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My Restful, Rejuvenating, Renovation of Gem Cruise 11/15/2014!

coka

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in Norwegian Cruise Line

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coka

coka

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Our friends asked what I looked forward to the most when they found out I was leaving for the Gem. My immediate answer was for Mr. Coka and I to just relax together and to spend time to rejuvenate. I thought some more and added to bring a charm for the Gem's mermaid in the bridge viewing room...to visit the casino in Atlantis...to get a spa pass...to get a desperately longed for full body massage...to walk the promenade deck...to dine outside if nights are warm at the great outdoors aft...and to stare out at the water as long as possible wherever I was onboard or land. Actually, if we only made it to staring out at the ocean all week long doing nothing...then our voyage would be a success. Mr. Coka added it would be a bonus however if we won a really big jackpot in the casino!

 

So off we went to sail the November 15, 2014 unexpected journey of the Gem. Her dry dock was delayed a year but who knew renovations were going to take place while she sailed this week and the week prior? After reading about it on Cruisecritic, no wonder we scored a really great price for aft suite 8630 in early October! It was the last suite available. My later search for 8630 information after booking showed some heard noises from Bliss nightclub one deck below and some asked about bowling ball noises. We heard neither...No music...No ten pins falling...the only thing we ever jumped at was any time the crew doorway slammed. We found it comical after a while. I got even by telling the construction crew workers to wipe their feet before coming out into the passenger area.

 

Everything else about the aft suite was wonderful. Our stewardess Rebecca was the sweetest. Mr. Coka said it was the cleanest cabin he ever saw and that everything looked beautiful. He did not think the size too small after staying in the owners suite on the Dawn. He said it was just perfect. So I looked under the bed and indeed the entire cabin was spotless! The assigned butler was Maurice and the concierge was Carlos. Maurice is on vacation now so I do not know who rotates with him. We hope we are low maintenance passengers and the one thing Mr. C requests is more ice than usual. I know where to get it but never had to so that was great for me!

 

Mr. Coka figured out online before the trip how to do an advance bar set up and he took advantage of ordering ahead. When the two of us and my brother were in an owner's suite on the Dawn, three bottles of certain types of liquor are part of the package. I suppose he is now spoiled and wanted the same on this trip. I think he paid 80 dollars for a bottle plus three dollars for a set up fee. He called a number in our suite welcome package and did it that way and I have no idea if it is available to all cabin categories. Hopefully, someone here knows. All I remember is that by day 2, I was helping myself to some!

 

I seriously almost started smoking again on this cruise. What on earth could stress me out to even consider THAT after 4.5 years quit? Probably the casino smoke, but not because of stress. The ship was only half full with 1600 passengers or so and all of them were in the casino 24/7. I did not mind the smell at all. I looked forward to playing the slot machines and I looked forward to playing roulette (only once), and I looked forward to watch if mr. Coka hit the jackpot all the while I was longing for a cigarette! But the price for a carton now onboard is about 47 dollars as I even checked! I quit when they were 27 dollars but kudos to Norwegian for jacking up the price...people will still pay half price just as they will 75% off, so why not?! I decided when I turn 80 years old, I will pick up the habit once again. Something to look forward to and it will be okay...As I am 80!

 

I would just detox in the spa every day to rid myself of any toxins from the casino smoke. The Gem spa/salon was spaaaaa-ta-cular dah-ling! I got my hair cut, colored, and hi lighted. I felt one thousand times better than when I watched passengers board the ship before all the suite guests got held up. I also had a deep tissue massage...Oh my goodness, I wanted to marry Natalia from Poland! And I am straight! I also did the 100minute seaweed wrap with the massage afterwards...it was probably the most relaxing thing paid for ever in my lifetime that was both legal and moral. Mr. Coka got a hair cut and shave from Uros and I recently overheard him tell his friend that it was the best cut ever. Mr. Coka goes to the local barber and I made him get his hair cut and shave onboard to see if he liked the Elemis products for Men as I love the spa products for women. He did so maybe now he will stop using my expensive stuff.

 

Want to run away and escape? Get the spa pass! I purchased it this cruise as I figured the trip would be cold and everyone else onboard would be in the casino or at their travel agent workshops. The Gem spa has a male and female only section on each side of ship with a unisex option in the middle. For me, the spa pass is only valuable if used every day. Since this was a spa relaxation vacation for me, I left the VIP waiting area at embarkation to get me one. The spa is forward ship and if I ever wanted to see where we were going instead of where I had been, I lounged around up there. I found I spent most of my time in the sauna...in the steam room...in the solo jacuzzi in the woman's only section...on the unisex heated tile loungers...in the loungers facing the forward ocean...in the therapy pool...and pounded my shoulder muscle pain away with the forceful waterfall. In between I sipped lemon or orange or cucumber water...or sipped herbal teas...or smothered my body after showering with the lotion that I can not find anywhere for purchase other than on a cruise ship...or in a cruise ship suite.

