Opinions wanted on NCL Gem vs. Getaway for a winter cruise from NYC

[PistolPete13]

Hi everyone,

 

I was eyeballing a winter Caribbean cruise from NYC and I'm trying to decide between the Getaway vs. Gem for this.  They're both running similar 12-day itineraries.

I'm hoping those that have traveled on both to put in their two cents to help with my decision.  

 

I've been on the two of the big Breakaway classes (Escape & Bliss) and just got off the Prima.  I've never been on any of the smaller Jewel classes.

 

My preference is for some peace and quiet time.  Don't like big crowds but can always find quiet spots on the big ships.  Shows and concerts are nice but won't make or break a trip for me.  I could care less about the bars, casinos, and specialty restaurants.   A decent gym is important but not a spa.  I also like long walks on the beach and ..., oh wait, this is the wrong place to post that info.

So have at it, let me know what you think, especially those that have been on the Gem.

Thanks,

-Pete

 

[dcipjr]

We've been eyeing similar cruises for a winter vacation.

 

We were on the Getaway to Florida & the Bahamas in September, and it's a fantastic ship. We also took the Gem to the Caribbean back in 2019, and loved it.

 

I think if I had to pick the two, I'd pick the Gem. 

 

I have nothing against the megaships, but I do like the smaller ships: the rooms tend to be a wee bit bigger, crowds tend to be a bit smaller, and they have that wraparound promenade. So, if you like long walks, it's great—you can walk completely around the perimeter of the ship, all afternoon (and I often do!)

 

For me, it would be down to price, but all things being equal, I'd pick the Gem, especially if peace and quiet is what you're after.

Edited October 18, 2022 by dcipjr

[njhorseman]

9 minutes ago, PistolPete13 said:

Hi everyone,

 

I was eyeballing a winter Caribbean cruise from NYC and I'm trying to decide between the Getaway vs. Gem for this.  They're both running similar 12-day itineraries.

I'm hoping those that have traveled on both to put in their two cents to help with my decision.  

 

I've been on the two of the big Breakaway classes (Escape & Bliss) and just got off the Prima.  I've never been on any of the smaller Jewel classes.

 

My preference is for some peace and quiet time.  Don't like big crowds but can always find quiet spots on the big ships.  Shows and concerts are nice but won't make or break a trip for me.  I could care less about the bars, casinos, and specialty restaurants.   A decent gym is important but not a spa.  I also like long walks on the beach and ..., oh wait, this is the wrong place to post that info.

So have at it, let me know what you think, especially those that have been on the Gem.

Thanks,

-Pete

 

This former Staten Island resident votes for the Gem. 

We're not fans of the larger "Away" class ships, having done a few cruises on Breakaway and Escape. We've done many cruises on the Gem and Jewel and much prefer the smaller ships with fewer passengers. 

It's difficult for me to explain the exact reasons for our preference but to us the Jewel class ships seem less crowded and hectic.  

 

[MeHeartCruising]

Unless you're into the splashy top deck attractions of the larger ships (rope course, go-carts, etc.), I think the Gem and her sister ships to be much more enjoyable.  If you have children with you (up to teenagers), then the larger ships are probably the better choice.  The Jewel class ships are large enough, but not too large.  

 

However, I would ultimately make this decision based on price, itinerary and scheduling.

[mjkacmom]

I’d choose the Gem, love the Great Outdoors area and spinnakers lounge, both great places to get away from the crowds during the day. I also think the MCT gets too crowded with the big ships, on our cruise on the BA my kids sat on the floor.

[Cruising Lynne]

We have been on both ships twice, and unless you wanted to see Million Dollar Quartet and Burn the Floor, I would go on Gem. It has a decent pool area and a nice thermal suite. I can not remember what the gym was like on Gem. It would definitely be smaller but would have any equipment you could need.

 

On Gem you do not have to reserve any of the shows, which I really like. Others have mentioned the Great Outdoors which has a bar and a buffet. You go through the main buffet to get there. I like to go there on embarkation day since some people won't have discovered it yet. This is also where they set up late night snacks.

