This was our 2nd time on the Gem in two years. Overall we really enjoy our cruise and the itinerary was perfect. We mainly chose this cruise due to the itinerary, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, and St. Thomas. While on board we enjoyed many of the restaurants, our favorites being Cagneys, Le Bistro, and the Grand Pacific. The staff was wonderful, they could not do enough to help, especial with the rough seas that we encountered. Hats off to them!
The only draw back was that the Gem in need of some major tlc. The ship is showing wear and tear do to the popularity of the ship. Our balcony door handle kept moving (not quite coming open but close) do to the motion of the ship. Part of the railing along part of the walk way on Deck 7 was replaced with simple 2x4s that did not maintain the finished look of the rest of the railing. The most obvious need of repair is the condition of the paint on the outside of the ship. While docked next to the Disney Cruise it was evident that our ship needs a new paint job. These conditions did not interfere with us enjoying our cruise, we still love the Gem and will visit her again.
I have to admit, we got spoiled on our last cruise (we got upgraded to mini-suit). Being in the Balcony was fine, only issue was the door handle to the balcony. Our Stewart JoeMar was awesome, he looked after out every need. Our room was always clean and had everything we needed.
We were not impressed with Martinique. We thought we would just do some shopping since we were only there a short time but we didn't feel that the island was tourist friendly.