My week on the NCL Gem 05-20-2017 to 05-27-2017

[MalervyC]

Hi All! We were on the Gem theweek before Memorial Day. The following is my review of the Gem and ourexperience:

 

 

Travel from PA to NY with no issues;parking coupon still works and saved us $70 - whoo hoo!!

 

 

Check in was a breeze but I feltlike they just kept shuffling us around to different waiting areas(and, yes, I have been on many cruises before, but it seems like the NYC pierlacks organization with embarkation). A few comments about the NYC cruiseterminal facility that I hadn't seen mentioned on CC before:

 

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• Pier Café stand (which is accessible after checking in) had $4 breakfast sandwiches and $3 pretzels.
  
• NCL offers water and various fruit juices for free.
  
• There is a desk set up for specialty dining reservations that also contains menus to review.
  

We went through security/check inaround 9:30am and were on board by 11:15am. I will say that recent upgrades made to the décor and added diningvenues made us feel as though we were on a newer ship. I was on the Escapelast year and admired the décor and flow of spaces. I could see some ofthose same themes on the Gem but with touches of individuality. Forexample, the little Gem stones (instead of up/down arrows) in the elevator- I thought they were adorable! Also, the matches patterns of the privacywalls to the carpeting in the buffet - very nice. :D

 

Our room was 10042 - perfectlynormal balcony accommodations. The bed was flimsy so we had our attendant add afew layers of cushioning. The shower had THE BEST water pressure and Iloved the separate space for the WC and shower. Shout out to Anthony fromthe Philippines who was our stateroom attendant. He is truly a GEM and was verygood to us. He hasn't seen his family since August and is going homenext month - it's incredible the time they spend taking care of us. Yes,I realize it's a job for them, but one chooses to be happy, happy or nasty,nasty - and Anthony was always happy! :cool:

 

 

Our ports were Port Canaveral, GreatStirrup Cay, and Nassau, Bahamas. We pre-booked two excursions in theports through NCL's site. Below are my thoughts:

 

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• Port Canaveral is a nice place to spend the day. I wish it was a full day (like 8am-9pm) so that spending the day in a theme park would be worth it. We booked the Cocoa Beach/Village shuttle for $19 pp with a Latitudes discount. The shuttle drops you off across the street from the Ron Jon Surf Shop. The beach is gorgeous and has showers to wash off if you want a beach day. Here's a tip - don't go to Cocoa Village. You need to take a separate shuttle AFTER you get to Cocoa Beach, and if the return shuttle is full, then you must wait another hour for the next one. This was a disappointing excursion and I'm glad we didn't spend much money on it. Again, only my opinion – some folks may love this area but for me I’ll never go back.
  
• Great Stirrup Cay was an AMAZING day. We pre-booked a large cabana back in December with another couple we traveled with, so we split the $475 cost. The small cabanas were $425 – so we thought why not upgrade for $50? I’ve always wanted to experience a cabana rental and I’m glad to say I was not disappointed! We were in Cabana 3; it was quite spacious (can accommodate 8) for 4 people, with loungers and chairs, pillows and a table. We were provided with towels and floating mats for the water, as well as fresh fruit and water upon arrival. Included was also a $50 food credit and a few options of platters to be delivered to our cabana.
  

The level ofservice we received from Kristopher our bartender made us feel like royalty. Heshowed us where everything was on the island and brought us continuous roundsof Bahama Mamas and Strawberry daiquiris (thank you, UBP!). We chose two platters – the lobster tailswith shrimp, and a charcuterie tray with salad and dips. DH said the lobsterwas rubbery, but who cares – look at that view!

 

Speaking ofthe view, the cabanas are at the highest point of the island – so the breeze iscontinuous throughout the day. There was also a ceiling fan inside the cabanawhich made us very comfortable. The walk up from the water sucked but it’s asmall price to pay. To say we enjoyedourselves is an understatement – it was quite simply one of our most favoritedays ever on any cruise. I am officiallyspoiled and will book this excursion any chance I get. I cannot wait to go back to GSC again!

 

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• Nassau in the Bahamas was our last port. Almost everyone goes to Atlantis, and with 3 ships in port it was the last place I wanted to go with a crowd. We spent a few hours walking along Bay Street (which was also very crowded as their Parliament was opening so lots of streets were blocked off). We were back onboard after 2 hours and spent some time on the ship. This was my third time to Nassau and I’m sad to say that it’s one of my least favorite stops.
  

Now I must totake some time to recognize the amazing crew of the Gem for putting on anentertaining show at the pier to welcome guests back from Nassau. They were out in the sun for hours dancing,giving out water and cold towels, engaging with passengers and blasting music.The atmosphere was so fun and the crew was along with Mark and Zach createdthat for guests. The interesting part is that the Gem was docked across fromthe Carnival Ecstasy and shared a pier. Carnival guests were on the balconiesdancing with us, some of them even went through the welcome line! The Carnival gangway had a huge dumpster nextto it while the NCL gangway was seriously a party. NCL showed up Carnival big time!!

 

We had the SDP and chose to eat atModerno, Teppanyaki, and Cagney’s. Moderno (which we ate at twice on the Escape) was a totaldisappointment. The service was super slow, the salad bar selection was poorand it took 45 minutes for the first gaucho to come to our table. It wasn’t dueto crowd, in fact we were one of 4 tables in the entire restaurant. It was as if the staff just wasn’t preparedto be open.

 

Teppanyaki is always a great time!Food was outstanding but I was surprised to see that lobster was not an optionat all. Our chef was super entertaining, but our waiter (who was new) waslacking some basic skills. The food made up for it.

 

We ate in the main dining room one,the day we were in Port Canaveral. There may have been 10 tables total in theGrand Pacific. The service was slow – and I think it was our servers only.Another table arrived after us with more people. They ate all courses and left before my DHand I got our entrees. We never went back to the main dining room.

 

Cagney’s made up for the rest withsignature dining at its best. The steaks were perfect and the sides were superyummy, albeit small. Kudos to the NCL staff for the amazing service theydisplayed to us. I will be booking thisone again on our next sailing!

 

We first experienced O’Sheehan’s onthe Escape, and I’m glad we were able to enjoy it on the Gem also. The chickenfajitas are so ding dang yummy!! We hadmany lunches and one dinner here.

 

The buffet stayed true to having greatbreakfast option and lunches. Some of myfavorites were the Cuban panini, made to order pasta, salad bar options, andthe sugar free kiwi strawberry water. Ilove this stuff and I hope to see more sugar free options in the future! Wealso enjoyed the outside buffet on the back of the ship – it was the perfectsetting to have an evening coffee and split a little dessert.

 

The roulette wheel in the casinotreated me very well this trip. The slots were hot all week long – PinkDiamonds and Rapid Shot – those two gave us some wins. We enjoyed the Deal or No Deal game a fewtimes, and our friends won the free cruise on the last day!

 

Unfortunately, I got sick the nightwe left Nassau with a nasty chest cold that had been building all week. Aroundmidnight I threw the towel in and conceded to go to the medical facility to getlooked at. 11 cruises and I’ve never had to go through this before, so for anyonewho is curious – NCL charges $150 to see the doctor during normal hours(7am-8pm), and $250 during non-hours. Any testing or medications are extra ontop of that. I’ll be honest, in theelevator I thought, “What is this going to be like? Am I going to have somequack doctor that I can’t understand?” Iam not trying to be ignorant, but I was legit nervous! :eek:

 

I’ve never been happier to be wrong.Nurse Martha Fourie and Dr. Raphael Tescon could not have been kinder or morepatient with me, and so I want to recognize them for the excellent care theygave me. $362 later I had two differentmeds and was on my way to getting better. Dr. Tescon told us there are peoplewho come in with worse conditions who don’t get the care they need once theyhear the charge because they don’t want to pay. I felt grateful, I know itcould have been worse, and we had trip insurance to submit the bill to when wegot home.

 

My friend and I made a last-minutedecision to get the Thermal Spa Pass – another splurge for me that I hadn’tdone before. It was $139 pre-cruise but$189 if you booked on the ship; I was glad we pre-booked! The Mandara Spa onthe Gem was very nice, never crowded and enjoyable. The tile loungers OMG – Iwant one at home! Perfect for soothing achy back muscles. We enjoyed therefreshments and flavored waters. The hot sauna was also a favorite of mine,especially with my chest cold. We went 5 nights out of the 7 and it reallyhelped me relax before bed. I have two gripes: the first is that the spa isright on top of the Spinnaker Lounge and we could hear the thumping and badkaraoke very clearly. The second, noteveryone is a size 6. Could we get some additionalrobe sizes other than medium? I managed ok but I’m not interested in showingoff my goods. Come on, NCL…

 

 

Our last sea day my DH came downwith a nasty case of nausea. I don’tbelieve it was Norovirus as none of us got sick and have not gotten sick sincecoming home. We think it was from thepoolside BBQ. DH ate some mussels that had not fully opened – a bad decision onhis part. He did not leave the cabin and was very run down. Anthony (cabinattendant) brought us broth and ice chips constantly checking in with us. On disembarkation day, we needed some helpgetting him off the ship. It was a little chaotic and unorganized, but NCL wasvery helpful and we could get off the ship and through customs with assistance.

 

 

In closing, we had a nice week asidefrom both of us getting sick towards the end. I was glad to be able to spend time with my DH and friends. We had planned this trip last year and haveall experienced some personal losses/medical issues, so we were all lookingforward to this vacation. Sailing out of NYC is beautiful and it’s nice not tohave to fly. As far as I’m concerned,the other cruise lines can’t beat NCL’s prices and promos right now. I love Royal Caribbean, but the prices aresteep and I don’t want to pay $14 for a drink. I expect that we will book NCL always in the future and the ship classof the Gem is exactly our speed.

 

 

If you haveany questions, please feel free to ask! Also keep in mind, these are my experiences and opinions. I’m far fromperfect, but I am honest and will share anything you would like to know.

[Gershep]

Great review. We just got off the Gem yesterday and had a fantastic cruise. Have to get my thoughts together to write my review.

[mking8288]

Nice report ... welcome home. I have to laugh about your comment about those white robes, it's fine for DW although she never use/worn them - they might be fine for size 12 or 14. Definitely not a one-size fit most, barely fit the typical men (L) - let alone XL ... maybe, RS can use that to do a life-sized towel animal instead.

 

The stop at PC is such a waste, we didn't get off the last 3 times (twice on the BA) Loved GSC even without the cabins, key is those blue, vented clamshell - a must to stay out of UV & hot sun. Nassau, you said it ... agreed and on our next run, probably stay onboard to enjoy a half empty ship (many been there, done it ...)

 

The crew was amazing, just like the last time we sailed her in 2012, with one or two individual exceptions in the MDR. Impression about food at O'Sheehan's ?? We missed the Seafood (Basket ??) night at OSH, did anyone sampled it ... not that lobster tails or tiger shrimps expected ??

 

Gershep - welcome back too, how was disembarkation for you ?

[easyboy]

Thank you for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

 

 

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[morningstar4]

Glad you had a nice trip! we went the week after you and had an amazing vacation....we did stop in atlantis with two other ships in port and i was worried about crowds but the lines were a minimal wait so i wouldn't let that be a deterrent for anyone interested in going to atlantis. my husband really wanted to go to disney again too so he probably would have appreciated a longer port day in cape canaveral too. We went to Cocoa Beach on a whim at the last minute and really enjoyed having an extra beach day but as much as we loved our trip, other than GSC, I wouldn't need to do that itinerary again.