 

As others have mentioned it has a Spinnakers Lounge which has quite a bit of seating for entertainment and events that are held there. There is also the Bliss Ultra Lounge for dancing etc. 

 

I feel like the Gem has a nice flow and everything is easy to find. I prefer the OSheehan's on Gem. I find it more relaxing than the ones on the Away ships (Unless there is a really loud person running trivia in the atrium below).

 

I also think that you would enjoy checking out a new ship class, and not another Away ship. I saw that you have been on Escape which has the Spice H2O I really like. Just so you know, there is no H2O on Gem.

 

 

[Cruising Lynne]

My husband votes for Getaway because he likes the waterslides, bigger gym and Spice H2O.

[sunshine55]

Since you never been on smaller ship, take the Gem.  Great Outdoors is great place especially for breakfast in the morning on warm days.  When there are no daytime activities in Spinnaker in the Winter, you can enjoy a hot chocolate and enjoy the views.

We enjoy both ships!

[dcipjr]

The Spinnaker Lounge is another selling point for the Gem: during the winter month departures from New York, the day of departure, first sea day, and last sea day can be very cold on deck.

 

The Spinnaker Lounge is a forward-facing observation lounge, and is a great way of taking in some views but staying warm. 

 

The Breakaway-class ships without an Observation Lounge (such as the Getaway) lack these type of indoor spaces, and are generally a bit better-suited to warm-weather cruises.

[Pat]

I would recommend the Gem also.  We've been on the Gem multiple times out of NYC and on the Getaway once (soon to be twice, but only because we wanted the itinerary).  I wanted to like the Getaway better, but I don't.  I love the Haven on the Gem, even though there is no dedicated Haven restaurant,  you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast  or lunch by an uncrowded pool or you can eat in a restaurant that has been dedicated to Haven breakfasts/lunches (not dinners).  Overall its small, quiet and very enjoyable.  Go with the Gem and see!!!!

[PistolPete13]

Thank you all!  I guess the consensus is the Gem and it's a class I've never tried before as well so...

Now to start monitoring the pricing of the cruise.  February sounds so far away...

[cruiseny4life]

56 minutes ago, PistolPete13 said:

Thank you all!  I guess the consensus is the Gem and it's a class I've never tried before as well so...

Now to start monitoring the pricing of the cruise.  February sounds so far away...

Good luck! We're watching prices for March. Seems there are a couple of good deals - not sure about solo supplement, but for two I've found one good deal. Looks like we're going to be switching the week of our cruise do to the sub $2k/person price for the Haven.

 

I'm glad I'll be able to follow along on another one of your reviews a month before my ship departs! 

[mking8288]

I recommend the GEM too for a winter cruise, especially if your travel schedule is flexible & can wait for prices to drop further ... and you are not picky about deck/location/category (inside & oceanview "bargains" are known to come around)   Take a closer look at Feb & March (the longer Carib cruises out of NY usually don't get lots of teens & children (except the small pre-schoolers, sometimes) 

 

Spinnaker Lounge on Deck 13 Fwd is a great place to watch the ocean, and there are a few 220 volts outlets around (bring your own adapter) to connect your gadget for a recharge (aside from using your own portable usb powerbank) & these mid-size ship's WiFi tend to be "usable" & better (speed-wise, compared to the Prima & other mega ships in the fleet ... come to think of it)

 

The starboard side (Deck 😎 space above the atrium lobby where "The Local" a/k/a known as "O'Sheehan's" is a quiet place to sit, read, relax & listen to live music below in the morning and afternoon, while at sea ... when things are busy.  

 

It doesn't have the "big" variety of specialty restaurant dining options but still plentiful for us on a 10 nighters ... and they used to do poolside BBQ, weather-permitting.  

 

There's also the Bridge Viewing Room, Deck 10 Fwd Portside - open, usually, dawn to dusk on sea days, where you can visit & wave to say hello to the bridge officers on duty at their stations ... in years past, folks from CC Roll Calls have left "things" for the ship's Mermaid.  

