever, was there an occasion I couldn’t get my fill of something that satisfied me. I mean really, people, with so many choices you can’t miss! My favorite food was Mexican, my least fav was Italian, biggest pleasant surprise was pizza from room service. Best dessert was brownie from Cagneys! Best drink was the chocolate martini! Guiltiest pleasure was the chocolate croissants at breakfast!

 

While I enjoyed my cabin immensely, I much prefer to be on the Haven deck if you’re in a suite. The scale in the bathroom that goes up and down and never finds a weight to settle at due to a rocking ship was fun to play with! FYI, I was told on the boards that my cabin could not have lights on the balcony at night because it is right under the bridge. Partially true! You can have lights on the side balcony, just not the front balcony. Since I like to read outside, this was good news to me! Oh, and if you get this cabin, there is zero privacy on the balconies…so, if you like to share any “special” moments under the stars, you’ll be sharing them with all the Officers on the bridge!

 

I felt the spa pass was a good buy, even though I only found the time to go twice. FYI, you can use the showers and changing rooms if you go to the gym, and there is a wet and dry sauna in there and two whirlpool tubs to use for free!

 

Once again, I missed having Tapas at the bar! L Glad I went to most of the main shows…surprised to see a lot of people never did. Go early to night shows at Spinnakers if you want seats…Spinnaker shows are shown on TV later that night if you miss them. Next Stage, the band, was a definite notch above most bands on the high seas! Sinan is a fantastic Cruise Director…very high energy and funny! Wish I’d made it to the Pub Crawl…next time!

 

Thank you to Linda for arranging our M&G. Anders, than you for being a wonderful dining companion. Cherie and Daniel, thank you for sharing your cabin, your beautiful balcony and the buckets of champagne! Marilyn and Scott, thank you for sharing your vacation and your knowledge of gambling with a newbie! Nancy and Frantz, thank you so much for sharing your time with me…and especially Nancy for sharing Frantz with me on the dance floor! To the Captain and Crew, thank you for all you do…the Gem has a great personality due to you all!!

 

Thanks for reading my review! Any questions, ask and I shall attempt to answer. Well, except for Nassau, because What Happens in Senor Frogs Stays in Senor Frogs…until, of course, it’s on Facebook! J

　

[www3traveler]

Disembarkation

Was at Cagneys by 8 for breakfast. After sticking out my tongue at the stairs for the last time, I met up with Cherie and Daniel...the rest of our group had headed off the ship early. Filled out lots of STYLE cards as we ate, and headed to Stardust to meet Ana Maria for a 9:30 escorted walk off. Tipped my butler, room steward and Ana Maria. Picked up my luggage and was waiting at the curb for my driver by 9:45. He was a bit late, but by 10:15 we were on the road.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Thinking about a solo cruise? DO IT! I am hooked…what a wonderful time! You do have to be willing to put yourself out there (unless you want to be alone, of course). I’m can be a party girl when I’m comfortable, but it does take a lot of energy for me to get the ball rolling…I’m SO glad I pushed myself that first day! Of course, lucking out with a great group right from the start that was willing to share their time with me was what made the whole cruise! Definitely sign up for your roll call, do the M&G and join in with everything they do…it was a great way to force me into the swim at first.

 

I really liked the Gem. I had been on the Jade, so the setup was easy for me to learn. I felt that the Officers on the Gem were even more friendly that the Jade, and that’s saying a lot. The crew were wonderful at every turn. My only disappointment was in my butler…but I had Jose on the Jade, and he was SO INCREDIBLE that it would be hard to match. He did get better as the week went on, but never quite reached the level that made me miss him when I left. My room steward more than made up for it…Pablo rocked! Head Bartender, Antonio, was out of this world…seemed to be there at every turn with a smile and an offer to make my cruise better if he could! “Special K” is as good as everyone says he is…what a sweetie!

