johnnyd Posted October 30, 2010 #1 Share Posted October 30, 2010 Hi; sailing on the GEM in March and was wondering if you had any secrets and/or tips about the ship you would like to share; stuff like the best place to be when the ship sets sail, favorite bar, etc. Thanks!!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnIreland Posted October 30, 2010 #2 Share Posted October 30, 2010 Not a secret , but something people take a few days to find out. The buffet will be packed every morning , but you can take your food to the Italian restaurant. It's just across from the middle entrance to the buffet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyd Posted October 30, 2010 Author #3 Share Posted October 30, 2010 That's exactly the kind of info I am looking for. Thanks so much; we will definitely check it out!!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregor4500 Posted October 30, 2010 #4 Share Posted October 30, 2010 Starboard, for sail away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madibeme Posted October 30, 2010 #5 Share Posted October 30, 2010 Book the thermal suite and you will be in heaven. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyd Posted October 30, 2010 Author #6 Share Posted October 30, 2010 Thanks!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rzdj96 Posted October 31, 2010 #7 Share Posted October 31, 2010 (edited) The main dining room (Grand Pacific) is open during embarkation. The buffet becomes extremely crowded (especially with everyones carry-ons). To keep from getting lost, the carpeting has fish on them and they "swim" facing forward (toward the bow). Deck 15 is the freestyle deck (no kids allowed). Topsiders (deck 12 pool deck) has a "buffet" like set-up. There's a bar there but no soft drinks (ice tea, etc). There's also a few slot machines in the bowling alley (not just in the casino). Bowling was $5 a game. The large screen in the Atrium has limited seating and the casino is the smallest we've ever experianced (but manageable). That's all I can think of right now that may help you. Edited October 31, 2010 by rzdj96 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyd Posted October 31, 2010 Author #8 Share Posted October 31, 2010 Thanks for the tips.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddogbeast Posted October 31, 2010 #9 Share Posted October 31, 2010 Sailed on the Gem in the past and I'm booked on it Jan 22 2011. Best palce to sit and hang daytime is the Great outdoors. Night time is Bliss. Sailaway I like Deck 13 midships. You can watch the Sail away by the pool and still move around. NY skyline is on the Port (left) side on the way out, Enpire State building, Ground Zero and lower Manhattan. Starboord side is NJ, Weehawkin, Hoboken, Jersey City and the world's largest single faced clock, the Colgate Clock , Ellis Island and the Statue of liberty. Breakfast in the restaurants is fresh and hot and they will bring you all you want. The buffet is up to the crowd you are sailing with. Sometimes you sail with humans and other times you sail with people that are stocking up for there last meal and need that last pancake that you were just about to take when they swoop in from behind. Survey the situation. if you feel like a burger and they are cooking fresh ones at the buffet wait for one, they will cook it for you if you like it a certain way just ask. Let the vultures eat the ones that are already out. I just sailed on the Jewel and the crew there was great. Be friendly with the staff. It pays off in the long run. Don't treat them like the help. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamrag Posted October 31, 2010 #10 Share Posted October 31, 2010 Eat at least once in the French restaurant! Spend the day at least once on one of the three huge 8 ft radius sunlounger beds on deck 14. You will need a strategy to get one of them though....we managed it on a port day when we stayed on board. Steer clear of the moaners on board....there is much more to enjoy than to complain about. Breakfast in the blue lagoon deck 8....not a huge choice, but freshly prepared. Only do this if you have time, for a quick brekkie best use the buffet on deck 12. Blue lagoon is also good for a return on board snack after a port day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisecruiserAS Posted November 1, 2010 #11 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Awesome tips! Keep'em coming! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fireflygal Posted November 1, 2010 #12 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Madibeme, just loved the thermal suit on board HAL Noordam. What was the price for the Thermal Suite on board the GEM? Called Norwegian Cruises and they couldn't find the price. fireflygal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROCruiser Posted November 1, 2010 #13 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Sail away--back of ship, Deck 11--hardly any one there. Buffet--must have French Fries--the best. Blue Lagoon--when you need to get off the ship early and everybody else is thinking the same. The buffet is crowded and crazy. Go to the Blue Lagoon and enjoy a quiet breakfast served to your liking. Not a lot of choices, but you don't have to fight for food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rowdypfeifer Posted November 1, 2010 #14 Share Posted November 1, 2010 When you first get on the ship... RUN, don't walk, to the spa to get your weeklong spa pass for $99 ($178/couple). Worth every penny on the Gem! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyd Posted November 1, 2010 Author #15 Share Posted November 1, 2010 You guys are awesome!! These are great tips. Thanks. Keep them coming.:D:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddogbeast Posted November 6, 2010 #16 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Hang Loose, the Best Burgers on board. :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebas030 Posted November 7, 2010 #17 Share Posted November 7, 2010 (edited) oups.. see the next one :o Edited November 7, 2010 by sebas030 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebas030 Posted November 7, 2010 #18 Share Posted November 7, 2010 The main dining room (Grand Pacific) is open during embarkation. The buffet becomes extremely crowded (especially with everyones carry-ons)... So you can go to the Magenta dining room, very few people there and great food Spend the day at least once on one of the three huge 8 ft radius sunlounger beds on deck 14. You will need a strategy to get one of them though....we managed it on a port day when we stayed on board... We got one of those huge round sun lounger for sail away from NYC... it was great :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giddy2travel Posted November 8, 2010 #19 Share Posted November 8, 2010 this is good stuff keep it up...;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doodlesinkentucky Posted November 8, 2010 #20 Share Posted November 8, 2010 When you first get on the ship... RUN, don't walk, to the spa to get your weeklong spa pass for $99 ($178/couple). Worth every penny on the Gem! Love this thread too! What is included with this spa pass??:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
explorer50uk Posted November 8, 2010 #21 Share Posted November 8, 2010 Great selection of replies here!! we are pretty new to NCL, defectors from RCCL !!! No, just wanted to try something different. Have been on Epic and Jewel so hoping for some nice times on Gem in April. What is the deal with the Spa? my daughter likes that idea Thanks to all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giddy2travel Posted November 9, 2010 #22 Share Posted November 9, 2010 Love this thread too! What is included with this spa pass??:D Yes this is need to know info!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TA5 Posted November 9, 2010 #23 Share Posted November 9, 2010 (edited) The thermal suite pass basically gets you access to the spa whenever it is open. Thallasotherapy pool, private hottub, sauna, steam room, heated lounge chairs. I think the best part of the whole thing is being able to lay in a lounge chair looking forward out of the ship Basically just a very comfortable and QUIET place to relax, read, and unwind especially after a long day ashore. Edited November 9, 2010 by TA5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiserider444 Posted November 9, 2010 #24 Share Posted November 9, 2010 I was on the Gem before but didnt notice breakfast at the blue lagoon. what kind of breakfast do they serve there? Im looking for some eggs benedict :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giddy2travel Posted December 12, 2010 #25 Share Posted December 12, 2010 wanted to get this thread going again since i'm sailing on jan 11th out of NYC i was wondering if there is a spa pass for this 10 day cruise if anyone knows? and is there basketball on the gem for the guys with us...? thanks happy sails Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now