NCL Gem 4/19/2008 - 5/4/2008 Transatlantic from NYC to Barcelona (very long review)

[hazeleyes]

NCL Gem 4/19/2008 - 5/4/2008 Transatlantic from NYC to Barcelona Review

VERY LONG

Bio: We were a group of 6 people ages 44, 45, 53, 54, 20, 21 we booked category JJ cabins 9069, 9071, 9073. We are frequent cruisers this was my 11th and my 5th with NCL. We embarked on NCL Gem on April 19, 2008 on the transatlantic repositioning in Barcelona. Please excuse any typos.

Embarkation: We left Bayonne, New Jersey via car service AMS Limo they are located in Bayonne 201-339-7776 they were very reasonable in price $70 plus tolls and tip from Bayonne to NYC Port, and on the return home $95 plus tolls and tip out of JFK to Bayonne. Total cost for all 6 of us with luggage. The company was on time picking us up in Bayonne and we were at the port Pier 88 by 9am. We were early at the port because the Pope was visiting NYC and we did not want to get stuck in traffic etc. Once we arrived at the port we waited in the open area. Not very much organized before they open, but once they started forming lines it was smooth. My daughter works as a check in Agent for the cruise line and we were allowed to check in with the VIP’s and were the first group to be let on the ship before 12:00AM. Others that were not in the VIP section were given numbers and they started calling group numbers once the VIP and the Handicap people were let on. The regular waiting area was full of people. In the VIP section we had coffee, tea, juices, water, breads etc to pick on while we waited.

Cabin: We had inside category JJ cabins on deck 9 mid ship, cabin 9069, 9071, 9073, our cabins were nice enough for two people. Two night tables, two twin beds put together, a vanity table with a chair, mirror, and blow dryer. A small table with another chair and a coffee maker. Above that was a small flat screen TV. In the bath room was a shower, a sink and mirror and a toilet. The shower was nice in size and we had plenty of room to move around in the shower. The toilet on the other hand is not exactly in a good position. If you have long legs you have to sit sideways otherwise you’re on top of the wall with your knees pressed. One closet with hangers. Shelving and three drawers also. This was a 15 day cruise so we had a lot of clothes with us. I didn’t think we had enough space for all our clothes, so one of us practically lived out of the suit case.

Our room stewards were good; we had towel animals in our cabin each night to surprise us. They did not go out of their way, but the room was clean etc.

Pool: They have two pool areas in one section, the regular area where families can swim together (Tahitian Pool) and then an adult only area which I found very nice, two hot tubs in each section (total 4 hot tubs), and two of them were for adults only. We used this area quite a bit when we got back from ports, and at times were the only ones out swimming. The adult only pool is heated, we loved that! I can’t say if the other pool was heated as we did not use it.

Lounge chairs, many times they were all taken etc and people would leave their belongings on it for long periods of time, I did not see anyone remove any items to free up the chairs.

The new lounge chairs are great when you can find one, some are round and funky in style, I loved the look of the entire area. They also had a quiet section on the 14th floor forward with chairs the same style and they were also great to take a nap in, which I personally did.

Kids Area Pool: We did not use this area, but my observation was that they had a slide which was heated, and a small section where your pre K or under children could get wet without going into the pool area, they have an entire section on deck 12 for kids and teens to hang out etc.

Tree Top Kids Club – This area is where the kids get check into the age appropriate age groups etc. It looked cute, not many children where in there at the time I checked it out.

The Leopard Lounge – This is a cool area where the teens can hang out in and I saw several groups enjoying the space.

Video Arcade: They had a lot of games for the kids to entertain themselves.

Restaurants: On this cruise the rates for the specialty restaurants were changed to benefit us, since this was a 15 day cruise. The captain had announced this at the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet Meeting. Taking that into consideration we tried two of the pay specialty restaurants, more on that later.

