Gem experience?

[Lanic24]

Hi everyone,

 

As someone who previously sailed on Getaway, Escape, and was supposed to do Encore.. how would I like the Gem? 
 

What were some of your experiences? thank you for your input! 

[esm54687]

I think the Gem is one of my favorite ships...... there are no weird dead ends like the Dawn and no crowds like Breakaway / Escape.

 

Great Outdoors is my favorite place in the early morning.

[JIMESOPUS]

The Gem is our first choice, she is one of four of the Jewel Class cruise ships. We love the size, about 2,500 PAX to about 1500 crew. What she lacks as far as the racetrack, laser tag and H2O is made up by having a more intimate feel to her. Cagney's and Le Bistro for example is much smaller than the bigger ships which give that specialty restaurant feel to it. Great Outdoors is a ideal spot to have a meal - snack outside, also a great spot for the sail away or going thru the Panama Canal. She has a promenade deck which you can get your steps in. No reservations needed for the main shows. Spinnaker Lounge, this is could be called a forward observation deck, or a nightclub that has a dance floor, or even a show event where the NCL game shows are presented. Finally she has three elevators sets, forward, mid and aft. This doesn't seem like a big deal until we just got off the Bliss, the forward elevator was a nightmare with the buffet, observation lounge, the Haven and the theater, during certain times of the day.    

[Turtles06]

1 hour ago, Lanic24 said:

As someone who previously sailed on Getaway, Escape, and was supposed to do Encore.. how would I like the Gem? 

 

If you tell folks what you specifically liked about those mega-ships,  or didn't like, it would be helpful to assess how you'd like the Gem, which is decidedly not a mega-ship, nor a floating amusement park.   

 

We love the Jewel-class ships, for all the reasons folks have said above.  We just spent three weeks on the Gem in January, our fourth time on her.  We love the Gem.   Comfortable size, terrific public spaces (the Great Outdoors, the forward-facing Spinnaker Lounge), a promenade deck...   

 

What are you looking for in a cruise ship? 

 

 

Edited March 15, 2020 by Turtles06

[NW Pacific]

Gem is a great sized ship, loved the "promenade" deck for morning walks, the bars are great, no reservations needed for Shows, and always seating available if you arrive 15 minutes before showtime.  We have sailed the Big Boys, Breakaway, Getaway and Joy, our next cruise is planned on one of  the Jewell Class Ships, actually the Jewell, very similar to the Gem, if  the "epidemic" clears by Sept.

[bonvoyagie]

I have not and probably will not sail on a mega ship, We cruise for the destination so entertainment on the ship is less of a concern for us. We enjoyed our three weeks Panama Canal cruise in Jan on her. Yes she does not have a huge pool - but they do have BBQs on the pool deck on sea days. I love being able to go to the great outdoors and enjoy a drink. It is also nice to not have to make reservations for the shows - just show up and be seated. We have sailed on the Sky, Pearl, Dawn, POA, and Gem and have loved every cruise.

[Rhea58]

Another Gem devotee...love the size & layout...sailed her 8x so far.

[luv2kroooz]

Smaller, but not small by any means.

More traditional experience.

Less late-night nightlife, no howl at the moon, cavern club, Syd Normans. This could vary with itinerary.

Great pool deck.

Would not hesitate to book a cruise on Gem.