Just off the Gem

[fourofakind]

Bingo. It's absurd to advertise how great their kid friendly services are and then

once you're on board. The "it doesn't effect me so it's not a big deal" attitude is not helpful.

 

 

Thank you for getting my post :) I fell for the bait and didn't get what I paid for and the kids were very unhappy about it as well. Parents need to know this stuff.

[Sizzlechest]

Thank you for getting my post :) I fell for the bait and didn't get what I paid for and the kids were very unhappy about it as well. Parents need to know this stuff.

 

Just for the record, my kid doesn't care for the Splash Academy, so this doesn't affect me, but I feel your pain.

[fourofakind]

We don't have kids, and I thought the original comment was something good to know. As you say, if there aren't activities for kids, they are going to be places where they may not enjoy themselves so much ... and everyone will know it!

 

I'm curious fourofakind -- were you on one of the trips to Canada? I ask because I wonder if the reason for the limited kids activities might be because it was an itinerary that generally doesn't attract many families. Most schools in the NY area are still in session in May, so that might be another reason that the kids programs were not well-staffed.

 

I read another post (I think also about the Gem) by someone saying she was really disappointed in the children's programming, which also seems to relate to the dropping of the Nickelodeon relationship. I can't imagine them not having a big and active kids program during summer sailings. It will be bedlam for all.

 

Nope I was on the Bahamas itinerary and there were a lot of kids on the boat as well. After complaining to the person in charge of the program they told me it was for fire code and safety reasons they max out at 20. That is ridicules they know exactly how many children are sailing way before the boat leaves the dock they should have appropriate facilities for these programs.

 

Maybe they should limit the bingo to 20 people instead...

[jm485]

Nope I was on the Bahamas itinerary and there were a lot of kids on the boat as well. After complaining to the person in charge of the program they told me it was for fire code and safety reasons they max out at 20. That is ridicules they know exactly how many children are sailing way before the boat leaves the dock they should have appropriate facilities for these programs.

 

Maybe they should limit the bingo to 20 people instead...

 

That IS ridiculous. How on earth could they have a kids club that's so small on a ship that sails tropical itineraries on a line that is (supposedly) family-friendly? Gee, I'm starting to wonder how much younger we'll be than the average age on our cruise -- and we're in our early 50s!

 

Between the post by someone who was underwhelmed (to put it mildly) about the kids' activities on the Getaway, and the one wondering about having the butler check her kid into the program since the check-in lines are so long -- maybe NCL really IS trying to get away from "family" cruising.

[spidybabe]

Never sailed with my children when they were young, but I would surely be upset if I were you. Nothing like having a disappointed child latch on to you all day, and now you have to entertain them!! Twenty children into a program is ridiculous, when there are tons of children onboard, and the kids program is advertised so much. I hope your family managed to deal with the situation and enjoy your vacation, although different than how you planned it and thought it would be. And even though you enjoyed the vacation, you have a right to be upset.

Safe sailing

PS- I enjoyed the Bingo comment, and personally I would rather see children laughing and having fun than...B4, 063.....

Edited June 7, 2016 by spidybabe

[fshagan]

I am posting my experience to help out other FAMILIES cruising with children so that they know what to expect on the GEM. I wish I had read a review about it before I myself chose the Gem.

 

Funny how the Gem is the only boat that has "limited space" never had that problem on any other Norwegian boat or cruise line...

 

We heard this about one of the -Away ships last summer, but it was a short lived thing and cruisers on the next cruise said there was much more capacity. I couldn't find the thread on it; I don't know if there was ever an explanation for the very small group of children allowed in the program.

 

Maybe if half the counselors were sick and confined to their cabins or something, but if it's a "planned" thing it certainly is something that will drive away families. Even though my kids have kids older than yours, I still want younger couples to be able to cruise and enjoy the ship's activities with their kids because it makes the entire cruise better for all of us ... the kids are happier, the younger parents are happier, and those of us who are older don't feel like we're on a ship headed toward Valhalla.

[Letsgo 2]

EXACTLY!!!! Thank you ;)

 

What people WITHOUT young children don't understand is that unless we can depend on a fun kid program for our children to enjoy WE can not exactly enjoy our cruise. How else can I go to a show or dinner? Should I bring along a bored 5 year old and ruin other cruisers experience???