 

Everyone complains about food. OK, I wasn’t impressed in some places, and in others was very pleased. But never, ever, was there an occasion I couldn’t get my fill of something that satisfied me. I mean really, people, with so many choices you can’t miss! My favorite food was Mexican, my least fav was Italian, biggest pleasant surprise was pizza from room service. Best dessert was brownie from Cagneys! Best drink was the chocolate martini! Guiltiest pleasure was the chocolate croissants at breakfast!

 

While I enjoyed my cabin immensely, I much prefer to be on the Haven deck if you’re in a suite. The scale in the bathroom that goes up and down and never finds a weight to settle at due to a rocking ship was fun to play with! FYI, I was told on the boards that my cabin could not have lights on the balcony at night because it is right under the bridge. Partially true! You can have lights on the side balcony, just not the front balcony. Since I like to read outside, this was good news to me! Oh, and if you get this cabin, there is zero privacy on the balconies…so, if you like to share any “special” moments under the stars, you’ll be sharing them with all the Officers on the bridge!

 

I felt the spa pass was a good buy, even though I only found the time to go twice. FYI, you can use the showers and changing rooms if you go to the gym, and there is a wet and dry sauna in there and two whirlpool tubs to use for free!

 

Once again, I missed having Tapas at the bar! L Glad I went to most of the main shows…surprised to see a lot of people never did. Go early to night shows at Spinnakers if you want seats…Spinnaker shows are shown on TV later that night if you miss them. Next Stage, the band, was a definite notch above most bands on the high seas! Sinan is a fantastic Cruise Director…very high energy and funny! Wish I’d made it to the Pub Crawl…next time!

 

Thank you to Linda for arranging our M&G. Anders, than you for being a wonderful dining companion. Cherie and Daniel, thank you for sharing your cabin, your beautiful balcony and the buckets of champagne! Marilyn and Scott, thank you for sharing your vacation and your knowledge of gambling with a newbie! Nancy and Frantz, thank you so much for sharing your time with me…and especially Nancy for sharing Frantz with me on the dance floor! To the Captain and Crew, thank you for all you do…the Gem has a great personality due to you all!!

 

Thanks for reading my review! Any questions, ask and I shall attempt to answer. Well, except for Nassau, because What Happens in Senor Frogs Stays in Senor Frogs…until, of course, it’s on Facebook! J

　

Glad you had a great time. I was on The Gem in February for the Super Bowl, not sure I would that again. I loved The Gem and her staff, just not Super Bowl Sunday. I always travel solo. I will be boarding The Pearl in 10 days for the Panama cruise. Do you remember what the name of your Staff Captain was?

[Fawn524]

I'd love to do the Panama Crossing...how long is it?

 

Would they be known under another title besides Staff Captain? I have my directory, but no Staff Captain listed?

[miss-riss]

It sounds like you had a wonderful time on your solo cruise. I have always cruised with family or friends, and the thought of solo cruising made my very apprehensive. But, after reading your review, I think I will try it. Sometimes going it alone is really a great down time.

 

Thanks for your review!

[Fawn524]

It sounds like you had a wonderful time on your solo cruise. I have always cruised with family or friends, and the thought of solo cruising made my very apprehensive. But, after reading your review, I think I will try it. Sometimes going it alone is really a great down time.

 

Thanks for your review!

 

Thank you...and definitely try it! It was people on this board who gave me the courage and made me feel better about my decision! I can't wait to solo again...let us know what you decide! :)

[www3traveler]

I'd love to do the Panama Crossing...how long is it?

 

Would they be known under another title besides Staff Captain? I have my directory, but no Staff Captain listed?

From LA to Miami is 14 days, if you had the West Coast Cruise from Vancouver B.C., it is another five days then add two for air travel. I believe The Jewel is leaving NYC next April and going through the Canal to LA and then up the coast. Staff Captain is 2nd in Command of the ship. When I was on in February, Vanja Litovic was the Staff Captain. He is very tall and from Northern Croatia. Really nice man as was your Captain. Mandy

[bjinouno]

This has to be one of the best short books I have ever read.... amazing vacation I was just on. I had a blast, I'm so full, I don't like those stairs either! and most of all I love cruising single... look at all the wonderful friends you made, and you didn't have to wait for anyone else to be ready or done.... Thank you so much for shareing with us!

