3/21-3/28 The Force was Strong with GEM (long)

[JEDIKNIGHT]

Preface: I've gotten so much info from all of you in the past few months and I had every intention of giving a very detailed review which this isn't. It was our FIRST travel with 10 month DD. Also, my in-laws from overseas are visiting and while they are very good people, cultural differences made things very tiring and even a little tense for me leading upto the cruise. So once onboard, I decided to just tend to DD in suite , and let DW and in-laws enjoy the cruise, as it would be my in-laws 1st and possibly only cruise. Point being, I didn't venture out too much to give a better review. (I got a few pics, will post them later sometime) I didn't go to ANY alternate restaurants or ANY activities and I don't regret it. I spent my whole cruise in my suite with the most beautiful young lady on the ship. How many men can say that? :D

 

Anything I write here is not meant to be conceited. I just feel it helps the reader to know who the writer is vis a vis point of view. We all have different preferences, habits, standards and priorities. I don't claim mine to be above or below anyone else's.

 

About DW and I as travelers

************************

 

We don't drink, smoke, wear the latest fashions. Our splurge in life is travel meaning I usually go all out. Living in this greatest country in the world combined with luck has allowed us the opportunity to succeed and to enjoy fine travel. Venues of choice include Ritz/Four Seasns, or Regent Seven Seas. I like everything to be comfortable, of high quality, service to be almost perfect. Prefer NO crowds and peace and quiet. Boring to many, heaven to us.

 

OK, BOTTOM LINE, WE REALLY ENJOYED NCL GEM.

 

In fairness, I think my enjoyment was made possible due to being in the Owner's Suite, and having every perk and also the SUPERIOR services of the Concierge and Butler. (I booked an A4 Courtyard for in-laws) Them and the cabin steward made me feel I was on a LUX ship, within a mass market ship. So I'm not here to rate a mass-market cruise. I'm reviewing a premium experience within it.

 

 

EMBARKATION

************

 

Almost flawless. The "VIP" line wasn't staffed when we got there. That led to 15 mins of waiting around, looking for her, etc. But once we were allowed in, things went smoothly. I'd guess it was 35 mins between immigration and being en suite. The lounge was crowded.....but Alex Forbes was on hand and instantly I felt it was going to be a good cruise when I met him. The SECOND he met me he walkie-talkie'd someone and within minutes, our Butler was at my side. DW accompanied in-laws to their suite, I took hungry DD to ours. Butler at my side the WHOLE TIME, holding my carry-on which helped so much. Again, the horror stories read here were disappearing, and I was telling myself "Holy s***, this is gonna go well!"

 

Rogin (Butler) was so accomodating and almost too thorough. He was so eager to orient me to his services....but I had to nicely explain to him that I got a screaming baby. Let me feed her and I'll be in touch. After that.....he was one of my MVP's on the ship.

 

DW/IN-LAWS went to Cagney's for lunch and reported SLOOOOOOOOW service to where she had to flag down 2 waiters before getting service. After that, Cagney's was good service and food.

 

 

OWNER'S SUITE

**************

 

WOW. It was not the subtle beige and pink I'm used to at nice hotels, but this was pretty without being obnoxious. Furniture is comfortable and in good condition. 2 flat screens with DVD. A Bose surround sound. Master Bath had a multi-jet shower which was a pleasure. 2 sinks, plenty of counter space. GREAT water pressure. Thanks NCL for not using the enviro-issue to force guests to shower in a weak stream of water drops. Seperate WC behind a glass door which is weird, but no biggie.

 

Cleanliness: SO-SO on day one. At night I noticed stains on the bed sheet. But we were so exhausted I made sure DW didn't see it and we went to bed. Room could've been vacuumed better. I blame NOT the steward, but NCL. Either they need more staff, OR, as an anonymous staffer told me....more time to do turnaround in NYC. After that, Rod my steward was great. I had him clean based on DD's feeding/nap times....and he let ME pick the time every day for the cleaning. LOL he was mindful of ALL the cushions/pillows/blankets I used to baby-proof the suite. I think I had it fool-proofed by day 5 as DD is very industrious in finding new space to explore. Oh, the bath towels were big and thick. Nice classy touch!

