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   Cruise Travel - Cruise Ships


SHIP PROFILE

Norwegian Cruise Line

MV Norwegian Gem

Rating:Four Stars
Submit your review hereSubmit your review
Operator: Norwegian Cruise Line
Year Built / Last Refurbished: 2007/ 2007
Length / Tonnage: 956 / 93,000
Number of Cabins / Passengers: 1,120 / 2,240
Officers / Crew: Norwegian / International
Operating Area: Caribbean

Pam Massey, TravelPage.com, European Cruise Editor

"There's our Beautiful ship!" announced my travelling companion as we walked across Tosaristraat Bridge in Amsterdam, to take some photographs of the newest member of Norwegian Cruise Line's Fleet, Norwegian Gem. Not an unusual statement you may think, but quite something coming from someone who literally got headaches looking at photos of her fleetmates and felt the interior decor would be far too bright with all the colours clashing. That was apart from the 'indignity' of sailing a ship with its hull covered in the now distinctive NCL decorations.

Overview
Norwegian Gem is the 4th and last of NCL's Jewel Class vessels, after Norwegian Jewel, Pride of Hawaii [to be Norwegian Jade w.e.f. early 2008] and Norwegian Pearl. Norwegian Dawn & Norwegian Star referred to as 'Dawn Class' are also usually included to form the NCL sextuplets. None of the ships are identical to each other, but all have similarities in their layouts and style.

Norwegian Gem Norwegian Gem was built at Meyer Werft, Papenburg and handed over to NCL at the beginning of October 2007 at a ceremony in Eemshaven. After a quick visit to Rotterdam she sailed to Dover for some pre-inaugural celebrations, press, media & travel industry trips etc.

This short 2 night cruise to Amsterdam was her first with fare paying passengers. At 93,530gt, 294.13m long, 32.2m wide and with a draft of 8.3m she is not the largest of today's newbuilds, but certainly quite different in many ways, not least of all because she is an "It" Girl.

Norwegian Gem has a capacity of 2,466 passengers [double] with a maximum occupancy of 2,846 passengers, 1,154 crew and a service speed of 24 knots. "She's Hot, She's Hit, She's the Ultimate Trip". She appears to be 'Licensed to Thrill', has her own "It Girl Entourage" and a BFF [but seemingly only for a week at a time].

Even with a huge stretch of the imagination, neither my cruising companion or myself can pass as "It" Girls, but sobeit, and we boarded at Dover's Cruise Terminal 2, just after 2pm, following a somewhat delayed journey, for a very enjoyable 2 nights.

Cabins
Norwegian GemNorwegian Gem - Cabin 9012 Anti-bacterial hand-gel was squirted on the hands of all those boarding and indeed was everywhere throughout the trip. The gangway entered on Deck 6, midships outside the Magenta Main Dining Room and from there we made our way straight to our cabin, 9012, Deck 9 fwd to starboard.

First impressions were good. The balcony was nice, being within the hull and not just separated with a glass partition from those 'next door'. It offered both privacy and acted as a wind break; 2 chairs and small table. The beds had to be separated, even though the table placed between was probably only about 10" wide. The colours were bright and cheerful but not overbearing; blue wave patterned carpet with seashells.

A nice bathroom, with the toilet and shower partitioned with glass screens from the basin in the middle, but this area remained a bit cramped with the towel rails hanging on the back of the door. Soap & shampoo in dispensers with body lotion, shoe shine and shower cap also provided. Double wardrobe, shelves, mini-bar, ice bucket, flat screen TV, Tea/Coffee maker, 2 x US pin 110v outlet, hairdryer, safe [PIN operated], rock hard mini-sofa, stool and table. Enough storage room for a week, but not a lot more. The beds were the most comfortable I have ever slept in.

Public Areas
Passengers using the Freestyle SundeckNorwegian Gem, nor NCL, nor her Captain are British, but as most of her passengers on this trip were, muster was delayed by 15 minutes due to an all important World Cup Rugby Match [don't ask me who won, or who was playing who!] Finally we set sail just before 16:30 and then hove to off the White Cliffs, both stern in and then bow in, for a photo shoot. A helicopter buzzed around for a good 45 minutes with all passengers waving like mad, presumably hoping to be in a photo or film clip:) It was a beautiful day even if a bit chilly and windy on deck, with those cocktail umbrellas flying off, so I am sure some lovely pictures were taken. Now to explore Norwegian Gem.