Will be on the Gem this Sunday, Only in a Aft Penthouse couldn't afford the Haven, but there is no going backwards now. This is our first Penthouse So any advice you can give a newbie, it will be well taken..

[flat3d]

One of the best , detailed reviews, I have read and enjoyed.

mark

[crew mom]

Great review - Thanks for sharing. I've done the solo thing also and it can be lots of fun!

[sammax]

thanks for amazing review....am going on the gem shortly and am so looking forward.....so glad you had a good time!:)

[youngestof9]

Loved your review. I have to say, the progression of your hatred for the stairs had me cracking up. But I'm not sure of one thing. Do you like chocolate? LOL!

 

Sounds like you had a great time - awesome to put yourself out there and have a great group of people to make it even better.

 

Looking forward to the Gem in (OMG) 12 days. I'll be looking for that head bartender!!

 

Awesome review - thanks for sharing!

[Fawn524]

From LA to Miami is 14 days, if you had the West Coast Cruise from Vancouver B.C., it is another five days then add two for air travel. I believe The Jewel is leaving NYC next April and going through the Canal to LA and then up the coast. Staff Captain is 2nd in Command of the ship. When I was on in February, Vanja Litovic was the Staff Captain. He is very tall and from Northern Croatia. Really nice man as was your Captain. Mandy

 

14 days on ship...sounds lovely! I may have to look at that April cruise...although I already have one in January and March! :D I'm not sure who the Staff Captain was for my cruise, sorry...

 

This has to be one of the best short books I have ever read.... amazing vacation I was just on. I had a blast, I'm so full, I don't like those stairs either! and most of all I love cruising single... look at all the wonderful friends you made, and you didn't have to wait for anyone else to be ready or done.... Thank you so much for shareing with us!

Will be on the Gem this Sunday, Only in a Aft Penthouse couldn't afford the Haven, but there is no going backwards now. This is our first Penthouse So any advice you can give a newbie, it will be well taken..

 

Thank you so much! It really was a great cruise! Advice...go to all the shows at the main theater and Spinnakers. Eat at the Mexican place at the beginning of the cruise, you'll want to go back...have some tapas for me! Try to ignore the stairs...they get nasty as the week goes on. :D Have a blast!

 

Loved your review. I have to say, the progression of your hatred for the stairs had me cracking up. But I'm not sure of one thing. Do you like chocolate? LOL!

 

Sounds like you had a great time - awesome to put yourself out there and have a great group of people to make it even better.

 

Looking forward to the Gem in (OMG) 12 days. I'll be looking for that head bartender!!

 

Awesome review - thanks for sharing!

 

Let me think...yup...LOVE chocolate!! :D Definitely look for Antonio...tell him I said Hi! Have a great cruise!

[Nalagh]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your review!

[emcelh]

This has to be one of the best short books I have ever read.... amazing vacation I was just on. I had a blast, I'm so full, I don't like those stairs either! and most of all I love cruising single... look at all the wonderful friends you made, and you didn't have to wait for anyone else to be ready or done.... Thank you so much for shareing with us!

Will be on the Gem this Sunday, Only in a Aft Penthouse couldn't afford the Haven, but there is no going backwards now. This is our first Penthouse So any advice you can give a newbie, it will be well taken..

 

Just had an aft penthouse on the Jewel. The cushions on the balcony furniture got a bit wet during the night. We had some rain and they also hose down the Great Outdoors, which is above you, early in the morning. We just pulled the furniture back away from the railing at night and put the cushions over the back of the chairs. Problem solved. Enjoy the Penthouse. The views are amazing and the sound of the wake is like a waterfall. Very relaxing.

[ecooper05]

Joanna...great review!

I felt like I was almost there with you...oh that's right ... I was! The stories were great and having the pics along with your review were terrific. Wish we spent more time with you guys.....looks like you had a wild ride! But I did see the happenings at Senior Frogs ... :eek:

It was great meeting you and everyone else....

Liz

[Handsome58]

Job well done!!!!!!