Blue Lagoon (Free no charge) : Located on Deck 8, it was very nice and it was open 24 hours. We did not try it for breakfast, but at lunch and at night the food menu is the same. The food was always good. One of the waiters Delfin was very nice, and always had a smile on his face and always went out of his way to make sure you were happy. On the menu you could find hot wings, French fries, burgers, hot dogs, Sheppard’s pie, mac & cheese, chili, potato wedges, fried rice. Everyone in our group ate there several times when we got back from ports.

Cagneys ($20.00PP service charge): We ate here twice each time we got in on the ½ price special, so instead of paying $20.00 PP service charge we only paid $10.00PP. The food here was good, our waiters were not overfriendly, we ordered the T-bone steak, salmon, filet minion, shrimp cocktails, cesar salad, clam chowder soup, cheese cake for desert. On the first night we ate here the room filled up with smoke and the fire alarms were going off. Finally they got the fire / smoke under control and they opened up the door to let some of the smoke out. They did not clear the area while this was going on, everyone was allowed to stay in the room while they tried to control the problem. We enjoyed our meal on both days. Well worth paying $10.00 extra for the meal. I wouldn’t pay more than that.

La Cucina ($10.00PP service charge): We ate here twice each time we got in on the ½ price special, so instead of paying $10.00 PP service charge we only paid $5.00. Our waiter here was Ricky he was so nice that we decided on booking a second night and requesting him as our waiter. I had the risotto with shrimp, cesar salad, and for desert I had the Copa Ida it was delicious. Others in my group had Pizza, Chicken Parm with pasta. They came around with a cart and you got to choose things from it as an appetizer, example anti pasto, mushrooms, cheese, mozz and cheese etc. Well worth paying $5.00 exta for the meal. I wouldn’t pay more than that.

Tequila: (Free no service charge): Deck 8 mid ship. We ate here 4 times even though we weren’t too happy with the food. I don’t think Tequila should be an extra fee restaurant, unless they upgrade on the quality of the food. On the nights that we ate here the food was always luke warm. Even the sizzling shrimp fajita was not sizzling, but since the menu at the main dining room was not impressive, and the Garden Buffet always had the same items we kept going back to Tequila hoping that the quality would improve. On separate nights we tried the Tortilla Soup, the Quesadilla, the nachos and cheese, the ll popo, the fajita, for desert we tried the pineapple coconut ice cream, and another desert but I can’t remember the name. It tasted like coffee ice cream it was rather good.

Teppanyaki: ($25.00PP service charge): Deck 7 Mid Ship. My daughter and her boyfriend ate here once (Note: no half price special was ever offered here). My daughter said the food was great and that the show that the waiter puts on was awesome. She said that if they offered a ½ price special on it she would have done it again.

Orchid Garden ($15.00pp service charge): We did not try it out, but the menu looked really good. We did take pictures of the area and it was very elegant.

Le Bistro ($15.00pp service charge): We did not try it out, but it was a beautiful restaurant, and I heard the fondue was great.

Garden Buffet: Well I have plenty to say about this area; whoever designed it was definately not thinking. It is 3 sections and to be honest with you, it’s as if they took over the rest of the area that should have been used for it to make into the children’s areas. Made no sense to me on sea days or when we returned from port it was always packed with people trying to find chairs etc. On the days that we were docking at port it was impossible to find seats to have breakfast before going off the ship. On several occasions I saw people taking over an entire booth to sit and read a book, while others were still trying to find seats to eat their meals. On other occasions you saw only 2 people in a booth that fits six. We were a group of six and it was virtually impossible to find seats on some days, we even resulted into sitting in the children’s areas to eat our meal. Not that I’m complaining but some people have no consideration what so ever.

The meals – Breakfast they had a nice selection of hot cereals, cold cereals, eggs made to order, omlets, bacon sausage, fruit, breads, and pastries, but after a few days it’s all the same food day after day. Nothing really changed on our 15 day cruise. Choice of coffee, teas, hot chocolate, and juices were available at no charge. They did have a pay station for special juices made to order, but we did not see the need to pay for that so we did not try it.

Lunch – Normally two soups, a salad station, pizza station, burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, deserts, ice cream and other breads, pastries and fruit as well were offered. Always the same food day after day, nothing really changed. No juices were offered only coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water.