Starting on deck. The topmost accessible area is the 'Freestyle' Sundeck behind the mast. A small stepped area with opaque screens around so those below cannot see in. Not for the youngsters. Discreet with loungers and double sunbeds. Also makes for a nice viewpoint on leaving or arriving in port. Midships there is another Sundeck with loungers above the Courtyard Villas although portside is a private area for the Villa occupants.

Above the Tahitian PoolStepping down to Deck 14 fwd is a Sundeck full off loungers extending around the mast with lovely forward views over the bow. Sheltered from the wind with screens. and a 'fun shower' area. Deck 14 aft is the Rock Climbing wall [complete with a Dr Zeuss type character] & more sundeck space. Here we learn for the first of many occasions that "Time does not Matter", except perhaps if you miss the ship! The after areas are tiered down to the basketball/volleyball/tennis court nets, Deck 13, and then below under a canopy is The Great Outdoors; stern eating [buffet] area Deck 12.

Also on Deck 13 is the Walking/Jogging track around the Funnel, beside which are loungers in the shade with various Deck Games [Chess], Shuffleboard & Golf Nets. Yet more sundeck areas with masses of loungers, surrounded by "Palm Trees", above the Tahitian Pool area and forward of these is the Bali Hai Bar & Grill. Surf's Up? Here one is required to ride the waves I think, depending on the Cocktail of the Day - a rather brightly decorated area, but fun.

Adults Only - Tahitian PoolThe Tahitian Pool area, mid Deck 12, Contains 2 pools. The fwd one with waterfall and 2 hot tubs is for the adults. Between the pools is a bandstand. The 2nd main pool has a waterslide and another 2 hot tubs, with a small kid's pool in the corner to port. To starboard is a poolside casino and a smart outdoor sitting area. With all the loungers around the pools, Topsiders Bar & Grill, Casino and seating area, this is a busy area and can become somewhat crowded.

Fwd of the Pool Area to stb are the Library, Card and Lifestyle Rooms. Compared to the rest of Norwegian Gem, these rooms are conservative in their furnishings and have some lovely maritime pictures, past menus and daily activity sheets from a number of ships, such as ss United States, Queen Mary, Nieuw Amsterdam etc

Table Tennis is available to stb in the passageway to the mid elevator lobby. The kid's pool also leads directly in the Tree Tops Kid's Club [2 - 12 years]. Both Pools are heated.

Orchid Garden Asian Restaurant is inside hereA walk around the Promenade on any of NCL's latest ships is an interesting exercise as the artwork depicts the lounges/restaurants within at any given point. The Promenade on Deck 7 of Norwegian Gem is not quite as elaborately decorated as some of her sisters, but just as fun to walk around.

There are loungers and tables too, along with shuffleboard, for those who may wish to stay longer. One may also get a chance to peek into the forward mooring deck and watch the winches at work. Jogging is not permitted on the Prom.

Down on Deck 4 amongst the cabins is the Medical Center, which I know nothing about as thankfully did not have to make a visit here. Deck 5 has no public areas; although the lower level of the Stardust Theater, there is no access here.

Stardust TheaterThe Stardust Theater spans 3 decks fwd and accommodates 1042. A quite spectacular theater with seating in heavy shades of blue and bright carpets patterned with 'Venetian Masks'. The entrances on both decks 6 & 7 are lined with painted scenes of Venice. 2 shows a night are held, but we didn't get a chance to see "Get Down Tonight" although prop rehearsals were underway when taking some photographs.

'Accademia' and 'Scalzi Bridge' Conference Rooms, which can be combined into one [20 guests each] along with Rialto Bridge [20 Guests Boardroom Style] are to port on Deck 6. Moving aft next is the huge Gem Club Casino, full of every type of game it seems including Texas Hold 'Em and lined with slots. Free gaming lessons and rum punch before the casino opens. Players Club cards, tournaments and offers. One has to walk through here to get to Bar Central.

Bar Central [Deck 6, mid] is aptly named. The 'hub' for cocktails, wine, beer, whiskey, that cigar etc, all around the lower level of a two-storey atrium with Le Bistro to port and the Orchid Garden above connected by a Normandiesque staircase.

Corona Cigar ClubCorona Cigar Club - "Choose from a selection of hand-rolled premium cigars. Go ahead, light one up and enjoy." Art Deco inspired artwork; Fine cognacs and spirits - 14 Guests

Orchid Garden to Magnum's Magnum's Champagne & Wine Bar, Shakers Martini & Cocktail Bar and Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar make up Bar Central.