 

When not in the spa, we never left the ship with exception to Nassau! We were too full to move after eating steak and eggs in the morning for suite breakfasts or shrimp cocktails for lunch appetizers! Due to renovations to the ship, the suite breakfasts and lunches were held in Le Bistro for the first half of the week. Towards the latter half, they had finished and returned to Cagneys. Concierge Carlos kept us well informed even though I was so tempted to cross over the "Do Not Enter" door to see how all the changes were taking place on deck 8. I had to walk past that sign when leaving or heading towards my cabin all the time! If Cruisecritic PixieDustDawn had not kept everyone up to date with pictures, I probably would have snuck in to see. Thank you pixie for keeping me a good Christian woman!

 

But I was indeed bad this cruise. A word to the wise and to the knowledgeable...they are on to us...yes...to those who know to go to the bar to get a requested cocktail of choice instead of the red or white wine...or a yellow bird...or a rum punch that is served at the latitudes silver/gold/platinum gathering...it was indeed a chore to get a gin and tonic at the bar! I do not know if I was more interested in seeing if I could get one or if I could get the guy in stripes behind the bar in font of me to look up from his sheet he was checking things off from. Was he counting drinks served? Was he counting numbers of people entering? Was he counting his stripes? All I know is I gave I up defeated until I turned and saw mr. Coka with a grin and a gin and tonic in his hand. Having been on way more cruises than mr. coka, I called him my little grasshopper in a Kung Fu tone the rest of the week for he snatched the pebble from my hand.

 

I wanted him to call me master the rest of the week, but mr.coka said the only one onboard he will call Master is Stefan Vilheim Nordberg. We were on an elevator when Master Stefan got on. Not thinking about it, Mr Coka seriously asked what Stefan was the master of. "I am master of the Gem...the Captain, " he replied. Oh mr.coka you should have gone to the cruise critic meet and greet because you would had known that! One of the cool things about Norwegian is that the officers show to the meet and greets and give out information, cards with numbers if any have a problem, and welcome everyone onboard. Later that week I enjoyed ...or rather LMAO every minute watching mr. Coka try on so many outfits to decide which one was appropriate for the Master's dinner invitation. I never told him he could wear whatever and that they really do not mind what you wear. I Laugh even more having prepped mr. Coka ahead of time that he could not sip any of the really good wine poured at the dinner until The Captain said it was okay to do so through a toast. I was wrong because I looked it up later and according to Finnish tradition, the male to the right of the host makes the toast to the table before sipping. Cruise critic PatJims...if you are reading this...did your hubby know this? He is the one who finally proposed a toast to the table to start the libations...lol

 

Wine was also served at the suite/VIP/ CAS gathering held in the haven. I think it was too cold or raining so they closed the roof to the private area. A lot of people were in attendance and appeared to be having a good time. Mr Coka and I split up and I talked to a guy who was not talking to anyone as he sat on the bench by the haven pool. Both Norwegian and my mother taught me to find the person looking bored or alone and to say hello. We ended up running into each all over the ship all week. We are cut from the same cloth being from very from large families and we have the same outlook on cruising...it is all good as it is like one big fairy tale...an escape from reality...a world away from real life. He and mr Coka had something in common too...both were the only two gamblers on board who did not have a CAS card. Neither wants to be tracked. Mr Coka threw his card into the Bermuda Sea back in 2010. Perhaps I will find it on sea glass beach some time!

 

This week's sailing was not very conducive to heading to the beach for the entire time in ports. There were sunny and warm moments as well as some overcasts and downpours. We opted out of Ron Jon's surf shop and cocoa beach and stayed on the ship. We hung out by the pool and had our choice of any lounger for the most part! I admit to not doing any research and discovered the gem did not go to great stirrup cay...she went to Freeport instead. We did not leave the ship there and just hung around the pool, the spa, or our stateroom. We did get off in the afternoon once in Nassau...A shared van to the Atlantis casino is four dollars per person each way and they fill the vans. We hit the mermaid machines played last year there and returned some previous winnings. Onboard the Gem, we played the goldfish machine with the mermaid.

 

Please know...as I had to remind mr. Coka that the luck of the mermaid slot machines in the casino have no connections to the luck of the mermaid in the bridge viewing room! I will come back to this thread soon and finish up with the bridge viewing room mermaid, the new menus in the dining rooms, the entertainment onboard, and what else I look forward to in my eighties! One of the most fun things about cruising is the things you learn from the stories of fellow passengers!