Dinner – two soups, salad station, pizza station, burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, a Mexican section, an Indian section, same as above with all the trimmings. Nothing really changed. This was a good option for people who did not want to spend two hours waiting to dine in the main restaurant. No juices were offered only coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water.

Magenta Main Dining Room: We had dinner three or four times in the main dining room. The only night that we loved it was on the Seafood extravaganza night. It was delicious. The other nights were not as great; dinner service usually ran 2 to 2 ½ hours. The room was beautiful.

Grand Pacific: We ate lunch here three times, and dinner here once. The room is beautiful, the food was good, but service was always slow and took 2 to 2 ½ hours.

Great Outdoors: Deck 12 Aft. They served breakfast, lunch, and between 9:30pm till 11:30pm they had items for those that were hungry after 9pm. The food selections were similar to the Garden Café.

Topsiders Grill: Deck 12 mid ship. Was a good spot to get a quick meal after you came back from port normally open between 12:30 pm to 4pm

Room Service: We used the service 2 or three times. They had a pretty decent selection of items and the food always came quick. I recommend the grill cheese sandwich or the blt sandwich.

Sushi Bar ($15.00pp service charge): We did not eat here but it seemed to be a hit with others on the ship.

Spa Area: We toured the area and we were considering the Spa Special for $150.00 for the 15 days, this gave you access to the pool, the hot tub, lounge hairs, steam room, showers, etc.

Fitness Center: Body waves fitness center is located on Deck 12 we only used it twice and we found it to be small with not many machines. But it served its purpose and people were waiting for the machines while we were working out.

Card Room: We used this room often. We played Uno almost every night! They have board games, card games, etc that you can use while you’re in the room. They a lot of tables and the room was wonderful and was frequently used by a lot of people on the cruise with family and friends playing games.

Latitudes Lounge: This was the first time I had ever seen a Latitudes Lounge on any of the NCL Ships, what a wonderful idea, we used this room frequently when the Card Room was full, you sign in and there are tables for groups to play games etc. They also have several reading chairs for those that don’t want to play games. The room is set up with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and muffins and cookies for Latitudes members to enjoy while in the room, even though others did come to steal a cookie or two while passing by etc. It was just a wonderful idea. Two points for NCL!

Excursions: We did not book any shore excursions with NCL more on that when you get to the ports of call area.

Shopping: On the ship the shops offered good selections of items to purchase. Cigarettes were $24.95. On several occasions they offered specials on T-shirts, handbags, and other items. If you need to purchase batteries while on the cruise they sell them for $5.99 for a package of 4 AA’s. So stock up at home before the cruise or be willing to pay as I did. We had to purchase 4 packs. (We take too many pictures)

Disembarkation: In Barcelona we booked the transfer with the ship. Our color was called at 7:30am and we exited to the luggage area. We were surprised and impressed to see that the luggage was on conveyor belts going around for you to pick it up. Several of NCL reps were down in the area to help you if you needed help. They guided us to the correct bus and we were shuttled away about 8:00AM. We drove to the Barcelona Airport and they unloaded the luggage before we even got there. It went pretty smooth. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 11:20am.

Air Line: We booked our airfare independently we used Aer Lingus when we arrived at the airport it was rather confusing since they had sent me an email indicating that they were at terminal A. Once we couldn’t find it when then asked around and were told that they are in terminal B. Went from one area to the next and couldn’t find it either, asked again and they told us that it was booth 75 and 76, aer lingus was very difficult to find. Once we found it the lines were horrible. I was worried that we might not make the flight but the line moved quickly and we made the flight. This of course was no fault of NCL. Just wanted to warn anyone that is using this line so they can prepair accordingly for any problems.

TV: No movies are shown on the TV, a fee of 11.95 is offered for viewing newer movies, so I’d suggest brining a small DVD player with your own movies from home. Otherwise be prepared to pay or not watch TV at all. Only CNN and Fox News are free, besides the channels that NCL shows what’s going on throughout the ship.