 

 

Maybe Marion I will book the June 12th cruise as well I'm sure my 5 and 10 year olds will LOVE to keep you entertained during your dinner :rolleyes:

 

If Norwegian Gem has limited space for their childrens program they should say so during marketing/booking and not reach into my pocket for a cruise they can't enjoy :rolleyes:

 

Please do, i would have no issues with issues with children, why would I? i also have children,adult now, but they used to be small.I understand where you are coming from,and in no way am i putting you down.

I understand that you are upset, but why are you biting my head off? I didn't put you down in any way, why would I?

I just simply asked you if you enjoyed any part of your cruise? You said your

children are 5 and 10, I've seen many many parents on our cruise in May who seemed to have a good time with their kids.

Also seen many children at the shows with their parents and they all seemed to enjoy the shows and each other.They didn't bother us in any way!Children are not a bother unless their parents didn't raised them right!

If I in any way offended you then i would like to offer my apology!but really no need for anyone to bite my head off

Marion

[Letsgo 2]

She wasn't gloating, she just saw the vacation in a different way.

 

Thank you, i have no reason to gloat,would never even think about doing that

I have been there trying to keep kids entertained!Thank you for understanding

my post.

Marion

[Letsgo 2]

I'm sure she appreciates your gloating at how your childless vacation plans worked out so well for you. You've done her a great service.

 

How did i gloat? and how did you get from my post that it was childless??

just wondering ? Yes I did enjoy our cruise and why should i not post it?

 

You don't know me, so why be so harsh? I didn't say anything to put her down

I just wanted to know if there was any part of her cruise that she enjoyed!

Marion

[Maraprince]

We were on the 5/7 of the Gem to the Bahamas and we puzzled by all the activities that were family oriented and held in the Atrium. If 20 is the max number of children that can be accommodated, it should definitely be made known when the booking is made and not after you are on board. NCL should advertise that they have a children program is 20 is the max number of kids they can handle.

 

I can certainly feel sorry for the 21st child who is turned away. And to have to register every day, is really a pain. Register once for the entire sailing -- that is what other lines do. The kids are with their age group during the day and having a great time while their parents are enjoying their adult time without their kids. Everyone is happy and enjoying their vacation.

 

As far as having disappointed children and their parents, we felt overwhelmed by all the family activities and the scarcity of adult oriented activities. Even most of the movies were for children since they were shown in the Atrium (Minons, Finding Nemo).

 

I hope this is not indicative of what we can expect on the Breakaway since the prices for both ships is higher than their competitors. I remember when the children's program on NCL was so full of things to do that you rarely saw children out and about on the ship since they were kept so busy. Now, it seems, at least on the Gem, to have gone a full 360 degrees the other way.

 

There should be a balance between adult and children's activities. Children were still up and in the Atrium at midnight. All day long, there were various family activities held there as well.

 

 

MARAPRINCE

[Sizzlechest]

Also seen many children at the shows with their parents and they all seemed to enjoy the shows and each other.They didn't bother us in any way!Children are not a bother unless their parents didn't raised them right!

 

So if a parent brings their children to a show because the Splash Academy is full and the children don't act out because they're board, their parents "didn't raise them right." Got it.

[NHL Philly Fan]

So if a parent brings their children to a show because the Splash Academy is full and the children don't act out because they're board, their parents "didn't raise them right." Got it.

 

Some kids are made of boards? WOW! OH wait never mind... LOL

[Savaann]

My family was on the Gem for the May 14th sailing. When I registered my kids on the first day for the Splash Academy we were given a note that said there were a large number of children on the ship and that there would be times when space was not available for everyone. The notice did not say space was limited to 20. I believe this information would have been helpful to know. Many times while walking by I saw the notice posted that they were full. I can see how parents who were counting on it would be upset. Just to add, my kids (5 & 7) only tried the Academy for an hour and they preferred not to go back.

 

I've cruised from NY several times before in May and the ship was never full of kids. This was my first time cruising when the kids/3rd+ passenger sail free, it made a really big difference.

[Kimmel1108]

I just got off the Gem and had a great time! I ate at all the specialty restaurants except Le Bistro. I have lots of pics and all the dailies but I'm not sure how to post them (when I use cc directly they are very small). I will be happy to answer and questions anyone has also. If someone can tell me how to upload the pictures and dailies I will post them also!!!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

I am going on the Gem on 7/16/2016 and would like to know if all the stops were made on the itinerary? I am glad you enjoy your trip!