 

It will yield a different experience for you to compare.  Embarkation and disembarkation, and tendering for that matter, are much quicker and easier with 2,000+ (or less) passengers instead of 3,000 to 4,200 plus on a fully sold-out ship sailing at 110% double-occupancies.   Ditto for what others already mentioned about these 90,000 tonnage ships.  

[Mlake09]

Hi! I prefer the Gem, but having taken both ships out of NYC during school vacation season (I’m a teacher), I’d vote the larger ship, where there is more space for the kids to go. Last year we cruised during February and April vacation, and it felt packed on the Gem, while the Getaway just seemed like the kids mostly stayed up top with all the attractions.

 

if you’re not going during school vacation week, then I’d go 100% Gem, because I like the older ships. I did, however, really appreciate the waterfront and Spice h20 areas, especially during the school break week, to find some peace and quiet!

 

I hope you enjoy your cruise!

Edited October 19, 2022 by Mlake09
Typo

[mjkacmom]

12 minutes ago, Mlake09 said:

Hi! I prefer the Gem, but having taken both ships out of NYC during school vacation season (I’m a teacher), I’d vote the larger ship, where there is more space for the kids to go. Last year we cruised during February and April vacation, and it felt packed on the Gem, while the Getaway just seemed like the kids mostly stayed up top with all the attractions.

 

if you’re not going during school vacation week, then I’d go 100% Gem, because I like the older ships. I did, however, really appreciate the waterfront and Spice h20 areas, especially during the school break week, to find some peace and quiet!

 

I hope you enjoy your cruise!

The OP is going on a 12 nighter (I actually went back to make sure the cruise wasn’t presidents week, which will have tons of kids).

[MsTabbyKats]

First of all....I am not seeing any 12 day Gem trips (except one that ends in Panama City) but I do see some 11 day sailigs.

 

I've been on the Gem many times; the Getaway once (but on BA, Escape, Bliss multiple times).

 

If I had a choice I'd pick the Gem.  I just liked it more.  However, in the winter, if seas are rough, I think you'll feel more movement on the Gem.  If the ship isn't crowded...you'll find plenty of "alone space" on the GA.  But you need to reserve the theatre.

 

With this being said...I plan on a 12 day  GA in Jan.  The Gem has a 9 day cruise...but I don't like the itinerary (Bermuda in the winter? No thank you!)

 

Getting my crystal ball out:  Sailings out of NYC in the winter can be great bargains...if you can wait to book.  If the prices are in the same range, the itinerary similar....I'd go with the Gem.  We were on the Gem last Nov at a very limited capacity.  We didn't get off the ship....but had a great cruise.  

 

I vote Gem!

[Laszlo]

20 hours ago, PistolPete13 said:

Hi everyone,

 

I was eyeballing a winter Caribbean cruise from NYC and I'm trying to decide between the Getaway vs. Gem for this.  They're both running similar 12-day itineraries.

I'm hoping those that have traveled on both to put in their two cents to help with my decision.  

 

I've been on the two of the big Breakaway classes (Escape & Bliss) and just got off the Prima.  I've never been on any of the smaller Jewel classes.

 

My preference is for some peace and quiet time.  Don't like big crowds but can always find quiet spots on the big ships.  Shows and concerts are nice but won't make or break a trip for me.  I could care less about the bars, casinos, and specialty restaurants.   A decent gym is important but not a spa.  I also like long walks on the beach and ..., oh wait, this is the wrong place to post that info.

So have at it, let me know what you think, especially those that have been on the Gem.

Thanks,

-Pete

 

Hey Pete

                  My wife and I love the Gem, the Jewel class ships are our favorites. Having said that we were looking for a 12-14 day cruise and the only option was the GA. We are on the January 8th cruise. Hoped you book it!

 

 

 

[Turtles06]

3 hours ago, PistolPete13 said:

Thank you all!  I guess the consensus is the Gem and it's a class I've never tried before as well so...

Now to start monitoring the pricing of the cruise.  February sounds so far away...

 

Pete, we love the Gem (and her Jewel-class sisters).   Very comfortable size and easy to get around.  As others have noted, the Great Outdoors is a wonderful place to hang out, as is the Spinnaker Lounge.

