Review NCL Gem Florida and Bahamas 6/2/12 - 6/9/12

[Lostinthe50s]

We were on the 5/26 cruise on the Gem and had the same feelings as you did,especially about the uncomfortable seats in the showroom. The seats went from one side to the other without there being an isle in between and when people came in or wanted to get out everyone in the isle had to stand. The width of the seats was also very narrow and we are not large people.

 

One thing you did not mention was the pool area,we found way too many kids in both pools and hot tubs which made it very overcrowded. You had to go up to a higher deck in order to get a lounge. Even in the great pacific restaurant late at night there where many people with crying children and children running around.

We have grandchildren so we are not against them but there is a time and place.

I liked the fact that the carnival Miracle had an adults only pool in the rear of the ship away from the middle 2 pools.

 

On the Carnival Miracle we always took the balcony cabin on caribe deck which was much larger and as you said the cabins are also larger.

 

Thank you for your review

[Solo1959]

We were on the 5/26 cruise on the Gem and had the same feelings as you did,especially about the uncomfortable seats in the showroom. The seats went from one side to the other without there being an isle in between and when people came in or wanted to get out everyone in the isle had to stand. The width of the seats was also very narrow and we are not large people.

 

One thing you did not mention was the pool area,we found way too many kids in both pools and hot tubs which made it very overcrowded. You had to go up to a higher deck in order to get a lounge. Even in the great pacific restaurant late at night there where many people with crying children and children running around.

We have grandchildren so we are not against them but there is a time and place.

I liked the fact that the carnival Miracle had an adults only pool in the rear of the ship away from the middle 2 pools.

 

On the Carnival Miracle we always took the balcony cabin on caribe deck which was much larger and as you said the cabins are also larger.

 

Thank you for your review

Thank you for the reply. Yes, I did leave out comments about the pool. But on this cruise, the weather was not our friend. It didn't stop the kids from using the pools, but it was too cold for my comfort. So it really didn't become a factor for me. The 6th night of the cruise I actually had the heat on in the cabin - at least I think it was the heat. I had the thermostat all the way up top on the red. We had several overcast days and a touch here and there of some rain.

 

I loved the Miracle. I loved my balcony there as well. But last year, maybe because I had been on the same cruise and ship three times already, it no longer mesmerized me. That's the big reason I selected NCL this year.

 

I was surprised by the number of school aged people on this cruise; my booking strategy of taking a cruise just before school let out didn't quite work this time. But I had an enjoyable trip. I must say, the Kids Club did a good job last week as the noise and energy from that room proved. But they kept the noise and energy in that room! Maybe it was the weather. The Kids Club gave them a place to go when the pool wasn't so appealing. And the Nickelodeon crew was not in-your-face. They were around, but you had to go to them. I liked that.

 

I hope that my review expressed that I had a good cruise and a good vacation and that I liked the Gem.

[Solo1959]

Hey Tom,sorry you found some things lacking on the Gem

I have to say,the Segway tour was the most fun I've had in a long time,especially when Peter and the other instructor let us try the one's without govenors on them!Hope to see you at sea again sometime. Happy travels:)

I keep getting confused, are you jayjay or are you kaykay :D You and your son were great people and I enjoyed meeting you both.

 

Yes, I found some things lacking on the Gem. But were any vacations 100%? I had a great time last week and I wish I were still there. On to the Glory in September, but next June will I be on the Splendor or the Gem again???? Still trying to decide.

[goldmom]

Excellent and very well written review. I enjoyed reading it!

 

One thing I might mention about your cabin not being turned down. Did you turn the dial by the door to the "Turn down cabin" section. We had this happen on a cruise and the steward didn't come in to turn down our cabin as we had left the "Do not disturb" wheel up.

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. I always find people's opinions and observations interesting (especially someone cruising a new line) and thought your comparisons were very well done.

[Solo1959]

Excellent and very well written review. I enjoyed reading it!

 

One thing I might mention about your cabin not being turned down. Did you turn the dial by the door to the "Turn down cabin" section. We had this happen on a cruise and the steward didn't come in to turn down our cabin as we had left the "Do not disturb" wheel up.

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. I always find people's opinions and observations interesting (especially someone cruising a new line) and thought your comparisons were very well done.

Thank you for the reply. Yes, I did always remember to turn the dial to blue, turn-down-please. And when I came back, it was always turned to yellow, Welcome.

 

It's over, it's done, it's all good.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for taking the time to post and write a review of your cruise. Glad you had a good time.

[DaveNH]

Thanks for your incredibly in-depth review. I've done some trip reviews in the past and know how much effort goes into one this detailed.

 

We are travelling on the Gem next year and I appreciate the information very much.

[emcelh]

Thank you for the reply. Yes, I did always remember to turn the dial to blue, turn-down-please. And when I came back, it was always turned to yellow, Welcome.

 

It's over, it's done, it's all good.

 

I wonder if you were the victim of a childish prank. We once saw some kids going through the hallways changing the dials.

[NJIrishGirl]

Solo,

I just wanted to thank you as well. My bf and I are going to be sailing on the Gem soon. This will be my first cruise ever, so I'm not really a "cheerleader" or a "complainer" for any cruiseline. My bf has cruised Carnival, but not often enough to be a CCL only kinda guy. So your review was very interesting! I am hugely appreciative, like many of the other responders, of the *balanced* review you gave. It's nice to hear what someone finds as both positives and negatives for a cruiseline/ship. I'm also glad to hear that despite some things you weren't wild about, it didn't keep you from enjoying the cruise and NCL. I'm hoping to come away with the similar feelings. Thanks again!

[Solo1959]

Thanks for your incredibly in-depth review. I've done some trip reviews in the past and know how much effort goes into one this detailed.

 

We are travelling on the Gem next year and I appreciate the information very much.

 

Solo,

I just wanted to thank you as well. My bf and I are going to be sailing on the Gem soon. This will be my first cruise ever, so I'm not really a "cheerleader" or a "complainer" for any cruiseline. My bf has cruised Carnival, but not often enough to be a CCL only kinda guy. So your review was very interesting! I am hugely appreciative, like many of the other responders, of the *balanced* review you gave. It's nice to hear what someone finds as both positives and negatives for a cruiseline/ship. I'm also glad to hear that despite some things you weren't wild about, it didn't keep you from enjoying the cruise and NCL. I'm hoping to come away with the similar feelings. Thanks again!

I know that you will have a great cruise because I had a great cruise. The issues I had are all things that can be corrected. I met nice people, I saw whales, I spent a week on a cruise to the Bahamas! It was a very good week and the best way to spend a vacation. I had no idea what to expect on my cruise and wrote what I was looking for before I left. I am glad you found it helpful. Enjoy your vacation.

[Laszlo]

I wonder if you were the victim of a childish prank. We once saw some kids going through the hallways changing the dials.

 

I caught a kid doing the same thing. We had an aft suite, I'm coming out of the cabin as this kid decides to play with the dial. I almost ran him over, poor kid almost crapped his pants. Turns out our butler was right around the corner and heard the whole thing. I asked him what he was doing? he just shrugged his shoulders. The butler starting to question him and I left. Later I found out his was 8 years old and his parents had been on the casino for hours while this kid just roamed the halls.......nice

[Kjudge]

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Hi Yoyocruiser,

Hope you get this. tagging on one of your old posts. We are from Mass too and have been on a lot of the same ships as you have. Norway :-)etc...we are doing a family cruise (32 of us) to bermuda and I am seriously thinking of the 2 bedroom suite you described with your 4 kids. Mine are 22,22,25,26. We have 3 boys and 1 girl. I really want to book this room but worried if the boys will fit in the second bedroom. They are not tall ..barely 6 ft. One not even 5'10. Do you think they will fit? Daughter on the couch. I did think the couch would pull out so I am glad I found your review. You made some great points about packing etc. It is an expensive room with 6 of us as we are going July 5th which is probably the most expensive cruise of the year :-P. 10,000. + .The other room I am considering is family suite/balcony. It is more of an open concept and would definately by more dormy! Any advise and thoughts are appreciated!

[OnTheGoMom921]

Thanks for such a detailed review!! If you are looking to sail NCL again, try looking into the Breakaway. It will have NCL Studio cabins along with the Studio lounge. This formula seems to work with the Epic, and solo cruisers seem to sing its praises. The studio lounge is a great place to gather with other solos and they seem to group together for excursions and dinner plans (hey, you may even be able to score that free bottle of wine!)

 

I appreciate a mixed review. Every cruise is never "perfect" and I have learned so much from others here on CC, including what to look out for good or bad.

 

~Michele:D