Mini Suite vs. Balcony Cabins on Gem

[gdoyle]

Considering NCL Gem for Med. this summer. We are a family of 4 (2 teenage kids) looking to share a quad cabin.. What are the differences between the mini-suites and the balcony cabins? From pictures, it looks like the only difference is the size of the bathroom. Is sleeper sofa the same size? Is it worth the extra $600?

[coka]

If you are only selecting from the two, I would do a mini-suite (or even higher) for four in a cabin. If all balconies are the same on the Gem, then there is less space from the bed bottom to wall in which to walk by. In the mini-suite, there is more space. I am not sure, but I think the couch is bigger in mini-suite too. You should also have a curtain that separates the sleeping area. My only experience is sailing in a standard balcony twice on the Gem but I have seen pictures and asked others too. My next two sailings are in mini-suites and l am looking forward to the extra space. I suspect when you see the difference, you will think the price is worth it.

Good luck in your selection!

 

coka

[Mississippi1]

The balcony is 205 square feet, compared to 322 square feet in the minisuite. That's over 100 square feet difference, and IMO, worth the extra cost for a family of 4.