 

 

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[rjmols]

Hi We were on the same cruise - thoroughly loved the GEM - our first time NCL and it won't be our last. Totally agree with you regarding Moderno though - very very slow service. That was only our bad experience. Sorry you got sick.

[mjkacmom]

Nice! A note about the parking coupon, as we were driving up the ramp, I couldn't find my coupon! We paid, parked, and then I found it! DH walked back, and the wo,an said "let me guess, you found your coupon." Apparently people do this all of the time, and he got a $70 refund.

[Gershep]

Nice report ... welcome home. I have to laugh about your comment about those white robes, it's fine for DW although she never use/worn them - they might be fine for size 12 or 14. Definitely not a one-size fit most, barely fit the typical men (L) - let alone XL ... maybe, RS can use that to do a life-sized towel animal instead.

 

The stop at PC is such a waste, we didn't get off the last 3 times (twice on the BA) Loved GSC even without the cabins, key is those blue, vented clamshell - a must to stay out of UV & hot sun. Nassau, you said it ... agreed and on our next run, probably stay onboard to enjoy a half empty ship (many been there, done it ...)

 

The crew was amazing, just like the last time we sailed her in 2012, with one or two individual exceptions in the MDR. Impression about food at O'Sheehan's ?? We missed the Seafood (Basket ??) night at OSH, did anyone sampled it ... not that lobster tails or tiger shrimps expected ??

 

Gershep - welcome back too, how was disembarkation for you ?

 

 

I wasn't impressed with the food at O'Sheehan's, didn't think it was as good as in the past. My sons, 22 and 27, thought the food there was great. Didn't try seafood basket, only went for a breakfast or two and lunch on two days.

 

Disembarkation was the best ever. We left the cabin at 7:40 and was in our car service at 8:30. This time on the Gem they had it roped off and everyone had to follow the line through Bliss, unlike our last time on the Gem where people were trying to cut the line and their were arguments and fights going on. Customs was a breeze, last year on the BA we waited over an hour on Customs line.

 

However, embarkation was the longest this year than we have ever experienced. We arrived at 10:00, breezed thru security and waited on line to check in for over an hour. We were lucky to receive number 7 so by time we checked in we only had to wait about 8 minutes before we boarded. This is the second time in a row we had a problem with receiving our cards. Last year they had an extra person in our room and this year they didn't have my son's key card but gave him the key card of the person who didn't show from the previous cruise.

[Gershep]

Hi We were on the same cruise - thoroughly loved the GEM - our first time NCL and it won't be our last. Totally agree with you regarding Moderno though - very very slow service. That was only our bad experience. Sorry you got sick.

 

Sorry that you both a bad experience at Moderno. We went on the second night which was very empty. The service was unbelievable. We weren't even half way done with one meat and they were coming with the next. We asked for more lamb chops and they cooked them up fresh for us. I mentioned how much I enjoyed the pineapple and the next thing I knew they were bringing us a whole pineapple. Yum!

[SGK]

Sorry that you both a bad experience at Moderno. We went on the second night which was very empty. The service was unbelievable. We weren't even half way done with one meat and they were coming with the next. We asked for more lamb chops and they cooked them up fresh for us. I mentioned how much I enjoyed the pineapple and the next thing I knew they were bringing us a whole pineapple. Yum!

 

 

We actually did Moderno TWICE on the 5/27 Gem sailing. Service was impeccable, and that salad bar (I like to call it a buffet, it had so many yummies on it) was amazing. The first night of the cruise it was practically empty, and the second time we went (night 6?) it was full but equally good.

 

 

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[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[iluvcruises]

Sailing on the Gem June 17, thanks for the great review! Now I'm even more excited to sail! :D

[jillnova]

I was also on the Gem on 5/20-5/27 it was my first cruise ever and it won't be the last. I didn't want the trip to end. I don't have anything to compare it to, but I have to say I don't have one complaint!! They made my boyfriend & I feel like we were royalty. I'm obsessed now & im looking forward to another cruise hopefully next year, I'm looking again to sail away with NCL, maybe on a 11 day cruise this time!! I can't stop thinking about this trip & all I've been doing is driving people crazy with my cruise stories. I'm hooked & all I keep saying is why didn't I do this sooner!!

[mugtech]

I was also on the Gem on 5/20-5/27 it was my first cruise ever and it won't be the last. I didn't want the trip to end. I don't have anything to compare it to, but I have to say I don't have one complaint!! They made my boyfriend & I feel like we were royalty. I'm obsessed now & im looking forward to another cruise hopefully next year, I'm looking again to sail away with NCL, maybe on a 11 day cruise this time!! I can't stop thinking about this trip & all I've been doing is driving people crazy with my cruise stories. I'm hooked & all I keep saying is why didn't I do this sooner!!

Welcome to Cruise Critic, glad you enjoyed your first cruise, it actually gets better as you experience more and different things. We have taken 5 cruises on the Gem, hope to take #6 soon. Bermuda would be a great next cruise out of NYC for you. ENJOY!!!

[jillnova]

Thanks for the reply, I'll keep the advice in mind when planning our next cruise 🚢 it's always great to hear from others in the know

[Zeno]

Nice to read your report and good to know that in spite of illness, you had a good vacation. BTW you are probably correct about the cause of you DH's illness - NEVER eat mussels that are not fully opened - I learned this the hard way.

[MalervyC]

Nice report ... welcome home. I have to laugh about your comment about those white robes, it's fine for DW although she never use/worn them - they might be fine for size 12 or 14. Definitely not a one-size fit most, barely fit the typical men (L) - let alone XL ... maybe, RS can use that to do a life-sized towel animal instead.

 

The stop at PC is such a waste, we didn't get off the last 3 times (twice on the BA) Loved GSC even without the cabins, key is those blue, vented clamshell - a must to stay out of UV & hot sun. Nassau, you said it ... agreed and on our next run, probably stay onboard to enjoy a half empty ship (many been there, done it ...)

 

The crew was amazing, just like the last time we sailed her in 2012, with one or two individual exceptions in the MDR. Impression about food at O'Sheehan's ?? We missed the Seafood (Basket ??) night at OSH, did anyone sampled it ... not that lobster tails or tiger shrimps expected ??

 

Gershep - welcome back too, how was disembarkation for you ?

 

I don't mind the food at O'Sheehans. DH enjoyed the burgers and as I said, I love the chicken fajitas. Not that those are hard to make, but they are tasty.

 

I did notice in Teppanyaki that the lobster in the Surf and Turf is no longer an option, instead I think it's steak and jumbo shrimp.

[MalervyC]

We actually did Moderno TWICE on the 5/27 Gem sailing. Service was impeccable, and that salad bar (I like to call it a buffet, it had so many yummies on it) was amazing. The first night of the cruise it was practically empty, and the second time we went (night 6?) it was full but equally good.

 

 

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I'm glad you had good service! We went the first day, maybe 4 tables. It wasn't crowded at all - but wow did it take a long time for the meat to start coming out.

 

I'll never forget at the M&G on the Escape, one of the ship officers told us "If something is wrong, let us know. We don't want you to go home and write a horrible review!" So I made some time and spoke with Fortunato (maitre'd on the Gem) about some of the service onboard with dining. I gave both positive and constructive feedback. He was very receptive. I believe the white glove service we received at Cagneys was his way of making up for it. I called him the day after and told him how attentive everyone was to us and really, it was a wonderful SIGNATURE dining experience!

[MalervyC]

I was also on the Gem on 5/20-5/27 it was my first cruise ever and it won't be the last. I didn't want the trip to end. I don't have anything to compare it to, but I have to say I don't have one complaint!! They made my boyfriend & I feel like we were royalty. I'm obsessed now & im looking forward to another cruise hopefully next year, I'm looking again to sail away with NCL, maybe on a 11 day cruise this time!! I can't stop thinking about this trip & all I've been doing is driving people crazy with my cruise stories. I'm hooked & all I keep saying is why didn't I do this sooner!!

 

Cruising is so much fun! I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip and I hope to see a review from you in the future!

[MalervyC]

Nice to read your report and good to know that in spite of illness, you had a good vacation. BTW you are probably correct about the cause of you DH's illness - NEVER eat mussels that are not fully opened - I learned this the hard way.

 

Totally!! None of us got sick so it was all his fault (don't tell him I said that!) He bounced back in a few days.

 

I'm still waiting for my insurance payout. Thinking maybe a cruise deposit?? :rolleyes::cool::p

[luvs2beachit]

I was also on the Gem on 5/20-5/27 it was my first cruise ever and it won't be the last. I didn't want the trip to end. I don't have anything to compare it to, but I have to say I don't have one complaint!! They made my boyfriend & I feel like we were royalty. I'm obsessed now & im looking forward to another cruise hopefully next year, I'm looking again to sail away with NCL, maybe on a 11 day cruise this time!! I can't stop thinking about this trip & all I've been doing is driving people crazy with my cruise stories. I'm hooked & all I keep saying is why didn't I do this sooner!!

 

 

Welcome back and welcome to Cruisecritic. We were also on the 5/20 Gem cruise. Glad that you had such a great time. . And there is noting strange about your behavior you are just like so many of us on CC,....your hooked! I talk, think and plan my upcoming cruises in my head if not in reality while still on a cruise.

 

To the person asking about the "Seafood Basket" be glad that you didn't get the chance to order it because it was terrible. It was the only bad meal we had. There were 2 shrimp and a piece of square cardboardlike fish? that looked as if it came out of a Mrs Paul's box and some fries..'Should have stuck with the wings!

[mking8288]

... To the person asking about the "Seafood Basket" be glad that you didn't get the chance to order it because it was terrible. It was the only bad meal we had. There were 2 shrimp and a piece of square cardboardlike fish? that looked as if it came out of a Mrs Paul's box and some fries..'Should have stuck with the wings!

Ha Ha, that was me ... One of our nephew was on the Gem in mid January & "cautioned" us about it but to see/find out for ourselves to decide. Our BIL/SIL wanted to do Orchid Garden that evening after a show, which was also equally, a disappointment & to made matters worst. OSH's wings with the sauce on the side was edible & good, not great - IMHO - the coated batter could be better.

 

I don't remember if OSH had a BBQ ribs night - those're good on the Breakaway, along with the prime ribs. As a whole, OSH on the Gem was just okay - breakfast was fine, simple but service pretty fast, and most importantly, everything came out warm to hot in serving temperature. Grand Pacific served up at best, "lurk warm" with the entrees.

[Mike A]

Great Review !!! We too were on the 5/20 sailing of the Gem. We ate at Moderno on Sunday Evening (Day 2) at 6:00 (Party of 6). The service was great as was the salad bar. In fact, if anything, we were rushed a bit. MalervyC, just curious, what night were you at Moderno? It's amazing how one night could be so different from another. Unfortunately, it does happen. I'm sorry to hear about your DH's illness. Hopefully, you get your insurance reimbursement soon.

[MalervyC]

Great Review !!! We too were on the 5/20 sailing of the Gem. We ate at Moderno on Sunday Evening (Day 2) at 6:00 (Party of 6). The service was great as was the salad bar. In fact, if anything, we were rushed a bit. MalervyC, just curious, what night were you at Moderno? It's amazing how one night could be so different from another. Unfortunately, it does happen. I'm sorry to hear about your DH's illness. Hopefully, you get your insurance reimbursement soon.

 

 

 

Hi!! We are at Moderno the first night 5/20, reservations at 5:30pm. Like I said we loved the Moderno on Escape, so much that DH and I booked it twice on that sailing! On the Gem it was a disappointment - but it won't stop us from booking NCL again!

 

So far no reimbursement yet but I am calling every day! First time ever having to actually use trip insurance and I'm hoping it works out!

 

 

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