Gem review March 8-15 LONG part 1

[sun~]

PART 1 of 3

We just returned from the Gem March 8/08 cruise. What a great vacation!

There were four of us, my DH and my two sons (13 & 16). We drove from Ottawa to NYC on Thursday – what a very smart move that turned out to be – huge snow storm on the Friday. We had a great time in New York for a couple of days. We did get to see Young Frankenstein on Broadway – a great new experience for the boys. This is our 5th cruise and our boys 3rd cruise. We have cruised from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York and Port Canaveral in the past. We definitely prefer to leave from New York, it is the best pre or post cruise port for us for many reasons (shopping, shopping and did I mention shopping?).

It was a painless embarkation process and we were on the ship at around 1:30pm. We thought we would check to see if our cabins were ready, and they were. We were in a mini-suite in cabin 11586 and the boys were across the hall in an inside, 11585. Great location, mid-ship. The cabin was excellent, clean and well appointed. The balcony was a good size, roomy enough for the two chairs that were there, but could have fit loungers. The boy’s inside cabin was a wee bit small. It was able to sleep three, but two was enough. Our cabin stewards left our cabins spotless everyday and even made cute towel animals. We read the riot act to our boys not to leave every article of clothing around the room, the room stewards have enough to contend with without our lads leaving their drawers on door knobs!

The ship was just beautiful. Fabulous furniture!!! It was like something from Dr. Seuss or Alice in Wonderland. The décor over all was very modern and funky. As a realtor who sees dozens of homes each week and doing staging for clients, I really appreciate what the designers have done. Bliss lounge is hot hot hot!!!! My DH had a quest to lounge in the yellow or blue chairs (Loungers?) in the spinnaker lounge and read. Every time we were there it was “I really must try THAT chair…..”

The service was fantastic. We had terrific service from just about every staffer we encountered. I know so many people wonder how the restaurants and dining rooms are on the ship. In my line of work, I entertain a great deal and I spend far more time and money in restaurants than most people. I don’t do Denny’s or buffets. My standards tend to be very high and I am a tough cookie. I have to say the food and service that we encountered was excellent. We ate breakfast mainly at the Grand Pacific dining room, we went to the buffet with our boys a couple of mornings. There seemed to be just about anything most people would like in the breakfast buffet, omelets, pancakes, yogurt, fruits etc. The dining room had much of the same thing, only without the crowds. I prefer to sit down, have a cup of tea and get my French toast in a quiet place. I did see one old sourpuss in the dining room – the miserable old bag had a face like a slapped arse – she sniffed her nose that something came out in the wrong order (toast? jam?) and was rude and horrible to the wait staff. This crabby article was saying to her long suffering husband “it’s the language issue blah blah”. Meanwhile, two of the servers were waiting on this misery guts hand and foot. I doubt this old sourpuss would treat someone in their local diner with such distain. Just an FYI for all those rude/nasty/miserable people out there - smile – your face won’t crack.

part 2 next post

[sun~]

PART 2 of 3

During the week we ate at La Cucina (twice), Tequila, Teppanyaki, Le Bistro and Cagney’s (twice). We didn’t venture into the main dining rooms for dinner, so I can’t comment on those venues. La Cucina was very good and the service was terrific. The servers were very accommodating to our boys, they got served quickly so they could head out to the teen club activities and left us to have a leisurely dinner. Tequila was fun – yummy sangria and the oddest looking meal. We had Il popo, which was chicken, beef and vegetables on this hanging contraption. Teppanyaki was delicious. My hollow legged boys walked away full. Le Bistro was a highlight – excellent service and an excellent chateaubriand. We went to Cagney’s with the boys one evening, and one without. Both evenings were very good, but the second evening it was a nice romantic dinner just DH and myself. We saw Prem, the Hotel manager and the Food and Beverage manager (sorry I forget his name at the moment) every single night. Each night we ate about 7:30 or 8pm, so that is when they do their rounds. We had absolutely no trouble getting reservations and we never waited to be seated. After a nice chat with Prem in Le Bistro it is clear that they take service and guest satisfaction very seriously. We were very impressed with the manager’s level of visibility.

As an aside note, we brought several bottles of our own wine, which we paid corkage. Yes, we are wine snobs. We know they cannot store wine properly on a cruise ship, so there is a limited selection of really good wines. The $15 corkage was a bargain, as the wines we brought with us would have easily been marked up to the $80+ range – so the $30+ per bottle we paid at the LCBO was money well spent. We also brought my diet caffeine free coke and Gatorade on board. We also did a bar set up.

