pcreek

I have read my own reviews. But I havent found a way to find them without browsing. Its not like it says "reviews" under my profile. Did I miss it? How can I find them easier?

I always subscribe to my reviews (and other threads I want to keep for information). That way, I can find them easily. :)

If you don't know how to do this:

Open the thread. Click on the drop down menu under 'thread tools', click on subscribe to this thread.

To find all your subscribed threads:

Click on 'quick links' tab (upper right, next to log off )

Scroll to second from the bottom and up pops all your subscribed threads.:D

This brought a smile to my face. :D

 

Sometimes I almost wish I drank coffee LOL. Do they have coffee makers in the balcony rooms? (Since the hubby does drink it).

 

I really hope we get to see something from the balcony...dolphins would be awesome!

 

This will definitely throw a "different" perspective on my next review. :p

Yep, coffee makers in the room. Also great for brewing tea - then serve over ice..ahhh. ;-)

We will be in an S4 on Gem in August.

 

Fir those that eat breakfast/lunch in Cagneys, may I please ask if this is any different then eating the same in the Main dining Room? Are there even more options and is the service better?

 

Thanks so much.

We had Cagney's access for breakfast & lunch last year on the Jewel.

YES, this is different than MDR. It's quieter, smaller, calmer and the menu is much better! The service is terrific!

The lunch menu stayed the same throughout the cruise, so that got a little boring after eating all your favorites.

Hi Pcreek! I am envious you are sailing the Gem as I have not been on her for a long time now. I really hope you have a great time and for 9 days...wow! Having sailed with my sister who uses a wheelchair permanently, this past cruise we used assistance because we were in Venice and were new to everything over there. My takeaway is that Norwegian does a fantastic job with wheelchair assistance. They had crew helping at embarkation and at debarkation. Not sure where the helpers will be at gem check in but I do know there is a special line/check in for wheelchair and for those who need assistance. Have you contacted Norwegian ahead of time to let them know? I also remember we were assigned a helper on board...a name and number to call if needed.

 

coka

Thanks, Coka!!

Yes, I have contacted the NCL Accessibility dept - they are expecting me!

I am SOO excited to sail the GEM. I will look for the special assistance line when we get to Pier 88.

It will be my first time, it has taken awhile for me to get there!

I will definitely be going in search of your mermaid while onboard.

Remember {way back when} we submitted those little video clips to be the Godmother? ( I was the Hey, Esther!) You were way closer than I was - I was really pulling for you to get it! I think you should have.:rolleyes:

So anyway, I'm finally getting to sail on the GEM! :D:D

You recently cruised in Venice? Did I miss your review?:confused::confused: You write THE best reviews!

"DH tore a ligament in his knee two weeks before we left I called NCL to ask for boarding assistance for him as standing for a long time or walking inclines made the pain excruciating We waited in a special area for a wheelchair. Once our turn they wheeled us into line for check in. By the time we checked in they were boarding so he was wheeled right on board. We were offered same service debarkation but he felt comfortable walking with his crutches down the incline and into the pier. We were directed to an elevator so he would not have to do the escalator.Kudos to NCL for this assistance!"

Thanks for this information! I will be doing this - for the first time - and it is helpful to know. I was told I would have wheelchair assistance on & off the ship ( I have rented a scooter for trip - will be in the cabin ). I have an ankle injury and will be having surgery about a week after our return.

Where is the waiting area? Do they direct you there when you first get there? Where did they wheel you to onboard? Just into the atrium, or to your cabin?

Thanks for the info!:D

Thank you for the review!! It feeds my growing excitement!

We're not in a suite this time (unless there's a miracle in the next 2 wks!!) and I'm sure we'll miss some things - mainly Cagney's for breakfast!

Sorry the weather didn't cooperate more for you. :(

Nice that you enjoyed the Italian rest. - we're going to try it, even though most reviewers say they didn't like it as well.

Thanks again!!:D

Thank you for posting! This is exactly what I'm looking for!!

I'm getting excited about my cruise coming up - and this helps. :D:D

Sounds like you had a good cruise - except about the weather. We got soaked in Cozumel one time, but even that was fun!

We were on the October 19th sailing, which was the first 9 day of the season. We loved it and would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

If the Chef's Table is in your budget, I highly recommend it. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

 

We had some reservations about Samana but decided to make it a beach day at Cayo Leventado. We bought the tender tickets for $14PP through NCL Shore Excursions before we left. The tenders start leaving the ship about 9AM and returning at Noon. It's a beautiful beach, not at all crowded, and you can only get there by boat. If you decide to do something else at Samana it's best to book a tour. Walking around on your own there is not advised.

 

This was our second cruise on the Gem and I have no complaints. The food was good. We only ate in the MDR 2 nights, not because it wasn't good, we just had other plans. Service was good everywhere. We didn't go to any of the shows so I can't comment on entertainment.

 

If you have any specific questions, ask.

Thank you!! :)

We are doing the Cayo beach...we did it a few years ago and loved it. Happy to hear it's still good. :D

Chef's table is not for us - not because of the price, we're just not real foodies. Looks like fun for those that enjoy that, tho! I've seen photos of the food - my DH would not touch any of it - he's not very adventurous at all with his food! LOL

We are more Cagney's & Le Bistro (DH gets steak everywhere!) and I get to try something different there. ;)

Is Julie still the CD onboard? We had her on a previous cruise and she was a lot of fun.

Thanks again for sharing!

Since this is my first NCL cruise I'm not sure...but I've heard great things! Be sure to post a review when you get back so I can read up on it! Getting antsy myself and I have 25 days! lol

 

Enjoy your cruise!