 

There was both CNN and FOX news, so it was nice to have broiled chicken AND steak to to watch vis a vis news. (Y'all figure out which is which :)

 

TERRY/DOUG: NO NOISE from either connecting door. And I'm praying they didn't hear DD either....her 1st night was a nightmare. The only time I heard people was if they were on their balcony, and I was in bed and the voices came thru the glass door. Overall, either i was lucky OR in one of the best sound-proofed rooms I've had in all my life. (One nite was rough seas, and you could hear the waves hitting the ship....no biggie to me though)

 

Bed: VERY comfortable. MUCH better than the beds at a respected chain like Marriott. Better than Regent for sure.

 

Air Conditioning: Overall it was good, but in the bedroom I wish it could get even 5 degrees colder. That would make it the ultimate suite.

 

A cold bottle of Moet's was a nice touch.

 

 

FELLOW PAX

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Ok I'm gonna get in trouble, but I call em like I see em. I thought the crowd would be nicer than we're used to on the small ships, but it was quite the opposite. Yeah, met a handful of nice folks. But many looked unhappy, desperate, hardened. Attitudes reflected that too. Mid-week I realized that there was a HUGE contingent of NYC/NJ people onboard and I thanked my lucky stars I don't live in either area. I feel like I need a passport when in NY or NJ.

 

COURTYARD POOL AREA

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LOL...I never made it there!!! But DW told me it's clean, peaceful, and a nice pool and excercise area. It became in-law's sanctuary during idle time.

 

 

ACTIVITIES/SHOWS

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I didn't go to one so relying on DW's comments.

 

Bingo was lots of fun. One night of dances from around the world had its good points and weak points. The Trunell Magic thing was reported as being very, very light. Decent way to pass time....but we've seen waaaaay better comedy and magic on cruises before. 70's music was also "good enough" to pass time. At the blackjack tables I got a small sample of pax comments on shows and overall, I'd say NCL needs to step it up a little.

 

Casino: I'm NOT a smoke-**** where I want to ban it. I respect people's right but only wish there were designated areas or better ventilation. The smell was NASTY but therefore, I played less than normal. It was a fun casino overall, but the staff needs to be more personable. When DW had down time, I'd come to the casino for my break.

 

STAFF/SERVICE

*************

 

Apologees to God, Jesus, Allah, Krishna, and Buddha. I know God exists somewhere. But on the NCL GEM, there is Alex Forbes. This man is easily Head Concierge at a major Four Seasons hotel. He was available everytime I called. Every request was filled, even custom requests.

 

Rogin, butler: Wonderful fellow. Available all the time. Met EVERY request. Learned my preferences really fast. Was mindful that I was in the suite all the time with DD and really made sure I got what I asked for, promptly even when it veered off the menu.

 

In-laws butler wasn't their at time of check-in. They met him once that evening. As I understand it he quickly explained the treats-menu to them, but he was NOWHERE NEAR as gracious and hospitable as Rogin was to me.

 

Rod the Steward was wonderful too. He could be a butler one day.

 

Blue Lagoon staff is so-so...more later.

 

Buffet staff was fine. Didn't see any waiters helping carry food to tables, but the servers were all pleasant.

 

I saw Prem watching the action all the time. Also, Deepak is a maitre'd in Magenta who helped my family enjoy this cruise a whole lot more.

 

Overall, this was a friendly staff that WANTS to do good.

 

 

 

EXCURSIONS

***********

 

Thanks to Alex/suite perks, tendering was easy. Excursions were well organized. (Snorkeling on Cay. Did Atlantis Aquarium. Did Dolphin Swim at Atlantis)

 

 

FOOD

*****

 

I love to eat. Food is one of the most important things to me on a cruise. MOST of my food was room service(RS) but I tried to venture out and sample all I could to review it here. It was a huge sacrifice on my part to do that, I know :)

 

BREAKFAST: RS every day. Fruits, croissants, muffins were 100% fresh and perfect. Darn good. Twice I ordered steak/eggs from Cagney's. DELICIOUS and eggs were almost perfect over-easy. In-laws said good things about Cagney' breakfast.

