Gem 10/20 - 11/2

[scaaty]

I'll post a full review later once life settles down. We came home to no power,etc. and are now staying with family, but still very fortunate compared to many others.

 

We had quite the adventure and DH and I both can't say enough as to how well the Captain and all of the staff on the GEM handled the situation.:D The captain managed to get us ahead of Sandy and tried to dock Sunday but could not get permission from the port to do so. With that, he took us further out to sea and we avoided the worst of the storm. We did get hit with some of the outer bands and by late Sunday evening we were rocking and rolling to the point where they shut down the elevators:eek: Of course we had just arrived in the Grand Pacific for dinner. Thankfully walking up stairs is much easier than walking down the stairs;) (I just had a double knee replacement in July). I did spend most of Monday in the cabin as trying to keep my balance while walking was hard on the knees. Things calmed down later in the evening and I was able to head down to dinner.

 

I'll try to answer any questions you may have.

[Journey11]

I am sorry about Sandy and the impact she had on your cruise and your home. But I am impressed with your positive attitude. I hope you were able to enjoy some parts of your cruise.

[toby517]

Glad you finally made it home. Sorry the trip was rough. Looking forward to reading your more detailed review.

[scaaty]

I am sorry about Sandy and the impact she had on your cruise and your home. But I am impressed with your positive attitude. I hope you were able to enjoy some parts of your cruise.

 

We totally enjoyed our cruise. Yes there was some anxiety about what was happening at home, and tears when we watched the news, but overall the cruise was fantastic!

 

I just wanted to point out how pleased we were with how the Captain and staff of the GEM handled the situation.

[Cubechick]

Sorry you didn't find all well at your home, but it sounds like you have a very positive outlook. I hope you get your power back soon and that the damage to your home isn't extensive.

 

Can't wait to read your review!

[WaldosPepper]

So sorry to hear that you've come home to the wrath of Sandy, but very happy to hear your thoughts about the way the Captain and Crew handled the situation! Very much looking forward to reading your review! In the meantime, I'll be praying for all those whose lives have been so badly disrupted by that incredible storm.

[ksimpso3]

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your "extended" cruise. I was sure the captain would do his best to keep you all as safe and comfortable as could be under the circumstances. Sorry about your home and hope your power comes back soon. You sound like you have a great attitude. Was that the overall attitude of your cruisemates?

[mking8288]

Welcome home - a # of ships including the Princess & the Gem made headlines as cruise ships that survived Sandy the storm, and hope that your power will be restored soon & would soon be history - the marathon to recovery has begun. Rest assured that help is available, all the way down to grass-root organizations, local churches & volunteers - and if it's not there on the ground, it will be there soon enough.

 

Here's one news video for your historic collection for the sailing but can't wait to read more - http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/travel/171761/with-sandy-gone--cruise-ships-disembark--depart

 

It sounded like the ship didn't sustain any major or serious damages and handled the high cross wind, rough seas and waves, out-smarting the huge storm, and gave folks 2 extra sea days - and allowed those eager to disembark the option once it made its way into Boston - informing the passengers as the drama unfold, and opened up its internet, etc. Please take care of your own priorities and needs first.

 

We will be onboard in 4 days and looking forward to our "home away from home" real soon. We continue to keep our fellow neighbors and citizens in our thoughts on a long, cold & dark night as power have yet to be restored. Stay warm & safe :)

[Medtech2]

We totally enjoyed our cruise. Yes there was some anxiety about what was happening at home, and tears when we watched the news, but overall the cruise was fantastic!

 

I just wanted to point out how pleased we were with how the Captain and staff of the GEM handled the situation.

Glad to hear it!

[Karysa]

I'll post a full review later once life settles down. We came home to no power,etc. and are now staying with family, but still very fortunate compared to many others.

 

We had quite the adventure and DH and I both can't say enough as to how well the Captain and all of the staff on the GEM handled the situation.:D The captain managed to get us ahead of Sandy and tried to dock Sunday but could not get permission from the port to do so. With that, he took us further out to sea and we avoided the worst of the storm. We did get hit with some of the outer bands and by late Sunday evening we were rocking and rolling to the point where they shut down the elevators:eek: Of course we had just arrived in the Grand Pacific for dinner. Thankfully walking up stairs is much easier than walking down the stairs;) (I just had a double knee replacement in July). I did spend most of Monday in the cabin as trying to keep my balance while walking was hard on the knees. Things calmed down later in the evening and I was able to head down to dinner.

 

I'll try to answer any questions you may have.

 

I too hope things get back to normal for you soon.

 

One comment that caught my attention was the one about the Captain trying to dock last Sunday before the storm. Was the plan then to have the passengers disembark and then head out to see with just the crew or leave the ship in the harbor for the duration of the storm?

[scaaty]

Was that the overall attitude of your cruisemates?

 

Overall everyone stayed very positive :D Of course there were varying level of anxiety based upon their personal situations of where they live and family at home and occasionally this caused some tensions when waiting for the internet, but most all understood that no one can control the weather and 'ship' happens :rolleyes:

 

Sinan the CD also helped with his witty comments such as "Welcome to day 88 on the ark". :D That had people laughing out loud.

 

 

 

One comment that caught my attention was the one about the Captain trying to dock last Sunday before the storm. Was the plan then to have the passengers disembark and then head out to see with just the crew or leave the ship in the harbor for the duration of the storm?

 

I really don't know what the plan was, he just said he wanted to try to get us in early. Even if he let us off, my thought is that I doubt that the port would allow the ship to stay overnight since there would be a higher potential for damage if the ship was in port. Again, just my opinion since we weren't given any other details about what would have happened.

[Cambrensis]

Good for you Dianne! Very impressive that you did so well with your "new knees" but I am sure that was a little anxiety-inducing. Your experience gives the adventure of cruising a whole new meaning! Glad you returned safely.

 

We are on the Gem in January, so very much look forward to your review. This will be our first NCL cruise, as well as first out of NYC.

[tjc78]

We were on this cruise as well. The entire staff including the Captain and Sinan did an amazing job of keeping us informed and keeping us safe. There were some rough seas, but otherwise was a great cruise. I hope to do a review as well.

 

The funny thing is up until we skipped Samana on Friday the weather was great. San Jaun, St Martin and St Thomas are great ports.

[tigerlilycruiser12]

Hi Dianne

 

I was thinking of you and your knees while you were out at sea. Can not wait to hear the rest of the story:D Glad all is fine and looking foward to our adventure in Feb. :) Hope iit is not as eventful as this one.

 

marie

[NYcruzzer]

Welcome home. We just got power yesterday. Getting gas is my only challenge. Compared to other folks we got off easy. After watching the NY1 report I was wondering since the Carribean Princess only went to Boston and back were they in violation of the Jones act ? If so do you think they "waived" the fine under the circumstances ?

[joanna0627]

My daughter and I were also on this cruise. I agree with all your comments about the Captain and Sinan. They were the best ever. There are far worse things than to be stuck out at sea, and I believe everyone made the best out of this situation. Hats off to all of the NCL Gem crew..

[jenesaisquoi]

Welcome back home! I am looking forward to the review, as well, since I will be on the Gem over Thanksgiving. I'm happy to hear that Sinan was on board. I have heard great things about him. Hope your power is restored soon.

[Karysa]

[quote name=scaaty;

I really don't know what the plan was' date=' he just said he wanted to try to get us in early. Even if he let us off, my thought is that I doubt that the port would allow the ship to stay overnight since there would be a higher potential for damage if the ship was in port. Again, just my opinion since we weren't given any other details about what would have happened.[/quote]

 

 

 

 

(sorry I mucked something up here)

 

Thanks, I was just curious.

[vivavegas]

Welcome Back! Glad you made it back safe and sound! :)

[KirkNC]

Welcome back!

[bean24]

Glad to hear you all did so well. Hope the house recovers soon.

[2ndhoney]

Mu husband & I were on this cruise as well. I totally agree that the captain & crew did a great job (and those free rum punches while watching a movie didn't hurt either!).

 

It was very rocky - my husband said it was like trying to sleep on a rollercoaster.

 

All in all it was a great trip with a lot of unexpected sea days. We were celebrating out 10 year anniversary - I told my husband we will never forget that trip! I got a lot of really good nature at it worst photos with those waves!

 

We opted to get off the ship when we docked in Boston on Wednesday (10/31) and we had my sister secure a rental car for us the night before when we found out we were docking (I am so glad she responds to all texts promptly!):)

 

There were a few passengers with crappy attitudes. Some guy that was on our ship was at the car rental place and said that although the captain and Norwegian did a great job keeping us safe, he was still going to write Norwegian because he was inconvenienced! I couldn't belive it! The only thing I said to him was that when you book a cruise during hurricane season, you take a chance and you have to read the fine print of your contract where it says iteneraries may be changed for the safety of the passengers, etc...... He was such an idiot.

 

Thankfully we live in NY and we had taken the train to the port, and we only had a 3 hour drive home. We had no power once we got home, but by Thursday night we got it back.

[YankeeFan4Ever]

My wife and I were also on this cruise and had a great time! The staff of the Gem were fantastic and the Captain kept us well informed at all times. CD Sinan was great at keeping moral up throughout the cruise.

 

The seas were rough for sure, but it my wife and I just doubled up on our Bonine and we never felt sea sick. Watching the power of mother nature up close was definitely an awe-inspiring experience.

 

I really can't believe how well Norwegian took care of us, they went above and beyond to keep us all happy! :)

[Cootie12]

We too were on that cruise. Sinan :) "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine...." I can still hear him singing to us!! I was not afraid at all even though we had 40 to 45 foot waves. The captain made us all feel safe and kept reassuring us that the ship was built to withstand that kind of sea. It was just a long time at sea with no sight of land -we never saw land from Thursday when we left St. Thomas till we arrived in Boston on Wednesday morning. I commented that I would not do transatlantic very well.

I believe the captain did everything he could do - he cancelled Samana so we could get to NY ahead of the storm and we were there on Sunday and the Port Authority refused us - they let the Jewel in on Sunday but not us - supposedly because they were scheduled for Sunday and we were not scheduled till Monday. So out to sea we had to go. The boat was very rocky and we didn't see sun for days but I didn't let it bother me. I bought another certificate for another cruise ;) And on another note I won $1800 in the casino on one of those extra sea days :p

[puddles99]

Welcome back to everyone! I'm so glad to read about your positive experiences and would welcome the opportunity to share adventures with any of you someday! :)