Who just came off the Gem today?

[boopsahoy]

We were on the Dec 3 to 13 sailing, so can't answer many of the questions.

 

The shows were all ok. The Tenors of Rock show was the one "must" see for us. There was an adult scavenger hunt and a white hot party.

 

As for the food, we had no complaints. Regarding the service, it was OUTSTANDING. Absolutely fabulous crew and I can't say enough good things about them. From the wait staff, to the buffet staff, to the washy washy girls, to the bartenders, to the room stewards. The service was AMAZING. There were a few staff we spoke to that were near the end of their contracts, but most still had months to go so the majority will still be there. We really thought the crew was excellent and provided excellent service.

 

Hi-I was po the same cruise and agree with all you said! :D

[lenquixote66]

Having a positive outlook will help have a great cruise.I love the GEM.

 

 

 

[Barb Nahoumi]

We were on the Dec 3 to 13 sailing, so can't answer many of the questions.

 

The shows were all ok. The Tenors of Rock show was the one "must" see for us. There was an adult scavenger hunt and a white hot party.

 

As for the food, we had no complaints. Regarding the service, it was OUTSTANDING. Absolutely fabulous crew and I can't say enough good things about them. From the wait staff, to the buffet staff, to the washy washy girls, to the bartenders, to the room stewards. The service was AMAZING. There were a few staff we spoke to that were near the end of their contracts, but most still had months to go so the majority will still be there. We really thought the crew was excellent and provided excellent service.

 

These things are what a cruise is all about. A slide does not a cruise make, but it would be important to families with kids. Is there a rock climbing wall? If so, that would be a great thing.

[49erfan007]

These things are what a cruise is all about. A slide does not a cruise make, but it would be important to families with kids. Is there a rock climbing wall? If so, that would be a great thing.

 

Yes there is a rock climbing wall and I can't wait to try it. For all you beach people that have been in San Juan, what would be a great beach that we could go to and maybe do some snorkeling? This is my 3rd time to San Juan and I just want a beach day, any suggestions? I have been to the threads found in the port of call and everyone says to go to a resort for the day, but I just want to take a cab to a nice beach. Thanks in advance for any ideas

[NYcruzzer]

NYcruzzer. It's not the crowd that was surprising. It was the second rate service and food. But thanks for your sarcasm

 

You didn't mention the service and food when you posted initially.. I thought your comments were mainly because of the crowds. I apologize if I came across as snarkey.

[49erfan007]

Glad to hear that most of you had a good cruise on the Gem. I keep hearing that the Gem is many peoples favorite ship. I know the 12/23 sailing was very crowded, as would be expected, but I'm sure my sailing will be a lot less crowded. Any tips from anyone? Also what about a beach in San Juan?

[Canagirl]

One tip for those sailing soon - if you can't find seating in the buffet for breakfast or lunch, go and sit in La Cucina. It is available for extra seating. On our cruise, I don't think most people realized this. Often the buffet was quite full and sometimes difficult to find a seat. We always walked across to La Cucina and there were usually only a couple people there. There was lots of space there!

 

The Atrium bar was often busy. However, down on level 6, the Magnum's/Maltings/Shakers bars were usually not too busy.

 

Hi-I was po the same cruise and agree with all you said! :D

 

It was a good vacation...can't believe it has been more than a month since we left!

 

These things are what a cruise is all about. A slide does not a cruise make, but it would be important to families with kids. Is there a rock climbing wall? If so, that would be a great thing.

 

I understand some being upset about the slide. The slide doesn't make or break the cruise for me, but I completely understand how it would for some as different things make a cruise for different people and people booking need to be made aware that isn't operational in case that is important to them. Having said that, there is a thread devoted just to the Gem slide - if any recent cruisers have info about the slide, I'm sure they would post in in that thread.

 

And there is a rock climbing wall!

Edited January 5, 2016 by Canagirl

[Whitnee1]

I have been to San Juan 2 times before (stayed overnight both times for pre-cruise), but I did the rainforest tour one time and the other time we just walked around Old San Juan. This time I want to park my butt at a nice beach. Any suggestions. Also I know the weather from last cruise has nothing to do with our cruise, but I was just wondering :D I am very excited, it's been several years since I've been on a cruise, as I have been doing land vacations for the last several years

 

 

Do a search for resort for a day. The offer day passes to resorts.

[dshefter]

We're going to the Marriott in Puerto Rico. Hotel offers a day pass.

[plum24]

The rock climbing wall is open twice a day (weather permitting): from 10-noon, and again from 3:00-5:00.

 

I also heard on our Dec 13 sailing that the slide will likely have to be dismantled and replaced. We did ask about it at our M&G; all they said was it would not be operational for our cruise, and that they did not have a timeline yet.

 

I suggest calling NCL.

[Fairbairn]

It is the foulest air I have ever encountered on any cruise (23) ever. It reeks, and chokes, people go there for a smoke inside, -while very slowly feeding coins into the machines.

Quit smoking 24 years ago. The casino in the gem is now my go-to reason.

:mad:

[49erfan007]

It is the foulest air I have ever encountered on any cruise (23) ever. It reeks, and chokes, people go there for a smoke inside, -while very slowly feeding coins into the machines.

Quit smoking 24 years ago. The casino in the gem is now my go-to reason.

:mad:

That's too bad for me, because I love to gamble! Maybe I'll bring some face masks, ugggg I wish they would not allow smoking in the casino, it's a nasty habit and very unfair to expose people to second hand smoke. Even when I was a smoker, I hated the smoke in the casino :(

[lenquixote66]

That's too bad for me, because I love to gamble! Maybe I'll bring some face masks, ugggg I wish they would not allow smoking in the casino, it's a nasty habit and very unfair to expose people to second hand smoke. Even when I was a smoker, I hated the smoke in the casino :(

 

 

Two years ago when I was on the GEM there was no problem at all there.I hope that when I am on the ship next month there will not be a concern.

[Canagirl]

Two years ago when I was on the GEM there was no problem at all there.I hope that when I am on the ship next month there will not be a concern.

 

I noticed the first day on the ship it was fine. Not sure if they do anything between sailings to clear the air? But after that it was bad (for us). We wouldn't even walk through it to go to the theatre.