A New Gem for NCL

Norwegian Gem is almost identical to Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Jade. There are a few changes, though. The atrium lobby on this ship is a real focal point, with a massive LED screen covering a whole wall. The moving images certainly add life to what on other ships is usually a fairly sedate space. This is the first NCL ship to have the Nintendo Wii system and the idea is that tournaments will take place in the atrium, using the screen.

Eat when you want

As is typical for NCL, there are numerous dining options and you can eat when you like, where you like. Some of the smaller restaurants carry a modest premium and it’s advisable to book ahead. In addition to the main dining rooms, there’s Tex-Mex food in Tequila, a desert-themed restaurant; grills in Cagney’s Steakhouse; and the excellent Orchid Garden, serving Asian dishes and separately, sushi and sashimi and Teppanyaki in a dedicated room.

Le Bistro is classically French and even has an original Matisse on the wall; while the Blue Lagoon is a 24-hour diner and La Cucina serves salads, pasta, pizza and Italian desserts. The Garden Café is the main casual dining venue, with lots of food stations preparing dishes to order and a children’s restaurant, with miniature chairs and tables. Dressing up for dinner is entirely optional – there are no black tie nights in Freestyle Cruising.

Bar hopping

Four of the many bars are clustered around Bar Central on Deck Six; the Magnum’s Champagne Bar in particular was highly popular when I was on board. The Corona Cigar Club, opposite, is one of the few places on the ship where smokers can light up. This whole area has a good buzz and is an ideal place to meet friends in the evening.

Norwegian Gem offers all the entertainment you’d expect from a big, modern ship: a high-tech fitness centre with classes, a huge, busy casino in a carnival theme, a sports court, golf nets, a theatre, a decent-sized library and a climbing wall. The Yin & Yang Spa is run by Mandara and offers anything from a hot stone massage ($175) to tooth whitening ($199).

I liked one of the features around the main pool, where there are sectioned-off sitting areas partitioned by greenery – low-slung chairs with big, white cushions for lounging on, almost creating the feeling of a private beach club.

Blissed out

The piece de resistance, though, is Bliss, which rivals any ultra-chic nightclub or lounge ashore. The décor is absolutely gorgeous, with life-sized silver statues, chandeliers and velvet beds piled high with cushions as well as roped-off VIP areas, two bowling alleys, a dance floor, extremely subdued lighting and plasma screens showing music videos.

This ship is great for families and has a very smart teen club, the Leopard Lounge, and a brightly-coloured kids’ club with a rainforest theme, with activities divided into different age groups. The main pool also has a big waterslide. Plenty of staterooms interconnect.

Suite dreams

Cabins are spacious and colourful, with more gem-like hues and polished cherry wood. The top cabins, though, are the two Garden Villas, each with three double bedrooms, panoramic views from their position high on Deck 14 and everything their lotus-eating occupants might need, from private sun terrace to hot tub, piano, BOSE entertainment centre, gym equipment and concierge.

Overall, I loved Norwegian Gem. My only slight objection is the number of TV screens everywhere, even in the Garden Café. I go on vacation to get away from TV, especially at meal times. Then again, if you want to enjoy a bit of seclusion, you could always book one of those lovely Garden Villas…

Lounging on deck

Suite pool

Bright colours round the main deck

Contemporary furnishings

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