First Time on Norwegian (Gem) Share your favorite things.

[WishIwerethere]

OK so my friend in NY calls and says, I'm booked Jan 22nd. 10 night on Gem.

I live in Florida (I know crazy to fly to NY to cruise), so I said ah, why not. Sailed many times on Royal and a few on Carnival.

 

So what's in store for us on Gem? I heard just refurbished. What are the highlights and must see and do on this ship. What are the hidden secrets to look for, and any other advice to get most out of this sailing.

 

Oh and thank you very much.

Edited December 3, 2015 by WishIwerethere

[WishIwerethere]

Wow, where are all the Gem cruisers today ?

 

Anybody ?

[mugtech]

Wow, where are all the Gem cruisers today ?

 

Anybody ?

WOW. You went 25 minutes without a response

It's a nice sized ship, about 2,300 pax. Best about Norwegian is the entertainment, with 2 shows nightly. I liked the complimentary freestyle dinning, can't help you much with the specialty spots. You will find in many other respects it is much like the other cruise lines you have traveled.ENJOY!

[WishIwerethere]

WOW ! You folks on the NCL boards are real friendly. :cool:

Edited December 3, 2015 by WishIwerethere

[casofilia]

#1 Freestyle Dining

#2 Plenty to do on board

#3 Freestyle Dining

#4 Great, if expensive, Shore Excursions

#5 Freestyle Dining

 

Mike

[Cruise_Lover03]

The casino is pretty good for a space- though if smoke bothers you be prepared. The spa is awesome! Highly recommend you get a pas right away!

 

Personally I LOVED sitting outside of Le Bistro and listening to the live musicians that had playing. Awesome jazz and relaxing music. Best spot- if the pool is crowded when it's nice out and you just want to relax is Spinnakers. Get a drink, relax and watch the view pass by.

 

Enjoy!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[khaide612]

WOW. You went 25 minutes without a response

It's a nice sized ship, about 2,300 pax.

 

I was going to reply the same. :)

 

Not sure if they were removed in the current Gem renovations but my favorite meet up spot for my large group to hang out at night was in the back of the Bliss lounge - there are/were 2 private-ish rooms with comfy chairs & couches behind the bar area when you first walk in.

[beachys]

My favorite things about the Gem: the staff, the great outdoors, the trivia, bingo, bingo and more bingo, sailing out of NYC, Maltings, chocolate buffet, white hot party.

[Turtles06]

We'll be on the Gem (for the third time) on the sailing right after yours, so take good care of her! :)

 

With the caveat that we haven't sailed on the Gem since the dry dock, one of our favorite places is the sun deck all the way forward on Deck 14. It has round, double-size bed like loungers in sort of wicker baskets. Really great for reading, relaxing; it's usually quiet up there. Great view of where you're going.

 

Another favorite: the Great Outdoors, aft of the buffet. Great view of the wake and a wonderful place to eat, or also to just sit and relax between meals.

 

There's a bridge viewing room all the way forward on the port side of Deck 11.

 

I agree with the comments above -- freestyle dining is wonderful. One of the best things about NCL.

 

And yes, you're crazy to fly from Florida to NY to get on a cruise, but have a great time anyway! :)

[WishIwerethere]

 

And yes, you're crazy to fly from Florida to NY to get on a cruise, but have a great time anyway! :)

 

Yes but I get to fly back when im done.

[mizLORInj]

I second The Great Outdoors at the stern behind the buffet.

 

The Spinnaker Lounge deck 13 forward. Love this place.

 

My own private balcony.

 

Have fun. I love the GEM!

[49erfan007]

Yes but I get to fly back when im done.

 

LOL, that comment made me laugh! You are correct, I am coming back from the Gem the day you leave and then I have to suffer from a very cold New England winter, while you will be in sunny Florida. I can't blame you for flying up here to go out of NYC, as you want to cruise with your friends. Have a great time. This will be my first time on the Gem, so I am also curious about all the things the Gem has to offer... Happy sailing :)

[Director Don]

OK so my friend in NY calls and says, I'm booked Jan 22nd. 10 night on Gem.

I live in Florida (I know crazy to fly to NY to cruise), so I said ah, why not. Sailed many times on Royal and a few on Carnival.

 

So what's in store for us on Gem? I heard just refurbished. What are the highlights and must see and do on this ship. What are the hidden secrets to look for, and any other advice to get most out of this sailing.

 

Oh and thank you very much.

 

 

I'm on the SAME cruise!!!! There's plenty of information on CC if you look for it!!! Join the Meet & Greet, slot pull, etc. This is my first time on the GEM as well!

 

PS... Heading back to SWFL after the cruise as well!

[WishIwerethere]

Right across the Caloosahatchee Don. Enjoy the cruise.

[Turtles06]

OP, you're welcome.

[mrrobby]

Hello, The specialty restaurants on the Gem are very good. My 2 favorites by far are Cagney's and LeBistro.

 

The musical performers around the ship are usually very good and a great way to spend an evening after dinner. There was a great Reggae band 2 years ago that we loved. They played most nights in one of the venues and were also the Pool band during the day at times.

 

Have Fun

Rob

[dongordon]

I am also on the January 22nd GEM cruise.

We are sharing all kinds of information there.

We have a Meet & Greet planned,

Get Together Dinner that I have organized at La Cucina.

Slot Pull at the $5 Slots for a BIG PAYOFF. About 30 people have signed up! :)

Gift Exchange

Possibly a Pub Crawl

 

The GEM is probably my favorite NCL ship.

Now that it is newly renovated, it should really be fantastic. :)

 

As far as the good things on the GEM:

 

#1 is the Great Outdoors located in the aft of the ship where you can enjoy the buffet meals.

It is my favorite place for breakfast to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful view from the aft of the ship.

 

Spinnaker Lounge is great during the day to relax (especially during the cold days at sea)and enjoy the view from the forward part of the ship.

Great entertainment activities and music at night...hopefully they still have the "White Hot Party" and the "X Rated Scavenger Hunt" on the cruise.

 

I really like my early morning swim in the GEM pool which are heated,

 

The itinerary with all the days at sea is my favorite time on board.

 

Plenty of less crowded space away from the pool area to work on your tan.

 

La Cucina has a small outdoor seating area where we like to have dinner when leaving port.

 

And with all NCL ships....freestyle dining, specialty restaurants and casual attire throughout the

cruise. :D

 

Come join us on our Roll Call and......

 

Have a GEM of a Day! :)

Don

Edited December 4, 2015 by dongordon

[WishIwerethere]

Thanks everybody. See some of you there. :)