 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer. Also, feel free to add if you were on this cruise too. Cruisecritic GrandPaul...if you are reading this...I looked for you all week long...I even went up to the highest part of Gem deck while sailing under Verazanno Bridge during sailaway to see you once again...! Were you and your bride there?

 

coka

 

 

 

 

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meatball_nyc

meatball_nyc

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Glad to hear your latest sailing on the Gem was relaxing and calm, Coka.

What was your latest charm given to the mermaid? Looks like she's running out of room.

Thankfully it sounds like the crew did not have to put you or Mr. Coka to work for any renovations and that you heard no noise in your stateroom.

Safe Sailing to all.

Thanks for the report.

 

 

~Robin

Every Day at Sea is a Great Day

2014 July Breakaway

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clean1owner

clean1owner

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Our friends asked what I looked forward to the most when they found out I was leaving for the Gem. My immediate answer was for Mr. Coka and I to just relax together and to spend time to rejuvenate. I thought some more and added to bring a charm for the Gem's mermaid in the bridge viewing room...to visit the casino in Atlantis...to get a spa pass...to get a desperately longed for full body massage...to walk the promenade deck...to dine outside if nights are warm at the great outdoors aft...and to stare out at the water as long as possible wherever I was onboard or land. Actually, if we only made it to staring out at the ocean all week long doing nothing...then our voyage would be a success. Mr. Coka added it would be a bonus however if we won a really big jackpot in the casino!

 

So off we went to sail the November 15, 2014 unexpected journey of the Gem. Her dry dock was delayed a year but who knew renovations were going to take place while she sailed this week and the week prior? After reading about it on Cruisecritic, no wonder we scored a really great price for aft suite 8630 in early October! It was the last suite available. My later search for 8630 information after booking showed some heard noises from Bliss nightclub one deck below and some asked about bowling ball noises. We heard neither...No music...No ten pins falling...the only thing we ever jumped at was any time the crew doorway slammed. We found it comical after a while. I got even by telling the construction crew workers to wipe their feet before coming out into the passenger area.

 

Everything else about the aft suite was wonderful. Our stewardess Rebecca was the sweetest. Mr. Coka said it was the cleanest cabin he ever saw and that everything looked beautiful. He did not think the size too small after staying in the owners suite on the Dawn. He said it was just perfect. So I looked under the bed and indeed the entire cabin was spotless! The assigned butler was Maurice and the concierge was Carlos. Maurice is on vacation now so I do not know who rotates with him. We hope we are low maintenance passengers and the one thing Mr. C requests is more ice than usual. I know where to get it but never had to so that was great for me!

 

Mr. Coka figured out online before the trip how to do an advance bar set up and he took advantage of ordering ahead. When the two of us and my brother were in an owner's suite on the Dawn, three bottles of certain types of liquor are part of the package. I suppose he is now spoiled and wanted the same on this trip. I think he paid 80 dollars for a bottle plus three dollars for a set up fee. He called a number in our suite welcome package and did it that way and I have no idea if it is available to all cabin categories. Hopefully, someone here knows. All I remember is that by day 2, I was helping myself to some!

 

I seriously almost started smoking again on this cruise. What on earth could stress me out to even consider THAT after 4.5 years quit? Probably the casino smoke, but not because of stress. The ship was only half full with 1600 passengers or so and all of them were in the casino 24/7. I did not mind the smell at all. I looked forward to playing the slot machines and I looked forward to playing roulette (only once), and I looked forward to watch if mr. Coka hit the jackpot all the while I was longing for a cigarette! But the price for a carton now onboard is about 47 dollars as I even checked! I quit when they were 27 dollars but kudos to Norwegian for jacking up the price...people will still pay half price just as they will 75% off, so why not?! I decided when I turn 80 years old, I will pick up the habit once again. Something to look forward to and it will be okay...As I am 80!

 

I would just detox in the spa every day to rid myself of any toxins from the casino smoke. The Gem spa/salon was spaaaaa-ta-cular dah-ling! I got my hair cut, colored, and hi lighted. I felt one thousand times better than when I watched passengers board the ship before all the suite guests got held up. I also had a deep tissue massage...Oh my goodness, I wanted to marry Natalia from Poland! And I am straight! I also did the 100minute seaweed wrap with the massage afterwards...it was probably the most relaxing thing paid for ever in my lifetime that was both legal and moral. Mr. Coka got a hair cut and shave from Uros and I recently overheard him tell his friend that it was the best cut ever. Mr. Coka goes to the local barber and I made him get his hair cut and shave onboard to see if he liked the Elemis products for Men as I love the spa products for women. He did so maybe now he will stop using my expensive stuff.