Entertainment: We went to several of the shows, why NCL has decided to hold most of the shows in Spinnakers Lounge is not clear, but seats were hard to come by if you didn’t get there early. The shows were ok, we did not like the Cruise Director (Julie). She was rude to several people on different instances. For example on the Newly Wed not so Newly Wed game she asked who has been married less than a month and a couple raised there hands, she started drilling the couple and asking them to prove they were married. The lady was so offended, that she replied to Julie that if only men can have younger women as spouses. The lady was probably in her 60s and her husband looked to be in his late 30’s early 40’s. She insulted the couple. They refused to participate after that.

Stardust Theater: The theater is beautiful but was not used for all the shows.

Gem Club Casino: If you don’t like to gamble avoid this area if you’re not a smoker, the smell was horrible and even walking through the area to reach the other side of the ship was horrible due to the smell. I would have thought that NCL would make it a smoke free zone. I’m sure others avoided the casino for the same reason and NCL lost a lot of money due to this problem.

The Chapel: Unless the doors retract and the area opens up more (which we did not see) this area is too small to hold a wedding, unless you have less than 12 people attending. No walking down the isle is available. Not a place I would hold a wedding.

Photo Gallery: We purchased all the port pictures and several others, the staff was friendly and helpful. NCL should offer package deals. Each of the port pictures was $14.95 with 9 ports it sure adds up.

Ports:

Ponta Delgada, Portugal 4/24/08 We arrived and got off the ship, we did not pre book anything in this port as we could not find much information on the web. Everything is withing walking distance, once you get off they ship get on the free shuttle bus that brings you to the port entrance, make a right and you will see all the sights. We spent several hours walking around taking pictures of water fountains, churches, statues. The ship docks in Sao Miguel at the port of Ponta Delgada.

Lisbon, Portugal 4/26/08 we arrived and got off the ship, we had pre booked a hop on hop off bus through viator.com the cost was 22.28 per person in US currency. When you exit the port cross over the parking area straight ahead the bus pickes you up right there. We did not know this the first time and we wound up taking the free shuttle bus into town and picked up the hop on hop off bus near the bus stop. The bus drops you off in the same exact location. This ticket can be purchased when you get on the bus, but they only charge in Euros, no US currency is accepted. We stood on the bus for one entire loop and then we got off at different locations to take pictures, once we got back on we continued the steps above. We really enjoyed this port and this port had many things to see.

Cadiz, Spain 4/27/2008 we arrived and got off the ship, we had pre booked a hop on hop off bus through viator.com the cost was 18.76 per person in US currency. When you exit the port entrance on the left hand side you wait for the bus right at the port entrance form a line as people will try to cut in. It was very unorganized and we wound up missing the first two busses, they only have two busses that do the loop the bus comes around every 45 minutes. There was lots to see at this port as well we stood on for one loop and then got off at the beach exit and walked the entire way back.

Malaga, Spain 4/28/2008 we arrived and got off the ship, we had pre booked a hop on hop off bus through viator.com the cost was 22.28 per person in US currency. When you arrive at the port you have to take a ship shuttle bus to the entrance of the port, once you exit the port gates turn left. Walk to the bus stop area, you will see a hop on hop off bus sign wait for the bus right there. They have three buses that do the loop they come every half hour. We stood on the bus for one entire loop and then we got off at different locations to take pictures, once we got back on we continued the steps above. We really enjoyed this port and this port had many things to see.

Ajaccio, Corsica, France 4/30/2008 we had not found much information about this port on the internet. Once we arrived at the port we had to take a tender to the dock. As your about to exit the port there are several options for you to tour the area. We saw a hop on hop off bus and went to get information the cost was 10 Euros per person it took you on a tour of the city and to a light house. Once the bus bought us back to the port we got off and walked around, lots to see at this port also.

Civitavecchia, (Rome) Italy 5/1/2008 we arrived and got off the ship, we had pre booked a hop on hop off bus through viator.com the cost was 26.73 per person in US currency. When you arrive at the port exit the ship as soon as you get the clearance. You have to take a ship shuttle bus to the entrance of the port, once you exit the port gates turn right. Cross the street to the opposite side, walk to the train station. Once you reach the train station purchas a round trip BIRG ticket to Rome the cost was 9.00 Euros per person, this ticket will also give you free access to the subway. Once you get to Rome exit the train station make right. Walk 4 blocks down on the left you will see the Hop on hop off bus. There is so much to see here we did one loop and then got off as close as possible to the main areas. We did a lot of walking here as well. Once we reached the Spanish steps we took the subway to the Train Station. If you must be back by 6pm to Civitavecchia make sure your on the 4:30 train. Don’t forget to VALIDATE your ticket each way. You will see the Validating machines at the train stations.

Livorno, (Florence / Pisa) Italy 5/2/2008 at this port a shuttle bus is offered by NCL for 1.00 Euro round trip ticket. It will leaved you at the center of town exit the bus cross the street to the smoke shop purchase round trip ticket from Livorno to Pisa plus bus ticket from bus stop to train station the total cost was 6.40 Euros. Walk 1 block up cross street to bus stop wait at bus stop pick up the 1R bus to Train Station. At train station VALIDATE ticket and get on the train from Livorno to Pisa. Once you arrive in Pisa the hop on hop off bus stops where the buses stop. Do not exit the circle wait for the bus there the cost for the hop on hop off bus was $22.28 US currency per person. We did one loop and then got off at the Tower lots to see here. The tower will leave you speechless if its your first time seeing it. We got on the 15:30 train back to Livorno, then got on the 1R and it dropped us off in the same location as we got on. Walk one block down to your bus shuttle. The bus shuttle will bring you to the cruise ship.

Villefranche, (Nice), France 5/3/2008 we had not found much information about this port on the internet. Once we arrived at the port we had to take a tender to the dock. As your about to exit the port there are several options for you to tour the area. We saw a train that takes you on a tour of the city for 6.00 Euros per person. We did that tour, then when we returned to the port we went walking on our own, basically following the same route the train had done. This port is very pretty and it has lots to see.

Barcelona, Spain 5/4/2008 Since our flight was at 11:20 am we did not have time to tour the city. We took the NCL transfer from the ship to the airport. The cost was $25.00 in us currency. It was very organized.

Our Meet and Greet for Cruise Critic Members:

We had a group of a little over 100 people we met on the 1st sea day in one of the Dining Rooms. The captain and officers attended. It was nice to finally meet the people we’ve been chatting with for several months. We had a gift exchange, and chit chatted with each other for a while.

Bowling: Deck 7 Ultra Bliss Lounge $5.00 a game per person. We bowled on two separate days here. The first one was with the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet Group. About 30 people attended and we had a really good time. NCL let us book the four lanes for our group. Lane one was not working correctly and our game lasted about 2 ½ hours because the balls kept getting stuck and it took the technician about 20 minutes each time to come and repair it. Otherwise it was very nice to hang out with the friends we had been talking to on cruise critic for months! Due to the rough seas I think the highest score was in the 70’s (LOL). The second time it was on the last night on the cruise, if you went in your pajamas it was buy one get one free. Two people could bowl for $5.00 total. My daughter and her boyfriend went on that night. NCL had forgotten to tell the Bowling attendant about the special and they made my daughter go back all the way to her room to get the Freestyle daily to prove it. (Not nice), but the problem was solved and they got to get in on the special.

Lounges:

Spinnakers Lounge: Not a lot of seating is available and because several of the shows and events are held here the seats fill up fast, so go early. After 5pm free pop corn is given here, but not advertised. Enjoy!

Laundry Rooms: Are located on deck 10, 9, and 5. The washing machines on 9 were always turned off after 9pm, and were not reset until after 9am, the dryers were still usable and this made no sense to me, but we washed on either 10th or 5th fl and then bought our clothes to deck 9 to dry as our room was only a few doors away.

Gas surcharge: We did not have to pay this as we booked prior to this being implemented.

Tips: The $10.00 a day per person was charged directly to your credit card, but we gave an extra tip to several people who did an excellent job.

The bottom line is the NCL Gem ship is beautiful. You will love the ports it visits. Europe was more than what I expected and I would do it again. The food was not great, but there was plenty of choices. We loved our cruise and were looking forward to our next one.

Hope this helps anyone that may want to do the tours we did. It saved us hundreds of dollars. For those that go with the ship excursions I’m sure others will post a review with information on what excursions they did.

[retiredonthesea]

What a fair, honest and enjoyable review. It is long, but you covered so much with good detail, not excessive. I will have to read it again as I went over it pretty fast.

 

Thank you!:D

Retiredonthesea

[kit9172]

Debbie,

Great Job. I enjoyed reading it. We did have a good time didn't we?

Kit

[Guest Anorak33]

We had the exact same restaurant charges on Jewel Transatlantic, the Happy Hour was 5 to 6pm for the restaurants halfprice, even then they were not full and after Happy Hour they were nearly deserted.

 

Teppanyaki was rarely with any diners at all except for our CC group.

 

Bowling on Jewel was free, always worked perfectly and the high scores were up in the 200's.

 

It was on the Wii though in the Fyzz lounge.....................................

 

We had 128 pax at the CC Meet and Greet, 83 at the Murder Mystery Dinner, 20 for the bowling tournament and sadly only 19 at the Last Night Dinner, though 72 had made reservations for it they just did not turn up.

[halos]

What a fair, honest and enjoyable review. It is long, but you covered so much with good detail, not excessive.

Thank you!:D

Retiredonthesea

 

Ditto!!

Thanks for taking the time. Your review was well balanced & honest.

[iliveforvacation]

Nice review! Thanks for the information on the ports-I have been looking for things to do on the Gem in July. I am severly addicted to chocolate-did they have the Chocoholics buffet, and if so how was it if you went?

[hazeleyes]

What a fair, honest and enjoyable review. It is long, but you covered so much with good detail, not excessive. I will have to read it again as I went over it pretty fast.

 

Thank you!:D

Retiredonthesea

 

Thank you! I tried to be as fair as possible without sounding like i was bashing NCL. NCL always has great prices on their cruises that is definately why we keep going back. We also bought in on the Cruise rewards program. Basically you give 250 deposit per cabin (not per person) on the current cruise your on and they give you 100 dollars on board credit. These certificates are transferable and you are allowed to purchase upto 4 per person. We bought one for each of us, im not clear if we can use all 4 for 2 cabins in one shot, but if now we will use 2 since we always get 2 cabins. Then we will use the other two at a later date.

 

So the short of it is that we got 400 dollars on board credit on this past cruise, every penny counts i say! :)

 

The certificates must be used by booking within one year and sailing within 2 1/2 years. Cant beat that if you know your going to sail again with them.

[hazeleyes]

Debbie,

 

Great Job. I enjoyed reading it. We did have a good time didn't we?

 

Kit

 

We sure did! I wish i was still there. Dont you? I can see the sights in rome without even closing my eyes. It was an unforgettable vacation for many reasons.

[hazeleyes]

We had the exact same restaurant charges on Jewel Transatlantic, the Happy Hour was 5 to 6pm for the restaurants halfprice, even then they were not full and after Happy Hour they were nearly deserted.

 

Teppanyaki was rarely with any diners at all except for our CC group.

 

Bowling on Jewel was free, always worked perfectly and the high scores were up in the 200's.

 

It was on the Wii though in the Fyzz lounge.....................................

 

We had 128 pax at the CC Meet and Greet, 83 at the Murder Mystery Dinner, 20 for the bowling tournament and sadly only 19 at the Last Night Dinner, though 72 had made reservations for it they just did not turn up.

 

I thought that maybe they would have given us a free game at the bowling alley but that was not the case. It's ok i feel that was the best $5.00 i ever spent. We had so much fun it was worth it. I just wish that the 4 lanes would have been closer to each other so i would have gotten to know the rest of the group even better.

 

We had suggested a second meeting but it fell though and no one mentioned it again. I would have loved to have a group dinner that would have been something to remember.

[hazeleyes]

Nice review! Thanks for the information on the ports-I have been looking for things to do on the Gem in July. I am severly addicted to chocolate-did they have the Chocoholics buffet, and if so how was it if you went?

 

They did have it it was wonderful. I only ate the chocolate fondue. It was very good. But I took alot of pictures you can see the pictures on the link below.

 

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/Hazeleyes1128

 

I'm still working on all the captions and Im going to scan and add the pictures that i purchased on the ship to add to the library also. So dont mind the mess in the albums lol.

[Guest Anorak33]

Thank you! I tried to be as fair as possible without sounding like i was bashing NCL. NCL always has great prices on their cruises that is definately why we keep going back. We also bought in on the Cruise rewards program. Basically you give 250 deposit per cabin (not per person) on the current cruise your on and they give you 100 dollars on board credit. These certificates are transferable and you are allowed to purchase upto 4 per person. We bought one for each of us, im not clear if we can use all 4 for 2 cabins in one shot, but if now we will use 2 since we always get 2 cabins. Then we will use the other two at a later date.

 

So the short of it is that we got 400 dollars on board credit on this past cruise, every penny counts i say! :)

 

The certificates must be used by booking within one year and sailing within 2 1/2 years. Cant beat that if you know your going to sail again with them.

 

 

It is one deposit/credit per cabin - and its OK if you can get your travel agent to honor them without also putting up your cruise price. It should not happen but in practice it does. Then you know its time to change your travel agent.

 

The future cruise credit cannot be used as full deposit for the Courtyard Villas, but is worth $250 towards that big deposit.

[iliveforvacation]

Pictures were awesome! Thanks! Too many days until my trip.

[hazeleyes]

It is one deposit/credit per cabin - and its OK if you can get your travel agent to honor them without also putting up your cruise price. It should not happen but in practice it does. Then you know its time to change your travel agent.

 

The future cruise credit cannot be used as full deposit for the Courtyard Villas, but is worth $250 towards that big deposit.

 

So some travel agents still charge you the deposit and then use this as a payment? If thats the case then do they allow you to use 2 per cabin after that?

[hazeleyes]

Pictures were awesome! Thanks! Too many days until my trip.

 

Thanks! You will love the ports if this is your first trip to Europe.

[cruising Baje]

hazeleyes

 

Thanks for a very helpful review. Will be on the Jade on May 30 and will be doing the HOHO in Malaga and Barcelona through Viator.

 

Also maybe Lisbon but we are concerned because we have read many reviews that HOHO there is old and dirty and not recommended. What do you think of this bus and do you recommend it.

 

Do you present the printed ticket from Viator on the HOHO at which ever stop you board?

 

Was there long waits to board these buses?

 

Baje

[kontraxed]

Spa Area: We toured the area and we were considering the Spa Special for $150.00 for the 15 days, this gave you access to the pool, the hot tub, lounge hairs, steam room, showers, etc.

Great review! Does the Spa on the Gem have a pool? I know the Dawn Spa had a nice small pool and a large hot tub. Thanks!

[hazeleyes]

hazeleyes

 

Thanks for a very helpful review. Will be on the Jade on May 30 and will be doing the HOHO in Malaga and Barcelona through Viator.

 

Also maybe Lisbon but we are concerned because we have read many reviews that HOHO there is old and dirty and not recommended. What do you think of this bus and do you recommend it.

 

Do you present the printed ticket from Viator on the HOHO at which ever stop you board?

 

Was there long waits to board these buses?

 

Baje

 

We enjoyed the hop on hop off busses, they were very clean and at each port they gave us a new pair of earphones to use. I would recomend them. I think the bus is a great thing to do since you will see all the sights and then just get off at the ones you really want to explore.

 

At each port you present the printed confirmation that Viator sends you via email to the bus driver and she or he gives you a receipt that allows you to get off and back on throughout the day.

 

At Pisa i had to call Viator to confirm location of bus stop because no signs were posted outside of the Train Station showing that the bus stopped there. We got someone on the phone immediately and they were able to assist us.

