NCL GEM 1/9-1/19 Cancelled Cruise Review

[cresx]

Hello all,

 

Just got home from our NCL GEM 1/9-1/19 cruise that was "Cancelled". I have never done a review before, but felt obligated to offer a quick one and answer any questions.

In short, it was an incredible cruise. It was obviously different then what we booked, but assumed that would be the case due to issues outside of NCLs control. 

We heard different numbers about how many passengers there were, ranging from 1,200 down to 700. 

We had three generations cruising ranging from 20s to 89, two of who needed scooters and walkers.

Service was amazing. Staff were grateful that they were working again and that people chose to continue to cruise with them.

Food was great as usual. 

Shows and entertainment were fun.

Embarkation and disembarkation went smoothly.

Yes, we were scheduled to make 5 ports, and we only did one (St. Maarten for 2 consecutive days.)

When the first announcement of change in itinerary was announced (No Grand Turks which we had already assumed as they never opened up excursions there, and St. Thomas, due to COVID concerns) we were offered $100 on board credit, and a 10% FCC credit.

As we were getting ready to leave St. Maarten for the first night, they announced that Tortola was cancelled and we would be staying in St. Maarten for a second day.

A few hours later, we received written notification that the cruise was Cancelled. That we would not be doing any more ports, and heading back to NYC. The current cruise would be refunded, and we would get a 50% FCC.

After returning to the ship after our second day in St. Maarten, we were informed that we would be returning to NYC as scheduled. I assumed this was so that passengers would not have to make changes to their post cruise travel arrangements. 

We had a few more days in fabulous weather on the ship.

We made a detour to GSC to meet up with the NCL Star. We transferred over 100 staff and supplies from the Gem to the Star via a tender.

Then we headed home to NYC.

This was one of the best cruises that we have ever been on.

I feel NCL went above and beyond to ensure our safety, comfort and enjoyment.

We have cruised a couple of other cruise lines in the past, but typically sail with NCL.

After this cruise, NCL has our business for life.

We even book another cruise while on this one. Something that we have never done before.

Be well. I welcome questions.

[ChicagoBarb]

I just got home from the same cruise.  This cruise is at the top of my list as one of the best.  I'm going to give the Gem another try in March.  If it ends up being another "Mystery Cruise" I'll still be one happy cruiser.

[JGmf]

Thanks for your review.  It sounds like you had a wonderful time and NCL was more than fair in accommodating the passengers given the changing situations.

 

Unfortunately, the headline "cruise cancelled", along with "passengers stuck at sea" was on the screen crawl on CNN the other day (and even on my local news too) and was also joked about during Jimmy Fallon's monologue on Monday night.  More negative media that feeds into the bias people have against cruising, especially now during these Covid times.  I'm assuming the public relations team at NCL is fighting an uphill battle on this.

 

 

[cresx]

It is unfortunate that a fellow passenger reached out to the media from the ship to spread her opinion. Any time someone started to complain about the cruise, I expressed my opinion of the cruise. 

The shows continued. The food and drinks were flowing. People were winning at trivia, bingo, games, and even at the casinos. Best cruise ever. 

[phillygwm]

Friends didn't hesitate to send me articles about this "horror story."  I responded that I wish I were on this cruise:  7 days of free food, drink, etc. and 50% off a future cruise?  What's not to like?  

[japit]

We were on this cruise as well.  

Before we even boarded we knew it wouldn’t be like any normal cruise pre-covid.    We were all given the chance to cancel with “peace of mind” that NCL had in place. We knew we weren’t going to St Thomas because of the restrictions they put in place the end of December to take effect January 3.  We figured we weren’t going to Turks because there weren’t excursions listed. 

We went on prepared to expect the unexpected.  We made a decision to go and just decided to enjoy ourselves regardless of what happened, we would still be on vacation.  We expected to miss ports, of course not 4 of the 5.  We expected shows to be cancelled, however none were  cancelled.  Everything was open, pools, spa, gym etc. with the exception of the smaller main dining room, Magenta. This was not an issue as we were under 50%  capacity.  It was open a few times but not many.  

To go on a cruise during these times you have to know the possibilities, and be willing to adapt, if not wait to go cruising again.   NCL went above and beyond to make sure the passengers were happy. The fact that we are being fully refunded and 50% off another is unbelievable.  We can’t wait to book our next cruise with NCL.  
 

If that was a nightmare cruise, I wish I wouldn’t have woke up this morning,  I would still be on the ship now!  

[WYB!]

I’m still on the ship and enjoying my time. Looking forward to this voyage and not sure what overall discount I will eventually receive.

 

Stay well.

 

WYB

[Longstockingpippi1]

Can I ask what time the disembark started? 10 am is such a late disembark compared to other sailings I’ve been on. Thanks in advance. 

[Coastalbreezes]

Thank you for your positive review and go-with-the flow attitude. I am a similar type of cruiser; Just being on a ship again makes me happy and I always find something to do. I would have loved to be on your trip -- all those sea days sounds wonderful.

[Cruiseandgamble]

4 hours ago, Longstockingpippi1 said:

Can I ask what time the disembark started? 10 am is such a late disembark compared to other sailings I’ve been on. Thanks in advance. 

I think it started around 7:45am as my friend and I did the self-assist walk-off and were in our Uber to the airport at 8:08am.

[Earthworm Jim]

19 hours ago, cresx said:

We made a detour to GSC to meet up with the NCL Star. We transferred over 100 staff and supplies from the Gem to the Star via a tender.

 

I wonder if that means those 100+ staffers either had or were exposed to someone who had covid, so they wanted them off the ship to not risk further exposures? Star isn't currently sailing with passengers, so perhaps they are using it as a quarantine/isolation ship.

Edited January 20, 2022 by Earthworm Jim

[VtMac]

All I know is this...I was reading about myself and wife being stranded at sea while sipping a mojito in 80 degree temps, no clouds, and a pool in front of me.  To offer a bit more of things that left an impression.

 

First time back in St Maarten since the hurricanes...wow.  Unimaginable and sad.  The people of the island were just as nice as always but they seemed even more gracious because we chose to go in the current times of this pandemic.  I was just as thrilled to be there as they were to have us.

 

As mentioned the guest load was low, too low as it felt a little like a creepy ghost ship at times...which was a reason for another drink!  Seriously, it was awesome but I think I like a few more humans.

 

The staff was simply unbelievable and I second every other sentiment above.  NCL did right by us imo, I think it was a hat tip to those of us that rolled the dice.  As for our drama queen pax that just had to send a video to USA Today...meh.

[MS52]

We were also on this cruise.  It was amazing.  The ‘cancelled cruise’ headline was just wrong!   We’re scheduled to cruise again in May.  Feel safer on the ship than I do in my town of anti-vaxxers.  

[halos]

One person's nightmare is another's dream. I am so happy you had such a great time and I'm SO FREAKING JEALOUS! We were supposed to cruise on the Getaway on Jan 5. On January 4th as we were in Florida, so super pumped about getting on a ship after a two year drought, they cancelled us.

I love coming here and reading about everyone's fabulous sailings on half empty ships.