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Just off the Gem 10/20/15

MaryLS

By MaryLS,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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MaryLS

MaryLS

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Another wonderful cruise on my favorite ship. The staff was friendly as usual and seem to get along very well. Embarkation was a breeze as was disembarkation. The disembarkation process was the smoothest I've ever encountered. I don't know how NCL made most passengers adhere to the colored luggage tag system but somehow it worked this time! I can't comment on the shows or the spa as we didn't go to either. We did enjoy a 75 minute Swedish Massage that was so very relaxing.

 

A few disappointments:

 

We were not happy with the new menus in the MDR; especially the "Starters". Gone are the everyday Starters but they still do have the everyday Main Entree Menu. Shrimp cocktail has completely disappeared as have the spring rolls. Just was not impressed with the menu changes.

 

One thing we encountered which really upset us: we are 2 smokers who strictly adhere to the smoking rules. On day 2 of the cruise, our cabin steward accused us of smoking in the cabin. We were appalled! We explained that we do smoke and spend many hours in the casino so the smell would be on our clothes but never would we think of smoking in the cabin. (We never smoked in the cabin even when it was permitted.) He insisted he smelled smoke in the cabin. I was livid at the accusation and proceeded to guest services to complain. I was told it would be handled. I went back later to see what the outcome was as I wanted to make sure there was a resolution so I would not be charged a $250 cleaning fee. I was told that the cabin steward will watch for evidence of smoking in the cabin such as ashes, butts, etc. Needless to say, he didn't find any. I really thought this situation could have been handled more diplomatically and not like we were under surveillance. After 17 cruises, I think NCL dropped the ball on the handling of this one. Meanwhile, we did observe plenty of people smoking on the balconies.

 

However, overall, a good cruise and still love the Gem.

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heatheranderson13

heatheranderson13

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Is there anything that you would consider a good tip to know about this boat,that perhaps us first timers would not know. We are sailing her soon and I love getting to know the things others that are not on these boards may miss out on.

 

Sorry you had troubles with the smoking part of it

 

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Edited by heatheranderson13
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MaryLS

MaryLS

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The Spinnaker is a great place to watch the ship sail from NY. Our favorite specialty restaurants are Cagney's, LaCucina and LeBistro. The cookies at the Great Outdoors (at the back of the ship behind the buffet) are served at 3:00pm and quite yummy. We didn't do it but there is bowling in the Bliss Lounge at designated times. Just a few random thoughts. If you have any specific questions I can help with, I'd be happy to help.

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luv2swimwdolphins

luv2swimwdolphins

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The Gem is a fave of mine too! Going on her in January and I cannot wait! Glad you had a great cruise and thank you for head up about the menus. It shall be interesting!

 

Re smoking...I smoke...DH does not....i too am a very polite smoker. Never break the rules and try to be respectful of others. Even in casino, if person next to me isn't a smoker, I won't smoke....and that's rough...........a cocktail, a slot machine and cigarette...........(i know, i know, gross to many people!:eek:)

Anyway, sorry you had to deal w such accusations when simple questions and politeness could have resolved the issue. Sounds like you have a positive attitude and roll with it. My type of cruiser!!!

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negn

negn

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Sorry, no pictures of menus. As was said no alternate starters and think only 4 alternate choices for meal. Only 1 I remember was lemon sole as would have been the only 1 I would have ordered (but did not) DH was very disappointed in turkey Had always been "real" and this appeared to be more like a "roll"

There always seemed to be a fish daily and was not familiar with it so did not try.

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emcelh

emcelh

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We're just off the Gem as well, same cruise. I have to agree about the disembarkation. There were no lines in the customs and immigration hall at all. We were with the concierge and we got the impression from what he told us that customs was controlling how many people left the ship at one time. We had to wait about 20 minutes with the group he was escorting off but it went very quickly, we were in a cab about 15 minutes after we left the ship.

 

We had the dining plan and only ate in the MDR 2 nights. I don't know if the menus were better or worse than before the change, it depends on individual tastes, but the first dinner i had was a veal dish and it was OK. The second night I had beef Wellington and it was very good. I have to agree about seating at the buffet, it's always been an issue on any ship we've sailed on.

 

We only saw one show, which was very good, but we really enjoyed the entertainment in the lounges. NCL really has a nice variety and something to appeal to most everyone.

 

OP, sorry you had the problem with your cabin steward. It could have been handled much better by the steward and by guest services.

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Letsgo 2

Letsgo 2

Posted
Posted
Another wonderful cruise on my favorite ship. The staff was friendly as usual and seem to get along very well. Embarkation was a breeze as was disembarkation. The disembarkation process was the smoothest I've ever encountered. I don't know how NCL made most passengers adhere to the colored luggage tag system but somehow it worked this time! I can't comment on the shows or the spa as we didn't go to either. We did enjoy a 75 minute Swedish Massage that was so very relaxing.

 

A few disappointments:

 

We were not happy with the new menus in the MDR; especially the "Starters". Gone are the everyday Starters but they still do have the everyday Main Entree Menu. Shrimp cocktail has completely disappeared as have the spring rolls. Just was not impressed with the menu changes.

 

One thing we encountered which really upset us: we are 2 smokers who strictly adhere to the smoking rules. On day 2 of the cruise, our cabin steward accused us of smoking in the cabin. We were appalled! We explained that we do smoke and spend many hours in the casino so the smell would be on our clothes but never would we think of smoking in the cabin. (We never smoked in the cabin even when it was permitted.) He insisted he smelled smoke in the cabin. I was livid at the accusation and proceeded to guest services to complain. I was told it would be handled. I went back later to see what the outcome was as I wanted to make sure there was a resolution so I would not be charged a $250 cleaning fee. I was told that the cabin steward will watch for evidence of smoking in the cabin such as ashes, butts, etc. Needless to say, he didn't find any. I really thought this situation could have been handled more diplomatically and not like we were under surveillance. After 17 cruises, I think NCL dropped the ball on the handling of this one. Meanwhile, we did observe plenty of people smoking on the balconies.

 

However, overall, a good cruise and still love the Gem.

 

The only thing I can say in his defense is that if he is a none smoker then to him even the lingering smoke from the casino would smell like somebody smoked in the Cabin.

I'm an ex smoker and never smelled smoke before but after i quit I can smell it a mile away. Yes I think it could have been handled better by not telling you and he should just have reported it and then watched for evidence. Smoking on the balconys i would have called and reported it. I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise, we love the Gem and her crew.

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boopsahoy

boopsahoy

Posted
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The Gem is a fave of mine too! Going on her in January and I cannot wait! Glad you had a great cruise and thank you for head up about the menus. It shall be interesting!

 

Re smoking...I smoke...DH does not....i too am a very polite smoker. Never break the rules and try to be respectful of others. Even in casino, if person next to me isn't a smoker, I won't smoke....and that's rough...........a cocktail, a slot machine and cigarette...........(i know, i know, gross to many people!:eek:)

Anyway, sorry you had to deal w such accusations when simple questions and politeness could have resolved the issue. Sounds like you have a positive attitude and roll with it. My type of cruiser!!!

 

On my summer Carnival cruise the first thing the steward said to us is do you smoke and are you smoking in the cabin...seriously?? Well nice to meet you:mad:

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emcelh

emcelh

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The only thing I can say in his defense is that if he is a none smoker then to him even the lingering smoke from the casino would smell like somebody smoked in the Cabin.

I'm an ex smoker and never smelled smoke before but after i quit I can smell it a mile away. Yes I think it could have been handled better by not telling you and he should just have reported it and then watched for evidence. Smoking on the balconys i would have called and reported it. I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise, we love the Gem and her crew.

I'm the same way. It's amazing how your sense of smell increases. We were on deck 10 this past week on the Gem and we smelled smoke walking to the elevators a couple of times. Since the OP saw some people smoking on their balconies that might be the explanation for it.

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NLH Arizona

NLH Arizona

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The only thing I can say in his defense is that if he is a none smoker then to him even the lingering smoke from the casino would smell like somebody smoked in the Cabin.

I'm an ex smoker and never smelled smoke before but after i quit I can smell it a mile away. Yes I think it could have been handled better by not telling you and he should just have reported it and then watched for evidence. Smoking on the balconys i would have called and reported it. I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise, we love the Gem and her crew.

When I smoked, I never realized how much my clothes smelled of smoke, that could be what he smelled.
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Letsgo 2

Letsgo 2

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When I smoked, I never realized how much my clothes smelled of smoke, that could be what he smelled.

 

I'm sure that's what he smelt, but he should have handled it

much more disgretly but not even talking to the guest about it

but let Guest relations or his supervisor handle it

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MaryLS

MaryLS

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Smoking is permitted outside on deck 7, in the cigar lounge on deck 6 next to LeBistro and on deck 13 at the Bali Hai outside bar which is quite crowded and difficult to get a table. Smoking is not permitted on the pool deck at all. Smoking is permitted in the casino but only for active players.

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rapata

rapata

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Where are smoking areas on the Gem other then in the casino? Thank You.

 

 

Just about everywhere, or so it seemed. This cruise had a LOT of smokers aboard, and even if they were not smoking inside, they still stunk!

 

This was our only real complaint, the staircases and hallways adjoining the casino were smelly, they should have doors on the casino to keep the smoke in there.

Deck 7, the Promenade Deck has ashtrays close to most exits and the smokers always hung around there, so if you want to do a few laps walking round the deck dont expect to breathe clean air.

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49erfan007

49erfan007

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Posted

I am also sailing the Gem in January. How were the shows? Which ones do you recommend? Do you know what kind of table games they have in the casino? Did you do the rock-climbing wall? Was it hard to get lounge chairs on deck? What did you do in the ports? I am so excited to hear all the answers, thanks in advance,

Cathy

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