ellewoods

You can order the pasta plus an entree. Or you can order the pasta in an entree size which is significantly larger. I did pasta plus the salmon. Another at my table did the entree size pasta and couldn’t even finish it.

You will definitely have a great time! If you go to Moderno for breakfast or Cagneys for lunch ask for Raquel, she will take great care of you. Tell her Elissa says hi 👋. Provide your butler guidance on what kind of snacks you want in the room, I wish we had done this, the stuff we got was comically bad, we were dating each other to eat it by the end. I believe you can get dinner delivered although we never did. As far as Covid goes I don’t know if there is much you can do on a cruise ship or any location with tight quarters. We cruised RCCL in June, and most in my party came home with Covid, those of us that didn’t had just recovered before the cruise. I think it is always a risk we are going to have to take these days. I got sick on a number of cruises pre Covid as well, so really nothing new just a new virus to catch.

For breakfast you can eat in Moderno, lunch in Cagneys. As well for breakfast and lunch the Haven menus are in the courtyard and you can order directly from the courtyard butler and he will bring the meals down to you. There are tables and chairs in the courtyard. At breakfast time they also have assorted pastries, and fruits in the courtyard. Dinner is just in the regular restaurants. as for drinks… the courtyard butler will come around and ask if you want drinks and go get them for you.

Most of my party got COVID on an RCCL ship in June (those of us who didn’t had just recovered from it before the cruise). I’ve gotten sick on many cruises (and land based trips) over the years. I’ve had whooping cough, strep throat, colds, flus and even a probable parasite (i link that to my tendency to eat as local as possible). I’ll keep vacationing. It’s a risk I take. Interestingly enough when I vacationed when masks were required I did not ever get sick. So probably they do work pretty good but I’m also not willing to wear one all day, every day so I take the risk

Delays are never fun in any kind of travel but better safe in my mind. I have already seen complaints on Facebook about the Dawn situation. People act like the cruise lines enjoy delays any more than they do!

We didn’t see any show tunes shows. There was a Christmas show which I assumed replaced one of their regular performance shows for he Holiday. It’s possible we missed a show as we didn’t go to the theater every night, but I don’t recall seeing anything about one. happy new year! Thanks for coming along on the adventure. I hope your next cruise is amazing

No it is not. The Haven key cards were white with a starfish, not violet. The only control out keycards had in the elevator was the ability to access the 14th floor, we had to stop on every floor just like everyone else 😂 Would be a cool feature.

