Balcony from NYC in the winter

[muffin83]

I am currently booked on the Gem for 10 days in January 2016. When we cruise we usually book a balcony but this time we booked an Oceanview. It's $800 more for a Balcony and I am having a hard time with the idea of not having a balcony. Considering the first few day and the last few day will be cold, do you think spending $800 more on a balcony is worth it?

[arb3]

We are going on the Gem in 4 weeks and booked the balcony. I am sure we won't be using it the first or last day, but will enjoy it when the weather is nice. I enjoy sitting out there while the ship is coming into port and docking. Also, just knowing what the weather is like. I can't imagine not having one. I guess it ultimately comes down to how much you care about/use the balcony vs the cost.

[Copper_beeches]

I am currently booked on the Gem for 10 days in January 2016. When we cruise we usually book a balcony but this time we booked an Oceanview. It's $800 more for a Balcony and I am having a hard time with the idea of not having a balcony. Considering the first few day and the last few day will be cold, do you think spending $800 more on a balcony is worth it?

 

We had a balcony on the Gem on the 1/12/15 sailing from NY. The day you board will likely be freezing, but the first sea day was 60, second was 75 and same in reverse the way back... So you really only miss that first afternoon/evening of balcony use… but $800, only you can say if it’s worth it!

[Cattie]

We cruised on the Gem 1/30. We've always been the same way "I can't cruise without a balcony" TBH we barely used it. Since we're smokers, we spent a lot of time up on deck 13 at the bar that's smoking. We even decided on booking an Family suite on the repo Oct 2016 that doesn't have a balcony. As long as I can see outside we're fine, and it's just a short walk to the pool if we want fresh air.

 

It's all personal preference. I like to be outside, but for our 14 day repo, we have a ton of ports so I figure the suite perks out weigh the balcony, especially if we want to get off super early at any port.

[eigig]

We were on the gem 1/3/15 and we were able to use our balcony from mid afternoon second day (carolinas?)till the last afternoon

Enjoyed getting noticeably warmer but not so much getting noticeably cooler (appreciated our luxury)

We loved the balcony on the gem

Hey wish we were going with you

We hope you have fab weather and have fun! Best

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[marla45]

I would book the inside, then wait until price drops make it an inexpensive upgrade - as others have done here as well. I believe there are dates that you can start/stop by-some of the more experienced can help with that, or see the wonderful "understanding Norwegians pricing" post-

[daisyae21]

We are sailing on the 27th as well, we have a balcony. It's our first time having it and I feel like since its a 10 day cruise we will get good use of it!

See you on board!! :)

[cage keeper]

That can go either way. Today Myrtle beach was 17 and Orlando 29 and this is late Feb. You can't predict this crazy weather. Last year the 3rd week of March out of NJ we only had a few days that I would consider pool deck days. Port Canaveral was 57, rainy and windy.

[meatball_nyc]

BBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRR

 

 

 

~Robin

Every Day at Sea is a Great Day

[mrsbojamp]

I would keep checking out the prices throughout the year. I had booked the Breakaway in Feb 2014 to sail in Jan of 2015. I ended up paying $1400 less ( total, not pp) than what I originally booked! So, you may not need to spend $800 more. I always love the balcony, even if it's cold.

[mking8288]

Lately, the "Ice Bar" is right outside one's own (maybe, small but private) balcony - BYO - dress (extra, extra ... this morning) warmly in layers while holding one's beverage.

[Janine]

I am currently booked on the Gem for 10 days in January 2016. When we cruise we usually book a balcony but this time we booked an Oceanview. It's $800 more for a Balcony and I am having a hard time with the idea of not having a balcony. Considering the first few day and the last few day will be cold, do you think spending $800 more on a balcony is worth it?

 

If you are going January 22, 2016 - please come and join our Roll Call! We've cruised on the Gem in the winter on a 9 day cruise out of NYC and had a balcony. Just my opinion..... It was worth it to get the balcony!

[camper06]

We cruised on the Gem 1/30. We've always been the same way "I can't cruise without a balcony" TBH we barely used it. Since we're smokers, we spent a lot of time up on deck 13 at the bar that's smoking. We even decided on booking an Family suite on the repo Oct 2016 that doesn't have a balcony. As long as I can see outside we're fine, and it's just a short walk to the pool if we want fresh air.

 

It's all personal preference. I like to be outside, but for our 14 day repo, we have a ton of ports so I figure the suite perks out weigh the balcony, especially if we want to get off super early at any port.

 

We are going on the Gem next month. We too are smokers. Where were the smoking locations on the Gem? Last time we were on her, there were a few spots on Deck 7, one side of the pool deck, and the casino (and balconies at that time). Just wondering if they still have those same outdoor areas.

 

Thanks!

[hateswaterloves2cruise]

We just returned from the GEM 2/9 sailing. We were cold and rocky all the way to Puerto Rico. We booked an aft balcony and it was usable due to the lack of wind. However the rocking and rolling prevented much of the enjoyment. Coming back it was warmer until the last 2 days, the rocking and rolling got much worse. We did use the balcony to get photos coming back into NYC and the lack of wind was a great bonus. I can't imagine sailing without a balcony but did talk with a lady who booked a mid ship 5th deck window room and I think she made the smart decision for this sailing.:eek: