pbnjrockette Posted May 2, 2014 #1 Share Posted May 2, 2014 We have an opportunity to join some friends for a week on the Gem (NY-NY-Bahamas). It's literally a week away and we need to make our decision today! We have never booked last minute and have only traveled NCL once before. Is it better to book directly with NCL, use a local TA (we don't have a special one) or the "last minute deal" that came thru email? Any advantages or pitfalls with either? Anything else about the Gem I should know? thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biker@sea Posted May 2, 2014 #2 Share Posted May 2, 2014 I book direct with a PCC from NCL . JMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meatball_nyc Posted May 2, 2014 #3 Share Posted May 2, 2014 We book with my PCC directly through NCL. Good luck and have fun on the Gem. ~Robin Norwegian Breakaway July 2014 Carnival Miracle 2010 Carnival Legend 2006 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbnjrockette Posted May 2, 2014 Author #4 Share Posted May 2, 2014 (edited) What's a PCC? (nevermind..!! used the "search" function and found out) Since this is only our 2nd cruise with NCL I don't know how to obtain our "personal cruise consultant"!! Booking last minute are we doomed to getting the worst cabin? Is there a link/site that lists "better/worse" cabins? Edited May 2, 2014 by pbnjrockette Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dexddd Posted May 2, 2014 #5 Share Posted May 2, 2014 What's a PCC? Booking last minute are we doomed to getting the worst cabin? Are you going 5/10 in an IX? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meatball_nyc Posted May 2, 2014 #6 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Just check the deck plans. Not sure what your preferences are for cabin location. Can't give you my PCC's name. Sorry. I am sure you will have a great time no matter what. ~Robin Norwegian Breakaway July 2014 Carnival Miracle 2010 Carnival Legend 2006 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbnjrockette Posted May 2, 2014 Author #7 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Are you going 5/10 in an IX? You're killing me with acronyms! IX---inside cabin? Yes, it's 5/10 and we are looking at a balcony. Not very familiar with the NCL layouts---just hope not to be somewhere where there is a lot of noise!! If you book directly with NCL are you more apt to get a "better" cabin than with the "hot deals" websites or is it just luck of the draw? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meatball_nyc Posted May 2, 2014 #8 Share Posted May 2, 2014 (edited) Always booked directly with NCL so I don't know about other sources. As long as you have cabins above and below you, you should be fine. ~Robin Norwegian Breakaway July 2014 Carnival Miracle 2010 Carnival Legend 2006 Edited May 2, 2014 by meatball_nyc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cv322 Posted May 2, 2014 #9 Share Posted May 2, 2014 I always book directly with NCL...and I always get a balcony near the glass elevators, always on deck 10 thusfar...it's a wonderful location! Have a great cruise...it's a wonderful ship! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khaide612 Posted May 2, 2014 #10 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Do a mock booking on the NCL website to see what cabins are still available so you can have an idea what you want. Then call and book - or just do the online booking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhea58 Posted May 2, 2014 #11 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Re Anything else I should know. When you embark go to the Main dining room for lunch as it is much nicer with all the windows & not a zoo topsides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbnjrockette Posted May 2, 2014 Author #12 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Re Anything else I should know. When you embark go to the Main dining room for lunch as it is much nicer with all the windows & not a zoo topsides. Thank YOU… sounds like a great idea! I bit the bullet and booked this cruise! I've never done a last minute before… now have to learn everything NCL in just a few short days!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weltek Posted May 2, 2014 #13 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Have fun! If they did not assign you a room number during your booking, keep checking your online account obsessively. If you hate the location (e.g., below a night club or jogging track), you can TRY to have it changed prior to sailing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meatball_nyc Posted May 2, 2014 #14 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Have a great trip! Please come back and let us know what a great cruise you had :) Robin Norwegian Breakaway July 2014 Carnival Miracle 2010 Carnival Legend 2006 Every Day at Sea is a Great Day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sailingnut Posted May 2, 2014 #15 Share Posted May 2, 2014 I am going on the "Gem" in October for 11 days~~been on her before in a mini-suite in "2011" with some high school friends, that is why I cruise solo now. She is a beautiful ship, I explored but the other ones wanted to go for spa treatments all the time or watch T.V. in the cabin, not fun stuff! I book through someone else and never had a problem, cannot say who! Have a great cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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