Magnum's - "Some moments just call for champagne. And this is the place to enjoy it." 80 Guests., with pianists, Julio Urbina & Stacy Ward McAdams during the late afternoon and evenings.

Shakers Martini & Cocktail Bar Shakers - "Shaken or stirred, what will it be? Sip on all of them, how else are you going to pick a favourite." James Bond theme. 32 Guests.

Maltings - "Beer or Whiskey? Why not both, you're on holiday, remember?" Famed Whiskey of the world theme. 49 Guests. Evening entertainment included Kim Doolittle - "Pops & Blues & Guitar Strings".

Crystal Atrium*The* meeting place for all A-listers & "It" Girls is the centerpiece of the Norwegian Gem, the Crystal Atrium [Deck 7, mid] surrounded by Tequila Latin/Tapas Restaurant & Blue Lagoon on Deck 8 above. Dale Chihuly glass chandelier with 4 Emilio Robba floral sculptures, two-storey LED high-definition screen [for Wii], fun and funky colourful furniture [which is actually comfortable to sit on]. Around the Crystal Atrium is the Reception Desk [aft], Shore Excursions [port], Internet Café [port] with various Time Plans available, Port 'O Call Gift Shop [stb] and the Java Café [stb].

Aft of the Crystal Atrium is the Photo Gallery to Stb, which does not cause a blockage when open and Art Gallery to Port, full of paintings for purchase, but not on this trip due to VAT regulations. Both nice areas, but used as passageways from midships to.... Ahhh... 'Bliss'... read on ..

Aft on Deck 7 is Bliss Ultra Lounge & Night Club where one goes to "See & be seen in this ultra chic, velvety atmosphere!". Fantasy & mythological themed with 2 x 2 Lane Bowling alleys and another section of slot machines; "The happening nightclub with wicked DJs; VIP private areas; Perfect for 176 guests". Oh My! This has to be seen to be believed. One has to be 6yrs old to bowl, but no children are allowed in here in the evenings. The Adult Disco from 9pm with DJ Rommel and Shadow Dancers later on. Voulez-vous coucher avec moi (ce soir), playing in the back ground sets the scene for our walk through. A vibrant lounge in the evenings, but dead during the day with no windows. I would not want to look too closely at what may go on in the VIP areas or on the double beds placed around either.

Body Waves Fitness CenterWe now go up to Deck 12 and back to reality. An "It" Girl must look good & to assist, here we find to port fwd the Body Waves Fitness Center complete with "State-of-the-art machines & a spectacular ocean view that will leave you breathless!" An aerobic room, free weights, cardio machines with flat screen TVs. High/low impact aerobics, yoga, body sculpting & spinning classes. Open 24/7. A nice area, but seemingly little used on our trip; perhaps people are not worried over 2 nights of indulgence.

Deck 12 fwd is the huge Yin & Yang Spa & Beauty Salon. Hair, Nails, Thermal Suite - Steam Rooms & Saunas, Thalassotherapy Pool, Relaxation Areas with a great forward view plus many types of treatments including Acupuncture. [Mandara Spa]. I lost count of the number of treatment rooms, but this really is a lovely area; shame everything has a price tag. You can be rejuvenated after that evening spent in Bliss, have your teeth whitened after all the red wine and don't forget to ask about the fennel colon cleanse.. [that spoils it a bit!].

Also on Deck 12, mid to port, are the Teens Leopard Lounge, Video Arcade & Tree Tops Kid's Club - Norwegian Gem. The Leopard Lounge - "Chic, modern and way too cool for parents." 13 - 17yr olds, movies, parties, sports, activities & get-togethers. Dance floor, non-alcoholic bar, video juke box, table football & air hockey. 3 x 42" plasma & 2 x 23" LCD flat screen TVs. Supervised by NCL Youth Councillors & transforms into a teen disco

Tree Tops Kid's ClubTree Tops Kid's Club - "Kids rule. It's all about their wants and needs. After all they're on vacation too." Kid's crew programme for kids 2 - 12. Computer & movie room - Nintendo Wii. Wading pool, soft play area & jungle gym. Children's activities supervised by fun and qualified councillors. This is a bright fun area, with lovely sea views. All the youngsters seemed to be having a whale of a time. Each child needs to be registered and signed in and out by their parent[s]/guardian.

The long hallway leading to the Leopard Lounge is lined with framed posters of singers more akin to my era than the current generation I felt [unless some have made a come-back of course].

The Video Arcade is small but seemed to be well utilised with a number of machines.

