My experience on the Norwegian Gem

[krzi]

I was recently on the Norwegian Gem - NYC to Florida / Bahamas Itinerary. I would rate my overall experience 7/10. I have listed a few pros and cons below about my recent trip.

 

Pros -

- All you can eat wings at a bar overlooking atrium

- Eat anytime, anything you want

- Selection of drinks available

- Casino has all games including Pai Gow Poker and Baccarat

- Rewards card for casino

- The bridge viewing room

- Comfortable rooms, great room steward

- Shower has door instead of curtain (huge plus)

- Chocoholic Buffet

- Shore excursions were easy to handle

- Great pursers desk and reception staff

- Great shows and entertainment (especially Deal or No Deal)

 

Cons -

- Poor service at MDR

- Ship is not as wide as most ships

- Atrium elevators do not overlook atrium (no windows on elevators)

- Atrium is not as grand as most other ships

- Clubs were not as exciting (poorly scheduled and managed)

 

Undecided -

- Bowling alleys were good, Not a fan of the cover charge (5$)\

- If you enjoy trying luck, Becareful, a lot of gambling on ship outside casino (optional and additional charges)

 

I have posted on my blog a more descriptive post on my vacation on the Norwegian Gem with a lot of pictures I took as well - http://vincentwong.info/blog/?p=956

[che5904]

I was recently on the Norwegian Gem - NYC to Florida / Bahamas Itinerary. I would rate my overall experience 7/10. I have listed a few pros and cons below about my recent trip.

 

Cons -

- Poor service at MDR

- Ship is not as wide as most ships

- Atrium elevators do not overlook atrium (no windows on elevators)

- Atrium is not as grand as most other ships

- Clubs were not as exciting (poorly scheduled and managed)

 

 

I'd say a 7/10 is a pretty decent grade. No one can really expect perfection. If I was new to NCL I'd sail on a 7/10 recommendation

 

Would you mind elaborating a bit

 

Cons -

- Poor service at MDR

 

Poor as in slower or too rushed than you would have liked? Someone wasn't friendly? etc.

 

- Atrium elevators do not overlook atrium (no windows on elevators)

- Atrium is not as grand as most other ships

 

Thats a pretty common complaint with the Jewel class ships is that they lack the Wow factor.

 

You missed the biggest pro or con. Did you have a good vacation? ;) Just joking.

 

Thanks for sharing

[Mooder]

Thanks, for the balanced review.

[krzi]

I'd say a 7/10 is a pretty decent grade. No one can really expect perfection. If I was new to NCL I'd sail on a 7/10 recommendation

 

Would you mind elaborating a bit

 

Cons -

- Poor service at MDR

 

Poor as in slower or too rushed than you would have liked? Someone wasn't friendly? etc.

 

- Atrium elevators do not overlook atrium (no windows on elevators)

- Atrium is not as grand as most other ships

 

Thats a pretty common complaint with the Jewel class ships is that they lack the Wow factor.

 

You missed the biggest pro or con. Did you have a good vacation? ;) Just joking.

 

Thanks for sharing

 

Lol the vacation was great! but back to the service at the MDR,

 

The reason why I was unhappy with the MDR service was 3/5 times we ate dinner at the MDR our servers did not meet my standards for a chain restaurant on shore. and I will list a few points below.

 

- After ordering a soda, it did not come until desert (two different days)

- The food was good, however no one comes back to ask if everything is ok

- The servers seem overwhelmed with the amount of tables

- One time the server disappeared and forgot about us (25 minutes after being seated) until I got up to locate our server making us miss one of the shows.

[bsblindab]

Lol the vacation was great! but back to the service at the MDR,

 

The reason why I was unhappy with the MDR service was 3/5 times we ate dinner at the MDR our servers did not meet my standards for a chain restaurant on shore. and I will list a few points below.

 

- After ordering a soda, it did not come until desert (two different days)

- The food was good, however no one comes back to ask if everything is ok

- The servers seem overwhelmed with the amount of tables

- One time the server disappeared and forgot about us (25 minutes after being seated) until I got up to locate our server making us miss one of the shows.