 

RS chicken-noodle soup is average, I suggest getting won-ton soup from Lagoon. Hot Dogs are avg in that they should use better meat, and fresher buns. But the CHILI IS DELICIOUS!

 

 

GARDEN CAFE: Ok, it IS somewhat crowded at peak times and many pax are cows and don't realize that basic courtesy makes it easier for all. But the food was GOOD and GREAT. Breads were fresh. Burgers were a solid "good"...just make sure you take a fresh one, not one that's sitting. INDIAN FOOD WAS SPECTACULAR. My Wife is Indian, my parents are Indian. And trust me...GEM'S Indian food was as good as a restaurant on land, if not better in some cases. PASTA STATION was delicious. Al dente pasta, tasty bolognese sauce cooked to order, piping hot. Ice cream was good, most of the deserts were weak. Rotisserie Chicken was lovely, they just need to slow down on not put so many out at once, where they get cold. Carving ribs and lamb were very good, as were the veggies and potato dishes. (ALSO, the kid's buffet worked out well. I was in a hurry sometimes so it was easy to shove a kid off the buffet line so I could help myself. Their parents arent watching, and it'll toughen these kids up anyway)

 

CAGNEY'S ROOM SERVICE: Ordered Filet medium, got a medium rare. But it was warm, flavorful and of high quality. Veggie portions were too tiny, but nevertheless good stuff. JUMBO shrimp cocktail was GREAT. Better shrimp than you get on Regent or Ruth's Chrus.

 

T-BONE: DELICIOUS, I gnawed the bone like a dog, lol. Port Demi-Glace was tasty on the side. Maybe the meat is a little under-seasoned, but the sauce and salt takes care of that. LOL I'm on my balcony eating this meal....pondering how tough my business is lately. I'm wondering if I'm not a total moron to be enjoying lobster/t-bone on a balcony while Rome is burning. But then I figured heck, partying and having a good time during crisis would qualify me for President nowadays so I just put my feet up and had a good ol time.

 

LOBSTER TAIL: Good. If you eat lobster frequently, I'd tell you it's not as good as what you are used to. If lobster is an occasional treat, then this is good enough.

 

 

BLUE LAGOON: FISH 'n chips became my favorite meal on ship. The fish is crispy, greasy, moist and served hot. I ate it 6 times!!! Chicken tenders were also GREAT. Grilled chicken sandwich was dry....don't order it. Won-ton soup is great! The waiters here are so-so and not happy to be alive it seems at times. The managers, like Fransisco watch tables like hawks and in 4 visits, service was slow once only. I liked this place alot.

 

ALT RESTAURANTS, per DW's comments. I asked her to compare it to chain food on land, so there's a good comparison point.

 

TEQUILA: Service was good. Food was "good". A chain like On the Border would easily be much better though.

 

CUCINA: Service good. Food was barely average...nowhere near close to Olive Garden vis a vis flavor.

 

ORCHID RS : I had it. Portions are TINY. Ribs were good. Kung Pao was decent quality but again, not as good as a Chinese eatery in the mall.

 

CHOCO BUFFET: DW took in-laws for the novelty. Reported that pax were attacking it like animals freed from the zoo. Food was not as good as it looked.

 

Again, sorry I can't give more detail. But DD is discovering the power of screaming these days and I always frowned upon parents who brought noisy kids to nice restaurants....so I will not do that now. People wanna enjoy a nice meal quietly and it's wrong to disrupt that.