 

Want to run away and escape? Get the spa pass! I purchased it this cruise as I figured the trip would be cold and everyone else onboard would be in the casino or at their travel agent workshops. The Gem spa has a male and female only section on each side of ship with a unisex option in the middle. For me, the spa pass is only valuable if used every day. Since this was a spa relaxation vacation for me, I left the VIP waiting area at embarkation to get me one. The spa is forward ship and if I ever wanted to see where we were going instead of where I had been, I lounged around up there. I found I spent most of my time in the sauna...in the steam room...in the solo jacuzzi in the woman's only section...on the unisex heated tile loungers...in the loungers facing the forward ocean...in the therapy pool...and pounded my shoulder muscle pain away with the forceful waterfall. In between I sipped lemon or orange or cucumber water...or sipped herbal teas...or smothered my body after showering with the lotion that I can not find anywhere for purchase other than on a cruise ship...or in a cruise ship suite.

 

When not in the spa, we never left the ship with exception to Nassau! We were too full to move after eating steak and eggs in the morning for suite breakfasts or shrimp cocktails for lunch appetizers! Due to renovations to the ship, the suite breakfasts and lunches were held in Le Bistro for the first half of the week. Towards the latter half, they had finished and returned to Cagneys. Concierge Carlos kept us well informed even though I was so tempted to cross over the "Do Not Enter" door to see how all the changes were taking place on deck 8. I had to walk past that sign when leaving or heading towards my cabin all the time! If Cruisecritic PixieDustDawn had not kept everyone up to date with pictures, I probably would have snuck in to see. Thank you pixie for keeping me a good Christian woman!

 

But I was indeed bad this cruise. A word to the wise and to the knowledgeable...they are on to us...yes...to those who know to go to the bar to get a requested cocktail of choice instead of the red or white wine...or a yellow bird...or a rum punch that is served at the latitudes silver/gold/platinum gathering...it was indeed a chore to get a gin and tonic at the bar! I do not know if I was more interested in seeing if I could get one or if I could get the guy in stripes behind the bar in font of me to look up from his sheet he was checking things off from. Was he counting drinks served? Was he counting numbers of people entering? Was he counting his stripes? All I know is I gave I up defeated until I turned and saw mr. Coka with a grin and a gin and tonic in his hand. Having been on way more cruises than mr. coka, I called him my little grasshopper in a Kung Fu tone the rest of the week for he snatched the pebble from my hand.

 

I wanted him to call me master the rest of the week, but mr.coka said the only one onboard he will call Master is Stefan Vilheim Nordberg. We were on an elevator when Master Stefan got on. Not thinking about it, Mr Coka seriously asked what Stefan was the master of. "I am master of the Gem...the Captain, " he replied. Oh mr.coka you should have gone to the cruise critic meet and greet because you would had known that! One of the cool things about Norwegian is that the officers show to the meet and greets and give out information, cards with numbers if any have a problem, and welcome everyone onboard. Later that week I enjoyed ...or rather LMAO every minute watching mr. Coka try on so many outfits to decide which one was appropriate for the Master's dinner invitation. I never told him he could wear whatever and that they really do not mind what you wear. I Laugh even more having prepped mr. Coka ahead of time that he could not sip any of the really good wine poured at the dinner until The Captain said it was okay to do so through a toast. I was wrong because I looked it up later and according to Finnish tradition, the male to the right of the host makes the toast to the table before sipping. Cruise critic PatJims...if you are reading this...did your hubby know this? He is the one who finally proposed a toast to the table to start the libations...lol

 

Wine was also served at the suite/VIP/ CAS gathering held in the haven. I think it was too cold or raining so they closed the roof to the private area. A lot of people were in attendance and appeared to be having a good time. Mr Coka and I split up and I talked to a guy who was not talking to anyone as he sat on the bench by the haven pool. Both Norwegian and my mother taught me to find the person looking bored or alone and to say hello. We ended up running into each all over the ship all week. We are cut from the same cloth being from very from large families and we have the same outlook on cruising...it is all good as it is like one big fairy tale...an escape from reality...a world away from real life. He and mr Coka had something in common too...both were the only two gamblers on board who did not have a CAS card. Neither wants to be tracked. Mr Coka threw his card into the Bermuda Sea back in 2010. Perhaps I will find it on sea glass beach some time!

 

This week's sailing was not very conducive to heading to the beach for the entire time in ports. There were sunny and warm moments as well as some overcasts and downpours. We opted out of Ron Jon's surf shop and cocoa beach and stayed on the ship. We hung out by the pool and had our choice of any lounger for the most part! I admit to not doing any research and discovered the gem did not go to great stirrup cay...she went to Freeport instead. We did not leave the ship there and just hung around the pool, the spa, or our stateroom. We did get off in the afternoon once in Nassau...A shared van to the Atlantis casino is four dollars per person each way and they fill the vans. We hit the mermaid machines played last year there and returned some previous winnings. Onboard the Gem, we played the goldfish machine with the mermaid.