End Notes: Finally home and happy only because I come home to my four legged child! Overall a great cruise, as always. I didn’t end up posting daily recaps for the last two sea days as I feel like sea days are always far less exciting, as well the internet continued to be spotty for the final sea days. I had enough service to check in on my dog periodically which is really my only “necessity” while on vacation. The first day we spent in the Haven courtyard relaxing. Took advantage of moderno for breakfast again since we didn’t have to hurry to get anywhere. We asked for Racquel any chance we got and she was superb. She is a waitress in moderno in the AM and Cagneys for lunch and dinner time. Quick lunch in the buffet again. The selection seems to be getting more limited towards the end of the cruise, but the quality remains good so no complaints. The clothes are starting to fit tighter which is a good sign that there isn’t a shortage of food. We had received a notice to go to Bliss at 2:00 pm for a Presentation regarding Debarkation. Would have preferred a letter with the details but off I went to the presentation. Appears that debarkation will be much quicker for us as we can take advantage of priority debarkation. I had prebooked a month ago for NYE in Le Bistro. If you are sailing on a Holiday I highly suggest you make reservations ahead of time as the restaurants get quite full on the actual holidays. The food was very good. Tonight’s show was the one I was most excited for blazing boots. I love country music so this was my kind of show. It was very good, fast paced and lots of greats songs. The Gem has a really good performance crew, it was nice to get to see them show off what they can do. We also saw the perfect couple show tonight which was absolutely hysterical. Obviously this is an audience participation show so depends some what on who is chosen so we were lucky to watch a good group. I will say that the way this ship chooses their participants (by random draw) is the most fair way I have found a ship do it and I think it resulted in more participation. Second sea day We grabbed a quick breakfast in the buffet this morning and had lunch in Cagneys. One more chance to enjoy the French dip which is delicious. Grand Pacific for dinner. Food was great, service was quick as well. This was our first time here this trip. The dress code was not followed, I know this is a common question. We did follow it, but I saw shorts at other tables. Debarkation. We were advised to arrive at the theater between 8:30 and 9:00 for a priority escort off the ship. I had purchased knives in St. Maarten and needed to retrieve them from security. Someone walked me to the opposite side of the ship to get them. Once they announced we could leave, we were off the ship and to our car in less than 20 minutes. Getting on and off the ship is really where Haven benefits shine. Some general thoughts regarding the Haven. On a small ship like the Gem I think the value is greatly reduced. No separate dinner restaurant or bar. We had done the research and knew this going in, therefore it was no surprise. Having the Haven sun deck on sea days and having the spot to have breakfast was worthwhile still. The question really becomes how worthwhile? Concierge: I booked all my reservations myself. I had a reservation for 6pm one evening and the VIP cocktail party had been scheduled for 7:00 pm. I went to him in the morning to see about moving the reservation to 5:30, he said the restaurants were all crowded and he couldn’t make that happen. I went to the restaurant myself at 5:15 and spoke with them, they seated us almost immediately and had us out to make the cocktail event. Had we been seated at 6, there is no way we would have made it. The only other time we asked for help with dinner was for a reservation for orchid garden. We asked two days before we wanted it and he said he asked and it’s first come first served.I honestly didn’t see much value in the Concierge. He did escort us off the ship each day which was a nice perk and he was very nice, however, I didn’t see the real benefit. Maybe others who are more demanding get more attention. Butler: we saw our Butler basically once a day when he would drop off the tiniest plates of canapés. They were generally 5 1 bite tastes total for the cabin, most of them did not look great and we generally left the plate untouched. We also had the one time escort after Tortola. I did see our same Butler escorting other guests to dinner and other places. So again if we were more demanding maybe we would get more. However, as it was, I don’t see the point in the Butler either. Cabin steward (Juvin): he was superb. He was always around and met each of our requests quickly. He kept the room ready and clean at all times. He would literally run down the hall to open our door if he saw us coming. We couldn’t have asked for a better cabin steward. Courtyard attendant (Teddy): as mentioned earlier in the cruise, Teddy was truly a step above. From the first time we met him (without introducing ourselves) he always greeted us by name. Despite him being responsible for the courtyard and not our rooms, he frequently was the only person visible in the Haven. He would attempt to handle any request or issue we had. I’m unsure the hierarchy of those within the Haven but he needs to be promoted higher. I said in the beginning I would compare the Haven to RCCLs star class. The room on NCL was perfect size. On RCCL we felt the room was far too large and a waste. The 2 bedroom Haven was perfect for the three of us. It provided plenty of space and privacy without feeling like we were wasting. The Haven experience however doesn’t come close to the level of service RCCL provides with Star Class. Besides the room size and separate sun deck, I really didn’t feel like we had any benefit over a regular room. We asked for next to nothing and the two things we did ask for were brushed off. We will be back to NCL. I think I would choose a regular 2 bedroom suite without the Haven name unless I was sailing on a larger ship with a true Haven. Despite the early weather delays it was a fantastic cruise. I don’t think I will cruise on a holiday again. The fact that the ship was at capacity and had an abundance of children would deter me from this timeframe. Please let me know if you have any specific questions and I can try to answer them for you. The only thing I absolutely will not be any help with is questions re:kids/teen clubs. We have no children sailing with us and therefore had no use.

Hello! Just a note since I posted some freestyle dailies but not all, there are two shows each night in the theater. Blazing boots is scheduled for this evening. There is also another venue showing live music at least twice per evening!

We sailed once before on Hanukkah and had wonderful lightings each night. There is a Kosher group on board hosting their own events and I think because of this, the regular menorah lightings were kind of forgotten about. However, it is still very nice to sail during the Holidays and have sunshine every day of the Holiday rather than the bitter cold that awaits us at home! I hope you get to experience another Holiday sailing soon.

Forget what day we are on (sign of a great cruise 😂). We docked early in Tortola. We had an early, quick breakfast in the buffet again, then headed down to the Concierge meeting area to be escorted off the ship. We did the snorkel excursion to the Baths. We have previously done the one where you walk down. The Baths are gorgeous. The swim/hike is at least a moderate difficulty level so Be warned if you choose the snorkel one. If you have weak swimmers or poor mobility do the one where you walk down. The group who ran our tour were a lot of fun. We had a good time. Bring some cash as there is a restaurant/bar and souvenir shop on the beach. The boat ride was very choppy, they did say the seas were rough so it’s not always like this. It was fun for me but some people did look Green. We arrived back to the ship close to all aboard time. There were very long lines to get on the ship but all of the Haven Butlers were waiting to escort us to the front the line. Quick lunch in the buffet since we were still in the same swimsuits/outfits we wore on the excursion. Relaxed a bit this afternoon and then Dinner in Orchid Garden. This is an Asian style restaurant with no cover charge. Dinner was excellent. Our waiter was amazing he was very friendly,. He was part of the crew who remained onboard during the pandemic and he had stories to share. Went to the show which was a circus act. So good. Amazing to see what the acrobats can do with their bodies and bodies he clown was hysterical. Internet seems much better since we left Tortola this morning.

I am from NY. We are also seasoned cruisers, not loyal to any particular cruise line, we have cruised most of them. We have had other cruises impacted by weather, we’ve had land based vacations affected by weather as well. All this to say, we are not complainers. we won’t let a couple changes get in our way of having fun. We also truly appreciate the staff who makes these vacations amazing, we do not feel they owe us anything. I think if you go in with this mindset you can’t help but have fun.

It’s a buffet on a mass market cruise line. They have to feed a ton of people, quickly. If you’re looking for high end food, rethink a cruise buffet.

Yes they made it on! We spoke to some of them the first evening when we were looking for the Hanukkah candle lighting. They did indicate they would have their own kitchen and dining area, although I didn’t ask where specifically. We see the Rabbi often around the ship, very nice group.

Leo is the Concierge, he will be staying on. He was just brought on during dry dock.

Day 9- Antigua We have been getting off the ship as soon as the ship is cleared each day and arriving back to the ship very close to all aboard time. Today, we decided to have a more leisurely start to the morning. Therefore, we did not take advantage of the concierge escort off the boat . We got off about 9 AM and wandered around the port a bit. We then grabbed a cab/tour guide and asked for a one hour tour and then to drop us off at Sheer Rocks. We had an 11:30 reservation at Sheer Rocks. It’s easy to grab a cab and tour guide right at the end of the Pier (a short walk from the boat). The tour guide was very friendly and showed us a good bit of the Island for the short time we gave her. It remains consistent throughout the Islands that the locals are very happy to have visitors back since the Pandemic and they are so helpful and friendly. Sheer Rocks. We had made a reservation here a month or so ago based on recommendations from this board. Wow! This place is gorgeous. We only made reservations for lunch, but I recommend you book a pool for the day, as they were gorgeous and private but already booked for the day when we arrived. We arrived early and were shown to the bar where the wonderful bartender made us drinks while we waited. Promptly at 11:30 we were shown to our table overlooking the water, it doesn’t get more beautiful than this. It is expensive which we knew going in. The food and drinks are so good and you absolutely cannot beat the atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit. Tapas style so be careful by the time you order a bunch of tiny little plates you will be stuffed way quicker than you expect. As all beaches are public we decided to just head down to the resorts beach after lunch. There aren’t many amenities for non resort guests but it was quiet and close. The beach itself is beautiful, as I am sure most are on the Island. There was a great local woman giving massages at the beach which was fantastic. When we were ready we asked her to call us a taxi and we got back to the ship in time for dinner. Dinner in the buffet again. Food was all very good again. We were again exhausted after a long day and tomorrow we dock at 6 am and have a 6:15 meeting time for our excursion to the baths. Very excited for this excursion but sad to know this means the last port and that this cruise is coming to an end.

I had booked the Calypso Tour but they switched me to the Adventure 2 tour

Day 8- St. Maarten We arrived early today in St. Maarten. Quick turnaround after yesterdays long adventure. Breakfast was once again in the Buffet. The selection and quality of the food remains very good for Breakfast. I can’t imagine there is anything you could want that is not there. As a slightly ridiculous comment- I read specific complaints about the buffet bacon on prior cruises, I am very picky about bacon and it’s perfect every time. As to the internet, it is clearly an overuse issue and I have found early morning 5-6AM is the best time to get good access. This is our second time in St. Maarten. We wanted to get more of a tour then we did last time. Last time we just shopped and wandered around on our own. There is plenty to keep you busy if you choose this route. I booked a tour with Bernard Tours which got good reviews on this site. 1st complaint they waited until 2 days ago to tell me my tour did not get enough interest and they were booking me on a different tour. This was considered an upgrade as it was significantly longer than my booked tour and they were not charging me extra. However, we are generally not “organized tour people” which is why we had chosen the shorter time to give us time to explore on our own after. Was not at all happy with the tour, it was a disorganized mess from the beginning. You ran around a lot, on the bus and off no real time to do anything. People didn’t get back to the bus on time which delayed us and dragged out the tour even longer. My group was the first to arrive, when we got on the bus we sat near each other, 2 in one row and me in front of them. At the end a couple got on last and the driver made me move so they could sit together but that meant I was stuffed into a very uncomfortable seat, the only one in direct sun the entire time and I had constantly climb over a cooler to get in and out of the seat. I would have preferred to get off the bus and get my money back if there was no room. Bernard Tours gets great reviews on this site and I just don’t see it, one of the worst tours I’ve ever taken. we had a short visit to town to grab cheese at the Amsterdam cheese shop, the port was crowded with the P and O Brittany’s, our ship and RCCLs harmony and wonder. However the locals are so friendly and it’s great to see them thriving after the hurricane and pandemic. Dinner in the buffet again. We were exhausted after a long day and it was Mexican night! Big selection and everything was very good. The buffet was very busy tonight as many people had the same idea. What we have found works best is if we scope out a table first and then take turns getting food. Otherwise you are wandering with a full plate trying to snag a table. Tables don’t remain dirty long, as soon as someone is gone, the crew gets to work cleaning the table off. They work very hard up there and it shows. Cruise director came on during dinner and announced all the events happening around the ship this evening. Unfortunately I was too tired and headed to an early night in the cabin. Antigua tomorrow!

The cruise director has definitely stepped it up since the first day. After hearing she was sick on the last cruise it makes sense that she was still on the mend at the beginning of our cruise. I now see her out and about quite frequently.

The courtyard butler is Teddy and he is amazing.

This is my 5th time on the Gem. I have seen no difference in food quality or service. 2 differences this cruise: 1. We left two days late and people are upset by that and letting it affect the rest of their cruise. It is winter in NYC and you should expect some possibility for a delay. 2. There are a lot of people on this ship; again it’s a holiday cruise and should be expected. As to the refurb- cabins were not touched. The common areas are gorgeous, noticing alot of new carpet and new furniture in the common areas. The ship looks great. A little sad they removed the fish on the hallway carpet as that was always my “compass” but I’ve only gotten lost a few times, so I am learning.

Day 6 We got bounced around pretty good last night. Was expecting smoother seas this close to the first port, but it was one of the worst seas I’ve experienced. Obviously rough seas are expected this time of year… just a note. Before bed yesterday we received information from the Concierge to meet him at 8:00 to be escorted off the ship. We had breakfast in the buffet for the first time today since we were in a hurry. Very good selection for breakfast and all delicious. Ship was cleared shortly after 8 and we were in the first group off, we were escorted through a crew door to avoid the crowds. I booked a boat charter with Custom Charters with Nate and we had an amazing day. We did some snorkeling, swam with the turtles, went to Limes Out the taco boat, and had a great ride. It was a bit more adventurous than I had expected but I enjoyed it very much still. We ate at the smoking rooster by the boat for dinner, getting on just in time for all aboard. Add me to the miserable bunch for tonight 😂. Unsolicited advice: Put on way more sunscreen than you need. I am going to be paying for this amazing day with a very painful sunburn! Tomorrow we hit St. Maarten early and I have another private tour booked.

a day late due to internet issues and me having too much fun.. sorry Day 5 It’s our third sea day in a row, 5th day on the ship so I am starting to get antsy for land. I generally don’t even like cruises with two sea days in a row so it’s getting to be a lot of sea time for me. Excited to dock in St. Thomas tomorrow. Seems like the Christmas spirit left most people rather quickly. Still seeing a lot of miserable people around the ship. There is one family in the Haven who is screaming at a staff member every time I pass them. Very upsetting to see, staff has been so amazing and is really trying so hard and I hate to see them treated that way. Many people have asked about WIFI on the ship, it’s very poor. There were many times it did not work at all and when it did work it was very slow and little could actually get accomplished. Skipped breakfast today, we lost an hour of sleep last night, and I was trying to make up for it. Lunch we had delivered from Cagney’s to the Haven courtyard. This is a great service as you can stay in your swimsuit and head right back to the pool after. Dinner in the buffet tonight as we wanted something quick and light. Once again felt like the variety was lacking but the food we ate was good. On a crowded ship, such as this, the haven courtyard and sundeck, really do save you. We were able to easily get spots to sit out and enjoy the finally warm and sunny weather. Lots of things to do around the ship today. Tomorrow we dock in St. Thomas and have a private excursion booked. Will provide information on it if it’s good.

This 100%. If you want to be miserable you will be. If you want to have fun you will.