Spinnaker LoungeFinally up Deck 13 fwd, is the Spinnaker Lounge, my favourite lounge. Off the port entrance is a small Chapel where one can renew wedding vows. The Chapel also doubles as a meeting room for 24. The Spinnaker Lounge is the home of Norwegian Gem's funky chairs. Spoon shaped, sunflowers, double bright yellow sofas and more line the sides; certainly interesting and surprisingly comfortable.

This is an observation lounge with wonderful views especially from a bright blue sunflower in the area forward over a bridge wing. The centre of the lounge is more conservative with seating arranged around tables to watch the bands, ballroom dancing, 50s & 60s Sock Hop, Karaoke, Disco or whatever else may be going on. A lively venue during the day with various indoor games being played, Foosball, darts, pinball, shuffleboard etc, as well as at night.

The Star Bar, perfect for the pre-dinner cocktail when dining at Cagney's, or at any other time from noon onwards. A lovely lounge with wonderful views to stb and over the Tahitian Pools areas forward. "Think of the gangsters-of-the-roaring-twenties décor", guns as door handles and bullet holes in the name plaque. Cagney's Steakhouse encompasses two areas, the smaller area being through the Star Bar with the larger area and open kitchen across a hallway. La Cucina Italian Restaurant [Deck 12, aft] also has a small outdoor eating area, part of The Great Outdoors, and is really very much akin to an open air country kitchen with 'Mama's Cooking'.. curiously the tiles on the floor are carpet.

Forward Stairwell, Decks 11/12Each of the 3 Stairwells aboard Norwegian Gem is decorated with large murals of different themes. The cabin hallways are bright in colours, with the cabins having 'slatted' doors and dials to let the cabin steward know when to make up or turn down one's cabin, if you remember to turn it that is!

All over Norwegian Gem are various pieces of interesting artwork to look at, the lights too are worth a mention. Much thought has gone into the detail of the fixtures and fittings, which I hope not too many passengers just pass by.


Dining
Magenta Main Dining RoomDining is 'Freestyle' with Norwegian Cruise Lines. There are no set dining times and one is able to choose to eat in a number of different types of restaurants. There are 12 aboard Norwegian Gem. The two main Dining Rooms are The Grand Pacific [Deck 7, aft] and Magenta [Deck 6, mid]. Both lovely rooms, the former themed on ocean liners of the past and the latter serving a lighter & 'healthier' cuisine is more contemporary.

The menus which change daily offer a number of choices for each course including vegetarian options. No reservation is necessary for these dining rooms, although they may become busy at peak periods requiring one to wait a while before seating. Both will be open in the evening, but may be only one or the other for lunch depending on if it is a day at sea or a day in port. There are various electronic boards around Norwegian Gem which indicates the seating availability of the various restaurants at the time.

Bistro Dining RoomMore casual restaurants include the Garden Café [Deck 12, mid], a buffet area with many varieties of food on different serving stations, from salads to a carvery, subs to curries, cereals to fresh fruit, open most of the day serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, evening meal and 'midnight' snacks. The Great Outdoors aft of the Garden Café serves mostly the same foods outside, weather permitting, for shorter hours. Topsider's Grill [Deck 12, mid] and Bali Hai Grill [Deck 13, Mid] serve the usual grill foods, burgers, hot dogs, chicken etc most of the afternoon until 'close'; weather permitting. Blue Lagoon [Deck 8, mid] is a fast food area open 24/7. One will never go hungry on this ship.

Grand Pacific Main Dining RoomThere are 7 speciality restaurants for which reservations are required, although only 5 command an additional cover charge [half-price if one sits down to eat before 6.30pm]. Cagney's Steakhouse $20 [Deck 13, Mid], a traditional American Steakhouse of the 1930's serving Beef & Seafood. La Cucina Italian Restaurant, no cover charge [Deck 12 aft], which was very good. Le Bistro French Restaurant $15 [Deck 6, mid], complete with original Matisse "Nude in a Turban". The Orchid Garden Asian Restaurant $10 [Deck 7, mid], a Japanese/Thai/Chinese restaurant complex including Teppanyaki $20 and a Sushi/Sashimi & Sake Bar $15. Finally there is Tequila, no cover charge [Deck 8, mid], serving hot and spicy latin/tapas foods.


Heavy Word
Norwegian Gem is indeed lovely ship and there is so much more one could show in detail. This is only a fairly brief overview to outline the various lounges, restaurants and entertainment facilities aboard.

Many more photos, including some menus, prices and scanned Freestyle Dailies can be found here

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