gem 1/19

[CruisingComumbus]

3 hours ago, JAGR said:

Just ignore the fact that NCL says it was cancelled.  One port, and no one gets to disembark.  What a cruise!

Everyone was able to disembark on St. Martin for two days in a row.

[CruisingComumbus]

On 1/15/2022 at 3:01 PM, LB_NJ said:

Looks like it is a cruise to nowhere.

It stopped in St. Martin.  They were not allowed in the other ports.  We didn't know why until today when they tendered 50+ crew to the Norwegian Star. 

[CruisingComumbus]

On 1/15/2022 at 9:48 AM, terry8551 said:

Is everything on board casino restaurants open and entertainment working? And how many people on board?  I am on the 19th cruise and cannot wait to go just wondering?

Terry,

 

It's worthwhile for you to look through the roll call for this cruise and the 2 or 3 other threads, but the short answer to help you avoid sifting through the rest of the threads:

 

Everything onboard is open.  Specialty restaurants are fine, casino open (but no smoking -- must wear masks), entertainment (*some* shows were cancelled, and only one showing per night primarily because there weren't enough people on board to warrant two shows).  About 800 passengers -- 1/3 full.  The food has been excellent, the weather wonderful, pools open and not crowded. 

 

Everything is subject to change because obviously the whole pandemic thing is an evolving situation, but there have not been any reports of serious quarantine or COVID on board, though it turns out there were issues with the crew (50+ crew offloaded today in the waters of the Bahamas when Gem met up with Star). 

[CruisingComumbus]

18 hours ago, Envelope21 said:

Oh Jeeze! I can't believe this whole thread is about terminology!

The whole thread reminds me of this:

 

[Tralfie]

7 hours ago, JAGR said:

Just ignore the fact that NCL says it was cancelled.  One port, and no one gets to disembark.  What a cruise!

I can say my black jeans are blue, but that ain't gonna make it so. The cruise was in no way, shape or form cancelled. As for what it wound up being... I'm sure a lot of people are VERY disappointed, but I honestly wouldn't be,. I'm more about the journey (being on the ship) than the destination(s). And if you told me I'd be getting a full refund PLUS an additional FCC? Yeah, I'd be perfectly happy. 

[Snowrose]

They slowed down the return to change crew and get supplies at GSC. Then they'll slow track up the coast to avoid the worst of the seas from the slowly exiting winds from the previous snowstorm.

 

Could also be there were issues with the pier or longshoremen being available for other dates that slowed them down from their original estimates of an early return.

[jlseymour3]

On 1/16/2022 at 2:26 PM, CruisingComumbus said:

The whole thread reminds me of this:

 

Exactly, and by page two I'm looking for the hit on the head lessons to make it stop.

[MS52]

I just got off the January 9th cruise on the Gem about an hour ago. 
we received a letter saying the cruise was cancelled and we would receive a full refund and a 50% off FCC and would be returning to NYC as soon as possible.   Things changed and then they said we would be following the snow storm up the coast trying to stay out of the weather and arrive in NYC as scheduled.  We had one really bumpy day and night.  
things are constantly changing in these trying times for travel.  go with the flow or stay home until they’re normal.  
we overnighted in St Maarten and we had two lovely sea days.  I was disappointed that we didn’t hit all the islands scheduled but it’s not NCL’s fault.

we had a great time and I wouldn’t hesitate to schedule another cruise

 

[Laszlo]

1 hour ago, MS52 said:

I just got off the January 9th cruise on the Gem about an hour ago. 
we received a letter saying the cruise was cancelled and we would receive a full refund and a 50% off FCC and would be returning to NYC as soon as possible.   Things changed and then they said we would be following the snow storm up the coast trying to stay out of the weather and arrive in NYC as scheduled.  We had one really bumpy day and night.  
things are constantly changing in these trying times for travel.  go with the flow or stay home until they’re normal.  
we overnighted in St Maarten and we had two lovely sea days.  I was disappointed that we didn’t hit all the islands scheduled but it’s not NCL’s fault.

we had a great time and I wouldn’t hesitate to schedule another cruise

 

Glad you had a good time. You got a pretty sweet deal, Free Cruise and 50% off your next one

[JIMESOPUS]

On the Gem right now, several sources said there is only 601 passengers, service great, ship clean and safe. Sail south almost uneventful, something happen in the outer harbor of NYC, ship wasn't moving for awhile - no news. Right now available chairs outnumber the chair hogs, 74 degrees and getting warmer. Stay warm and healthy NY.

[joyy7403]

Very nice & quiet on here! Ship seems so empty.  No waiting for a table, elevators are readily available & food is delicious, as always!i think we have deck 9 forward all to ourselves! All good!

[JIMESOPUS]

Crisis aboard the GEM !!!!! We have gone over 24 hrs without Baileys Irish Cream. Never mind another beautiful warm day, great food, snacks at the great doors while watching the moon and fantastic entertainment. For the love of god .. No Baileys ... no chocolate or pistachio martinis, guess it's back to LIT's ... stay classy NY  

[CruisingComumbus]

15 hours ago, JIMESOPUS said:

Crisis aboard the GEM !!!!! We have gone over 24 hrs without Baileys Irish Cream. Never mind another beautiful warm day, great food, snacks at the great doors while watching the moon and fantastic entertainment. For the love of god .. No Baileys ... no chocolate or pistachio martinis, guess it's back to LIT's ... stay classy NY  

Someone should call USA Today!  What a nightmare!  Haha!

[JIMESOPUS]

Almost 2 full days without Baileys, we have found other beverages to keep us hydrated. Quick thanks to the roll call members who join the slot pull yesterday. After a full hour of grueling play we broke even, big thanks to the " Hammer " Jim. We found a port today that would accept us, the Port area of Puerto Plata has everything one would need. Would have uploaded a few pictures but it's super slow uploading anything. Prayers to the NYPD

[JIMESOPUS]

We stopped today at Catalina Island today, think of GSC without restaurants or bars. The ship provided a to go pack, which was found at the Garden Cafe. May have found a clue of the missing Baileys last night, need to follow up tonight to see if we are right.. Stay safe ans well

[mking8288]

@JIMESOPUS - cute posts and updates ... is there consideration given to request an "urgent" airdrop or tender transfer to resupply the Baileys at the next port, if logistically possible.  The clue being ??? - did security seized them by mistake & holding them hostage, LOL.  Okay, USVI is usually a good place to pick them up, at excellent duty-free prices (for passengers) but the Gem isn't going there anytime soon, right 🤣🤣🤣 

[JIMESOPUS]

17 hours ago, mking8288 said:

@JIMESOPUS - cute posts and updates ... is there consideration given to request an "urgent" airdrop or tender transfer to resupply the Baileys at the next port, if logistically possible.  The clue being ??? - did security seized them by mistake & holding them hostage, LOL.  Okay, USVI is usually a good place to pick them up, at excellent duty-free prices (for passengers) but the Gem isn't going there anytime soon, right 🤣🤣🤣 

As reported by several sources, the stores haven't been replenished since the 1/2/22 cruise, since they didn't know how many PAX would be aboard until the last minute they held off. Baileys has been found in the outdoor bars, one bottle. A secondary " Irish Cream " has been found in the Bliss, bartenders have resorted to making their own type of cream by mixing Jameson and other liquors. Hopefully the truck is waiting at St Marteen. Stay safe and warm.  

[JIMESOPUS]

No truck in St Marteen, was told no more until we get back. Great day, a little rain in the AM, fingers crossed for BVI. O'Sheehans has been closing right after breakfast and reopens around 1PM, only one MDR the entire cruise, the Asian MDR has been open the entire cruise. Stay Warm and Healthy NY

[JIMESOPUS]

Another day and another stop ... Sunny day at BVI so we headed over to a shady place at Josh Van Dyke, pain killers at the Soggy Dollar !!! No entertainment at Stardust tonight, showing a movie.

[JaB80]

31 minutes ago, JIMESOPUS said:

Another day and another stop ... Sunny day at BVI so we headed over to a shady place at Josh Van Dyke, pain killers at the Soggy Dollar !!! No entertainment at Stardust tonight, showing a movie.

Jimesopus, I log on everyday to see your progress updates. Thank you! I go on Gem Feb 8th.

[Luvcruising69]

Thanks Jimesopus for the constant updates. After the last outing I was a bit concerned since we are scheduled on the Feb. 8th cruise. Nice that they added Catalina Island to make up for what I assume was not stopping at Turks. Even better to hear that you docked in Tortola today. These reports are making me feel better about going, although I'd probably go regardless of the number of ports. 

 

On a different note, being a double Baileys drinker myself, I was horrified to hear your report that they ran out. I can only hope they get their act together before we set sail.

 

Enjoy the rest of your trip and please keep those updates coming. It is greatly appreciated.

[JIMESOPUS]

This is almost a repeat post. Yesterday, our first full sea day north was perfect, 75 degrees and calm seas. Entertainment featured for the first time some of the production team dancers and singer. Really getting used to not waiting for a elevator, have someone waiting to serve you, everyone saying hi and thank you. Again today we wake up very calm seas and 71 degrees can't believe we are in the Atlantic. Plenty of actives planned. Stay warm NY

[DinaS]

Has anyone heard anything about the arrival/departure delays for Saturday?  

 

We're supposed to be boarding on Saturday, but they are back to saying 7" of snow and Gale force winds.

[JIMESOPUS]

2 hours ago, DinaS said:

Has anyone heard anything about the arrival/departure delays for Saturday?  

 

We're supposed to be boarding on Saturday, but they are back to saying 7" of snow and Gale force winds.

Went to deck #11 viewing room about 1 hr ago, ETA is still listed as 0600 .. weather turning bad, rain has started and waves picking up. Day started at 72 now 65

 

[JaB80]

On 1/27/2022 at 7:10 AM, JIMESOPUS said:

This is almost a repeat post. Yesterday, our first full sea day north was perfect, 75 degrees and calm seas. Entertainment featured for the first time some of the production team dancers and singer. Really getting used to not waiting for a elevator, have someone waiting to serve you, everyone saying hi and thank you. Again today we wake up very calm seas and 71 degrees can't believe we are in the Atlantic. Plenty of actives planned. Stay warm NY

Thank you for another update. Did you go to all the planned ports or were there any changes?