NCL's Gem cruise
Oct 10th, 2013, 02:54 AM
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NCL's Gem cruise
Recently returned from my 3rd trip aboard the GEM sailing out of NYC.
The itinerary was Halifax, St. John, NB, Bar Harbor, Boston & Newport for 7 days
w/only first day at sea so quite port intensive.
I chaired a Meet & Greet 1st day out w/good attendance by officers w/refreshments served and folks from the cruise critic site got to meet each other.
The ship remains well maintained w/very friendly staff. While food is subjective there was always something to be found either in the 2 main dining rooms**, buffet or for extra charges any of the 6 specialty restaurants. I bring my own coffee as I find theirs intolerable. ** Grand Pacific is the most pleasing w/windows & better decor.
I do my own excursions. In Halifax walked up to the Citadel & then took a ferry to Dartmouth.
St John's was the only inclement day but walked to 2 main squares with the City Market being the most fascinating.
Gov't shut down the parks so in Bar Harbor got the free Island Shuttle which took us out to 2 spots for 1-1/2 hr ride. Library around the corner to check my email.
In Newport got a ticket to 2 Mansions: Marble House & The Breakers riding the #67 bus (or trolley) for $2/ride ($6 for all day pass) which runs every 20 minutes. One is given an audio so you can follow along in each room. Suggest going to Breakers first as it is very heavily attended. No photos allowed.
In Boston friends picked me up for a day of sightseeing. Quincy Market very crowded.
Lunch at the Boston Club w/panoramic views was outstanding.
Shows aboard were quite good w/the game shows afterwards very funny.
Comedic juggler and Jeff Harms, the comedian did a few shows & both were
quite entertaining.
Front desk staff helpful & a very affable room steward.
Any questions please ask.
The itinerary was Halifax, St. John, NB, Bar Harbor, Boston & Newport for 7 days
w/only first day at sea so quite port intensive.
I chaired a Meet & Greet 1st day out w/good attendance by officers w/refreshments served and folks from the cruise critic site got to meet each other.
The ship remains well maintained w/very friendly staff. While food is subjective there was always something to be found either in the 2 main dining rooms**, buffet or for extra charges any of the 6 specialty restaurants. I bring my own coffee as I find theirs intolerable. ** Grand Pacific is the most pleasing w/windows & better decor.
I do my own excursions. In Halifax walked up to the Citadel & then took a ferry to Dartmouth.
St John's was the only inclement day but walked to 2 main squares with the City Market being the most fascinating.
Gov't shut down the parks so in Bar Harbor got the free Island Shuttle which took us out to 2 spots for 1-1/2 hr ride. Library around the corner to check my email.
In Newport got a ticket to 2 Mansions: Marble House & The Breakers riding the #67 bus (or trolley) for $2/ride ($6 for all day pass) which runs every 20 minutes. One is given an audio so you can follow along in each room. Suggest going to Breakers first as it is very heavily attended. No photos allowed.
In Boston friends picked me up for a day of sightseeing. Quincy Market very crowded.
Lunch at the Boston Club w/panoramic views was outstanding.
Shows aboard were quite good w/the game shows afterwards very funny.
Comedic juggler and Jeff Harms, the comedian did a few shows & both were
quite entertaining.
Front desk staff helpful & a very affable room steward.
Any questions please ask.
Oct 11th, 2013, 03:25 PM
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We sailed the Gem out of NYC as well a couple of years ago. We enjoyed Leo a guitarist/vocalist who played in the Atrium or Magnums every night. Did you happen to see him? Wondering if he is still on the Gem.
Oct 12th, 2013, 02:58 AM
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The only constant seems to be Jeff Harms, a very good comedian
who has been w/NCL 16 years. The musicians in Magnums & the
Atrium had changed from my Feb. 2013 cruise. They had a folk singer and another pianist this time.
who has been w/NCL 16 years. The musicians in Magnums & the
Atrium had changed from my Feb. 2013 cruise. They had a folk singer and another pianist this time.
Oct 14th, 2013, 02:11 AM
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The only way I know of katybird is to post a query on www.cruisecritic under that cruise line forum. For ex., folks who are taking the same cruise I just returned from are currently making queries about items that interest them.
And we respond w/what we know.
And we respond w/what we know.
