Gem Review and Comments: April 1, 2016 10 nighter to Caribbean

[mizLORInj]

Hi everyone. Here is our experience on the April 1st Gem 10 nighter. Included are general observations, likes, and a major issue. I tried to cover a lot of topics. If you want to skip details, I posted a “like and disliked” at the end.

 

There are various new spaces on the ship since its refub in November: the Spinnaker Lounge has been largely redecorated, the Bliss is much more conducive to group activities and more sedate in decor, bowling alleys are gone, and atrium area is very pleasant. Nice mix of colors, though they seem to be headed to warmer neutrals over the pretty gemstone colors, which I thought was ship-appropriate over the neutrals. The photo area is re-done and more similar to Breakaway-style now with photos in binders and on a computer. La Cucina was redone inside too, and now there is a tile floor so I wonder if the mini suites under there can hear noise. The perfume/makeup shop that was in the atrium is now a jewelry/watch counter, and the perfume and makeup is in the shop on the port side forward that was formerly only for liquor and souvenirs. Those souvenirs are now across the walk on the starboard side in that shop. The gym has been re-done too and has great equipment. The pretty and colorful tiles that were on the Garden Café wall were replaced by a blah wallpaper-likeness. Various other changes in the Garden Café seating areas, and the Great Outdoors has new furniture.

 

Things not re-done: mattresses are still being replaced. Ours were concave. We did see new mattresses being hauled into cabins during the week, so I guess they’re slowly being replaced. Bathrooms: no noticeable changes and the sinks are cracked (have been this way for years) and our shower head was separating from the hose and spent a lot of time spraying the wall. We did have nice new carpeting in our cabin, however, some cabins still had the old carpeting. Bow cam tv channel kept pixelating after a few minutes.

 

We had the choose 2 promotion so we chose UBP and wifi. While I appreciate the UBP promotion, for those who don’t drink a lot the mandatory UBP gratuities for the package (I think it was $118 for 10 days) is a lot if you only have one or two drinks per day, and probably just about the price you’d pay without having the bev package.

 

For the first time we did not eat in any dining room (no particular reason). We were told the new menus were rolled out at most Gem restaurants (including upcharge ones) beginning with this April 1 cruise. We occasionally looked at the dining room menus and a lot was appealing to us. I miss lobster in the dining room, and other cruise lines still feature lobster night included in your cruisefare. You could get lobster in the dining room for an upcharge (I think it was $24.99) and surf and turf too ($). Yes, there was a lobster dish in the seafood buffet, but it was not like having a lobster tail. Other themed nights in the buffet were Indian, Asian, TexMex, Mediterranean, American, Caribbean, Grill, and Italian. A nice variety at both lunch and dinner. Breakfast items don't vary as much but there is a wide variety available. Also a lot of vegetables served various ways. We can always find something we like at their various eateries. Despite the presence of tongs, I did see a woman at the buffet taking pineapple with her fingers! :eek:

 

Don’t forget about The Great Outdoors for breakfast, and various snack times when the buffet is closed. We had wings at O’Sheehan’s and they were very good. They told us you can no longer order food at the bar (after first day)—you have to get a seat from the hostess to order food. There seem to be more items on their menu than there used to be. Orchid Garden was just ok, but the sushi was very good. Couple of bbq lunches poolside.

 

The tv channels are extremely limited. Why are there so many news channels!

 

Love the Sugar Cane Mojito bar—it is in Moderno so it’s tucked away on deck 13, but has good drinks. We also spent time at Shakers and the bar at The Great Outdoors. At some bars I overheard people ordering drinks they used to get on NCL like espresso martini and chocolate martini. The bartenders told them they can no longer make those drinks. Seems NCL has scaled back their offerings. I do wish the champagne bar had more sparkling wine options by the glass than just one Prosecco.

 

We enjoyed our platinum dinners in Le Bistro and La Cucina—the food quality, taste, presentation, and service were very good. Not sure I like being limited in what we can choose, although how much can you really eat. Le Bistro runs a special for a $9 glass of Veuve Cliquot—not included in UBP. Really?!?. Also not sure how I feel about the a la carte pricing at these places. Seems odd for a cruise.

 

We had a great turnout at our CC M&G at LeBistro, and some officers were present.

 

The coffee makers in the cabins are disinfected after every cruise, so don’t panic if it’s not there when you arrive. We got ours the second day and used it every day.

 

Drew the CD was very visible and entertaining. Tim Kaminsky was a very funny comedian and he was around the ship often. The Second City was ok; we have seen some of their skits before but some were new and entertaining, and their skits about being on a ship were funny. World Beat was good and Pure Variety was excellent. There was an illusionist show which was good. The aerialists we didn’t get to, nor the Four Seasons tribute group. Souled Out played a lot of good music in various locations on the ship. The piano guy was popular and usually had a crowd. I think there was a guy who played guitar around too.

 

Though this ship is older and its cabins are very small compared to, say, Breakaway, I like that there are fewer sounds from surrounding cabins. On Breakaway we can hear toilets flushing all the time. On Gem we really could only hear our neighbor’s toilet.

 

In San Juan we went to Bacardi for the mixology tour. We took a ferry from pier 2 that was 50 cents each way per person, then a short taxi ride to Bacardi. Enjoyed the tour and drinks we made.

 

The only NCL-sponsored excursion we did was in Tortola: Escape to Jost Van Dyke, which is on a motorized catamaran. We did try Soggy Dollar’s pain killer drink which was ok, but we walked down the beach a bit to Gertrude’s where you could get a Pinky’s passion--“make your own” cocktail for $10 and it was well worth it. The beach and water here are very nice and we enjoyed the few hours we spent there.

 

Be aware that if you have an aft-facing balcony and the smokestack smoke trail is directly above you (based on wind direction), you will have soot on your balcony. We had some big chunks of it and it smudges and gets everywhere once you have stepped on it. Don’t sit on it! Stains your clothes and it is oil and hard to get out.

 

OK, now to the only part of the cruise that was a problem for us. We are not smokers. I have never had so many cabins around me with smokers—even back when smoking was allowed on the balcony. I spoke with the cabin steward, concierge, even the staff captain whom I ran into at the Great Outdoors one evening. The smoking continued. Someone suggested I speak with Sonja the hotel director. Unfortunately she was phasing out on this cruise, and her replacement could not have been less interested. In fact, the second time I called him he told me very abruptly “you called yesterday and I went to their cabin and they said they were not smoking, so it’s their word against yours.” What?! Not the response I would expect. It was very frustrating to try to enjoy our balcony and yet have to smell smoke. Christopher from executive housekeeping seemed to be the only one genuinely interested in helping, and he did try.

 

People must think if they smoke on balconies at the stern of the ship the smoke will just float away behind the ship. It does not. And other non-smokers must not be speaking up. I like to give the benefit of the doubt and think that not everyone knows there is no smoking on balconies, but some absolutely do know this (and told me so!) and choose to do it anyway. There is a brief mention of fire and smoking during muster, but then they say “check your Freestyle Daily” for designated smoking areas. This is the perfect opportunity to clarify the smoking policy and where you cannot smoke.

 

One neighbor even had an oxygen tank and posted signs around her door to this effect. How inconsiderate (and dangerous) that neighbors kept smoking in spite of this. It was just way too much smoke to make our beautiful balcony enjoyable. NCL does not enforce their own rules; they need to take more steps educating passengers and reminding them—and then enforce it. AND non-smokers who are smelling the smoke need to speak up! If you don’t speak up, NCL will not acknowledge this is a problem. It was VERY frustrating to feel like nothing could or would be done.

 

I do want to thank the smokers who did go to the designated smoking areas!

--------------

 

Overview

Liked:

New carpeting in a lot of places, including our cabin.

New Bliss lounge decor

Themed buffet dinners

All the food in restaurants and the buffet

Le Bistro and La Cucina

Tim Kaminsky

Second City skits about being on ship

The Great Outdoors LOVE THIS AREA

Spinnaker Lounge

Sugar Cane mojito bar (in Moderno, deck 13 midship)

Servers, hostesses and most staff are friendly and accommodating

Bridge viewing room port side forward, deck 11

 

Disliked:

Concave mattresses

Multiple neighbors smoking on their balconies and NCL’s lack of response

Le Bistro “special” deal on Veuve Cliquot—not included in UBP

Edited April 15, 2016 by mizLORInj

[KevinsCruising]

Thanks for the review. What kind of cabin did you have? Did they still do the White Hot night? Any good Casino promo's ????

 

Thanks

[mizLORInj]

Thanks for the review. What kind of cabin did you have? Did they still do the White Hot night? Any good Casino promo's ????

 

Thanks

 

aft-facing balcony cabin, B1

Yes, White Hot Party was still featured

can't answer about casino

[mizLORInj]

Also, we had high winds and very rough seas the first and last sea days. Other than that and the brief rain shower when we docked in St. Maarten, the weather was very nice.

 

Also there was a high-tide new moon phase issue so our return to NYC was delayed a bit. There was plenty of notice about this and it was noted in the Freestyle Daily too that we would not be able to debark until 9:30am when we returned on Monday. First time ever for us that this happened, but it was ok.

[KevinsCruising]

aft-facing balcony cabin, B1

Yes, White Hot Party was still featured

can't answer about casino

 

OK... thank you.... Just one more. We love the Gem. The last two times they were not serving food at the Bahli Hai. Other times they had burgers and French fries. Did you notice if that was open at all except for the bar ??

 

Thanks again

[mizLORInj]

OK... thank you.... Just one more. We love the Gem. The last two times they were not serving food at the Bahli Hai. Other times they had burgers and French fries. Did you notice if that was open at all except for the bar ??

 

Thanks again

Food at Bali Hai on deck 13? I went there once for a drink but did not notice any food there.

 

There was food (burgers, etc.) outside by the pool on deck 12 though. And that bar there.

Edited April 15, 2016 by mizLORInj

[Yorkvillain]

Nice review. Thanks.

[vcj35]

Do you have copies of the new menus? and the dallies?

[Turtles06]

OP: thanks for taking the time to post your comments. We sailed on the Gem's 10-nighter in February. We were in an aft-facing penthouse, a corner suite with only one set of neighbors. But wouldn't you know it, the guy in there decided he would smoke on his balcony. We smelled it immediately the first time we sat out on our own balcony; I said to my spouse "someone is smoking." I guess the folks next door heard us, as they went inside. My spouse and I decided that if it happened again, our first step would be to ask our neighbors not to smoke on their balcony, and hope we would not have to get security involved.

 

The next day, same thing. More smoke. So I did something I would normally never do --I peered into the balcony next door, and there was my neighbor, curled up in a little ball, smoking away, and furtively trying to drop his ashes into a ziploc bag. I very politely reminded him that, as he so clearly knew, smoking on balconies is prohibited, and politely asked him to please smoke in a designated smoking area. He slouched back into his cabin, and that was the end of it.

 

I'm sorry you had such a tough time; NCL has got to be better about enforcing the rules.

 

Our sailing was plagued with rude and inconsiderate people, including the woman who sat down next to us on a lounge chair one morning when we were enjoying some peace and quiet in the shade on Deck 13, and proceeded to start CLIPPING HER TOENAILS right there onto the deck. Clip, clip, clip, drop, drop, drop. It was gross. My spouse kindly asked her to do her personal grooming in her cabin, to which she replied, "I'm on a cruise and free to do whatever I want, wherever I want to." (The new NCL Free?) She then pulled out a pedicure kit, opened the stinky nail polish remover, and was about to go at it, when my spouse spoke to her again. She finally got up and moved.

 

Other stuff like that. It was the first time in 14 cruises that we encountered really obnoxious people (and no, it wasn't even Yeshiva week!).

[mizLORInj]

Do you have copies of the new menus? and the dallies?

I didn't take pics of the menus.

 

Someone on this board recently posted the Gem Dailies from a cruise or two ago though.

[mizLORInj]

OP: thanks for taking the time to post your comments. We sailed on the Gem's 10-nighter in February. We were in an aft-facing penthouse, a corner suite with only one set of neighbors. But wouldn't you know it, the guy in there decided he would smoke on his balcony. We smelled it immediately the first time we sat out on our own balcony; I said to my spouse "someone is smoking." I guess the folks next door heard us, as they went inside. My spouse and I decided that if it happened again, our first step would be to ask our neighbors not to smoke on their balcony, and hope we would not have to get security involved.

 

The next day, same thing. More smoke. So I did something I would normally never do --I peered into the balcony next door, and there was my neighbor, curled up in a little ball, smoking away, and furtively trying to drop his ashes into a ziploc bag. I very politely reminded him that, as he so clearly knew, smoking on balconies is prohibited, and politely asked him to please smoke in a designated smoking area. He slouched back into his cabin, and that was the end of it.

 

I'm sorry you had such a tough time; NCL has got to be better about enforcing the rules.

 

Our sailing was plagued with rude and inconsiderate people, including the woman who sat down next to us on a lounge chair one morning when we were enjoying some peace and quiet in the shade on Deck 13, and proceeded to start CLIPPING HER TOENAILS right there onto the deck. Clip, clip, clip, drop, drop, drop. It was gross. My spouse kindly asked her to do her personal grooming in her cabin, to which she replied, "I'm on a cruise and free to do whatever I want, wherever I want to." (The new NCL Free?) She then pulled out a pedicure kit, opened the stinky nail polish remover, and was about to go at it, when my spouse spoke to her again. She finally got up and moved.

 

Other stuff like that. It was the first time in 14 cruises that we encountered really obnoxious people (and no, it wasn't even Yeshiva week!).

 

Nice that they stopped smoking.

 

Sadly, this is the SECOND long Gem cruise where we had a smoking neighbor who just would not stop. We did have one once who did stop when I mentioned the relatively new policy--last year one guy said he really did not know and did not light up again. Which I appreciated! The other neighbor kept smoking.

 

Yes, NCL needs to get on it with enforcing their policy.

 

I remember recently reading your remarks about the toenails. wow. :eek:

Edited April 15, 2016 by mizLORInj

[pathubia]

Tim Kaminski is a riot!! He was the comedian on one of our cruises and was so funny!! And if you happened to run into him on the ship he is so personable and friendly!!

[rocklinmom]

Wow, that's shocking that there are still passengers smoking on their balconies. Everyone knows the new rules, it's been over a year since the policy was changed. They just don't want to follow the rules apparently. It is so rude and yes you would be affected by someone smoking next to you. Kudos to you for reporting it. I would too. And if I was in a suite I would have the concierge involved as well. You don't pay all of that money to choke on other people's smoke. There are other cruise lines that still allow smoking on balconies so they can go on those ships (I never would).

[ryanpatricksmom]

I was on the same cruise. One of my favorite moments was the Captain's noon announcement where he scolded the passenger(s) who continued to disrupt the plumbing system. He was a hoot!

[mizLORInj]

I was on the same cruise. One of my favorite moments was the Captain's noon announcement where he scolded the passenger(s) who continued to disrupt the plumbing system. He was a hoot!

 

During those announcements would have been a perfect time to remind people NO SMOKING on balconies! I did think of that as he was going on about what they were finding in toilets! Slippers?!? Come on people!

 

 

Rocklinmom: Agree! I don't pay to cruise to breathe smoke. We did speak with the Concierge about it too--he commented on the lack of respect people show to each other.

Edited April 15, 2016 by mizLORInj

[Clarea]

Thanks, nice report.

[Keith1010]

I enjoyed your review.

 

Keith

[some like it hot]

Thanks for the excellent in-depth review Lori, and I'm sorry you had a negative experience :(

We were less than impressed with the hotel director's (Vuk) attitude too, on a very different complaint we had. It took several day's for our initial complaint to actually reach him, and for him to respond. I had a meeting with him on the day before we left for sea to return to NYC.

 

We had read in the brochure that you are able to use ALL the gym facilities, with classes at a surcharge. We took along our boxing gloves, as we train in muay Thai, and punch, kick and knee punchbags as training. This is something we would have done, especially on sea days. We were told that, as the punchbags are only put up for the 'Norwegian fight klub' class. We could only use the punchbags if we paid $25 each to attend this class!

 

The reason we couldn't use them: They have had lawsuits in the past

 

Our response: we have travel insurance, we would sign a waiver, my partner has 20+ yrs of being a muay Thai instructor. He is fully insured and renews his license every year.

 

His response: They can't cater for individuals. He is sorry we didn't check before we brought our stuff all this way (backhanded apology). They have requests from ex sailors wanting to view the bridge, executive chefs wanting to see the chefs onboard work. They cannot do this for security/health and safety reasons

 

WHAT??????? you can do BOTH if you pay $70+ for the privilege!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

We encountered rude, arguing, yawning and disinterested waiting staff. The Spanish guest services manager who was present at this meeting was very interested in examples of this! and I provided specific examples

.

Our experience of NCL (for the first time) was one of 'one size fits all' and it's a 'license to print money' I might add that after many years cruising, and with several different lines. I have NEVER complained before, and I was furious about their petty policies (in my opinion)

 

That being said, we had a wonderful holiday, in spite of NCL. We met some wonderful people (yourself included, although very briefly). We LOVE NYC and will most certainly visit again. Spending time with my family was priceless, and spending time with fellow passengers was a lovely experience too.

[mizLORInj]

Thanks for the excellent in-depth review Lori, and I'm sorry you had a negative experience :(

We were less than impressed with the hotel director's (Vuk) attitude too, on a very different complaint we had. It took several day's for our initial complaint to actually reach him, and for him to respond. I had a meeting with him on the day before we left for sea to return to NYC.

 

We had read in the brochure that you are able to use ALL the gym facilities, with classes at a surcharge. We took along our boxing gloves, as we train in muay Thai, and punch, kick and knee punchbags as training. This is something we would have done, especially on sea days. We were told that, as the punchbags are only put up for the 'Norwegian fight klub' class. We could only use the punchbags if we paid $25 each to attend this class!

 

The reason we couldn't use them: They have had lawsuits in the past

 

Our response: we have travel insurance, we would sign a waiver, my partner has 20+ yrs of being a muay Thai instructor. He is fully insured and renews his license every year.

 

His response: They can't cater for individuals. He is sorry we didn't check before we brought our stuff all this way (backhanded apology). They have requests from ex sailors wanting to view the bridge, executive chefs wanting to see the chefs onboard work. They cannot do this for security/health and safety reasons

 

WHAT??????? you can do BOTH if you pay $70+ for the privilege!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

We encountered rude, arguing, yawning and disinterested waiting staff. The Spanish guest services manager who was present at this meeting was very interested in examples of this! and I provided specific examples

.

Our experience of NCL (for the first time) was one of 'one size fits all' and it's a 'license to print money' I might add that after many years cruising, and with several different lines. I have NEVER complained before, and I was furious about their petty policies (in my opinion)

 

That being said, we had a wonderful holiday, in spite of NCL. We met some wonderful people (yourself included, although very briefly). We LOVE NYC and will most certainly visit again. Spending time with my family was priceless, and spending time with fellow passengers was a lovely experience too.

 

Was nice to meet you at the M&G too.

 

Interesting experience with the HD too (all I remembered of his name was it had 3 letters). And right, you can do the paid tours to see the bridge and kitchens. :rolleyes: They seem to like to say "no" a lot!

 

---------------------

 

One other thing I forgot to mention in the review: for suites guests the breakfast/lunch venue is no longer Cagney's--it is now all in Moderno on deck 13. I think this change is being implemented fleet-wide.

 

------------------

And to Roger: thanks for bringing those games. It was fun to learn some new ones!

Edited April 18, 2016 by mizLORInj

[Fpacifico]

Wow, that's shocking that there are still passengers smoking on their balconies. Everyone knows the new rules, it's been over a year since the policy was changed. They just don't want to follow the rules apparently. It is so rude and yes you would be affected by someone smoking next to you. Kudos to you for reporting it. I would too. And if I was in a suite I would have the concierge involved as well. You don't pay all of that money to choke on other people's smoke. There are other cruise lines that still allow smoking on balconies so they can go on those ships (I never would).

 

Sorry but not everyone knows the new rules, I've been on the forums since December and the only smoking rules that I read on NCL was no smoking in rooms and only smoking in designated area, balcony was considered designated area along with cigar bar and certain areas on deck and of course the casino. Can you direct me to the rules for the balcony. Thanks

[mizLORInj]

Sorry but not everyone knows the new rules, I've been on the forums since December and the only smoking rules that I read on NCL was no smoking in rooms and only smoking in designated area, balcony was considered designated area along with cigar bar and certain areas on deck and of course the casino. Can you direct me to the rules for the balcony. Thanks

 

Hi and welcome! This is the link from NCL's site. I am also told it is in the cruise contract you electronically sign at check-in. It will also be on the back page of your Freestyle Daily every day while on the ship. Balcony is not a designated area.

https://www.ncl.com/faq#smoking

Edited April 18, 2016 by mizLORInj

[Fpacifico]

Thanks for the excellent in-depth review Lori, and I'm sorry you had a negative experience :(

We were less than impressed with the hotel director's (Vuk) attitude too, on a very different complaint we had. It took several day's for our initial complaint to actually reach him, and for him to respond. I had a meeting with him on the day before we left for sea to return to NYC.

 

We had read in the brochure that you are able to use ALL the gym facilities, with classes at a surcharge. We took along our boxing gloves, as we train in muay Thai, and punch, kick and knee punchbags as training. This is something we would have done, especially on sea days. We were told that, as the punchbags are only put up for the 'Norwegian fight klub' class. We could only use the punchbags if we paid $25 each to attend this class!

 

The reason we couldn't use them: They have had lawsuits in the past

 

Our response: we have travel insurance, we would sign a waiver, my partner has 20+ yrs of being a muay Thai instructor. He is fully insured and renews his license every year.

 

His response: They can't cater for individuals. He is sorry we didn't check before we brought our stuff all this way (backhanded apology). They have requests from ex sailors wanting to view the bridge, executive chefs wanting to see the chefs onboard work. They cannot do this for security/health and safety reasons

 

WHAT??????? you can do BOTH if you pay $70+ for the privilege!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

We encountered rude, arguing, yawning and disinterested waiting staff. The Spanish guest services manager who was present at this meeting was very interested in examples of this! and I provided specific examples

.

Our experience of NCL (for the first time) was one of 'one size fits all' and it's a 'license to print money' I might add that after many years cruising, and with several different lines. I have NEVER complained before, and I was furious about their petty policies (in my opinion)

 

That being said, we had a wonderful holiday, in spite of NCL. We met some wonderful people (yourself included, although very briefly). We LOVE NYC and will most certainly visit again. Spending time with my family was priceless, and spending time with fellow passengers was a lovely experience too.

As an attorney, the $70 probably includes insurance. No business will accept a person saying that they will accept personal responsibility. I understand how you feel but many businesses have gotten burned

[Fpacifico]

Hi and welcome! This is the link from NCL's site. I am also told it is in the cruise contract you electronically sign at check-in. It will also be on the back page of your Freestyle Daily every day while on the ship. Balcony is not a designated area.

https://www.ncl.com/faq#smoking

 

Thanks, my brother in law will need his info