megb123 Posted May 4, 2014 Author #26 Share Posted May 4, 2014 We walked through the little shops on the pier and then paid the money to walk to the end (yes you have to pay but I think it was only a dollar so we did it. At the end of the pier there is a Tiki bar and we enjoyed this a lot!! We could sit down relax and watch the surfers which was really neat! There was a Pelican just chilling on the pier and even let us close enough for a picture.!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megb123 Posted May 4, 2014 Author #27 Share Posted May 4, 2014 Now the treck back to the place we got the Taxi…it was quite a hike in very very warm weather, but once again we made it!!! We boarded the ship early, went in and showered and then went to dinner. A Carnival Ship pulling out Tonight we went to the Italian Place where we had to pay I think $15 but it was WAY worth it. It was my favorite meal of the whole trip!!!! I got Tomato and Mozz for an appetizer, and the ex got Minestrone soup. We both really enjoyed it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megb123 Posted May 4, 2014 Author #28 Share Posted May 4, 2014 They also bring out bread with different infused oils for you to try. My favorite was the Roasted Garlic!!!! We went through like 4 Loaves of bread!!! We both got the Chicken Parm and it was amaxing!!! For Dessert I got chocolate cake and he got tiramisu. Our waiter here was amazing, we spoke to him almsost the whole dinner! Then time for the club and then bed!!!! I keep forgetting to mention the hours a day that we spent in the spa which were amazing!!! When we woke up, we went to the spa, when we got back from port…we went to the spa, and almost every night after dinner before the club we went to the spa…it was the most relaxing part of the whole trip!!! I have many pictures I will share later in the review! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megb123 Posted May 4, 2014 Author #29 Share Posted May 4, 2014 When we got back to our room we found our little lobster friend waiting for us! When we went out on our balcony tonight we saw the boat that was guiding us out of port. It was pretty cool to see how they just ride along side of us. I don’t know how true this is, but we were told that someone gets on board, steers the ship out of port and then this little boat pulls up next to us, the man who was steering the boat then hands it over to the Captain and then jumps onto the little boat…well we got to watch this all happen from our balcony! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megb123 Posted May 4, 2014 Author #30 Share Posted May 4, 2014 The next morning when we woke up we were just dropping ancor in GSC. Since this is a tender port I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. We had our same routine (coffee on balcony, then to buffet,, then spa, and by the time we were done it was time to board the tenders) This was a little frustrating but not as bad as I expected. We all pretty much formed a line and just walked out onto the tender (the whole thing probably took 30 mins. The tender ride was quick and we enjoyed the view of our ship just sittin out at sea!! Tender Boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megb123 Posted May 4, 2014 Author #31 Share Posted May 4, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megb123 Posted May 4, 2014 Author #32 Share Posted May 4, 2014 Great Stirrup Cay: Ok, so today it was HOT!!!! We got off the tender and walked around a bit. We grabbed some chairs and layed down for a few. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare www3traveler Posted May 4, 2014 #33 Share Posted May 4, 2014 When we got back to our room we found our little lobster friend waiting for us! When we went out on our balcony tonight we saw the boat that was guiding us out of port. It was pretty cool to see how they just ride along side of us. I don’t know how true this is, but we were told that someone gets on board, steers the ship out of port and then this little boat pulls up next to us, the man who was steering the boat then hands it over to the Captain and then jumps onto the little boat…well we got to watch this all happen from our balcony! What you are showing is the Harbor Pilot boat. A local Harbor Pilot comes aboard to ADVISE the ship's Captain as do local waters currents water depth, hazards,etc. AT NO TIME DOES HE TAKE COMMAND OF THE SHIP. They come aboard as enter a local harbor and ride or they come aboard and ride ten or so out then board another ship and bring it into the harbor. Mandy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megb123 Posted May 4, 2014 Author #34 Share Posted May 4, 2014 My ex hated salt water (I know who the heck goes on a cruise and doesn’t swim in the ocean) so I enjoyed the water by myself! After that we went to walk around the island. Ok well this was not possible considering it was pretty much under construction. There really wasn’t much to do at all here, so we ate at a little buffet they had set up for us, and then went back to the ship. Tendiring back was super easy because there was no line. However when we got on all of a sudden they brought a lady on a stretcher screaming in pain on the tender with us. Well come to find out she was Jetskiing, hit a wake and came down really hard and messed her back up bad. I felt so bad for this poor woman who was in such pain!!! Cabanas on GSC When we got back to the ship we went to the pool which was empty because everyone was still on the island. It was pretty nice to have the whole pool to ourselves for a change!!! Once again the ex didn’t like salt water so after the pool (which is salt water) we headed to the spa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megb123 Posted May 4, 2014 Author #35 Share Posted May 4, 2014 Ok so now I will talk more in depth about the spa. It was unbelievable. It was never ever crowded, and it was always so relaxing. They had a therapy pool which basically is a pool that has jets for every part of your body. It has jets for your calves, thighs, lower back, upper back, then one that shoots down so hard on your shoulders (feels like a massage) and one where oyou lay down on the lounger and the jets shoot up at you!! It was Amazing! They also had a hot tub in the same area. Now, they have a mens locker room, a womans locker room, and then a common area. The common area is where the therapy pool, and hot tub are. Also in the common area are these heated tile loungers that look out at the front of the ship. They are so relaxing that I fell asleep many times on them!!! Your whole body just melts!!! In the Womans Locker room there was a sauna which also looks out at the front, and a steam room which smelled like I wanna say eucalyptis (I could be wrong but it was really nice and calming) They also had personal hot tubs which were nice, and showers. There were also lockers in here for you to put your stuff. Personal Hot Tubs: Steam Bath: Womans Locker Room: Sorry i dont have any pics of the common area in the spa but there was always someone in there and i didnt want to disturb their privacy!! The only thing i would change about the spa would be there hours. i would rather open early and close much later! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpcanuck Posted May 4, 2014 #36 Share Posted May 4, 2014 (edited) In the Womans Locker room there was a sauna which also looks out at the front, and a steam room which smelled like I wanna say eucalyptis (I could be wrong but it was really nice and calming) They also had personal hot tubs which were nice, and showers. There were also lockers in here for you to put your stuff. Steam Bath: Megan - In regards to the steam room having a eucalyptis fragrance - I wondered how strong it was and whether there was a heavy fragrance through out the locker room and out into the public area, or was it mostly contained to the steam room itself. I do have issues with fragrances and can never use steam rooms that have eucalyptis or lavender as the scent. This is good info for me in terms of whether I could spend any length of time in the spa. Thanks for any info you can offer... cpcanuck Edited May 4, 2014 by cpcanuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megb123 Posted May 4, 2014 Author #37 Share Posted May 4, 2014 The door is air tight and I didn't smell the eucalyptus unless I went into the steam room, didn't really travel into the locker area at all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbnjrockette Posted May 4, 2014 #38 Share Posted May 4, 2014 Megan…. On Stirrup Cay I see rows and rows of chairs in the sun but no umbrellas! Is there any place where there is shade or where you can rent an umbrella or shell? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpcanuck Posted May 4, 2014 #39 Share Posted May 4, 2014 The door is air tight and I didn't smell the eucalyptus unless I went into the steam room, didn't really travel into the locker area at all I'm glad to hear that. I will need to check that out carefully before I commit to a week spa pass. I appreciate your fast reply! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megb123 Posted May 4, 2014 Author #40 Share Posted May 4, 2014 Yes, they will give you a tour before you purchase Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare sparks1093 Posted May 5, 2014 #41 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Thanks for the review! We'll be heading out on the Gem in 12 short days:). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sp2 Posted May 5, 2014 #42 Share Posted May 5, 2014 I am really enjoying your review Megan! It has been a number of years since we cruised on NCL and your review is bringing back some fond memories! How much do they charge for a weekly spa pass? It sounds divine! I am also curious as to whether they have umbrellas available for shade on GSC or do you need to rent a clamshell for shade? Thanks!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenrod Posted May 5, 2014 #43 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Thank you for your review. I am thoroughly enjoying your pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyto2girls Posted May 5, 2014 #44 Share Posted May 5, 2014 Thanks Megan you brought back nice memories of a great sailing.. GSC has clam shells you can rent and there is a lot more shade there now than there was a year ago. Andrea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megb123 Posted May 6, 2014 Author #45 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Thanks Megan you brought back nice memories of a great sailing.. GSC has clam shells you can rent and there is a lot more shade there now than there was a year ago. Andrea It really was a great sailing!!! I will be finishing the review hopefully tommorow been so busy!!!! I'm just about at the part where Cherie (I know I spelt that wrong) threw us an amazing party in her unbelievably amazing room!!! Had so much fun with you guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megb123 Posted May 6, 2014 Author #46 Share Posted May 6, 2014 I am really enjoying your review Megan! It has been a number of years since we cruised on NCL and your review is bringing back some fond memories! How much do they charge for a weekly spa pass? It sounds divine! I am also curious as to whether they have umbrellas available for shade on GSC or do you need to rent a clamshell for shade? Thanks!:) The spa pass was around $150 (don't quote me on that) but it was absolutely worth it!!! Like Andrea mentioned GSC has changed quite a bit so I'm not sure about shade/umbrellas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyto2girls Posted May 6, 2014 #47 Share Posted May 6, 2014 It really was a great sailing!!! I will be finishing the review hopefully tommorow been so busy!!!! I'm just about at the part where Cherie (I know I spelt that wrong) threw us an amazing party in her unbelievably amazing room!!! Had so much fun with you guys! You got it right it is Cherie, it was a great party in her Garden Villa. We sailed this past January with Mike and Amanda and we were still talking about that party..we were a fun group! We are sailing the Gem again this coming January and then again in February, I love that ship. My daughter and I had the pleasure of being upgraded to the Garden Villa last month it was quite a treat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyto2girls Posted May 6, 2014 #48 Share Posted May 6, 2014 The spa pass was around $150 (don't quote me on that) but it was absolutely worth it!!! Like Andrea mentioned GSC has changed quite a bit so I'm not sure about shade/umbrellas. No umbrellas that I saw last month but they do have small cabanas now that are really nice, and of course the clamshells. They have really extended the island a lot so there is a a lagoon side now and another food area. You can really always find shade. You,should trey try to split a Small cabana with someone it is worth every dime. Andrea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meanee Posted May 6, 2014 #49 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Speaking of Gem. In Winter, I flew over Hudson in a small plane with a GoPro attached. While video is long (and unlisted), the link below will show you an overflight. If you wait few minutes after overflight, I am making a U turn and following the Hudson back towards Statue of Liberty, flying over the ship again. Would love to hear any feedback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NachoNut Posted May 6, 2014 #50 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Just wanted to jump in and say thanks for the review and detailed pics. We're jumping on the Gem at the end of this month with the kids and it's great to see this much detailed out. Can't wait to see the rest! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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