Fabulous and Fun One Night CTN on Gem 11/15/13

[mizLORInj]

Nice day to be in NYC.

We arrived at the port late morning and I was surprised so many passengers from the prior cruise were still coming out. After the short security line, one friend paid her corkage charge of $15 at the table just beyond security. Quick check-in with minimal lines. Note for a CTN we use our driver's license as photo ID. Nothing else is needed. As a result of the late passengers from the prior cruise, our boarding this beautiful vessel began at noon.

Had some lunch and then shortly after 1pm we all dropped our bag(s) in our cabins. Had a cocktail or two here or there. The bar at The Great Outdoors was not open even though it was a beautiful and mild fall day. The area was busy with people eating. The buffet had many offerings and I got an ice cream cone as we passed through.

Hot tubs were open and people were taking advantage of this feature.

Note that all aboard was 3:30. Our friends did see someone whose travel companion was not allowed to board since she showed up too late.

 

Muster drill was quick and efficient at 3:30 and we were under way shortly after 4. Enjoyed sailaway from our aft balcony with some friends. The sun was setting and it was a lovely view as we headed out of NY harbor.

We all had dinner in the Grand Pacific and enjoyed surf and turf. Though most of our turfs were overdone, the lobster tail was delicious. This is a very lovely dining room.

Get Down Tonight was at 7 though we didn't get to it (have seen it before so it didn't matter much to us). The comedian Jeffrey Harms was on at 9 in the Stardust. He was good though the show lasted longer than I thought it would. Would be nice if people could arrive on time so entire rows did not have to stand up to let latecomers by to get seats.

Headed up to the Spinnaker Lounge for the raunchiest Second City show I'd ever seen. Stuck around for the White Hot Party.

Friends hit the casino for a few hours :eek: and enjoyed themselves. There was also some food in part of the buffet at this point.

Arrived back at the dock by 7am and by 7:30 the ship was starting to let people off. NEW: This was the first time in many CTNs, including this year, that we had to fill out a customs card. I guess they were just checking what you were bringing off the ship. You did not need to show a passport. It was funny to write on the customs card for the "countries visited": NONE.

A fun cruise and NCL has 6 more 1 nighters through May 2014, and I'll probably be on at least one more of them. Especially with the price drops this one had. Definitely a fun way to spend part of Friday and Friday night. :D

Edited November 17, 2013 by mizlorinj

[Sauer-kraut]

Nice day to be in NYC.

Get Down Tonight was at 7 though we didn't get to it (have seen it before so it didn't matter much to us). The comedian Jeffrey Harms was on at 9 in the Stardust. He was good though the show lasted longer than I thought it would. Would be nice if people could arrive on time so entire rows did not have to stand up to let latecomers by to get seats.

 

It would be nice if people would fill to the center so late comers wouldn't have to climb over people to get to empty seats. :D

Edited November 17, 2013 by Sauer-kraut

[DMH15]

It would be nice if people would fill to the center so late comers wouldn't have to climb over people to get to empty seats. :D

 

I make a point to arrive early to choose the seat I want. Which is an aisle. This isn't the military. It is a vacation.

 

And I always step out into the aisle to make it easier for others.

 

 

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[pcreek]

LOL Fight nice, kiddies! :D

[computerworks]

We were on that cruise as well... a fun night.

 

We also missed the 7pm show, while having a early, long and delightful dinner with some friends... but did make the 9pm.

 

I was surprised to see the Blue Lagoon closed for the evening hours, with a sign that said: "Late Night Snacks at the Garden Cafe"

 

A v-e-r-y smart idea, with most 1 nighters being rookies and thinking that there is a "midnight buffet." Imagine 800 people trying to get wings at the Blue Lagoon at 1 am?

 

They had burgers hot dogs, wings, salads, pasta and desserts in the Garden Cafe into the wee hours. I ate there after 1 am. :o

 

I will post the Freestyle Daily later on for the folks that are taking the subsequent cruises thru the winter.

[spidybabe]

Thanks would love to see the dallies

Safe sailing

 

 

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[carol54]

We were on that cruise as well... a fun night.

 

We also missed the 7pm show, while having a early, long and delightful dinner with some friends... but did make the 9pm.

 

I was surprised to see the Blue Lagoon closed for the evening hours, with a sign that said: "Late Night Snacks at the Garden Cafe"

 

A v-e-r-y smart idea, with most 1 nighters being rookies and thinking that there is a "midnight buffet." Imagine 800 people trying to get wings at the Blue Lagoon at 1 am?

 

They had burgers hot dogs, wings, salads, pasta and desserts in the Garden Cafe into the wee hours. I ate there after 1 am. :o

 

I will post the Freestyle Daily later on for the folks that are taking the subsequent cruises thru the winter.

 

Would love to see it too! Hoping to do a CTN next Spring with some wonderful ladies!

[bradpole]

Hello everyone!

 

I just posted a copy of the freestyle daily on my website for those interested.

http://polerez.com/cruisephotos/pdfs/NCL%20Gem%20freestyle%20daily.pdf

 

This was the first CTN, and shortest cruise, we've ever done. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner in Cagney's. If I get a chance I plan to post a full review later.