Live from the NCL Gem 12/6/08

[sjbdtz]

Hi

You will enjoy your cruise.I did not mean to sound so negative .I will give you my mindset and some opinions.

 

I have been cruising for 29 years and have been on the best and worst ships of all cruiselines.I often said I never met a cruise I didnt like.But this cruise irked me in many ways.

 

Mindset:We sailed the Gem this past January and loved it.We had booked this latest cruise 6 months ago ,The price of the cruise at sailing was $250.00 per person less for an outside cabin.We could not take advantage of the reduced prices but I understand that happens.I knew the weather would be warm but not your typical beach weather.So I had hoped to fill the time at sea reading,watching movies and playing slots and blackjack.We generally eat at the buffet for breakfast and lunch.

 

On the cruise it seemed that alot of people were sailing for free or at very low prices. A large group were high roller gamblers that were not only offered the cruise free, but given free drinks and other perks. I play one penny slots and $5.00 blackjack-a low roller.I enjoyed the casino in January.I didnt win but the machines were entertaining and it helped to pass the cold sea days

 

They took out the one penny slots and put in a few 2 cents,a few 5 cents and many $5.00 and $25.00 slots. Black Jack was $10.00 and $25.00 a hand.The number of slot machines were reduced from last year as they have more table games.Everyone was complaining about the low payoffs.I thought it was just my bad luck.The cigarette smoke was so thick at times it made your eyes water.In summary I believe because of all the high rollers sailing for free or at practically no cost the ship changed the payouts and increased the costs.

 

Last year there was a good selection of free movies in your cabin.They were not current but they helped pass the time during the cold or rainy sea days.Keep in mind there is no movie theater.Last year they showed movies in the Crystal Lounge.Now there is one channel that shows free movies.The movies are in black and white and had to be 40 years old.Everytime I clicked-it was either the novie Ggi or The Bells Of St Mary.If you wanted to watch a two year old movie it cost $11.95.There was a reduced rate of $5.95 for a 5 year old movie.There was no movies shown in the lounge.This irked me.When I asked why the movies cost money I was told that the cost of the cruise was so cheap they need to make revenue other ways.My cruise was not cheap-and I was a paying guest.

 

Last January my husband and I would have a drink special before or after dinner.This time a martini cost $12.95 plus gratutity, and a glass of wine was between $6.50-$7.00.I would not pay $12.95 for a martini no matter how smooth.

 

I dont bowl but that cost doubled.It is now $10.00 a game

 

We were sailing with friends who never cruised before.I told them about the captains party.Well-there was no party for them-not even a glass of champagne.Only Latitude members were invited.

 

Buffet:There are only a few trays available.Those are used by the crew to help physically challenged people.So as last year (even though everyone had complained) it was quite a juggling feat every day.You had your plates with drink trying to manuver around people.Because the days were cool and windy the buffet was packed.There was two days when I could not find a seat no matter what time I went.Your food got cold .That wasnt the ships fault but just an added annoyance.

 

The made to order eggs are good.But the pancakes and frenchtoast were made ahead.So they were cold and hard.I found the entree choices limited.I suggest eating in the dining room.We wanted to make reservations for four.But were told they only make reservations for 6 people or more.

 

On the past cruise you were offered Lemonade,punch and icetea.You are now offered just iced tea.

 

On the past cruise there were a few free restaurants to choose from.Of course now that has changed. I would not pay in principle the $30.00 cover charge per person for a restaurant .Some others were $20.00

 

The shops as on most cruise ships are expensive.No bargains.The ships tours are outrageous.Passengers were paying $19.00 each to take them to Coco Beach in Port Canaveral.Right outide the ship there were local vans for $5.00 each.

 

The three production shows are wonderful.

 

 

In summary I was a paying customer.I didnt expect alot of frills but I didnt like the feeling of being gouged for everything.We were planning to cruise in January but decided now to wait for a last minute cruise.Sometimes that adage-you get what you pay for is not always true

 

 

Have fun on your cruise.You will enjoy it

 

 

I think, ironically, that people were getting EXACTLY what they paid for. And if they didn't pay for it, they weren't getting it.

 

You tried to take the "low cost cruise / no extras" route, and found it wasn't as good as a higher cost cruise where the extras were included / cheaper.

 

I prefer the user-pay system. Why should a couple of $$ from my fare subsidize a $15 cover charge, when the actual cost of the additional staff, and higher-cost food items would really justify $30? I'd rather my initial cruise-fare be lower, and if I choose to eat at a supplementary restaurant then I can do so, and incur those charges.

 

It's like walking through my neighbourhood in Yorkville....the average restaurant meal for 2 is about $250 - $300.....should I get angry at them because it isn't less?

 

No, they've priced a service that they provide. I can either eat there, or not. It's like a Dutch-Auction, they can raise the price as long as the place remains full....

[Cruisoholic]

You missed my point.....Alot of people were sailing for free or for a reduced rate.They needed bodies to fill up the ship at any cost.I paid three times as much as I booked several months ago .If I was a non paying customer or sailing for $250 PP(as many did) I would not mind paying $12.95 for a martini or $11.95 to see a movie in my cabin..etc etc.If I was sailing for free I most likely would pay the cover charge for the speciality restaurants

 

I have been on over 50 cruises which included 3 cruises in the last 10 months.I will cruise again this winter but wait for a deal.

[prg2101]

You missed my point.....Alot of people were sailing for free or for a reduced rate.They needed bodies to fill up the ship at any cost.I paid three times as much as I booked several months ago .If I was a non paying customer or sailing for $250 PP(as many did) I would not mind paying $12.95 for a martini or $11.95 to see a movie in my cabin..etc etc.If I was sailing for free I most likely would pay the cover charge for the speciality restaurants

 

I have been on over 50 cruises which included 3 cruises in the last 10 months.I will cruise again this winter but wait for a deal.

 

 

Please tell me what cruiseline or ship has martinis for a buck and pay per view movies for a buck?????cause what u payed is pretty much the same on every ship......I hate cheap people

[amy417]

Hi Guys,

I am not trying to pass judgement on anybody. I am just trying to get some information so that I can prepare correctly and not get disappointed. I was aware of the alternate restaraunt changes so i am prepared for that. We are sailing the Gem in November. But I have never seen pay-per-view TV on the ships. I just sailed princess and have sailed NCL Dawn twice and never have I seen pay per view movies. Also the free movie selections were pretty decent.

Because i will be on a transatlantic with six consecutive sea days, can someone give me a run down of what to expect as far as added expenses. I mean was cruisaholics sailing an exception to the rule because of all of the comped passengers or can we expect to pay higher prices for drinks and incabin movies from now on?

Also does anyone know if you have a suite and your children are in an inside room, can they join you for lunch at Cagney's or accompany you on the tenders?

Thanks

[alexkrn46]

I am going on the Gem, Saturday up until last week there were many empty cabins, now it looks like the ship is full. I am guessing that deals were given out the past couple of weeks. I wish we could at least gotten our fuel surcharge back. I am determined to have a wonderful cruise.

[Cruisoholic]

I talked to the management staff at the end of the cruise.They said they have to now charge these prices because they need to make up revenue.They said there was alot of complaints from the passengers and would direct these concerns to the corporate office.

 

What I found interesting is that for the first time a cruise evaluation form was not given out to passengers.This was our 12th NCL cruise and we always received one in the past.

 

prg2101: You called me cheap.I never said I expected a martini or movie to be a dollar.Perhaps you need to read and assimilate info better??

 

 

You will be sailing to the warm weatherof the Carribean and will be at ports all day.You will be able to sit outside and use the pools.It will be a much different cruise than the Bahamas in November & December where you need to spend more time in your cabin or lounge.

 

 

Bon Voyage

[Baitman19]

 

What I found interesting is that for the first time a cruise evaluation form was not given out to passengers.This was our 12th NCL cruise and we always received one in the past.

 

Bon Voyage

 

 

You will be receiving an e-mail to a link for your cruise evaluation. My daughter & I got ours on Wed.

 

Happy Cruising

[prg2101]

You missed my point.....Alot of people were sailing for free or for a reduced rate.They needed bodies to fill up the ship at any cost.I paid three times as much as I booked several months ago .If I was a non paying customer or sailing for $250 PP(as many did) I would not mind paying $12.95 for a martini or $11.95 to see a movie in my cabin..etc etc.If I was sailing for free I most likely would pay the cover charge for the speciality restaurants

 

I have been on over 50 cruises which included 3 cruises in the last 10 months.I will cruise again this winter but wait for a deal.

 

 

I reread all that I needed to......not my first time around this site...I can smell a cheapy when I see one......look again at what u wrote....."I would pay for a cover charge if I was sailing for free". "I would not mind paying 12.95 if I payed 250 for the cabin.......sounds a bit like a cheapo to me:cool::cool::rolleyes:

[prg2101]

maybe that is why you get to go on 3 cruises in 10 months......mmmmmm:p

[S&S Cruisers 1983]

Hi Guys,

I am not trying to pass judgement on anybody. I am just trying to get some information so that I can prepare correctly and not get disappointed. I was aware of the alternate restaraunt changes so i am prepared for that. We are sailing the Gem in November. But I have never seen pay-per-view TV on the ships. I just sailed princess and have sailed NCL Dawn twice and never have I seen pay per view movies. Also the free movie selections were pretty decent.

Because i will be on a transatlantic with six consecutive sea days, can someone give me a run down of what to expect as far as added expenses. I mean was cruisaholics sailing an exception to the rule because of all of the comped passengers or can we expect to pay higher prices for drinks and incabin movies from now on?

Also does anyone know if you have a suite and your children are in an inside room, can they join you for lunch at Cagney's or accompany you on the tenders?

Thanks

amy417 - We were on the Gem transatlantic just last month with six sea days. We had a great time. Yes, the story of the poor tv channels is correct. Very old movies on one station, news or sports on the others. In the middle of the atlantic you will only get the Fox News station, and of course the ships navigation and activities channels. Apparently all the NCL ships will go to pay per view movies eventually. We did not find this much of an issue. There was plenty to do on board. the cruise director decided to put on movies in the Stardust theater on sea days, but we always found other things around the ship to go to instead. As for on board charges, everything that we did was free, except for drinks, and we didn't find them to be any more than usual. Keep in mind that we have only been on NCL, so we cannot compare other lines. The only difference was the tv channels this time. We had a blast and would do it again in a second. You will have a great time!

[Kwynot]

Hi Everyone -

 

My family just returned from the 12/13-12/20 Gem Bahamas trip & we had a great time - along w/ fantastic weather. I did feel we could be nickled & dimed for extras, but my family went the inexpensive way & only went to the non-charging restaurants. I can say the sit-down restaurants were better for both service & quality of food. But overall, we didn't really seem to miss the other experiences.

 

Any questions, let me know:p