[Kimmel1108]

Thanks for the helpful information. We leave on the 4th. We will sign up our cell phones for the text and call functions.

I am going on the Gem 7/16/2016. Can you tell me what the "sign up our cell phones for the text and call functions." I would like more details please.

__________________

[Fpacifico]

Never sailed with my children when they were young, but I would surely be upset if I were you. Nothing like having a disappointed child latch on to you all day, and now you have to entertain them!! Twenty children into a program is ridiculous, when there are tons of children onboard, and the kids program is advertised so much. I hope your family managed to deal with the situation and enjoy your vacation, although different than how you planned it and thought it would be. And even though you enjoyed the vacation, you have a right to be upset.

Safe sailing

PS- I enjoyed the Bingo comment, and personally I would rather see children laughing and having fun than...B4, 063.....

 

When my kids were young , we cruised many times. And they didn't have a kids program. I kept my kids busy and yes I had to entertain them. That being said. This mom has every right to be upset because they should let parents know that only 20 children can register

[vince_g]

I am posting my experience to help out other FAMILIES cruising with children so that they know what to expect on the GEM. I wish I had read a review about it before I myself chose the Gem.

 

Funny how the Gem is the only boat that has "limited space" never had that problem on any other Norwegian boat or cruise line...

 

No, it is called HIJACKING. This is not your thread, and you are taking the thread off topic.

[Fpacifico]

Vince is cot text, that being said, whose going on the gem this summer. Has anyone been able purchase the slot tournament. I've tried and no go. Maybe past cruiser can let me know . Thanks

[Maraprince]

My family was on the Gem for the May 14th sailing. When I registered my kids on the first day for the Splash Academy we were given a note that said there were a large number of children on the ship and that there would be times when space was not available for everyone. The notice did not say space was limited to 20. I believe this information would have been helpful to know. Many times while walking by I saw the notice posted that they were full. I can see how parents who were counting on it would be upset. Just to add, my kids (5 & 7) only tried the Academy for an hour and they preferred not to go back.

 

I've cruised from NY several times before in May and the ship was never full of kids. This was my first time cruising when the kids/3rd+ passenger sail free, it made a really big difference.

 

 

This promotion is probably why there were so many children on board in May. Still finding it hard to understand why only 20 children could be accommodated. You should be able to register your child once for the entire sailing. Crazy to have to do every day. Based upon the large amount of family activities scheduled all day and evening NCL knew this to be the case. The free 3rd and 4th person promo is still running. :(

 

 

MARAPRINCE

Edited June 9, 2016 by Maraprince

[conandrob240]

I just came off the Gem early May and was not so amused with it :( My main gripe was with the kids program they limit it to the first 20 kids which is terrible considering there is way more than 20 kids on board. My children were turned away many times over the week and in order for us to definitely get them in we had to be in line for over an hour before they opened. Not exactly my idea of fun and my kids were very sad when they couldn't get in to activities they looked forward to.

 

Have been on numerous Norwegian boats and this is the first time where they refuse entry to children and 20 kids is a ridicules number for how many kids they have on board. I wish this info was posted on their website I would have never taken that cruise and paid so much $ for a very frustrating week!

 

What?!?!?!? This can't be true. They can't take 1000 kids on a busy summer cruise and only allow 20 in the kids club. Something doesn't sound right.

[oceanqueen101]

I just came off the Gem early May and was not so amused with it :( My main gripe was with the kids program they limit it to the first 20 kids which is terrible considering there is way more than 20 kids on board. My children were turned away many times over the week and in order for us to definitely get them in we had to be in line for over an hour before they opened. Not exactly my idea of fun and my kids were very sad when they couldn't get in to activities they looked forward to.

 

Have been on numerous Norwegian boats and this is the first time where they refuse entry to children and 20 kids is a ridicules number for how many kids they have on board. I wish this info was posted on their website I would have never taken that cruise and paid so much $ for a very frustrating week!

:eek::mad: that's terrible. You are absolutely right to feel cheated. The children's program is one of the main reasons why we started cruising as opposed to other types of vacations in the first place. I was on the gem 2 years ago and this wasn't an issue and it was loaded they even did a kids circus program on the last sea day. This definitely has something to do with staffing shortage. The kids camp was a large area. I would have made a BIG BIG STINK until my kids got in.:cool: