NCL Gem Review 4/28 to Orlando and Bahamas (pics)

Finally home to type up my thoughts of the 4/28 sailing on the GEM. Won’t keep anyone in suspense. I loved it. Due to a series of crazy events, this was a solo. Not only was it a solo, it was a solo in an Aft Penthouse Suite (8630).

Because of work, I could not leave my Ohio home until Saturday, 4/28. That can be nerve racking. But, when forced to do so, I book only direct fights, to cut down on the chances of a crew or a plane being unavailable to take off or land on time in two different places.

I also book the first flight of the day, so we’re not waiting for a crew from another flight. Crew is fresh and ready to go. The plane is fresh and ready to go, or so I thought.

I gave myself a 3 hour cushion to get from LGA to Pier 88 until I absolutely had to be on board. Doable, but not ideal. Traffic flying into LGA gets congested resulting in holding patterns. Traffic getting from the airport to the pier sometimes gets dicey. But, it’s Saturday. What could go wrong?

We cleared a big hurdle once we boarded and started to taxi put to the runway. That is, until the pilot turned around to go back to the gate. Why? Well, the plane was fine. Air traffic was fairly light.

No....nothing sinister. We were missing one (of many) flashlights on board. Huh? I have a flashlight on my phone. Here.....TAKE IT.

Not to be. OK, let’s go back to the gate, get the flashlight, and get airborne.

What? We’re deplaning! Why?

This did not look good. We had about 25 college students who were about to miss a close connection to Canada. In addition I was about to miss my cruise. For what? A flashlight? I’m a million plus miler with Delta. I’ve seen the do some really stupid things. But, in this instance, I think grapes are smarter than whoever made this decision to hold up this flight.

Once we deplaned, I stated looking for other flights at neighboring airports....Dayton, Louisville, Lexington, Columbus, Indianapolis. I even inquired about getting my checked bag (which Delta refused to get for me, never gave me a reason why).

Bottom line, if I could get a flight at another airport, I still would not have my luggage.

I resigned myself to having my luggage returned to me whenever Delta felt like returning it, and going home to fill out cruise insurance paperwork.

Wait....here comes someone with a flashlight to the gate. Didn’t appear to be special in anyway....just your everyday flashlight. Can we finally take off?

After an hour delay WAITING FOR A FLASHLIGHT, we were bearded back on board.

I let Dial 7 (who I always use to go from th airport to the pier in NY) that I’d be late, and in a hurry.

They actually made the effort to be there waiting, and to breaking a few traffic laws to get me to the ship with a little time to spare.

Kudos to Dial 7. Bah.....boo to Delta Airlines.

That’s it for the bad stuff. Good stuff to come.

Following. Sorry to hear about your troubles getting to NY and the pier.

Capt. Lars is known for his drills, routines, policies & procedures, etc. - nobody is going to "ruin" his on-time performance for sailing. Ha ha, you made it in time or else we wouldn't have dropped the tied lines & ropes, and began backing out of Pier 88 a few minutes early.

Which route did your Dial 7 took to get to the pier, congestion was pretty bad in front of the airport on the parkway that morning. Our Carmel SUV took a different route & it turned out to the rather slow, but we left early from Queens ...

I remember you being the only one on the Roll Call flying in the morning of ... something, well, you know that we don't preach or advocate on the East Coast forum. The Boston, Canada & Upstate NY folks all came in a day or two earlier, just in case. Your flight going home was fine ... how was it getting dropped off at LGA post-cruise.

Howdy...just noticed you have your own thread going for this cruise. Didn't mean to elbow in.

Yeah...I think I was the only person who came in the morning of....at least amongst us CC-ers.

Truth told, I couldn't tell you which way Dial 7 driver went. I know he was cutting down a lot of side streets when the route ahead of him had traffic. He knew NY, and he new the routes from LGA to Pier 88 well, given how he was navigating. He received a nice tip.

I felt so sorry for the group of college students who likely missed their connection. Just crazy what Delta does.

Capt. Lars is known for his drills, routines, policies & procedures, etc. - nobody is going to "ruin" his on-time performance for sailing. Ha ha, you made it in time or else we wouldn't have dropped the tied lines & ropes, and began backing out of Pier 88 a few minutes early.

 

Which route did your Dial 7 took to get to the pier, congestion was pretty bad in front of the airport on the parkway that morning. Our Carmel SUV took a different route & it turned out to the rather slow, but we left early from Queens ...

 

I remember you being the only one on the Roll Call flying in the morning of ... something, well, you know that we don't preach or advocate on the East Coast forum. The Boston, Canada & Upstate NY folks all came in a day or two earlier, just in case. Your flight going home was fine ... how was it getting dropped off at LGA post-cruise.

So recently, I've been sailing nothing but the "mega-ships"....MSC Divina, MSC Meriviglia, RCL AOS, RCL HOS, NCL Breakway (2x) and NCL Epic. Aside from the NCL Norway, which I sailed decades ago, the GEM is probably the smallest ship I've sailed in a long while.

Going to bounce around a little on the pics, but just a quick gauge of size, the Bliss docked next to the GEM for debarkation. Bliss on the right, Gem on the left....

https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/NHqmjUNMvvkHIGs5KyXqYuMhBGQt9tj5EQRPhsdyxRH

Not that it was small.....hardly. It was just smaller than what I've been sailing on lately. I was slightly worried about not having enough to choose from to keep me occupied. Silly, stupid me....that wasn't the case at all.

First and foremost, the CC-ers were all wonderful people. I've been on M&Gs before arranged by CC-ers. But, Pat(Tricia) and Jim did a WONDERFUL job. Plus, everyone I met, I wanted to hang out with (sadly, I didn't get to hang out with all who I met). Still, it was a great time....from the CC Luncheon(s), to the M&G, to the Slot Pull (I think Lisa arranged it? If not, please correct me), to the cabin crawl. All of it was a blast.

The GEM was refurbished I think 3-4 years ago. So, it's fairly up-to-date. It was immaculate, too. I've seen newer ships look a lot more worn than the GEM. Beautiful ship.

Embarkation was easy-peasy. Got to Pier 88 at right around 12:30.

Had one 22" spinner and a back pack. Left the spinner with the luggage handler, took the back pack with me. Tickets checked, security done, was led to the Haven/Penthouse lounge waiting the concierge, Elvina (also wonderful). I waited just long enough to grab a cookie before she said I made it "just in time" and was in the "last group" she escorted on to the ship. Within 15 minutes, I had my first drink after hitting the baggage handler.

https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/xajLlyNDmmAlgDjNZN0LbRcuTFmYr7vjt5mjVKFxtYR

What a way to start a vacation but at least you made it. Delta is not my favorite.

Allow me to get some particulars out of the way.....

My cruise deal.....

For those of you who have a Platinum AMEX, depending on category booked and your online TA (wish I could tell who they are as they’re good), you can get OBC from AMEX. In my case, I got $300 OBC. In addition, my TA gave me most of their commissions, given I booked everything myself on line without using an agent, and had some other promos going on that ended up as $800 non-refundable OBC, and $225 refundable OBC. It took me a while to figure everything out, but I ended up with only $4 left on my non-refundable and all of my non-refundable being sent by NCL in a check to me.

A couple of massages, excursions, some purchases in the liquor store, and got as close as I could to using it all.

INTERNET.....Pleasantly surprised. It fluctuated, but generally speaking, I got 15-20 Mbps download and 10-15 Mbps upload speeds. That’s the best I’ve ever experienced on any cruise line......ever! And, I wasn’t kicked off, ever. One of the additional perks was I had 250 minutes of internet. I upgraded to unlimited (out of my OBC) and never worried about loggin on and off all the time. Not sure what NCL has done, but their internet is MUCH better than the last time I used it a couple of years ago.

More importantly, I was able to make WiFi phone calls...with NO ship charges other than the internet plan. Calls were clear, didn’t have a dropped call. I have an iPhone X on Verizon, so WiFi calling worked great.

OTHER PERKS.....

I’m Latitudes Gold (thought I was going to be platinum with this cruise, but am 3 nights short.....next cruise). So, instead of packing heavily, I packed light. I had laundry done on Tuesday, which was returned on Wednesday, for 50% off. I felt it well worth it. I had about half my clothes laundered/cleaned for around $20 with my discount. Great deal in my estimation.

NCL gave me ALL of their perks given I was in a Penthouse Suite. In addition to the 250 internet minutes, I received...

-3 Dinner SDP

-UBP

-$50 credit per excursion booked thought NCL

In addition to the OBC, AMEX gave me another dinner for LeBistro.

All-in-all, I ate at LeBistro, Cagney, Moderno, and LaCucina for no charge.

I was also allowed to eat breakfast at Moderno and Lunch at Cagney given I was sailing in a Suite.

About the Suite......the GEM (and I’ll assume it’s sister ships) have a Haven. It’s really not the same Haven as on the “Away” ships, Escape and Bliss. The Haven on the GEM was a small private area with a pool and a small sitting area. On the larger ships, the Haven has its own bar, it’s own restaurant, in addition to a larger pool area with a larger area to sit and relax and even to dine outside if you like.

So what, right?

Well, on the GEM, a Penthouse Suite and above gets all the perks of a Butler, a Concierge, priority embarkation/debarkation, etc, without being allowed in the Haven. The Haven was $2,500 more when I was booking. While the Haven was quite nice on the GEM, $2,500 for a small private pool didn’t justify it for me.

Embarkation was easy, as mentioned.

Being escorted on to the ship....

IMG_0098 by D J, on Flickr

First thing we saw was the Atrium. As is a trademark of NCL ships, their chandeliers are sights to behold....

IMG_0099 by D J, on Flickr

And, the chandelier constantly changes color...

IMG_0101 by D J, on Flickr

Cabin #8630 Aft Penthouse Suite....

IMG_0104 by D J, on Flickr

Coffee and Tea, which I ordered (part of the suite's amenities) from NCL's Concierge Desk a week before boarding...

IMG_0103 by D J, on Flickr

Closets and mirror area outside of the bathroom...

IMG_0105 by D J, on Flickr

Cabin (cont).....

Bathroom.....

IMG_0108 by D J, on Flickr

IMG_0107 by D J, on Flickr

Sitting area....

IMG_0113 by D J, on Flickr

Table where the Butler brought fruit, daily snacks and kept fresh flowers.....

IMG_0114 by D J, on Flickr

IMG_0117 by D J, on Flickr

Aft Balcony....

IMG_0109 by D J, on Flickr

IMG_0131 by D J, on Flickr

This was the view from my balcony for sail away......

IMG_0128 by D J, on Flickr

IMG_0134 by D J, on Flickr

IMG_0132 by D J, on Flickr

IMG_0133 by D J, on Flickr

Just a quick mention...my Panasonic Tough V camera did not quite make it unscathed through Delta's baggage claim (they're working on a repair/replacement for me).

All photos and videos were taken with my iPhone X.

Loving your pictures so far. That suite is what dreams are made of. ;)

Howdy ... couldn't tell you which way Dial 7 driver went ... given how he was navigating. He received a nice tip.

 

I felt so sorry for the group of college students who likely missed their connection. Just crazy what Delta does.

Not at all ... more reviews with pix, the better for everyone, after seeing the AFT balcony during the cabin crawl, DW now demands nothing else (or, at least threatened yours truly to price it and then ... better not show her more images or else, I'm in deep "trouble") Just about everyone on CC loved these reviews & reports with photos and/or videos, just keep it coming.

Those iPhone X pictures are just fine, in fact, great looking ... you probably didn't check out that comfortable sofa pullout as an extra sleeper/lounger. They put them in the rennovated obstructed Oceanview (accessible cbains only) in lieu of another hideaway trundle bed on the Jade (I'm pretty sure in reading about it ... but, not for the Gem b/c our SIL/BIL were in 8100 with the good old trundle (and, no USB bedside charging ports either.)

After the muster, we went back to our cabin & started unpacking (two 22" rollers were checked & delivered by then) - took an afternoon nap so didn't watch the sailing down the Hudson (seen it many times over the years & missed it during adverse conditions) ... did you see or noticed any armed speedboat patrol (NYPD and/or USCG) in the water escorting us up to the VZ Bridge ... they sometimes roll behind the ship, behind our starboard side ... with the .50 cal mounted

As for the DL, are they covering your camera repairs or is that coming from travel insurance claims ? UA isn't better and just as bad, if not worst, nowadays. Sounded like the Dial 7 driver took either the tunnel under the East River or one of bridge crossings, then, raced across town on city streets with traffic lights & came to a screeching halt in front of Pier 88 with good timing, without giving you sea legs for land travel :halo:

Here's a graphics that you might get a good laugh for - from one of my nephew who used to work ground ops at JFK - his fiance still working there

Loving your pictures so far. That suite is what dreams are made of. ;)

Glad you like them. Have more coming.

If you think my Cabin was nice, we had a tour of the Garden Villa. That was spectacular.

Look for MKing's review of the same cruise for pics of that.

Not at all ... more reviews with pix, the better for everyone, after seeing the AFT balcony during the cabin crawl, DW now demands nothing else (or, at least threatened yours truly to price it and then ... better not show her more images or else, I'm in deep "trouble") Just about everyone on CC loved these reviews & reports with photos and/or videos, just keep it coming.

 

Those iPhone X pictures are just fine, in fact, great looking ... you probably didn't check out that comfortable sofa pullout as an extra sleeper/lounger. They put them in the rennovated obstructed Oceanview (accessible cbains only) in lieu of another hideaway trundle bed on the Jade (I'm pretty sure in reading about it ... but, not for the Gem b/c our SIL/BIL were in 8100 with the good old trundle (and, no USB bedside charging ports either.)

 

After the muster, we went back to our cabin & started unpacking (two 22" rollers were checked & delivered by then) - took an afternoon nap so didn't watch the sailing down the Hudson (seen it many times over the years & missed it during adverse conditions) ... did you see or noticed any armed speedboat patrol (NYPD and/or USCG) in the water escorting us up to the VZ Bridge ... they sometimes roll behind the ship, behind our starboard side ... with the .50 cal mounted

 

As for the DL, are they covering your camera repairs or is that coming from travel insurance claims ? UA isn't better and just as bad, if not worst, nowadays. Sounded like the Dial 7 driver took either the tunnel under the East River or one of bridge crossings, then, raced across town on city streets with traffic lights & came to a screeching halt in front of Pier 88 with good timing, without giving you sea legs for land travel :halo:

 

Here's a graphics that you might get a good laugh for - from one of my nephew who used to work ground ops at JFK - his fiance still working there

Howdy....never did pull out the sofa bed. The cabin could sleep 4 with the sofa bed.

DL broke my luggage, and in turn, my camera, so they're supposed to be reimbursing me. I'm trying to track down my receipt for them.

If not, I had the cruise insured. That policy covers the camera, too.

One way or the other, I'm covered.

I did see the speed boat come roaring past with lights blazing. I thought someone was being chased. Ended up being the escort.

Tell your wife to ignore this thread as there are more pics coming. ;)

CC luncheon embarkation day....given I didn't get on board until a bit later, lunch was at the tail end of over, but had a good Caesar Chicken Salad and a Bloody Mary just in time......

IMG_0115 by D J, on Flickr

I'm really bad about remembering to take food pics. I have some, but not a lot. Apologies up front. I'll post what I have. Same goes for the Daily.

Cookout that they set up every sea day.....

IMG_0121 by D J, on Flickr

Looking down at LeBistro entrance. They had entertainment in the waiting area every night, too. All of you who are going on the GEM and book LeBistro, your hostess, Sue, is just wonderful and a delight. Ask her about her twins.....

P4280001 by D J, on Flickr

Self explanatory.....

IMG_0138 by D J, on Flickr

IMG_0135 by D J, on Flickr

IMG_0136 by D J, on Flickr

CC Q&A with the GEM's exec staff....

IMG_0161 by D J, on Flickr

Chapel....

IMG_0270 by D J, on Flickr

Library...

IMG_0162 by D J, on Flickr

IMG_0163 by D J, on Flickr

Lunch at Garden Cafe...as others have mentioned, finding a seat in the main part of the buffet is, like on all cruises, relatively futile during lunch hours. LaCucina has overflow...

IMG_0140 by D J, on Flickr

IMG_0141 by D J, on Flickr

IMG_0142 by D J, on Flickr

I only ate in the Garden Cafe once for lunch, the last full day of the cruise. Selection was good. food was hot when it was supposed to be, and things like salads were cold and fresh. It tasted as good as any other buffet on any other cruise ship, maybe leaning towards a little bit better than most. I had no complaints.

Dining al fresco? You could do that, too...whether from the sea day cookouts, or these selections outside.....

IMG_0143 by D J, on Flickr

IMG_0144 by D J, on Flickr

I know there are other smoking areas on board (i.e. the Casino), but I only passed by Bali Hai a couple of times. The smokers seemed to gather here the most.

IMG_0145 by D J, on Flickr

This area is right above the main pool.

The one restaurant I've always enjoyed on other NCL Ships was their "Noodles" (or whatever the name they use for their asian themed restaurants). These restaurants used to be "fee" based, but are now no charge. They were always quick, tasty and offered good asian inspired meals. On the GEM, it's called Orchids.

IMG_0150 by D J, on Flickr

This time, it was a big disappointment. I ate there twice. The first time, the service was slow, the food was mediocre and they actually lost my key card, so I had to go to guest services to get another.

The 2nd time, they got my order wrong, they were slow, and when they got the order right, it wasn't very good.

This place needs some work.

Cabin #8630 Aft Penthouse Suite....

 

Coffee and Tea, which I ordered (part of the suite's amenities) from NCL's Concierge Desk a week before boarding...

IMG_0105 by D J, on Flickr

Enjoying your well-written, beautifully photographed review! Just curious, do you have to order coffee and tea in advance? I thought the suites were stocked with it.