PEB Posted September 21, 2018 #1 Share Posted September 21, 2018 Yesterday we booked the Gem for a B2B Canada New England cruise for Oct 2019. I have cruised on many cruise lines but it has been about 16 years since I was a passenger on NCL. I did work on NCL Pride of Aloha and Pride of America over 10 years ago. Seeing we booked the Gem I went to Yourtube to check out some video's and for the most part was pleased with the exception of 1 video. This video was from a January 2018 cruise and showed water leaking in a hallway from the lights and water seeping into a room. It was in a storm at the time. I guess my question is what kind of shape do you consider the Gem to be in? Another question would be what may be your favorite place on the Gem? Thank you for any responses you may have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2B&Z Posted September 21, 2018 #2 Share Posted September 21, 2018 We have sailed the Gem twice, most recently was March 2018. The Gem is not new, and like most ships we have sailed, occasionally has issues. We didn’t notice any issues from the Jan 2018 water when we sailed two months later. We love the Gem, it’s a nice size and the crew is amazing. Some of our favourite spots are the Great Outdoors buffet and eating area at the back of the ship, the forward lounge, and the pool deck! The games room was popular with our boys on our last cruise, they enjoyed the board games that were available and it was a great way to pass time when the weather was not so nice. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpcdds6 Posted September 21, 2018 #3 Share Posted September 21, 2018 NCL's Jewel class ships are some of the best designed at sea. Great Outdoors is a fantastic space and the ship is the perfect size at almost 100,000 tons. They all look great after their refurbs too. Not a lot of bells and whistles like the newer mega ships, but not over 4,000 people either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoohoo97 Posted September 21, 2018 #4 Share Posted September 21, 2018 As others have said, the great outdoors is a great spot, I also loved Spinnakers lounge. Spent a lot of the cruise going between the two. That was the biggest thing I missed while sailing on the Escape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bones774 Posted September 21, 2018 #5 Share Posted September 21, 2018 Another big plus for Spinnaker and outdoor café. If I was taking the kids, young adults i'd go with bigger ship though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Ottawa_Cruiser Posted September 21, 2018 #6 Share Posted September 21, 2018 I sailed on Gem in July 2018. It has been refurbished and it's a great ship. I didn't notice the issue that you indicated and we had a couple periods of rain. We love Great Outdoors and O'Sheehans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bones774 Posted September 21, 2018 #7 Share Posted September 21, 2018 I sailed on Gem in July 2018. It has been refurbished and it's a great ship. I didn't notice the issue that you indicated and we had a couple periods of rain. We love Great Outdoors and O'Sheehans. You have to be reasonable and figure at any time, any ship, home or car can have a break down of some type. The larger the mechanics the bigger the disaster/repair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourofakind Posted September 21, 2018 #8 Share Posted September 21, 2018 The Bridge Observation room it is very cool! One of my favorite things to do on the Gem is go check out what's going on in the Bridge. They also have some nifty gadgets in the room that will show you current conditions, expected eta's etc, If you want a more accurate arrival time go check those gadgets out they often say something different then the posted schedule. Back to back's are great! Enjoy your cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dexddd Posted September 21, 2018 #9 Share Posted September 21, 2018 Been on Gem twice and while getting a bit older it was in great shape and one of our favorites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billslowsky Posted September 21, 2018 #10 Share Posted September 21, 2018 I was on the Gem in late January 2018. It's fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare JamieLogical Posted September 21, 2018 #11 Share Posted September 21, 2018 I was on the Gem in June. It is an older ship and shows its age in some things, but seemed well maintained to me. Favorite spots for us were the Spinnaker Lounge and the live entertainment area next to Magnum's. That whole strip with Whiskey bar, Martini bar, and Champagne bar is a really nice little area and the live performers there were great. We were on a Canada & New England sailing, so we didn't get to enjoy the Great Outdoors area very much, as it was quite chilly for most of our cruise, but I could see how it would be great when the weather is nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sand and Seas Posted September 21, 2018 #12 Share Posted September 21, 2018 Nice to read some updates on the Gem as it's been years since we were on her. We are looking at summer cruises out of Boston next year. Question, do all the Mini-suites on the Gem have the shower/tub combination? We would be interested in a Mini but only with a shower as we dislike that combo tub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLH Arizona Posted September 21, 2018 #13 Share Posted September 21, 2018 NCL's Jewel class ships are some of the best designed at sea. Great Outdoors is a fantastic space and the ship is the perfect size at almost 100,000 tons. They all look great after their refurbs too. Not a lot of bells and whistles like the newer mega ships, but not over 4,000 people either.I totally agree, as I love the Pearl and Jewel. Unfortunately on my December cruise they change it to the Breakaway, which will be my first time on one of the big ships...hope I like it, but I know I won't like the 4,000 other folks on the ship. Love the Great Outdoors on Jewel class ships; they have the best cookies around 3:30, especially the oatmeal raisin ones.! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Newleno Posted September 22, 2018 #14 Share Posted September 22, 2018 Yesterday we booked the Gem for a B2B Canada New England cruise for Oct 2019. I have cruised on many cruise lines but it has been about 16 years since I was a passenger on NCL. I did work on NCL Pride of Aloha and Pride of America over 10 years ago. Seeing we booked the Gem I went to Yourtube to check out some video's and for the most part was pleased with the exception of 1 video. This video was from a January 2018 cruise and showed water leaking in a hallway from the lights and water seeping into a room. It was in a storm at the time. I guess my question is what kind of shape do you consider the Gem to be in? Another question would be what may be your favorite place on the Gem? Thank you for any responses you may have. just got off this ship and this cruise itinerary, look at my posts for how to cruise on the cheap including the $8.60 tour pass for quebec city Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PEB Posted September 25, 2018 Author #15 Share Posted September 25, 2018 I want to thank all of you for the responses you have provided. It is helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budget Queen Posted September 25, 2018 #16 Share Posted September 25, 2018 I’m on the Gem now. I picked up these cruises on the price dump rack. I won’t book ahead since this is my preference they have been on sale for several past seasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Newleno Posted September 25, 2018 #17 Share Posted September 25, 2018 I’m on the Gem now. I picked up these cruises on the price dump rack. I won’t book ahead since this is my preference they have been on sale for several past seasons. I think this is just a figure of speech, but where do you find the last minute deals, thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DominicAUS Posted September 25, 2018 #18 Share Posted September 25, 2018 I was on the Gem last year and it was lovely. It had a dry dock a few years ago and the refresh looked good. Staff were amazing, heaps friendly across the whole ship. As other said the great outdoors is amazing for an arvo cocktail or 3 for sail away. Spinnaker lounge is great too. The Gem was a great size not too big and not too small. You’ll love it, enjoy the cruise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenquixote66 Posted September 26, 2018 #19 Share Posted September 26, 2018 Yesterday we booked the Gem for a B2B Canada New England cruise for Oct 2019. I have cruised on many cruise lines but it has been about 16 years since I was a passenger on NCL. I did work on NCL Pride of Aloha and Pride of America over 10 years ago. Seeing we booked the Gem I went to Yourtube to check out some video's and for the most part was pleased with the exception of 1 video. This video was from a January 2018 cruise and showed water leaking in a hallway from the lights and water seeping into a room. It was in a storm at the time. I guess my question is what kind of shape do you consider the Gem to be in? Another question would be what may be your favorite place on the Gem? Thank you for any responses you may have. We were on the Gem 3 times . in my opinion the only good thing about the Gem was when Leo Josten was an entertainer on the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boopsahoy Posted September 26, 2018 #20 Share Posted September 26, 2018 We were on the Gem 3 times . in my opinion the only good thing about the Gem was when Leo Josten was an entertainer on the ship. Leo is fantastic! We did a New Years Eve cruise where he was performing. Love him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisin56 Posted September 26, 2018 #21 Share Posted September 26, 2018 I think this is just a figure of speech, but where do you find the last minute deals, thanks Reach out to me...I can help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkelly8646 Posted September 26, 2018 #22 Share Posted September 26, 2018 Gem cruisers - Sorry to report - I met Leo on the Jewel this past August. He was doing Alaska and after that he will be sailing on NCL Asian routes. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wterfalls Posted October 4, 2018 #23 Share Posted October 4, 2018 Jamie, we will be on the Gem in a couple of weeks. I am looking to pre book some specialty dinners. Do you recall what Time most of the live entertainment started?Much thanks in advance. Trus D. I was on the Gem in June. It is an older ship and shows its age in some things, but seemed well maintained to me. Favorite spots for us were the Spinnaker Lounge and the live entertainment area next to Magnum's. That whole strip with Whiskey bar, Martini bar, and Champagne bar is a really nice little area and the live performers there were great. We were on a Canada & New England sailing, so we didn't get to enjoy the Great Outdoors area very much, as it was quite chilly for most of our cruise, but I could see how it would be great when the weather is nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare JamieLogical Posted October 4, 2018 #24 Share Posted October 4, 2018 Jamie, we will be on the Gem in a couple of weeks. I am looking to pre book some specialty dinners. Do you recall what Time most of the live entertainment started?Much thanks in advance. Trus D. IIRC, the main shows were at 7:00 and 9:00. I can double-check my dailies when I get home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGal999 Posted October 4, 2018 #25 Share Posted October 4, 2018 I think this is just a figure of speech, but where do you find the last minute deals, thanks I sailed NCL Gem 09/08th - 09/28th ... B2B New England/Canada cruises. On the NCL website ...about 7 - 10 days after I booked my cruise, price for EACH cruise went to $399 .... before taxes/port fees ... but still! I paid a good price ... I still feel that way ... but of course, would have loved getting the $399 price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now