 

Also, the Gem has a traditional promenade deck, which you don't find on the new mega-ships. 

 

We've sailed the Gem out of NY in the winter, and are doing so again in January (B2B Panama Canal cruises this time).

I think you will enjoy the ship!

[PistolPete13]

1 hour ago, mjkacmom said:

The OP is going on a 12 nighter (I actually went back to make sure the cruise wasn’t presidents week, which will have tons of kids).

You're correct, my bad.  I was eyeballing this cruise.

[detroitlions]

I think the time a year you cruise and where you cruise from makes a big difference on how relaxing a cruise will be. I think if your going in February the ship will not be as crowded. But I also am not a big fan of sailing out of NY mainly cause it will be cold. Some of the most relaxing cruises I have been on smaller ships were out of Tampa. I do like both ships though and have always noticed even when the ship was not sold out folks do congregate in certian areas and it will be crowded in those areas all the time. Like pool deck area, Spice H20, main dining at dinner, and the GYM in the morning. 

[MsTabbyKats]

22 minutes ago, detroitlions said:

I think the time a year you cruise and where you cruise from makes a big difference on how relaxing a cruise will be. I think if your going in February the ship will not be as crowded. But I also am not a big fan of sailing out of NY mainly cause it will be cold. Some of the most relaxing cruises I have been on smaller ships were out of Tampa. I do like both ships though and have always noticed even when the ship was not sold out folks do congregate in certian areas and it will be crowded in those areas all the time. Like pool deck area, Spice H20, main dining at dinner, and the GYM in the morning. 

OP is a NYer...as I am.

 

When I sail out of NY in the winter...yes, there are a couple of cold days.  But...no stress of flying to FL or anywhere.  If there's a snowstorm...the flights could get canceled or delayed....and the ship would sail without me.  Sailing out of NY...worst case scenaio is I get the cab a little earlier!

 

This is one of the reasons why the prices are low out of NYC.  If I lived "anywhere else" and had to fly to NY or FL for a winter cruise....I'd fly to FL.

[Cruzinnana47]

Have sailed on the Gem and the Breakaway (Getaway's sister ship) and would definitely pick the Gem.  Smaller, a bit older with less pax, but you don't have to make reservations for the entertainment venues.  True, there aren't the "bells and whistles" like the Getaway would have, but if you are looking for a more relaxing and less crowded experience, the Gem would be a better fit.

 

We sailed on a 12-night cruise on the Breakaway from NYC to  the So. Caribbean in 2014.  The ship was lovely, but TOO big for us and too chaotic.   In comparison, our 10-day cruise on the Gem from NYC to Canada was a much more laid-back experience.   JMHO.

 

 

[raitch]

I’ve done both and for relaxation I would absolutely choose Gem. Love The Great Outdoors, love relaxing in Spinnaker (it’s not being used for much of the day).  For Breakaway & Getaway the Waterfront is awesome but there’s no comparable place indoors to relax with views… and lots of the programming is held in the atrium which is uncomfortable, always packed, and makes it hard to get through midship. 

[Mike A]

21 hours ago, mjkacmom said:

I’d choose the Gem, love the Great Outdoors area and spinnakers lounge, both great places to get away from the crowds during the day. I also think the MCT gets too crowded with the big ships, on our cruise on the BA my kids sat on the floor.

Either way you cannot go wrong but my vote for a winter cruise out of NY would be the Gem. I totally agree with everything mjkacmon says. The Gem and Jewel are our favorite ships. My favorite place on the ship is the Great Outdoors. Another great place to hang out is the Bridge Viewing Room which is only on the Gem and other Jewel Class ships. We were on the Joy in May (similar but not the same as Getaway). It was very nice but did not have the same feel as the Gem.

We did Jewel (Basically the same ship as Gem) in Winter out of NY and it handled the sailing to the Caribbean very well.

Regardless of what you choose, you will have a great cruise!!!

M

 

[billslowsky]

Does the gem still have the two kiosks where you can email a photo of yourself with a caption to basically anyone?