Norwegian Gem Ship Visit

By Yvonne
5 October 2007

Yvonne has been with Cumbria Cruises since 2004. She has experienced several ships, including Minerva II.

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A 4:30am start and an 8 hour drive from Barrow-in-Furness to Dover? I can see why most people must think I am mad, but having experienced the likes of P&O Cruises and Swan Hellenic, the whole concept of Freestyle Cruising has always interested me; now I could get the opportunity to experience this first-hand, and see the latest ‘It Girl’ in all her glory.

Freestyle Cruising promises to be different – no rules, no dress codes & no dinner settings, so for once I didn’t have to worry about fitting full evening attire into my tiny overnight bag! One dress, one outfit is definitely a first for me (I’m usually the one who is running late after much deliberation over which outfit to wear)!

After a lengthy journey, I was in need of a refreshing drink. Embarkation was really straight-forward: the designated NCL terminal at Dover and friendly, efficient staff I was onboard before I knew it, armed with a full information pack and schedule of events.

My first impression upon embarkation was: “Wow”! Everything was gleaming and once onboard we were greeted by NCL staff who directed us to the very spacious lifts, and informed us to make our way to Deck 9, where we would find the cabin we had been allocated for the evening.

My colleague, Tina and I shared a JJ Grade Inside Cabin, which was located towards the rear of the ship. I had not stayed in an Inside Cabin before, so I didn’t quite know what to expect but I was very pleasantly surprised to find a generously sized and very nice layout before me.

The cabin had all the usual amenities: television, safe, hair-dryer, coffee and tea-making facilities, bathroom with shower, gels and lotions plus your nightly Turn-Down service, which is always a nice touch.

Quickly disregarding our luggage, it wasn’t long before we were sat out on deck with a gorgeous rum punch, discussing our first impressions of the ship. The sun was out, which is very rare, especially in October, so we had to make the most of it.

Next on the agenda was to do the full tour of the ship. When we embarked we were given deck-plans and check-point packs, so this made it easier to navigate our way around this gorgeous ship, finishing off on deck 14, where we were able to view NCL’s signature accommodation, the Garden and Courtyard Villas.

These must be the most luxurious and spacious accommodation currently available at sea. The Garden Villas have not one, but three separate bedrooms, each with a private bathroom and huge living areas. The Courtyard Villas are on a private deck, away from the other accommodation, and consist of a small number of stunning suites. All suites share the courtyard, which is complete with hot-tub.

We then navigated our way around deck 12, taking in the cinema, Tree Tops Children’s Club and the Garden Café buffet restaurant before stopping off and visiting the Ying Yang spa and beauty salon, to see some of the treatments on offer.

When it comes to dining, you really are spoilt for choice. With over 13 dining options to choose from (ranging from French Bistro’s, a Sushi Bar, Italian Cuisine to Cagney’s Steakhouse there is somewhere to cater for all taste buds!

These are in addition to the Silver Service restaurants, “Grand Pacific” and “Magenta” main dining rooms.

After much deliberation, we opted to dine in the “Orchid Garden” Asian restaurant, where the food, ambiance and service were all excellent.

After dinner, we made our way to Spinnakers Lounge, which is right on the front of the ship, on Deck 13. With spectacular views of the ocean, and bold, luxurious furnishings this was a great place to mix with others or simply watch the world go by.

We also sampled “Flamenco’s” Tapas & Salsa restaurant, which was fantastic: we got to sit at a table loaded with Tapas and also had great seats to witness Ruby Wax, who provided much entertainment with a fantastic speech. Flamenco’s looks down onto the crystal atrium where Ruby was giving her speech, so we timed it just right!

I retired to bed shortly afterwards, sampling the Ultra Bliss lounge along the way, as I was absolutely exhausted and faced a long journey home the next day.

I was truly privileged to get the chance to participate in this visit – NCL certainly live up to their slogan, as you are free to do what you want, when you want! I would not have any hesitation to return on NCL, or indeed to recommend them to anyone else.

Why not ask a question or submit a comment about Yvonne's Norwegian Gem visit?