Norwegian Gem Cruise Review
Educational, 19 May 2008 - May Malcolm
 Having been invited to Papenburg shipyard last year to see the NCL Gem being built, it was a pleasure to be invited to sail on her this year.
We met at Heathrow for our flight to Barcelona, then transferred to the ship. Embarkation was very well organised and before we knew it we were we were on board. Welcomed by a lovely chilled glass of champagne we were eager to see round this wonderful ship.
The Java Café is like the hub of the ship, with a 100ft screen for showing the latest football and sporting events. There are lovely bars and sitting areas in this area, Shakers Martini Bar became a great meeting point on our trip.
I did not know what to expect from the NCL FREESTYLE DINING EXPERIENCE, but it works a treat on board the Gem. Almost like being ashore you can choose from 13 different dining options (some carry a small cover charge). For the main restaurant you can just turn up whenever you like, but for the smaller, speciality ones you make a reservation that day. I was not disappointed and the meal we had one evening in Cagneys Steakhouse was just fantastic, it has a fee of $15 but you could not have bought the starter onshore in a café for this amount – great value!
Lunch – choose from 4 different restaurants you will be spoilt for choice, no reservations required.
We were able to dine in Cagneys Steakhouse, La Cucina Italian Kitchen, Le Bistro, Teppanyaki and the Asian Restaurant all of which carry a supplement of $10-$25 pp with each one of them more than worth it, and in my opinion, the best food at sea. You still have restaurants which carry no supplement, the choice is fantastic and if you are on a 7 night Med cruise, as I was, you run out of days, rather than restaurants!
The Gem has no fewer than 11 bars! Have a try at lady luck in the Casino after one of the magnificent shows where you take your seat for the best of Broadway, the West End and Las Vegas, you'll feel they are all rolled into one and this all included in the price.
Days at sea were never boring, and we struggled to fit in all her fantastic facilities. Climbing wall, chilling at the pool, jogging round the deck, playing basketball, tennis or having a go at the Gold Driving Nets or even a game of ten pin bowling - the Gem has it all! After all the wonderful food you have you will need to visit the state of the art gym. If this is still not enough activities you can have quiet time in the card room, the lovely fitted library or catch up with those you are missing in the internet café – of course this may be because you wish to brag you are on this amazing ship. Make your time on board as busy or as quiet as you want. This is your cruise – you choose. Dine when you want and with whom you want, table for 2 or table full of new friends you met on board!
The itinerary we followed was just lovely: Barcelona – At Sea – Rome – Naples - Livorno – Villefranche - Barcelona
You may choose to book an organised excursion prior to travel or do your own thing, it's your cruise – you choose.
From seeing the Gem in the shipyard in her raw shell, I had eagerly anticipated what she would finally look like, the result was magnificent with wonderful lively colours and tastefully decorated cabins and public areas.
I am sold on the idea of Freestyle dining. The choice of restaurants and the standard of food was second to none, so much so I have just booked to sail on her again with my partner Willie - this time, sailing from New York down to the Bahamas in March 2009 – testament indeed and I simply cannot wait!
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