I will definitely post a review with photos! :D

Adding my thoughts & prayers. Just watched the devastation on the news.:(

Done! You are SOO going to win! ;)

If you've been on the 9 day Caribbean this fall -- COME BACK!!

Tell us about your trip! You KNOW you want to re-live it here with us!;)

What was GREAT?

What was not as GREAT?

Any photos to share??

Sorry - getting antsy here...wanting to read recent reviews.:rolleyes:

Thanks!

Definitely a mimosa. Gotta do something with the sparkling wine in my suite when I board! :D

That's exactly what I do! (not always in a suite, but seem to always have 1-2 bottles of bubbly when I arrive! ;) )

I call it my "Caribbean Mimosa" = 1/3 OJ, 1/3 cranberry juice & 1/3 wine.....on the balcony....THAT tells me I'm on a cruise! :D

I love this little escape (for me)!!

Your photos are stunning.

I feel like you are taking us all along with you on your trip! Thank you so much for posting!! :D

So I'm now wondering, since you mentioned "breakfast". We have ordered breakfast twice before (to our interior room) and of course they only give you the option of cold food and quite frankly...nasty food. Any breakfast rolls were hard, bagels were too hard to eat and of course no toaster to warm them, and we are not really "cereal" people when on vacation. I like a HOT breakfast to start my day out. So we never order breakfast to our room.

 

I do remember others talk about there are different breakfast menus for different rooms depending on what "type" of room you are in.

 

Do they serve "hot" breakfast in balconies? That's the only way I would consider eating in there if that's the case.

I think just the full suites have different room service menus. However, the regular room service menus have an 'anytime' omelet that you can order for breakfast - you just have to call in the order, there is no place on the card you put out at night for that.

Port = left side Starboard = right side when facing forward. I always remember by left & port each have 4 letters. ;)

The reason I mentioned Epic previously, is because that is the only ship I have heard about having the bed by the balcony in some cabins - due to the 'wave design' of the cabins.

Final thought - you will be able to go back to an inside cabin after doing a balcony. I thought after sailing in a suite we'd never be happy without one again - I was wrong. I have had no problems going back to just a balcony cabin. Do I prefer the suite? Absolutely, but I wouldn't save and only cruise every 2 yrs just to have one! :rolleyes:

Great photos to be had off the balcony, too!:D:D

I was just wondering if anyone has sailed the GEM on Thanksgiving before?

I have read that they will have traditional Turkey dinner meal onboard.

I was wondering if they have it at lunch time - or just for the dinner hours?

We are in San Juan from 3-9pm (while nothing is open :rolleyes: ). Thought it might be nice to plan an early meal get-together, rather than a later one.

Thanks for any info!!

All of the balcony cabins I have been in have the couch by the sliding doors. I think they are different on Epic, tho.

One thing to remember...make sure you close the door to the balcony BEFORE opening the door to the hallway!! You will have a wind storm in your cabin, if you don't! :D

I see you can vote everyday - I did again today and the count changed! ;)

They have both types....not like St. Thomas where most are open air busses. Ours was air conditioned....you should be fine! Safe travels.

Thank you so much!! That makes the decision to just taxi over, instead of opting for a tour (which we've done before). :D

Thanks for taking the time to post this review and all the lovely photos! Sure looks like you all had a great time! :D

I took my first cruise on the Sun - nice memories! Loved 'seeing' Aruba, as I haven't been there yet!

One question - in St. Maartin, you said you took a taxi. We are thinking about taking a taxi to Maho Beach (to see the planes). Do they have 'regular' type cars for taxis, or do they use the van/mini-bus type vehicles? I have a bad ankle and a car would be easier than having to climb up into something else - like a tour type bus.

Thanks!

I voted for yours! LOVE your video :-)

Can you only vote once - or daily?

Good luck!

Really enjoyed reading your review and seeing all your pictures!

We stayed in the 2 bedroom suite on the Jewel last year - only in the Haven. We had the same photo over the bed! LOL

I convinced my DH to do that, and I'd forgo the spa pass. Glad I did...it was the most awesome cruise EVER! :D

Seems like my DH is a lot like yours, always in front of the tv..or nose in kindle!

Gambee - your review was absolutely amazing! I think it's time for you to take another cruise - just to relax! thanks for all the hard work you did here...it was obviously appreciated by many! :)

Thanks for posting this photo - you are correct - it looks perfect in your collection! :D

And also to pcreek for sending me that amazing Breakaway Coin. Thank you. I have a full collection now =)

Great review, Kim -- as always, I thoroughly enjoy reading your reviews. Feels like I was right along with you.

I was especially interested in your comparison w/NCL. We may eventually try another line...but not sure when. We just love NCL so much!

" Our next is the Jewel." You will love the Jewel!! We were on it last year and really had a great time!

Thanks for the great read (and keeping me from housework a couple of afternoons!! LOL ) Between you and Gambee...not getting any of the extras done around the house this week! :D

Gambee, I am absolutely LOVING this review - and all your awesome photos!

I was the same as you - only with the EPIC - (we had a group called the Epic Stalkers) and devoured all information available from the first ideas through to my actually sailing on EPIC. Unfortunately, I think I had 'too much information' and was slightly 'under-whelmed' when finally cruising on Epic.

But..since I did get some EPIC souvenirs from fellow Cruise Critics, I am carrying it forward!

I have a Breakaway one for you! I had entered a Cruise Critic contest ( I think on Facebook?) and won this coin from the keel-laying of Breakaway. If you'd like it, please email me your mailing address and I'll send it along to you. :) I think it will have a better home with you.

Photo of coin: