hillfolk7551

On the Gem April 21 we were allowed to just trade our free at sea perk for social media package for our 7 day sailing. Worked great for our 15 year old to stay in touch with her dad and friends back home. Snapchat and Facebook Messenger worked fine. Quick visit to internet café shortly after lunch and it was done. He offered to install the app on all our cell phones just with reminder that only one at a time can sign in. Adults had no interest so we passed on that offer.

Just off Gem 4/28 and enjoyed the entertainment so much. Can't recall the names of the aerial dance couple that performed. Are they still on board this week? Hope you enjoy your week as much as we did.

Whats GSC?

Sorry, Great Stirrup Cay. Did your trip include a stop at the private island?

10 was not a normal time to get back, usually it is earlier. I contacted our driver when I got my luggage, and he picked us up across the street from pier. So at 8am the traffic should be pretty light

Thanks Odessy, we have been nervous about choosing a pick up time. And about crossing the street with luggage but maybe that early on a weekend it won't be an issue.

Did your trip make it to GSC?

We are going on The Gem for the first time in a few weeks. Have sailed on The Pearl and loved it so we expect to enjoy her just as much. Have never sailed from NYC before. Any advice where to have driver pick us up when we return? It sounds like disembarkation was rough. Ten o'clock arrival is late. Our eDocs say we will return at 8:00 am. Thanks for the post, look forward to your full review.

We chose to bring along the extra guest for free instead of the beverage package. Hoped to use the $50 credit that comes with our cabana for fruity drinks on GSC. Is this credit easy to use for beverages instead of preordering food?

I have no idea what that poster is talking about. There's a ladder to get into the pool--others described it--it's just a vertical ladder. No straddling of anything... I was just on the Pearl in Sept/Oct and had a spa pass.

 

Maybe he's confused and is talking about the elevated hot tub...

Thanks Quilting, I'm glad to hear this. I'll be onboard for the first time in January and plan to spend as much time in the spa as possible. Everything I've read rates The Pearl's spa as one of the best.

My wife is 'fluffy challenged" and she has two bad knees, but the ladder when almost to the bottom and she managed, there was no long step. the thermal pool however was a different story. the reach from the last outside step to the top inside step is a long reach and a wide stradle, - she slipped and had a terrible time getting out of the predicament. She stayed away from the thermal the rest of the cruise. So watch the last step and watch the straddle.

These comments are all quite dated and I haven't found this addressed recently. Does anyone know if these issues have been addressed? Should someone with bad knees consider that before attempting the ladder?

Although swim wear is the norm in any spa - I have at home taken my Mum into a spa area with me - She wears a jog pant - with barefeet/flipflop style footwear - and a soft t-shirt. She likes to lie on a lounger and read whilst I "spa". It is of course very warm in any spa area - so outdoor clothing might be a bit much. Id certainly not wear outdoor footwear - stick to beach style clothing and footwear and you will be fine.

Thanks, we will for sure want to use the water facilities some too but just thinking if we want to pop in for quick rest occasionally maybe would go in shorts and T. As you say it could be uncomfortable if wearing too much.

Sailing on The Pearl in January for the first time. We just reached 90 days and have purchased the Thermal Spa pass for entire duration. If we just want to take advantage of quiet place to read and lounge could we go in street clothes or is swim wear the norm? I realize we would need to understand the risk that someone had lounged in a wet swim suit on any of the furniture... sit at own risk. Do you change to swim wear and cover up in cabin or use locker rooms if you will be using hot tubs/pools?

Sailing on The Pearl in January for the first time. We have purchased the Thermal Spa pass for entire duration. If we just want to take advantage of quiet place to read and lounge could we go in street clothes or is swim wear the norm? I realize we would need to understand the risk that someone had lounged in a wet swim suit on any of the furniture... sit at own risk. Do you change to swim wear and cover up in cabin or use locker rooms if you will be using hot tubs/pools?

We just got off the Pearl, and for me, just the loungers are worth about any price.

 

It is different from the Jewel and Jade, in that the loungers DO NOT face the front of the ship. The Thalassotherapy pool in the co-ed part is much bigger, though, so there is that trade off.

 

Personally, I would. But those loungers are literally about the only thing that make the arthritis in my back stop hurting.

It sounds wonderful to me, I want to enjoy the quiet space to watch the seas and read a book. Hoping The Pearl is a good choice. My sister and I are traveling together and are new to cruising. Wanting to make every arrangement we can ahead to ensure a smooth sailing. Thanks for your input.

Don't you have that reversed? I think it's 100 for suites, 90 for not suites.

Perfect, we are only in a mini-suite but 99 days out so I should start watching now!

Will be on The Pearl for first time in January 2017 and want to do the Thermal Spa. Don't want it to sell out. When will we be able to purchase?