Review of February 8th NCL Gem cruise (10 day)

[Luvcruising69]

Our trip started before we left with our PCR tests on Saturday (for a Tuesday departure). We got our results on Sunday which were negative. I read somewhere in NCL's literature that while not mandatory, not testing prior to the pier and then testing positive there relives NCL of any cost responsibility for your quarantine or transportation home.

 

Once at the pier 88, we were immediately handed this letter with a change in the ports we would be visiting.

 

Turks and St. Thomas had been replaced with San Juan, PR and St. John's and the order of stops were moved around. We were then sent over to pier 90 to take our antigen test and then sat in the waiting area until our number appeared on the screens. The whole process took about 1/2 hour to complete. We were then given a wristband to show we tested negative which we had to show every person we encountered during the check-in process until we were actually on the ship.

 

The count of those on board was 776 or about 33% of full double occupancy. Elevators were empty more often than not and waits for dining were almost non-existent except on Valentine's Day. The staff on the ship were pleasant, professional and attentive. There was plenty of space to spread out. The food was good and plentiful as were the drinks.

 

Entertainment was available every evening in the theater at 8:00 PM (1 show per night due to the reduced occupancy). In addition, there was music available in several of the venues (and outside) for your enjoyment.

 

Sadly, we missed out last port of call due to weather concerns heading back up to NYC and ended up arriving at 5:00 PM on Thursday night but not disembarking until Friday AM as scheduled.

 

All in all a great cruise. For those concerned about Covid, we personally were not not aware of any cases once we got onboard and as I indicated earlier, being able to space out from others should you wish to was not a problem. Also, masks were required indoors unless you were seated eating or drinking which was what most people were doing. Outdoors was more flexible.

 

Lastly, for any smokers out there (like my wife), smoking was restricted to the cigar lounge and one location outdoors on deck 13. There was no smoking in the casino.

 

I hope you find this helpful should you be planning to cruise in the near future. 

[barrow]

Thank you for this. I am on Gem Feb 28th. I dont know what the occupancy will be for us. I think this date has been selling well here in the UK. Masks all packed.