[hazeleyes]

Spa Area: We toured the area and we were considering the Spa Special for $150.00 for the 15 days, this gave you access to the pool, the hot tub, lounge hairs, steam room, showers, etc.

 

Great review! Does the Spa on the Gem have a pool? I know the Dawn Spa had a nice small pool and a large hot tub. Thanks!

 

Yes they had both a pool and a large hot tub. The area looked wonderful but the attendant in charged of the area was very rude and embarrased us in front of other people so all six of us opted not to buy the pass.

[hazeleyes]

hazeleyes

 

Thanks for a very helpful review. Will be on the Jade on May 30 and will be doing the HOHO in Malaga and Barcelona through Viator.

 

Also maybe Lisbon but we are concerned because we have read many reviews that HOHO there is old and dirty and not recommended. What do you think of this bus and do you recommend it.

 

Do you present the printed ticket from Viator on the HOHO at which ever stop you board?

 

Was there long waits to board these buses?

 

Baje

 

The only port that was not organized and we missed two busses due to too many people cutting in the front of the line was in Cadiz.

 

But keep in mind that we were off the ship as soon as it cleared and were normally on the first group of people waiting to get on at each hop on hop off bus.

[travel_lover]

We had the exact same restaurant charges on Jewel Transatlantic, the Happy Hour was 5 to 6pm for the restaurants halfprice, even then they were not full and after Happy Hour they were nearly deserted.

 

Teppanyaki was rarely with any diners at all except for our CC group.

 

Bowling on Jewel was free, always worked perfectly and the high scores were up in the 200's.

 

It was on the Wii though in the Fyzz lounge.....................................

 

We had 128 pax at the CC Meet and Greet, 83 at the Murder Mystery Dinner, 20 for the bowling tournament and sadly only 19 at the Last Night Dinner, though 72 had made reservations for it they just did not turn up.

 

Hey, I'm the daughter of Hazeleyes, Did you enjoy the Jewel I picked out two sailings we may do on that Ship. What can you tell me..likes/dislikes. How much was Teppanyaki?

 

Thank you!

[kit9172]

I was with Hazel Eyes on this crossing and used the spa. I had two massages but only used the pool and hot tub once. If you get a massage you can use the facilities for 1 hour. I asked if I could use the hour after the second massage the next day and they said no. Have no idea why as there was hardly anyone up there. If you have any more questions just feel free to ask.

[babywong]

Thanks, I loved reading the review and thought it was very thorough as well. BTW-what was the price of doing your own laundry?

[hazeleyes]

Thanks, I loved reading the review and thought it was very thorough as well. BTW-what was the price of doing your own laundry?

 

Its free (no charge), but if you dont bring your own soap / softner then you have to purchase it on board right in the laundry area. I took my own so i dont know how much it was. Probably $1.00 per box. Only powdered soaps are offered.

 

Oh! Another thing i just remembered is that in the bath room in each room they had a dispenser with only shampoo and body wash. No conditioners were given. But since I always take my own stuff I never depend on them to supply it I was ok, but figured id mention it especially since us women like to use conditioner. :)

[hazeleyes]

I was with Hazel Eyes on this crossing and used the spa. I had two massages but only used the pool and hot tub once. If you get a massage you can use the facilities for 1 hour. I asked if I could use the hour after the second massage the next day and they said no. Have no idea why as there was hardly anyone up there. If you have any more questions just feel free to ask.

 

Kit that makes no sense, why would they allow you the first time and not the second? They were very rude up there to all six of us. Hey they lost our money for sure. $900 to be exact and im sure there is a $ 15% charge for tips on that too right? The area looked wonderful and relaxing we really wanted to do it, but after you get talked down to and treated wrong why would anyone want to pay for treatment like that.

[kit9172]

You are absolutely right. I noticed the same after I did the second spa massage. Could not figure out why after I spent around 450.00 they would not allow me to come back the next day for my hour especially since it was 5:30 pm and I had to leave to get ready for dinner. I wish they pulled that after the first visit, I would not have booked a second.