Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem is a popular floating resort. The waters are crowded with sea-worthy vessels, so to make planning easier, we've done all the prep work for a cruise vacation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on cruise ships, here is a tip sheet offering all the key information one could ever need to know about the Norwegian Gem.
Destination
The
, based in New York City, makes a variety of voyages throughout the year. Among these are seven-night cruises from New York City to Florida and the Bahamas, seven-night trips to Bermuda and 10-night fall foliage voyages to New England and Canada.
Luxury Ship
The 2,394-passenger Norwegian Gem, which debuted in 2007, is based year-round in New York City. At 965 feet long and 105 feet wide, it's one of the larger cruise ships on the water today, offering a myriad attractions and accommodations not found on smaller cruise vessels.
Special Features
The Norwegian Gem has all that you'd expect from a mega-cruise liner and several unexpected features. The Gem's unconventional
include a bowling alley, a two-story screen where guests can play Nintendo Wii, and The Haven, a cluster of staterooms with their own private courtyard deck and pool area. The ship also has a basketball court, a health spa and fitness center, a climbing wall, a full casino, a jogging track and several swimming pools.
Accommodations
on the Norwegian Gem include basic interior cabins, ocean-view cabins and balcony cabins. Travelers who want to go first class all the way can opt for the spacious suites in The Haven. All staterooms include a private bath, a television and ample closet space.
Cost
vary depending on the length and the destination of the voyage. Passage on the Norwegian Gem starts at $429 for a seven-night Florida and Bahamas cruise, at $479 for a seven-night Bermuda cruise and at $799 for a 10-night fall foliage cruise. All fares are per person, based on two people sharing a stateroom. Port taxes and airfare are additional.
Excursions
One Norwegian Gem passenger recommended the
, Bahamas. Passengers get instructions on how to navigate the Segway (a motorized scooter that you ride standing up), and then they are off to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the island on a trail that snakes through lush tropical foliage.
Dining Experience
Norwegian Cruise Lines pioneered "Freestyle Cruising," where guests can dine when and with whom they choose rather than being assigned to one table and one set of table mates for the duration of the cruise. The
on the Norwegian Gem include Cagney's Steakhouse, La Cucina Italian Restaurant, Le Bistro French Restaurant and the Grand Pacific Main Dining Room. Guests can also have their meals delivered to their staterooms.
Maiden Voyage
The Norwegian Gem debuted on
.
In The News
Our research revealed no notable news stories or safety concerns regarding the Norwegian Gem.
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