Norwegian Gem review by Sandra Claire

Reviewer Profile

Age: 51-65
# of Cruises Taken: 1
Destination: Caribbean
Sailing Month: Feb 2008
Stateroom Type: OCEAN VIEW
Cruising with Children: No

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Comments By Sandra Claire
As this was my first cruise, I really did not know what to expect. We left from Manhattan, NY, in Feb 08, and we encountered quite a storm. The windows were covered with steel plates for our protection on decks 4 and 5. We were caught in 16 ft swells. However, I did not get sea sick. My first piece of advise is to take ginger capsules, one a day, 5 days before a cruise, and then 2 a day starting with the first day of the cruise. These things really work! Everyone on board was wonderful. The crew were friendly, always smiling, and really seemed to care about us, not just as paying customers, but as people. I had several lovely discussions with crew members, and I really enjoyed meeting people from all over the world. As a first time cruiser, there were a few things I found I did not like. As no money passes hands on the ship, you really have to be careful about your on board purchases, as you can get caught up with the jewellery, the purses, the perfume, etc. Second bit of advise, when you go back to you room at the end of the day, just keep a tally of what you have purchased on board, and what you purchased at your destination (for customes). I had no surprises on my last day, and I knew exactly what to expect when the bill arrived. The cruise ship was beautiful, and the chefs really went out of their way to cook, and present beautiful meals, from the buffet, to the resteraunts! Yes, there were several resteraunts that had a cover charge, but if you did not want to pay over and above the cruise price, you had a choice. The rooms were first class, and they were cleaned every day, and checked on at least twice a day, to make sure you had ice, your bed was turned down, you had the next day newsletter. The entertainment was wonderful, and we enjoyed each and every performance. With NCL, you can be as fancy as you want to be, with jewels, long gowns, and cover charge meals, or you can be as laid back as you wanted to be, with a sundress, and sandles. You could go to the buffet and pick up a meal, and carry it back to your room. This cruise line really gives you options. My third piece of advice for first timers, would be to leave from a warmer port, especially if you are leaving mid winter, and to find a cruise that is not so long at sea. Our trip was two full days going, and two and a half days coming back. To me, that was a long time wandering the ship. That being said, however, I am taking an Alaska cruise in 2010 out of Seattle. I am really looking forward to that trip. One: because it will be with NCL; Two: because the same friends will be going with me; and Third: because my sister and her husband have decided to go as well. Happy cruising to all who decide to try it!

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