My eldest son spent quite a bit of time in the gym, he didn’t seem to wait for any equipment considering the number of spring breakers on board. The boys also played quite a bit of basketball. I don’t think they got on the rock climbing wall – the day the teen club was supposed to use it they couldn’t for some reason. The boys also spent a great deal of time at the Blue Lagoon, ordering ‘quadruple’ order of chicken fingers (I am not kidding!!). They stayed up til all hours hanging out in the Leopard lounge and various places around the ship. They didn’t haul their lazy carcasses out of bed til at least 11am. We laughed when the ‘herd’ of teenagers would go by, usually munching on something. The tall skinny one was my youngest. They all seemed to be quite well behaved and no reports of any mischief from this group. They just ate their way through the ship. One funny note – the young lads booked a table at Tequila and all the lads were in their collared shirts and long pants – no issues with these lads dressing appropriately for dinner (I guess only some adults have trouble getting dressed). They were all between 13 and 17 btw.

We saw the comedian Ross Bennett a couple of times, he is quite good. We saw the magician, my DH liked him more than I did, but it isn’t my cup of tea. We saw the World Beat show – usual cheesy stuff. One of the highlights was Carrie Stone in the Maltings bar – she is a very talented singer/songwriter. She played lots of cover songs, but her original material was fantastic. We saw Second City (which I normally love) in the stardust theater, which was ok. We saw the scriptless show later in the week, again which was just ok. I know each show is different, lets hope this troupe gets a bit more on the ball for later cruises. We participated in the Quest on the last night – oh my gawd was it fun!!! We had a crazy group and we all did our bit. The only thing we didn’t come up with was false teeth (that’s all I going to say nudge nudge wink wink).

PART 3 NEXT POST

[sun~]

PART 3 of 3

It was a very mixed demographic on the ship. As to be expected there were hundreds of our fellow Canadians on board. It was our March Break in Ontario, so there were lots of families. There were also lots of US college/uni spring breakers (lots from UConn it seemed). There were a fair number of seniors on board too – I did hear a little bit of griping about the number of kids. But hey – if those passengers didn’t know it was school break time they should get a better travel agent or do more research online. We did see a good friend of ours from my boy’s karate studio. He spent time trying to avoid my eldest so he didn’t have to do push ups and chin ups (he says “Callum is an animal – I am too old to keep up!”). Big ship, small world J

The first at sea day we went to the CC meeting. It was nice to see all the senior officers there for the M&G. We lounged around the Spinnaker read and had a nice chat with Seashark (Len) and had a couple of drinks. Everyone was enjoying the funky furniture on the cool, sunny day. Many people were sound asleep on the beds and loungers. Perfect place for that! For Port Canaveral we didn’t bother getting off the ship. We were going to go to KSC. We have been there a couple of times before. The day was so nice, there was so much going on around the ship we thought ‘what the heck, let’s just stay’. We had a great day! On GSC we got off, found a bit of a quiet spot (yes there is some there, you just have to stay away from the crowds on the beach) and had a wonderful day. In Nassau we booked a room at the Comfort Suites to use the facilities at the Atlantis resort. The boys had a fantastic time using all the waterslides etc. In the small world category, I saw my boss and his wife there. Huge resort, thousands of people, we met in the lazy river pool. In Freeport we took a taxi to the Sheraton and went to the beach. It was a very nice beach, the weather was great. The last sea day we just relaxed, went in the pool, read and lounged.

Overall we had a terrific week. Lounged, read, relaxed. Yes, I know I brought my laptop and did some work (don’t give me a hard time Len!!). Our boys had a wonderful time meeting new friends and hanging out. We enjoyed going to a different restaurant every night, five minutes from “home”. We had a great time bowling – or at least my pitiful attempt at bowling ;) We even had a little luck at the casino. We would definitely do another cruise from New York.

END

[LOWTYD]

Thanks for the great review. It's refreshing to read something good! I am looking forward to some R&R and it sound like the GEM may be the place to get some! I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[sun~]

I forgot to mention the shuttle launch! We went to the great outdoors area about 1:30am to watch the shuttle launch. It went off without a hitch at about 2:28am. There were hundreds of people at the back of the ship all in awe of the sight. What a truely memorable event!!!!

[slotaddict]

I forgot to mention the shuttle launch! We went to the great outdoors area about 1:30am to watch the shuttle launch. It went off without a hitch at about 2:28am. There were hundreds of people at the back of the ship all in awe of the sight. What a truely memorable event!!!!

 

wow, now that is something I have always wanted to do. Sounds like you had a great time inspite of the Spring Breakers.

[Chrislynn55]

Hi Sheila, it was nice to meet you and your family on the Gem! We had a fantastic time on this cruise too and virtually no complaints about anything. It was nice that our DS met up with your boys at the meet and greet...we actually did not see him after that for most of the cruise...he said this vacation was one of his best:) I'm glad to hear that SeaShark was aboard....did he say why he didn't make it to the meet and greet?

 

Kathy

[sun~]

Hi Kathy,

 

I know when Callum and Ian met up with Bryan, that was it the for the rest of the week. The 'herd' took off... LOL

 

SeaShark was at the M&G, we had a nice chat with him there as well as other times on the ship. He is a tall fellow, and he had a yellow shirt on at the M&G.

 

It was great to meet you and your family! I agree - it was one of the best vacations:)

[nyflush]

Great review Glad to here you had a great time on the Gem:)

[tigerbait]

Thanks for such a great review! Really got me even more excited about our 4/19 TA on the Gem. Do the mini suites still have a concierge or not? Can you hook up your laptop to the TV to play DVD and if so how? How was the room service menu? Was your wine in checked or carry-on luggage? My husband is bringing a case of wine and we are hoping to pay corkage at the dock ...to do that do you have to carry it on? I'd appreciate any answers you can give me!!!

Thanks

Michelle

[snorklinbarb]

Wonderful review - thanks for taking the time to put it up.

 

It's always refreshing to read a story like yours where every member of the family has a great time. Your boys will have a lot to remember.:D

 

When you took them to the spec. restaurants, did they try the adult menu or stick with the kids? I'm always curious what kids would order in Le Bistro.;):)

 

So will your next vacation be a cruise?;)

[sun~]

Thanks for such a great review! Really got me even more excited about our 4/19 TA on the Gem. Do the mini suites still have a concierge or not? Can you hook up your laptop to the TV to play DVD and if so how? How was the room service menu? Was your wine in checked or carry-on luggage? My husband is bringing a case of wine and we are hoping to pay corkage at the dock ...to do that do you have to carry it on? I'd appreciate any answers you can give me!!!

Thanks

Michelle

 

No concierge in the mini suites, no biggie, we were able to do exactly what we wanted, when we wanted .

 

I didn't try to hook up my laptop to the tv. I think you probably could though if you brought the cables.

 

Room service menu was actually quite good. There was a selection of salads, sandwichs & pizza. We did order room service one lunch time.

 

We brought the wine in carry-on. The safest way to bring expensive bottles! If it is in check in, you will head to the naughty room first. There was a fellow right beside the scanning machine who did the corkage. Also, you can drink your wine in your room if you like. On HAL we did the same thing and they took the bottles away so we could only have them in the dining room.

 

I hope that helps!!!

[sun~]

Wonderful review - thanks for taking the time to put it up.

 

It's always refreshing to read a story like yours where every member of the family has a great time. Your boys will have a lot to remember.:D

 

When you took them to the spec. restaurants' date=' did they try the adult menu or stick with the kids? I'm always curious what kids would order in Le Bistro.;):)

 

So will your next vacation be a cruise?;)[/quote']

 

LOL kids menu for teenage boys!!!!????? They just look and the menu and say OK! Actually my boys have quite sophisticated palates and are adventurious. I know my eldest had the lamb in Cagney's, which was odd as he usually orders seafood. I don't remember what else they ordered. I don't remember if my youngest had anything unusual. A little background for my lads - my youngest wept when cafe henry burger (the nicest restaurant in the capital region for years) closed here in Ottawa, they always treated them well and they did not have any sort of kids menu. It gets rather pricey to take these lads out!

 

We like taking them on a cruise because it is cheaper than many alternatives ;)

[snorklinbarb]

lol is right...I just reread and realized they are teenagers.

 

My 16 yr. old niece is onboard the Gem right now and really enjoyed her dinner last night in Orchid Garden, their Asian venue. She loved it.

 

You're right - a cruise ship (especially NCL) gives you a chance to try all kinds of stuff. Would they try escargots?:D

[sun~]

Eldest has tried escargot. He wasn't too fond it them. However, he has eaten just about any type of shellfish and fish. Anything from crawdads (ewwww those little eyes - he loved them!), calamari, shark, swordfish, clams, mussels, lobster, crab etc etc. He is pretty open minded when it comes to food LOL

[tigerbait]

Our wine isn't expensive but we don't want to have to go to the naughty room. We're bringing it for our cabin...its a 15 day cruise and want to be prepared! Looking forward to wine on the balcony before dinner. Your kids sound great and really love hearing about parents and teen who enjoy each other. We travelled a lot with ours who are now 39 and 37....wonderful memories of fun times! Now we travel with the "grands" and that's a blast! Thanks again for the info!

Michelle

[elron]

Our wine isn't expensive but we don't want to have to go to the naughty room. We're bringing it for our cabin...its a 15 day cruise and want to be prepared! Looking forward to wine on the balcony before dinner.

