Norwegian Gem Review
Great Itinerary, average ship-board experience
Rating by category
Additional details
The big attraction of this cruise was the itinerary: LA to New York taking in the Panama Canal and the ABC islands and lots of other places along the way, plus 19 days in the sun in mid-winter.
I've cruised about a dozen times with several different cruise lines and on varying sizes of ships and although this was not a bad experience I'd put Norwegian at the bottom of my list and would only cruise with them again if the itinerary was really special, like this one.
I've given an overall "Average" rating because, while some aspects of the trip were very good, others were not so great.
Cabin Review
Oceanview Picture Window
As I've said above, the cabin was a bit tired in terms of decor but spacious enough, certainly for one person. It was configured as a double bed when I arrived, and that took up a lot of space and was in front of the window (as illistrated on the company webiste) which I didn't think was ideal so I had it changed to two singles which worked well for me and meant I could sleep in the bed which was not under the third person foldaway and this avoid the risk of banging my head on it. It would have been cosy with three people in there but I realise it was not one of the larger cabins on board.
Port Reviews
Cabo San Lucas
I wasn't going on an excursion so there was quite a wait for a tender to go ashore. The port is intersting to wander round and watch the seals and pelicans but nothing to make it stand out from other resort towns.
Puerto Quetzal (Antigua)
I did the tour to San Antonio Aguas Calientes for the textile museum, and then Antigua. Guide was called Armando and was very good and interesting about the history of weaving in the area. Nice lunch at a hotel in Antigua then free time to wander in the city, which is very attractive but not sure I'd want to spend a whole day there. Fascinating to see the deavastation caused by the recent earthquake and how the country is recovering.
Corinto
Tour to Chinandega and then to two ranches. I had been to Corinto before and had the same your guide, Byron, who is excellent. Chinandega is a historic town with a lovely cathedral and interesting architecture. At the first ranch we get a demonstration of local pottery making, as well as tortillas and a dance show, before going on to the Rosario Ranch, also owned by the Coen family and a centre for the breeding and training of horses, as well as a clinic and rehabilitaiton centre for disabled children.
Curacao
Just went ashore and wandered in the town. Very pretty but as it was a Sunday a lot of places were closed.
Bonaire
Lovely small port, easy to wander round.