Gem's Vital Stats and question about NYC

[CruiseDad]

I have a friend who has booked the Gem out of NYC in Feb 09. It could be cold leaving NY in Feb, when do they hold the safety drill? Will he need to bring a warm coat to stand on deck for 20 min in 30 degree weather?

I went to cruise reviews and do not see the Gem even listed. This ship must realy be NEW. Where can I find the stats. How many tonnes, how many passengers and crew, length, width etc.

He has a 9 year old son. Any suggestions for ships activities for him?
Thanks

[divyeshgopal]

I am going on the Gem in couple week from Barcelona, Spain. I will post once I get back. At this time, you can go on www.youtube.com and type in Norwegian Gem and watch videos of the cruise ship, including passengers own videos. Thanks.

[LisaP]

Hi CruiseDad. Sorry that you have now experienced my frustrations with the NCL site. I found the information you are looking for on NCL's UK site... click HERE.

In case the information in the link goes away, here's an excerpt:

Entered Service: October 2007
Length: 965 feet
Gross Tonnage: 93,558
Guest Capacity: 2,394 (double occupancy)
Crew Capacity: 1,109

Regarding the muster drill and weather... where does your friend live? If he's a New Englander like we are, he and his family will most likely have their coats with them already, or at least clothing that can be layered.

I don't have first-hand experience with the Kids Programs on the newer ships, yet I did tour N. Gem's sister ship N. Jewel and was very impressed with the facilities. Of course, a lot depends upon what the youngster wants to do, but there were computer games, Internet stations, and other age-appropriate activites in the room designated for his age group. Also, he can go with his parents to just about anywhere on the ships -- shows, specialty restaurants (most, if not all of them), excursions, etc.

And to divyeshgopal, welcome to cruise-chat. I look forward to your thoughts when you return.

[billybuzzy]

CruiseDad-We did the Gem in Jan 08 out of NYC. Muster drill should be held inside the ship at a location that varies with your cabin location. You will really like the Gem, she is a great ship with a great crew and first class facilities and service!

Bon Voyage,

BillyBuzzy

[CruiseDad]

Originally posted by billybuzzy:
CruiseDad-We did the Gem in Jan 08 out of NYC. Muster drill should be held inside the ship at a location that varies with your cabin location. You will really like the Gem, she is a great ship with a great crew and first class facilities and service!

Bon Voyage,

BillyBuzzy

That's a relief, I'll let Gary know. They are from New England and will have cold weather clothes with them but were considering leaving them in the car and running for the gangway.

I've met their son a few times. He is in to the normal 9 year old stuff. When he found they were going to NYC he wanted to stop the McDonalds in time square.

The Gem has a nice top end speed (25 knots), should be able to steam into good weather quickly. She is a bit smaller than the giant cruise ships coming out, is that so she can make better ports do you think? Must be a fun transatlantic crossing.

[billybuzzy]

CruiseDad-We have done a Dec 06 cruise on the Dawn and a Jan 08 cruise on the Gem. They are sister ships and they take heavy seas quite comfortably. We have ridden out force 5 winds and 30 foot seas in these ships while staying in forward cabins. Both ships are unusually seaworthy and niice relaxing vessels. Have no weather fears on these ships.

They make great time on long passages and have so much to do aboard that on 11 and 12 day cruises we still have not been able to do everything! Just the variety of dining choices alone is a lot of fun. We definitely have felt we got our money's worth on these NCL ships. Next to ships over 100,000 tons they more than hold their own. They are huge but they have been able to retain that comfy smaller ship ambiance. We never hesitate to book an NCL cruise on these newer freestyle ships!

Bon Voyage,

BillyBuzzy

[LisaP]

I've met their son a few times. He is in to the normal 9 year old stuff. When he found they were going to NYC he wanted to stop the McDonalds in time square.

CruiseDad, my son did the same thing in London. He was 9 at the time, also.

From what you describe, I think he'd have a good time on N. Gem. I also forgot to mention the bowling lanes...but I leave it to those who have actually sailed her to comment.

[billybuzzy]

LisaP and CruiseDad-The bowling on the Gem is something else! It's the only place you can throw a gutter ball only to have it roll back into the lane and deliver a strike! I know from personal experience!

BillyBuzzy

[CruiseDad]

Originally posted by billybuzzy:
LisaP and CruiseDad-The bowling on the Gem is something else! It's the only place you can throw a gutter ball only to have it roll back into the lane and deliver a strike! I know from personal experience!

BillyBuzzy

I was wondering about that. In the youtube that was suggested earlier I think I saw tennis as well. This could also be quite a challenge, the wind must effect the ball tremendously.

[billybuzzy]

CruiseDad-The bowling alleys are inside in the Bliss Ultra Lounge and subjet to the motion of the ocean. Tennis, on the hand, is outdoors behind the rock wall and the funnel and at a lower level.
Gem is a really great ship!

BillyBuzzy