 

We brought our wine bottles in a regular wine box(taped up) that held a half case(6) with our carry-ons. Escorted to the corkage table asked if we intended to pay the corkage and said indeed. Proceeded to get the "corkage paid" stickers and we were on our way with our receipt.

[tigerbait]

We brought our wine bottles in a regular wine box(taped up) that held a half case(6) with our carry-ons. Escorted to the corkage table asked if we intended to pay the corkage and said indeed. Proceeded to get the "corkage paid" stickers and we were on our way with our receipt.

Once you got your stickers can you then turn it over to a porter for delivery to you room? Or do you have to carry it with you until your cabin is available? We're 1st timers so we need all the explanation of what actually happens....we're trying to decide if we need the rolling cart for the 12 bottle wine box or if the porters bring it to where we pay and what happens to it afterwards. From what I've gathered from the boards you are actually separated from your checked luggage when taxi drops you at the port, so my guess is you're stuck with the wine box until your cabin is available or you put it with checked bags and end up in naughty room which we'd like to avoid!

Thanks

Michelle

[sun~]

Once we got our stickers, we repacked the wine (in rolling carry on luggage) and took it with us. We got on the ship at 1:30, so we went right to our cabin and unpacked the wine. No, the porters don't take your carry on stuff.

 

When you get to the pier, you can pull over and unload your luggage, the porters load it on to a cart to go directly to the ship. Make sure you keep anything with you that you will need in the short term. Your luggage will not arrive at your cabin til around 5 or 6pm. So you may want to keep toiletries, meds, a change of clothes etc in your carry on. If your luggage goes to the naughty room, it may be much later than 6pm before you will get it.

 

My hubby drove, so we hopped out at the pier, and gave the porters our luggage. My DS kept the carry ons with us, and one carried a case of caffeine free diet coke over his shoulder.

 

I hope that helps!

[suzimack]

What did everyone do in port..I left a message on you Gem Board for anyone to answer if they did the BESTOF BAHAMAS tours...anyone, anyone? How was it

[tigerbait]

Once we got our stickers, we repacked the wine (in rolling carry on luggage) and took it with us. We got on the ship at 1:30, so we went right to our cabin and unpacked the wine. No, the porters don't take your carry on stuff.

 

When you get to the pier, you can pull over and unload your luggage, the porters load it on to a cart to go directly to the ship. Make sure you keep anything with you that you will need in the short term. Your luggage will not arrive at your cabin til around 5 or 6pm. So you may want to keep toiletries, meds, a change of clothes etc in your carry on. If your luggage goes to the naughty room, it may be much later than 6pm before you will get it.

 

My hubby drove, so we hopped out at the pier, and gave the porters our luggage. My DS kept the carry ons with us, and one carried a case of caffeine free diet coke over his shoulder.

 

I hope that helps!

Thanks that really helps us plan! Why didn't you just check the cokes?

Michelle

[sun~]

the luggage was full! My lad is strong enough to carry a few pops :)

[mitsybella]

Just a couple of questions, I will be in a mini suite with a 2 and 4 yr old, do you think the mini is large enough? just wondering if I should try to get a larger room, and in the room you were in was there any noise from above, thanks

[coka]

What a fun read, Sun! The ship surely has some fun/unique decor. I just finished building a home addition...I can not wait to decorate a Bliss inspired guest bedroom and a sun room inspired by Magenta dining room...lol,

Coka

[sun~]

coka: I would love to see photos of your home reno inspired by the decor on the ship! wayyyyy cool!!! I know the furniture will be a little tough to source, but I know it can be done! Oh yes, and we made pilgrimage to the 'mermaid' down the hall from our cabin. What a great addition to the ship and a terrific story :)

 

mistybella: the room is large enough for a young family of four. No problems in fitting the kids on the pull out couch on a mini suite (I can't say the same for a balcony cabin, they are quite a bit smaller). The mini suite also has a bathtub, which I know parents of younger children will appreciate. I think we would have been a bit tighter, as our lads are 13 & 16, so we got them a cabin across the hall.

 

The room we were in 11586 was directly below the leopard lounge - the teen club btw. It was noisy by about 9pm or so, it seemed the 10-12 year olds were in there at that time and had pillow fights etc., so we heard thumps for about half an hour, that only went on for a couple of nights. Otherwise, we thought it was pretty cosy :) Last week though was our March Break, so I would guess there were at least 400 kids on board (I don't know how many spring breakers!). The kids club went til 10 or something, so even those with younger children seemed to 'shift' their times and the kids were going to bed later. My lads 'shifted' so much they didn't get to bed til 2am!! Back on track this week - whew!