Just off the Gem 03/21/09

[hunterJay]

So we just got home off the Gem (3/14 - 3/21 sailing) and here's my honest quick review. To start we're a family of three, me (34 y/o male) my wife (30 something) and my daughter, 5. I've been on one cruise prior, the NCL Spirit in June 08, so most of my comparisons are to that.

Staff & Crew - A+ I was so happy with them. Our stewards (aft mini-suite 11150) were great. I really believe that they can make or break a cruise - as they're usually the first people you see in the morning and some of the last people you see at night. They were friendly and more than willing to help with everything. They were quick to clean the room and turn it down at night. I filled out one of those Style cards for them - as I really think that they made the cruise positive. As for the rest of the crew (with the exception of the kids club - I'll touch on that later) they were also really friendly. I loved the "Hello" guys at the buffet - when we went there for breakfast they always had us smiling. All in all, the staff was great (and friendly).

Room - B+/A- - Aft Mini-suite 11150. The room was spacious and I loved that the bed was next to the balcony (as opposed to climbing over the pullout). As for Aft - we can take it or leave it. It was really rocky back there, but there was no wind. It was really far from the casino, but close to the kids club. So it has it's pluses and minuses - I think my family won't be upset if we never get an Aft cabin again - but I can see how others love it (just a matter of preference).

Kids Club - C - We chose to go on a cruise again because my daughter loved the kids club on the Spirit. She wasn't so impressed this time. I think the problem stems from mixing the 2 year olds with the 5 year olds - there's such a large difference in cognitive abilities, it's not a great mix. Also, the Kids Club staff wasn't as outgoing as on the Spirit - it's not that they weren't nice, but they didn't smile all that much. Also the set-up wasn't that great - the 2-5 group was housed in a little theater / TV room (no windows) down a hall - I know they moved during the day, but it seemed like an afterthought. The Spirit has a leg up (they have an all in all better layout) on this one. My daughter wasn't as happy this time - and if she's not happy, nobody's happy.

Food - B - no complaints. Service in the main restaurants was slow, but livable. Buffet was OK (most of the food served in the main restaurants was also served in the buffet). My daughter loved the kids area (basically a small area in the buffet) with its small chairs, tables, and TV (I hated it for the same reasons). Cagney's was OK - there was a family behind us with a child that was running through the restaurant, dancing, and screaming - then his older sister joined in - that pissed me off, as the parents didn't do anything (the head waiter came over and apologized, but come on - if your children are that out of control get room service). After dinner a lady complimented our daughter on how well behaved she was - that was nice. Le Bistro had the best steak I've had in a while. Blue Lagoon did have good wings. Funny story though - we had lunch at Magenta one day and they had wings as an appetizer. When they were served it was two wings (small). I thought someone was playing a joke on me (I really did). All in all food was good - no complaints. Loved the soft ice cream.

Itinerary - C-. I don't know if I have to go to the Bahamas or that we sail in March again. It was chilllllllly. I wasn't too impressed with the Bahamas - Great Stirrup Cay was nice. Nassau was rainy (we did the Stingray excursion - which was nice but cold) but the area around the pier was a little sketchy. Freeport was rainy. I'm not knocking the Bahamas but I think it'd be better off as a vacation than a port stop, at least for our family (in June). It was also pretty crappy on the ride back - I don't know if it's because it's March or we're just lucky but it was pretty rocky (the barf bags were placed around the ship) and my daughter was sea sick Thursday - by no means the fault of anyone, but it did put a damper on things.

Overall - B+ - As stated prior, I thought the staff was great, I'm sure others had different experiences, but I don't think I could have asked for much better. Kids Club - ehhhh. My daughter wasn't too keen on it this time - and she pretty much decides what we do - so we'll see what she want's to do next year.

I think I covered all the bases. Let the flaming begin!

[red lobster]

HunterJay, I think this review is very informative. We are going on the Spirit in April, could I ask how old your daughter was when you were on the Spirit? We are taking a 2 yr old grandson on the Spirit and I am wondering if he will want to be left at the kids club. In October we went on Princess and he was under 2 so we could take him to play as long as we stayed with him which worked out great. I have to agree with you totally about the crew, if your room steward and your diningroom crew are smiling it just seems to make the cruise so much better. Thanks for your review, they really help since we have never cruised NCL.

[welove2cruise232]

Thanks for posting your balanced and fair review -- and so quickly! Overall it sounds like you had a good time. I agree about the itinerary -- we're doing this cruise next week and did NOT book it for the itinerary, but because we had such a fantastic time on the Gem in January we wanted to get on board one more time.

 

You had the same cabin we had in January -- we loved it! Unfortunately it wasn't available for our upcoming cruise or we'd have booked it again...

 

Too bad about the kids club -- we don't have little ones, so no experience there. And of course we all know the cruiseline can't control the weather -- reading posts from the previous cruise it sounded like they had perfect weather.

 

Thanks again!

[JMB123]

Great review! We were on the Gem in January and agree with most of what you said. My 3.5 year old didn't like the kids club, either, because of the staff. He actually refused to go in because he "didn't like the teachers". I found them to be very blah...not what you'd expect from childcare providers. We also didn't like that some times of the day, they mixed ALL the kids together, up to age 12. My son was scared of the "big kids", as he put it. There is a huge difference between 2 and 12 year olds, and they really shouldn't be mixed. It didn't bother us that he wouldn't go in because we had an 18 month old as well, but it can definitely change your cruise if you expect your child to use the kids club and they refuse to.

 

Thanks for the review - glad you enjoyed your cruise!

[hunterJay]

could I ask how old your daughter was when you were on the Spirit?

Our Daughter was 4 when she was on the Spirit. The Spirit (last year anyway - they had upgrades since then) had a better Kids Club layout (more family friendly - for drop offs as well as viewing the kids artwork, etc), as well as a better kids pool area (they had a themed pool area specifically for kids).

[CruisnGram]

Thanks for the great review. Sounds like you had a wonderful time.

 

Itinerary - C-. I don't know if I have to go to the Bahamas or that we sail in March again. It was chilllllllly. I wasn't too impressed with the Bahamas - Great Stirrup Cay was nice. Nassau was rainy (we did the Stingray excursion - which was nice but cold) but the area around the pier was a little sketchy. Freeport was rainy. I'm not knocking the Bahamas but I think it'd be better off as a vacation than a port stop, at least for our family (in June). It was also pretty crappy on the ride back - I don't know if it's because it's March or we're just lucky but it was pretty rocky (the barf bags were placed around the ship) and my daughter was sea sick Thursday - by no means the fault of anyone, but it did put a damper on things.

 

I wouldn't like this itinerary either. Especially this time of year. I guess it's okay in the summer, but we were there in January and the water was cold. Certainly not what I think of when I want to escape to someplace warm in the winter months.

 

Honestly, I'm surprised that NCL even offers this itinerary until the weather warms up as I'd think most people wouldn't be interested in it.

 

CG

[brovol]

So we just got home off the Gem (3/14 - 3/21 sailing) and here's my honest quick review. To start we're a family of three, me (34 y/o male) my wife (30 something) and my daughter, 5. I've been on one cruise prior, the NCL Spirit in June 08, so most of my comparisons are to that.

Staff & Crew - A+ I was so happy with them. Our stewards (aft mini-suite 11150) were great. I really believe that they can make or break a cruise - as they're usually the first people you see in the morning and some of the last people you see at night. They were friendly and more than willing to help with everything. They were quick to clean the room and turn it down at night. I filled out one of those Style cards for them - as I really think that they made the cruise positive. As for the rest of the crew (with the exception of the kids club - I'll touch on that later) they were also really friendly. I loved the "Hello" guys at the buffet - when we went there for breakfast they always had us smiling. All in all, the staff was great (and friendly).

Room - B+/A- - Aft Mini-suite 11150. The room was spacious and I loved that the bed was next to the balcony (as opposed to climbing over the pullout). As for Aft - we can take it or leave it. It was really rocky back there, but there was no wind. It was really far from the casino, but close to the kids club. So it has it's pluses and minuses - I think my family won't be upset if we never get an Aft cabin again - but I can see how others love it (just a matter of preference).

Kids Club - C - We chose to go on a cruise again because my daughter loved the kids club on the Spirit. She wasn't so impressed this time. I think the problem stems from mixing the 2 year olds with the 5 year olds - there's such a large difference in cognitive abilities, it's not a great mix. Also, the Kids Club staff wasn't as outgoing as on the Spirit - it's not that they weren't nice, but they didn't smile all that much. Also the set-up wasn't that great - the 2-5 group was housed in a little theater / TV room (no windows) down a hall - I know they moved during the day, but it seemed like an afterthought. The Spirit has a leg up (they have an all in all better layout) on this one. My daughter wasn't as happy this time - and if she's not happy, nobody's happy.

Food - B - no complaints. Service in the main restaurants was slow, but livable. Buffet was OK (most of the food served in the main restaurants was also served in the buffet). My daughter loved the kids area (basically a small area in the buffet) with its small chairs, tables, and TV (I hated it for the same reasons). Cagney's was OK - there was a family behind us with a child that was running through the restaurant, dancing, and screaming - then his older sister joined in - that pissed me off, as the parents didn't do anything (the head waiter came over and apologized, but come on - if your children are that out of control get room service). After dinner a lady complimented our daughter on how well behaved she was - that was nice. Le Bistro had the best steak I've had in a while. Blue Lagoon did have good wings. Funny story though - we had lunch at Magenta one day and they had wings as an appetizer. When they were served it was two wings (small). I thought someone was playing a joke on me (I really did). All in all food was good - no complaints. Loved the soft ice cream.

Itinerary - C-. I don't know if I have to go to the Bahamas or that we sail in March again. It was chilllllllly. I wasn't too impressed with the Bahamas - Great Stirrup Cay was nice. Nassau was rainy (we did the Stingray excursion - which was nice but cold) but the area around the pier was a little sketchy. Freeport was rainy. I'm not knocking the Bahamas but I think it'd be better off as a vacation than a port stop, at least for our family (in June). It was also pretty crappy on the ride back - I don't know if it's because it's March or we're just lucky but it was pretty rocky (the barf bags were placed around the ship) and my daughter was sea sick Thursday - by no means the fault of anyone, but it did put a damper on things.

Overall - B+ - As stated prior, I thought the staff was great, I'm sure others had different experiences, but I don't think I could have asked for much better. Kids Club - ehhhh. My daughter wasn't too keen on it this time - and she pretty much decides what we do - so we'll see what she want's to do next year.

I think I covered all the bases. Let the flaming begin!

 

What kind of weather did you get? Was it warm by the second day?

[monteman]

Overall - B+ - As stated prior, I thought the staff was great, I'm sure others had different experiences, but I don't think I could have asked for much better. Kids Club - ehhhh. My daughter wasn't too keen on it this time - and she pretty much decides what we do - so we'll see what she want's to do next year.

I think I covered all the bases. Let the flaming begin!

 

Why would (or should) anyone flame you! This is a great review--just the kind that is helpful & informative. I think everyone knows that no cruise is perfect--if there's no could-have-been-better somewhere in a review, it's hard to really believe.

 

Thank you for taking the time to give us such a complete review! It sounds like it was wonderful (except the kids club).

[RocklandCruiser]

My husband and I and my parents were on the same cruise 3/14-3/21 and we had a great time! I would agree with most everything HunterJay said in his review. I would have written something similar if he hadn't done the work for me already :).

We don't have kids so I can't comment on the kids club. Sorry you had a negative experience, HunterJay.

I would have give the food an A- or A. We ate mostly in the buffet for breakfast. We liked the selection and the ability to go back for a bite more if we wanted. Those "good morning" guys were hilarious and put a smile on everyone's face to start the day! We mostly ate in Grand Pacific (once in Magenta) for lunch and dinner. We loved most of what we had. My mom, who likes "plain" food was happy about the "always available" menu chioces; she had chicken breast several nights and was really pleased. We also went to Tequila one evening and had a really nice meal. It was 1/2 price when we went at 6:30 so we paid $5 per person which I thought was more than reasonable. I found the service at all restaraunts/bars to be friendly and accomodating.

We had minisuites 11020 and 11022 which are forward. Loved them!!! They were so quiet (underneath the library) and the stewards were excellent (best towel animals too!). Close to the casino, lounge, and the pool but not too close.

I generally go for the "ship experience" so the Bahamas/Florida was OK by me. The ship was sure "rocking and rolling" on the way back but everyone seemed to take it in stride.

If anyone has any questions I would be happy to answer them. I have been on the Gem twice.

[Maryfrei]

Enjoyed your reviews, thanks!:)

[jpf]

Just want to thank you two(from the 3/14 cruise) for posting your opinions. My wife and I are also going on the Gem on 3/28(first real vacation in a couple of years) and natually can't wait. Thanks again.....

[pinstripes4887]

Those "good morning" guys were hilarious and put a smile on everyone's face to start the day!

 

I was also on this cruise. I have actually cruised with one of the "good morning" guys for 3 straight cruises now. I always request to eat with him at the main dining room as the service is great. Also, he is one of the craziest characters in that whole staff. Overall, the cruise was good. The only bad part was not so great weather for the last 2 stops. It would have been better if karaoke was a bit later as it was too close to dinner and was a rush to make it there in time.

[pixiedustdawn]

Thank you for posting your review so quickly for us.

[hunterJay]

What kind of weather did you get? Was it warm by the second day?

 

Warm by the second day going down. Chilly coming up (Freeport had cool wet weather which stayed with us for a while - warmed up a little on Thursday, chilly on Friday).

[Cruiselover7279]

Dont feel bad about the weather... My fiance and I went to the Bahams aboard RCC in Feb and had the same crummy weather. Actually we were suppose to go to Nassua and Cocca Key and never made it to Cocca Key do to the tendering issues that would have been caused due to the weather. So I think the best bet is not to go in the winter time.

[nancyray7]

Hi,

We are on the Gem 5/3/09 - 5/10/09 out of Barcelona. Can anyone tell me about the self-service laundry facilites that are on the Gem??? Location and what do I need to know?

[monteman]

Hi,

We are on the Gem 5/3/09 - 5/10/09 out of Barcelona. Can anyone tell me about the self-service laundry facilites that are on the Gem??? Location and what do I need to know?

 

The last I heard, they are no more.

[cruise2much]

I was on the Gem last year loved the ship, nice review and I agree about the kids. For some reason it’s seen as acceptable for kids to run-a-muck and no one will confront the parents. I am sure if I jumped up and started running and screaming throughout the restaurant I would be asked to leave. It terribly inconsiderate how some just let their children do what they wish no matter how bothersome it is to other guests.