 

 

SUGGESTIONS *nit picky*

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If this was a low-quality cruise, I wouldn't bother. But they WANT to do good. They DID do very well. So I wanna point out small things because in the end, it's the small things that'll make a cruise GREAT, vs good. I'm so impressed with GEM, I want NCL to make the Suite experience so good....that lux pax PAY full profit to NCL, instead of NCL giving them away and ending up like the airlines making no money.

 

*Embarkation VIP: Make sure someone is manning that gate every minute.

 

*More staff: I know there's costs. But room stewards are overworked. Cagney's was slow only that 1st day...but again, you've done GREAT making a lux suite experience. Why not insure that Cagney's is smooth on embarkation day?

 

*Buffet: Only ONE water station?? It was crowded and hurting the flow of people. C'mon, let's have one more somewhere.

 

*Some action stations like rotiserrie chicken could do better keeping the food hot. NCL your food was STRONG overall. Why not turn it up a notch?

 

*Alt Restaurants: Same thing. You're ALMOST there. If it was only a notch or two better....you'd be truly the top of the heap because much of the food I had rivaled that of Regent!!!!

 

*Blue Lagoon: Ok I know it's just fast-food. But the staff should not appear to be unhappy. Service on par with Denny's would be appropriate. Smiles make a difference.

 

*Room Service: Butler did so good!! How about exploring the room-service carts that some hotels use where the food is INSIDE a heated compartment?

 

*Cost-cutting: NCL, you can't cut anymore. I realize times are tough. Fine. But now, hold the line. No more personel cuts, no buffet times cut, etc.

 

*Grand Bahama Island: Why? I wish there was a way to have Key West. It's 10 times better....and it would be nice to spend money in AMERICA during these hard times.

 

WOULD I CRUISE NCL GEM AGAIN?

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YES....with a qualifier: I'd HAVE to know that the Concierge was Alex, or someone of his caliber. ALSO, somehow....the butler would have to be Rogin's caliber. Those two made the suite "experience" a truly PREMIUM EXPERIENCE that I'd compare to Regent anytime of the day. It was a pleasure tipping Alex, Rogin, and Rod and Deepak at the end of the cruise. I think I let them know how much I appreciated them. Based on CC, I thought this was gonna be a nice big suite, but beyond that a total mass-market experience that I'd be dreading for 7 days. Instead, it was lux....and I felt sad when leaving the ship. On a personal note, I've always spent time with DD...but this week it was pretty much me and her. She became my playmate and friend and buddy this week. She spent the week chasing toys on the same cabin floor and was great about it. We're happy to be home but I almost felt like crying last night when I knew I won't be with her all day/every day. Somehow, my volunteering to handle DD this week turned out to be a precious thing for me. The only negative was missing DW every day. Not getting to be around her, not getting to hug her all the time is like being cut off from oxygen for me.

 

Thank you CC'ers for answering my questions all these months. And there was a time I almost got scared off due to reviews....and a few of you kept me in the game....glad I stayed!!!!!!

 

(Oh and I was totally kidding about shoving kids at the buffet. I figured it'll make for interesting reading and if I'm lucky...I might've irritated a few people. Childish and stupid...but hey, it's me):D

 

Here's to you NCL GEM. You've got a GREAT team.....I sense they are becoming a machine working together. Hope you preserve that, and duplicate it on other ships.

[MSH2007]

Guess I get to be first to say welcome back and thanks for the great review of the Gem. Thoughtful and honest. Having the OS had to have made a huge difference while travelling with your DD. And I'm also sure you DW and her folks love you to pieces! Looking forward to seeing some photographs!

[BarbCT605]

FELLOW PAX

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I feel like I need a passport when in NY or NJ.

 

LOL -- I'm sure everyone will keep their sense of humor with this one!:)

 

STAFF/SERVICE

*************

 

Apologees to God, Jesus, Allah, Krishna, and Buddha. I know God exists somewhere. But on the NCL GEM, there is Alex Forbes. This man is easily Head Concierge at a major Four Seasons hotel. He was available everytime I called. Every request was filled, even custom requests.

I haven't been lucky enough to sail with Alex, but I've read/heard great things about him.

 

Another "A-team:" cruise the Dawn to Bermuda this summer with Hugo/HD; Alain/F&B director & Anshuman/CD. If you do, you may want to bring a baby-sitter & book the adjoining cabin.

 

SUGGESTIONS *nit picky*

*****************************

 

*Embarkation VIP: Make sure someone is manning that gate every minute.

 

*More staff: I know there's costs. But room stewards are overworked. Cagney's was slow only that 1st day...but again, you've done GREAT making a lux suite experience. Why not insure that Cagney's is smooth on embarkation day?

Agree with embarkation. Not everyone can make it to the pier by 11-12.

 

I've been hearing about the reduced staff lately. It's apparently getting very noticeable. It makes a big difference if stewards have to turn too many cabins.

 

Thanks for your review -- I can't believe that this was the short version.:D

[Mississippi1]

Welcome home, Jedi! I know you were worried a time or two before sailing, and I'm happy for you that you enjoyed your cruise! :)

[travelgals]

JEDIKNIGHT,

 

Great to hear your thoughts- I was on the same sailing, albeit in a minisuite and hugely jealous of your accomodations- but must say-being a ritz carlton gal myself- I was really very pleasantly surprised at the level of service everywhere on the ship. It was very clear to us that this staff aims to please. (I'm from NYC, only happy and not hardened, LOL). Seriously, we love high end everything and were nervious about this trip, yet I would do it again in an instant. We tried HAL and had the trip from hell- they really put no effort into trying to please and I wouldn't sail them again for free! I have never tried the smaller ships because we usually travel with our children, who are 5 years apart and so have different interests. I find the larger ships tend to have something for everyone. The QM2 is our favorite, but honestly given the Gem price point coupled with their attention to guests needs the Gem was outstanding. My only complaint was the internet, but I will comment on that later.

[pixiedustdawn]

Thank you for posting your review. It sounds like you had fun doing "whatever" with your DD.

Dawn

[coka]

Welcome home Jediknight. I loved reading your review. You have heart, you have character, and you have love. I laughed out loud and got teary eyed at some of your descriptions. I am so very happy things worked out better than you thought.

 

coka

[CC Help Michell]

Welcome home -- I know you had lots of concerns prior to this trip and I'm so glad that overall you had a good time. :) Looking forward to a link to pictures.

[Don Haynes]

The ship load fresh provisions during embarkation day, by the end of the week the hot dog and hamburger buns tend to age a bit. I wish they could get fresh provisions every day as well. Thanks for your positive review.

[terrymtex01]

I am SO glad you had a great cruise and had a wonderful time being able to spend so much of your cruise with your DD. That warmed my heart.

 

If you ever get to cruise with Simone as your concierge (usually on the Star) don't hesitate, as she is top notch.

 

Welcome home. 8-)

[Sparkylok6]

DW/IN-LAWS went to Cagney's for lunch and reported SLOOOOOOOOW service to where she had to flag down 2 waiters before getting service. After that, Cagney's was good service and food.

 

*More staff: I know there's costs. But room stewards are overworked. Cagney's was slow only that 1st day...but again, you've done GREAT making a lux suite experience. Why not insure that Cagney's is smooth on embarkation day?

 

I sailed on the Pearl in February in an AE Penthouse. We had Cagney's as a perk as well. After I returned home I wrote NCL a letter to let them know what a great cruise my DH and I had.

 

In my letter I did point out the wait times at Cagney's on embarkation day. It seems that they only open the smaller portion of the restaurant off of the Star Bar. That is fine for the rest of the voyage, but, on embarkation day they should open the entire restaurant (or at least the larger section) to accomodate all of the Suite passengers AND assign more staff for the embarkation lunch. They direct the Suite passengers there and most are there for lunch time. Our service was so slow (and I was so hungry) that my DH was against returning there for Breakfast and Lunch, that is was going to be a bunch of waiting around for service. Fortunately, I convinced him to go again and he loved it, and the food.

 

It just doesn't set a nice tone to start the cruise off the way it is set up now.

 

I am glad that you had a great cruise and you got to spend quality time with your DD. They grow up too fast.

[MeganSmiles]

 

FELLOW PAX

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Ok I'm gonna get in trouble, but I call em like I see em. I thought the crowd would be nicer than we're used to on the small ships, but it was quite the opposite. Yeah, met a handful of nice folks. But many looked unhappy, desperate, hardened. Attitudes reflected that too. Mid-week I realized that there was a HUGE contingent of NYC/NJ people onboard and I thanked my lucky stars I don't live in either area. I feel like I need a passport when in NY or NJ.

 

No ....no offense taken....I feel the same way about Virginia. Thank my lucky stars I don't live there.

 

But...thanks for the review. The Gem is the ship I'm considering for our first cruise and I love to read about CC members experiences. Glad the family had a good time.

 

Thanks again....from a happy...hopeful...easy going... Jersey girl.

[angeljt]

Glad to hear you had such a wonderful time and got to spend so much time with your DD. I knew you would love the suite and all that goes with it.

I guess the force was with you!!! :D

Jackie

[raventhebouv]

Loved your review Jediknight! Dad's don't usually have the chance to bond with their child like a mother does, so having the week to do just that was such a gift...made me teary-eyed to read your post...your love for this child came shining thru every word.

 

We had a wonderful time on the Gem and will be sailing her again as soon as we can! Thanks for bringing up many of the same issues we found, and for making me LOL on my first day back at work!

[familyof4cruising]

Glad you had a great time.

 

Like I posted in another thread NCL's suite life is #1. You feel like you are secluded from it all.

[Jfchewning]

My family of five is also from Northern Virginia and we're sailing on the GEM in less than a week (4/4-4/11). I really enjoyed reading your review and can't wait to go. Someday I've got to get out of the minisuite and into a suite! Glad you had so much fun.

[monteman]

jediknight, what a WONDERFUL review. You are a very funny, touching, and descriptive person. It was a pleasure to read. I've been on the Gem twice, about to be on her again this Saturday (yay!!). I don't often read Gem reviews because I am pretty familiar with her, but am so glad I read yours.

 

We were in an OS on the Dawn a few years back, and oh my, but it was just as wondrous as your experience. Your review brought back some great memories.

 

Your wife and daughter are lucky girls to have you in their lives! :) So glad your cruise was a special experience.

[njhorseman]

Jedi:

 

Thanks for taking the time to post such a thoughtful review. I have just a couple of observations, having been on the Gem two weeks before you.

 

(1) We really like the Indian food in the buffet (we are not Indian). When I told my wife how much an Indian family liked it, she was absolutely thrilled because it confirmed her opinion! :)

 

(2) There is a second water and coffee station in the back half of the buffet seating area, after you exit the actual buffet line. And if you're sitting even further back, you can use the station in the Great Outdoors.

 

(3) My main complaint about the cruise was the quality of the cabin service. Items not replaced, bathrobes not provided, etc. it is painfully obvious that NCl has chosen to overstretch the cabin stewards' workload.

 

PS: I'm a native New Yorker and have lived in New York or New Jersey my entire life. Even I am disgusted by the behavior of some of my fellow natives.

[mkad1109]

Thanks for probably the most enjoyable review I have ever read! I laughed and I "awwwwed" at your descriptions so hard my family thinks I am nuts now!

 

I followed your decision between Celebrity and NCL on both boards since we are going on our first Celebrity cruise. I know I will have a good time because I try to be a glass half full type person (hard to believe since I am from NY, huh? ;)), but I always felt you made the right decision. I LOVE NCL!

[darrengs]

 

No ....no offense taken....I feel the same way about Virginia. Thank my lucky stars I don't live there.

 

But...thanks for the review. The Gem is the ship I'm considering for our first cruise and I love to read about CC members experiences. Glad the family had a good time.

 

Thanks again....from a happy...hopeful...easy going... Jersey girl.

 

Good one:D