When we were on the GEM back 11/2010, the first morning after sailing..the MDR was horrendous for us anyway..we ordered and never got our meal for about an hour..the poor server did everything she could (coffee/apologies/got the head person) to accomodate us..and when our breakfast did arrive it was cold..like they put it somewhere and forgot where..

It didn't bother me as much as the other people I was with..heck I was on vacation..and I didn't have to cook/clean or server..however..if I had rambuncious kids or a excursion Id probably be a bit upset too.

[katybird]

We returned from the Gem 12/11. We didn't mind the service. We were on the Jewel in Sept. and service was MUCH better on the Gem. Our water glasses were filled frequently and we were asked if everything was OK. The Gem was about 2/3rd full so we thought maybe with less passengers the waiters were not as overworked. We also ate our dinners around 6-6:30..did not appear to be a busy time.

 

The food in the MDR was not impressive. I asked for a steak knife to cut my prime rib and still had trouble! The food was served hot which was a plus compared to some cold food on the Jewel.

 

I must say the NCL staff goes above and beyond their duties...always friendly and helpful so we tend to overlook a few negatives!

 

The pricing was terrific for this cruise and it was a nice get-a-way on the spur of the moment.

[krzi]

We returned from the Gem 12/11. We didn't mind the service. We were on the Jewel in Sept. and service was MUCH better on the Gem. Our water glasses were filled frequently and we were asked if everything was OK. The Gem was about 2/3rd full so we thought maybe with less passengers the waiters were not as overworked. We also ate our dinners around 6-6:30..did not appear to be a busy time.

 

The food in the MDR was not impressive. I asked for a steak knife to cut my prime rib and still had trouble! The food was served hot which was a plus compared to some cold food on the Jewel.

 

I must say the NCL staff goes above and beyond their duties...always friendly and helpful so we tend to overlook a few negatives!

 

The pricing was terrific for this cruise and it was a nice get-a-way on the spur of the moment.

 

I agree, I had a great time, however the MDR was my only major complaint and in the end I still give the Norwegian Gem a 7/10. I was just elaborating on the MDR experience as requested. I actually have another cruise booked on the Jewel shortly so that way I can compare as you really cannot judge a cruise line based on 1 experience.

[katybird]

I agree, I had a great time, however the MDR was my only major complaint and in the end I still give the Norwegian Gem a 7/10. I was just elaborating on the MDR experience as requested. I actually have another cruise booked on the Jewel shortly so that way I can compare as you really cannot judge a cruise line based on 1 experience.

 

I agree! So many different factors come into play. We really enjoy NCL and going out of NYC is such a breeze for us. Love not having to fly!

[Turtles06]

Cons -...

 

- Atrium elevators do not overlook atrium (no windows on elevators)

 

The atrium elevators can't overlook the atrium because the atrium is only two decks high and there aren't any elevators. :)

 

 

(Gem atrium photo by turtles06)

[Laszlo]

How much wider should it be?

[snorklinbarb]

Tks for your review. Did you bring your issues with the DR service to one of the maitre d's or assts.? Usually they are quick to address any problems.

 

If you happen to have your Freestyle Dailies would you give us an idea of some of the lounge entertainers? Haven't read anything here for awhile about any particular pianist/singer/guitarist and am curious who might be playing. I realize things could change by next month.;)

 

Did you have a Meet & Greet?

[camz]

TBH I don't know how the Gem's decorations could not WOW! First, the huge Gems as hull art are very bright and make the ship very noticable. At first glance, the ship looks like a fun atmosphere. Walking through the Bliss Lounge is a pretty amazing task. Then we have the funky velvet furniture all over the ship. There was one oversized red velvet chair in the Spinnaker Lounge that I would love to have in my home. The atrium is very pretty and has that large two deck screen where the wii games are played. I did not take notice to the fact that the ship may not be as wide as others, however, that would not be a problem either.

[redlef]

What's the bridge viewing room? I've been on the Jewel 3 times and never stumbled onto that - is it on all the Gem class ships?

[camz]

What's the bridge viewing room? I've been on the Jewel 3 times and never stumbled onto that - is it on all the Gem class ships?

 

This is something that was new in the NCL Fleet with the Gem. Not all of the Jewel Class Ships have the Bridge Viewing Room.

[garycarla]

Thanks for balanced review.

 

Atrium and Elevators. In a talk once with officers it was mentioned that was by design. It allow more room for other stuff. Good reason? Yes and no.

 

I was wondering about the "gamblng" outside the casino. What was that all about?

[RYMOMA]

I was recently on the Norwegian Gem - NYC to Florida / Bahamas Itinerary. I would rate my overall experience 7/10. I have listed a few pros and cons below about my recent trip.

 

Pros -

- All you can eat wings at a bar overlooking atrium

- Eat anytime, anything you want

- Selection of drinks available

- Casino has all games including Pai Gow Poker and Baccarat

- Rewards card for casino

- The bridge viewing room

- Comfortable rooms, great room steward

- Shower has door instead of curtain (huge plus)

- Chocoholic Buffet

- Shore excursions were easy to handle

- Great pursers desk and reception staff

- Great shows and entertainment (especially Deal or No Deal)

 

Cons -

- Poor service at MDR

- Ship is not as wide as most ships

- Atrium elevators do not overlook atrium (no windows on elevators)

- Atrium is not as grand as most other ships

- Clubs were not as exciting (poorly scheduled and managed)

 

Undecided -

- Bowling alleys were good, Not a fan of the cover charge (5$)\

- If you enjoy trying luck, Becareful, a lot of gambling on ship outside casino (optional and additional charges)

 

I have posted on my blog a more descriptive post on my vacation on the Norwegian Gem with a lot of pictures I took as well - http://vincentwong.info/blog/?p=956

 

we were on the GEM 11/27 - 12/4

i agree with all your pros.

which MDR did you go to? Grand Pacific or Magenta?

the Spirit has a wonderful atruim and elevators; i agree that the GEM lacked.

but oh the blue lagoon is awesome, i love their wonton soup.

we never did bowling, 5 bucks is more than i pay at home.

as for club scenes....we were too busy to just hang at one of the clubs.

but my favorite part of our cruise is the PUB CRAWLLLLLL!!!!!

Fish and Clinton and Rainbow ROCKED....Sinan was everywhere

[Turtles06]

What's the bridge viewing room? I've been on the Jewel 3 times and never stumbled onto that - is it on all the Gem class ships?

 

On the Jewel and the Gem, the bridge viewing room is on Deck 11 on the port side, all the way forward, right behind the bridge. There's a huge glass window between the viewing room and the bridge. Except at night when shades are drawn or in port or during special ops (like a rescue at sea), you can see thru the window into the bridge. Also, in the viewing room itself, there are interesting charts, photos, and a real-time electronic navigation screen showing the ship's course, speed, etc.

 

Very interesting; a "must see" in my book.

[peg013]

What's the bridge viewing room? I've been on the Jewel 3 times and never stumbled onto that - is it on all the Gem class ships?

 

This is something that was new in the NCL Fleet with the Gem. Not all of the Jewel Class Ships have the Bridge Viewing Room.

 

The Jewel (first of the Jewel Class Ships) has the bridge viewing room and the Gem (the last of the Jewel Class Ships) also has it. I've been to both. I haven't sailed on the Pearl or Jade so I don't know about them. It is located on Deck 11 port side forward. The Gem has the "Gem Mermaid" with charms that have been donated by (CC?) passengers, in it's bridge viewing room.

[INDIANA JOE]

Yes, the Pearl has one too. I visited it on our Pacific Coastal cruise September 2010

[Mooder]

The Jewel (first of the Jewel Class Ships) has the bridge viewing room and the Gem (the last of the Jewel Class Ships) also has it. I've been to both. I haven't sailed on the Pearl or Jade so I don't know about them. It is located on Deck 11 port side forward. The Gem has the "Gem Mermaid" with charms that have been donated by (CC?) passengers, in it's bridge viewing room.

 

Jade has it too.

[cabincop]

The Gem has a blackjack table area near the pool maybe that is what they are talking about. I kinda like it get away from the smokiness of casino and yur outside and gamblin whats better than that?:D

[Inuvikcouple]

I am just curious about the width comment. The Gem is 105 feet wide, the panamax width if I'm correct so other than the most recent super sized ships of which there are not that many, the Gem is as wide as most.

 

Dave

[krzi]

What's the bridge viewing room? I've been on the Jewel 3 times and never stumbled onto that - is it on all the Gem class ships?

 

Here is a picture I took of the viewing room on deck 11 - http://vincentwong.info/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Norwegian-Gem-Viewing-Room-2.jpg

 

TBH I don't know how the Gem's decorations could not WOW! First, the huge Gems as hull art are very bright and make the ship very noticable. At first glance, the ship looks like a fun atmosphere. Walking through the Bliss Lounge is a pretty amazing task. Then we have the funky velvet furniture all over the ship. There was one oversized red velvet chair in the Spinnaker Lounge that I would love to have in my home. The atrium is very pretty and has that large two deck screen where the wii games are played. I did not take notice to the fact that the ship may not be as wide as others, however, that would not be a problem either.

 

The ship is amazing and does have a WoW Factor, however, I feel the ship would have a bigger WoW factor and look more elegant with elevators overlooking the atrium. The screen is also another amazing feature, with just one downside being the screen was not working properly since sailing there was a long line across the top and after day 4 of my sailing and they were never able to fix it until we disembarked.

 

Tks for your review. Did you bring your issues with the DR service to one of the maitre d's or assts.? Usually they are quick to address any problems.

 

If you happen to have your Freestyle Dailies would you give us an idea of some of the lounge entertainers? Haven't read anything here for awhile about any particular pianist/singer/guitarist and am curious who might be playing. I realize things could change by next month.;)

 

Did you have a Meet & Greet?

 

I was able to bring the issue up to the Maitre'd and was explained they will do their best next time. however the issues persisted.

 

I still have a copy of all my freestyle Dailies however I will need to locate them I put them in a filing cabinet. The lounge entertainers were amazing' date=' and I enjoyed a lot of time with a few beers and wings at the blue lagoon relaxing and listening to the singer/guitarist on the balcony. I will try to grab the freestyle dailies and upload images of them and link here shortly.

 

Thanks for balanced review.

 

Atrium and Elevators. In a talk once with officers it was mentioned that was by design. It allow more room for other stuff. Good reason? Yes and no.

 

I was wondering about the "gamblng" outside the casino. What was that all about?

 

This ship is similar in size to the Grandeur of the seas I was on a few years ago, however the usage of space for the atrium seemed less efficient on the Gem than on the Grandeur, however I can see why putting elevators would not work but in my preference I feel elevators overlooking the atrium make the ship look more elegant. I always enjoyed sitting in the atrium and watching the elevators it just always made me amazed at the wonders of cruise ships.

 

As far as the gambling outside the casino, you have blackjack tables at the pool (pool side blackjack), blackjack and roulette tables (electronic) at the spinnaker lounge, a lot of offers for the "NCL Lottery Scratchers", many offers for Deal or No Deal (more gameshow than gambling but would still fall in the same category), bingo games being sold everywhere (in the theater right before and after shows, etc. There are many other places. I understand thats where most of the revenue comes from but there comes a point where it should be limited to the venue instead of upselling.

 

I have worked in the casino industry so I know upselling works first hand, but there were times where I felt the upselling was inappropriate (example - right before production show, lotto scratchers, bingo, and raffle tickets at discounted prices)

[krzi]

Also I wanted to add to the shows a MUST SEE if you enjoy having a great laugh - The Second City Show and Improv Shows, they will have you rolling.

[camz]

The Jewel (first of the Jewel Class Ships) has the bridge viewing room and the Gem (the last of the Jewel Class Ships) also has it. I've been to both. I haven't sailed on the Pearl or Jade so I don't know about them. It is located on Deck 11 port side forward. The Gem has the "Gem Mermaid" with charms that have been donated by (CC?) passengers, in it's bridge viewing room.

 

See you do learn something new everyday. I was always under the impression the Gem was the first of the NCL Fleet to have the bridge viewing room. At least that is what my travel agent had told me. Thanks for the clarification.

 

Another fun fact is the dolphin carpet in the hallways. The dolphins swim (face) the front of the ship. This is handy information if you get turned around as your getting use to the ship.