 

Please know...as I had to remind mr. Coka that the luck of the mermaid slot machines in the casino have no connections to the luck of the mermaid in the bridge viewing room! I will come back to this thread soon and finish up with the bridge viewing room mermaid, the new menus in the dining rooms, the entertainment onboard, and what else I look forward to in my eighties! One of the most fun things about cruising is the things you learn from the stories of fellow passengers!

 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer. Also, feel free to add if you were on this cruise too. Cruisecritic GrandPaul...if you are reading this...I looked for you all week long...I even went up to the highest part of Gem deck while sailing under Verazanno Bridge during sailaway to see you once again...! Were you and your bride there?

 

coka

 

 

 

 

 

 

How dare you post here that you actually tolerated the smell of cigarette smoke! It is supposed to have rendered your balcony completely useless, killed your taste buds so you could not enjoy any of your meals, given you coughing/wheezing/chest tightness attacks that you have never before experienced, ruined every stitch of clothing you brought on board, etc., etc., etc. Smelling cigarette smoke is supposed to have ruined the entire trip

Not blaming NCL for the bad weather is certainly out of line here. Everyone knows they have complete control over this and should provide warm air and blue skies every day. Another trip wrecker

And to be glad you got a good price on your suite because of the remodel going on? Blasphemy! Once again this should have made your cruise one step above walking on hot coals while being forced to eat liver and onions.

 

This review is obviously a complete fabrication from an NCL cheerleader.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How refreshing to see a review from someone with a realistic, common sense view of things!

Glad to see you enjoyed your cruise!

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coka

coka

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I believed you for a while clean1owner!

 

NJ Johnny...here is what was printed on meet and greet cards...

Hotel Director Jenny Lim

F and B Director...Mohammed Hasan

Cruise Director...Archie

Executive Housekeeper...Alex Patagnan

Executive Chef...Tyson Pinto

Restaurant Manager..Aurora Jalba

Beverage Manager...Manny Hernandez

Guest Service Manager...Alvina Athanese

Group Service Coordinator...Claudia Mitrea

 

Dr. Football...Your charm still sits proudly on the mermaid's tail!

 

Meatball_NYC...I picked up an empty plastic bag that blew into the Gem pool and that was it! No other work assignments...other than one night in Bliss...read further...!

 

Susie51... Yes, Gem is a jewel class ship...jewel, jade, gem, and pearl are the four ships in same class.

 

********************************

 

 

The Gem It Girl Mermaid was a ship christening gift back in 2007 when she first sailed from NYC. Presented in a very private ceremony to then Captain Mikael Hilden, the mermaid is now located in the bridge viewing room on deck 11 forward port side. The mermaid watches over the bridge guys...especially the two guys always sitting in the chairs who watch the ocean 24/7 to make sure Norwegian, the ship, the crew, and the passengers stay safe. If you know your mermaid history, one can bring seafarers safe passage and good luck, hence why you see them on the hulls of ships. If a mermaid loves you, then you are good as gold!

 

This particular mermaid on the Gem has a gold tower of collected charms that have been given over the years by cruise critic passengers and by those who read the plaque in the bridge viewing room of her history. Although she watches over the Gem, she will also bring good luck to anyone who brings a charm for her tower! A charm need not be expensive nor valuable in dollars. The only requirement is that the charm be meaningful to the person giving it. The person must also present the charm to an officer, preferably the Captain, but the mermaid is happy with any top officer and one of them should suffice. This requirement is so no cruiser is afraid to talk to one or to approach one as they are all indeed very personable!

 

I last sailed the Gem in August, 2011, so I had not seen the mermaid since. It is crazy how new responsibilities of work, a mother's death, moving in a mother-in-law to my home, mother in law passing away in my home, and illness can get in the way of my cruise vacations. So I really needed a special charm to bring Robbie, the mermaid's nickname. All I knew since early October is that I would know the right charm to bring when I saw it. My contribution was my mother in law's pin which had a red flower on it...a red flower is how my mother lets us sisters know she is still watching over us. This pin now rests under the right arm of the mermaid and the wish is that good luck is brought to all who suddenly lose their second parent and feel such an overwhelming sadness of finding themselves an orphan! Mr Coka and I are now both orphans yet we have been blessed by those who have taken us under their wings since. The pin is for all orphans of the world and that some one too watches over them.

 

My mother-in-law was German, a World War II bride, and I admit to shedding a tear at the the very entertaining World Beat musical voyage around the world in the Stardust theater one night. The big shows usually take place twice each night but since our sailing had one half the usual passenger count, shows took place only once. I thought the show was great and enjoyed watching the German oompah oompah set, the Irish stepping, the Indian, African, oriental, and salsa sets.

 

I walked through the Bali Hai bar towards the end of the week and overheard a twenty something guy say to a guy playing music off his lap-top, "Hey...that is the only music I have heard all week!" I wanted to stop and tell him he should have hung around with me because I found music and entertainment everywhere! Did he not read the freestyle daily? Musical entertainers onboard included Leo, Allen, Kenosis, Juan Carmelo, Uprizn, Prism, And DJ Bam! Some I have seen and heard before while others were new to me.

 

I did write a vacation hero card for DJ Bam. Pre fifty years old I went to bed when Bliss nightclub closed at around 3am. Now that I am post fifty years old, I go to bed when Bliss nightclub opens...at around 10 to 11 pm! Yet DJ Bam got a vacation hero card. Oh my goodness...DJ Bam played his mixes one day at the pool area during the day time! He played all my favorite 1:00 am club music! I sat in my lounger by the pool for many hours tanning my wrinkled face and cellulite legs while thinking I was on the dance floor still in shape in my forties while I danced with twenty-something year olds...

 

Now I dance with 40-something's. These kids are a lot of fun. One night mr Coka retired early (as he is 60 something), and I was watching the 70s disco party in Spinnaker's lounge which has all new furniture that looks great. I suppose you can not expect velour bedding to last seven years with thousands of passengers each week lounging on them. After the show was over, they announced for everyone to head down to Bliss Nightclub for the Glow Party. I thought I would go too to check it out so I could report back here what is was like.

 

I guess it sucked until I got there. Something took over me as I looked around to a full lounge with nobody on the dance floor. It was a crime that nobody danced at 11:30 pm to 2 am club music! Having already ascertained I knew no passengers from my hometown on this cruise, I went onto the dance floor and danced as though former CEO of Norwegian Cruise Lines ColinVeitch was right there with me back on Gem's christening. One by one, and two by two by two, people joined in. I danced in a group, I danced with 40-something's, I danced with a tall gal while her hubby sat in the velour chair a kid passed out on back in 2007, , and I danced with staff when they were not looking. I danced FOREVER all night long! DJ Bam was bringing IT out of me for sure! Day's later, PitBull' Fireball song finally did me in. Soaked in sweat, I had to go back to suite as surely mr. Coka was ready for breakfast. A few crew gals asked if I was coming back as I exited Bliss for the next day's adventure. I told them no because I had to go change my Depends and added I had a great time that evening and thanked them for dancing. I somehow stirred mr Coka upon my entrance back and he asked the time. I looked at the portable clock found only in suites...

 

 

It was midnight.

 

coka

 

 

 

Edited by coka
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coka

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One does not have to be in a suite to enjoy a great breakfast or meal. The best omelet ever was the one prepared fresh by the cook in the great outdoors aft the following morning. Oh my, my favorite location of all time to eat...the great outdoors aft beyond the hub of the buffet traffic. Although... On this cruise, nothing was ever crowded...and I am now forever spoiled...for I fear I shall only seek sailings least popular!

 

I think the fee specialty restaurant menus are still the same (somebody correct me if I am wrong) but the free dining room menus are the new ones. Since this cruise was about me and Mr. Coka, I did not really pay much attention to detail to report back on. I do remember noticing a lot more options on the new menus. I do not remember missing anything from the older menus. I do remember being slightly ticked that Mr. Coka wanted a burger in Blue Lagoon the last night of cruise...A burger? Really?

 

I looked afterwards and and found out that prime rib and lamb shank were offered on the last night's menu. I almost went into the Magenta at 9:30 once hubby went to bed to get me some shank. Trust me when I tell you it was probably good for my gut that I did not! We had more fun talking with Waiter Enrique in the Blue Lagoon...er...a closed off section of Garden Cafe that had no passenger in it than the two of us. I think I would rather state I had the last supper ever served on the Gem's Blue Lagoon location for the following cruise it would be called O'Sheehan's.

 

My favorite dinner onboard this cruise was at The Orchid Garden. It was free and it came with a bottle of wine as a platinum benefit. I love love love the lettuce wrap things, and we ate shrimp, scallops, rice noodle dish, and some pork vegetable dish. We could hear music from the deck below, and we chatted with cruisecritic Cruise Mama and AWannaBeCruiser's family from California, and Concierge Carlos with his friends.

 

My favorite breakfast was steak and eggs and English muffin from the suite perk.

 

My favorite lunch was the chicken...served any way...the chicken in the buffet or the chicken wings at blue lagoon...yummy!

 

My favorite dessert was the Le Bistro special request vanilla ice cream with hot chocolate fondue sauce poured over it and another couple's shared anniversary cheesecake...oh my goodness...

 

My favorite buffet item was the prime rib. Oh! The rice side dish was something I went back for seconds too.

 

I stole some chocolate croissants to take off the ship at debarkation for cruise critic Jimswims and wife who was supposed to stay at my house on debarkation night but their plans changed so we ate them on the ferry boat ride back to our home on the island...

 

Coka

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yrrah

yrrah

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I do feel NCL should have advised passengers, prior to this 15 November 2014 sailing and its final payment date, about the major, originally-drydock-scheduled, renovations that took place aboard ... it was, for example, rather unpleasant being in the Deck 7 Internet area, etc., with major construction noise above -- something one tries to escape by going on a cruise -- and dust floating down :mad:.

 

On a positive note, I thought the friendliness of the staff was wonderful [albeit, I feel, that in public areas, they should only communicate between themselves, softly, in English (e.g., as mandated on Cunard)].

 

I found the food to be well-/freshly-prepared -- not always with interesting flavors [albeit I appreciated that it was generally not over-salted] -- albeit not consistently memorable or always of the best quality (e.g., the Lobster Tail in Cagney's that was not worth the $30 charge).

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sjbdtz

sjbdtz

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I feel, that in public areas, they should only communicate between themselves, softly, in English (e.g., as mandated on Cunard)].

 

 

Since when is Cunard the arbiter of what NCL does? Or any cruise-line for that matter?

 

I have no qualms with people speaking their native language. If I need to know what they're saying, there's nothing preventing me from learning it.

 

 

 

.

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meatball_nyc

meatball_nyc

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Well done review, Coka.

Thank you for sharing. You must feel very much at home while on the Gem. So much history is shared between the two of you.

You've inspired me to try and stay up late dancing on my next cruise (Gem? Breakaway?).

Happy Sailing!

 

 

~Robin

Every Day at Sea is a Great Day

2014 July Breakaway

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hpecorari

hpecorari

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On a positive note, I thought the friendliness of the staff was wonderful [albeit, I feel, that in public areas, they should only communicate between themselves, softly, in English (e.g., as mandated on Cunard)].

 

Why? I'm sure what they're talking about has nothing to do with you why shouldn't they speak in their native language. It's their first language and I'm sure it's easier for them and it might also make them feel 'more at home' since they're so very far away from their home. It's not hurting anyone so I don't see the problem with it.

 

Harriet

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coka

coka

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Yrrah,

I agree with you that people should have been told. I booked because I thought it was a great deal. I remember being ticked when I first found here that renovations were taking place while sailing. I almost was going to try and switch to Breakaway and cry foul if they said I could not. Then I thought it would be kind of cool to see what they were doing on board while sailing...the exercise I would get going down or up one flight and then over to get somewhere...and I really wanted to see the mermaid in case she too needed a renovation/makeover...and that there would be a lot less passengers on board this sailing. I was very happy I stayed with Gem! The Breakaway missed the private island that same week sailing. Also, as someone else mentioned in other thread...it was GREAT to basically have the entire ship to ourselves when walking around!

 

Regardless of what I think, it is Norwegian's choice whether to have told in advance or not. Some hotels put on their websites when under construction or renovating their pool, entrance, or whatever, while many do not. Perhaps something could have been done on board like throw a "sorry about our construction" party and do some giveaways or give em some rum grog to make it fun! I wish I had thought of that while on board as I would have made that suggestion.

 

Regarding the English...My understanding is they are supposed to be speaking English. I am not perfect in my job either...as I am beyond my lunch break right now posting this!

 

**************************************

 

Robin,

I have one more section to write up tonight and I will be finished! Thanks for the compliments!

 

coka

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coka

coka

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There was a white hot party onboard in addition to the glow party earlier in the week. I was surprised because I thought the glow party replaced it. Nice to see both taking place during a sailing. On this trip, they had the family white hot party in Bliss and an adult white hot party in Spinnakers. If anyone reading this went, let me know if I missed a good time! There was also a family deck party one early evening by the poolside and afterwards I saw little ones walking around with faces all painted up and looking happy.

 

I finally attended a cake making contest and thought it a cute presentation and a nice addition to the daily shows at sea. The three contestants were the executive chef, the cruise director, and comedian Jeff Harms. I think Jeff said he was going on vacation after this sailing so I do not know who his replacement will be.

 

I went to one Deal or No Deal game show on the last day at sea and although I did not win, I enjoyed playing the game. My twenty lasted longer than my twenty in the casino. Actually, my last twenty in the casino almost won on the roulette wheel's double zero. I changed my mind last minute and went with even. Mr. Coka said he did not win anything but I do not believe him. I told him before the trip if he won any jackpot, then I wanted his cruise fare returned to my checking account. I am a bit suspect because once back home, he purchased a new toy he does not need.

 

Oh! They had a passenger talent show the last night of cruise and that was well attended and fun. Most were singers and one young guy did magic tricks. Everyone was supportive of all. The last singer did an amazing rendition of Etta Jame's "At Last." The band Prism had the musical accompaniments for all singers. I should have gone to Karoake this cruise as they all sounded great! Had I written a review of the Dawn's February sailing this past year, I would have told how I finally did the last song at karaoke with Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody while my brother watched with his jaw dropped to the floor. I chose then end of the night because by that time, everyone thinks any vocal tune sounds great!

 

Quest also would have been interesting to attend on the last evening. Not to partake, but to watch. I went to bed early so I could see the sailing back into NYC. I awoke around 2 or 3 am to see the Verazzano bridge from the aft balcony and a little later...I think 4 am or so to see the Statue of Liberty all lit up! She was beautiful!

 

As I looked out the balcony at Lady Liberty, I counted my blessings and I was thankful to all those who I met up with this week who made the cruise a joyous one, especially when we all took time to chat it up. I will forever have memories of Alma and Paul...a couple in their late eighties. Paul's deceased wife and Alma were best friends. Alma's deceased husband and Paul were best friends. Alma and Paul are now lovers and both meet up to cruise together. They gave me permission to tell their story and I now have something more to look forward to in my eighties (other than smoking) as some of Mr. Coka's best friends are hot!

 

I will remember Angela. The lady in the cool hat who loved the great outdoors aft watching the waves more than me! I knew I could count on talking to her when I needed someone to chat with. I could only get a few chats in as she always had someone mesmerized at her table!

 

I am thankful for the Mob guy at the Bali Hai bar who finally told me how Jimmy Hoffa was killed and where his remains are...because he was in the know with the crowd he traveled with back then.

 

I am thankful to the ten guys who signed up for the men's sexy legs contest so Mr. Coka did not have to. It would not have been fair as he would have won with the giant scars running down both knees. I wished I said yes to being a female judge because the winner was indeed something to see up close!

 

Lastly, this cruise would not have been as special as it was due to the kindness and graciousness of Cruise critic PatJim. PatJim is a frequent sailor with Norwegian and I finally got to meet her after knowing her only online all these years on cruise critic! Patricia introduced me to the Captain and to the Hotel Director Jenny Lim. Additionally, A big thanks to PixieDustDawn who takes care of the mermaid as she sails Gem way more than I am able to! I will be blessed to sail with all of them in the future!

 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

 

Coka:D

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cv322

cv322

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Oh Coka! I'm hoping beyond hope to sail with you one day! We almost made it this time ;)...as I just got off the Gem's 11-dayer on 11/7...before the renovations started! And we would've been neighbors, as I was in 8132!

 

I remain a big fan of you & of your wonderfully written reviews & comments here on CC. Thank you so much for this one...a fabulous read!

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jimswims

jimswims

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"I stole some chocolate croissants to take off the ship at debarkation for cruise critic Jimswims and wife who was supposed to stay at my house on debarkation night but their plans changed so we ate them on the ferry boat ride back to our home on the island..." coka

 

Hi coka!, I am glad you had a snack for the ferry ride! Sorry our plans changed. We did not miss the drive but we did miss seeing you both.

 

Thank you for taking me along on this cruise with your review. The last time I was on the Gem was with you and Mr.Coka, summer 2011. Our retirement from cruising is going to end soon and I do hope that we will be on-board with you both soon. I am glad that we do get to see you on land and look forward to the next visit.

 

I am glad that Robbie is alive and well. What an amazing addition to her and the tower, I am sure that your mother-in-law is smiling.

 

The Gem sounds like she is getting all the upgrades. I am glad that the Great Outdoors remains as this area on the Gem and the Pearl are spectacular. I also am a big fan of the Spa on both as well.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and Mr.Coka. See you both soon.

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cruitenn

cruitenn

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Hi Coka,

 

Thanks for sharing another cruise adventure! I am glad that Mr. Coka went this time. I always enjoy your stories and style of writing. You should add this to your collection of Coka's Cruising Tales.

 

I also would love to be on a cruise with you. I was also almost on a cruise with you, cannot remember what year it was but you were getting on a cruise with your sisters when we got off. It was out of New York so it had to be either on the Gem or the Dawn. Would also love to cruise with Jimswims and wife, I remember those late night fun tales by/in the pool. :D

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