I just recently returned from New York where I had the privilege of attending the naming ceremony of the brand new Norwegian Gem. In keeping with NCL's ongoing commitment to think and act out of the box, the Godmother of the ship was chosen in a unique fashion. Instead of the traditional naming conducted by a celebrity or member of a royal family, the sparkling new ship was christened by the winner of the NCL "IT" girl video contest. It was a case of "You Tube Meets Family Feud" so to speak. Loyal female NCL cruisers (sorry guys) were asked to submit a creative video about why they wanted to be the NCL "IT" girl based on the GEM's marketing buzz word ad campaign. The winner was Cindy Cardella, a 31 year mother of 3 from New Jersey. She got to pull the magic lever (from inside the theatre because it was 30 degrees outside) that smashed the traditional giant champagne bottle against the ship. We then sailed out for a 2 night cruise for the trade and press that showcased the amenities of the ship.
For those who haven't cruised on NCL recently or just don't get the whole "Freestyle" thing, the ship is a great example of the evolution of the cruise industry. First seating is when you want to go to dinner and so is second seating. You can eat at 7:11 PM or 9:23 PM. Dining in the two main restaurants as well Tequila Latin, The Garden Café, La Cucina, Blue Lagoon and Topsiders is included in the fare. Many traditional cruisers balk at "paying for food" on a cruise but I think of the $15 or $20 cover charge as the gratuity for the staff. Can you dine in a good restaurant ashore for $30 to $40 for two? No way. On the GEM, the alternate dining venues include the Tepanaki (think Benihana at Sea), Sushi Asian, The Bistro (chic European) or Cagney's Steak House. So many choices you will think you have found Bliss. But not so, because Bliss is the name of the nightclub complex on deck 6 that incorporates a disco, South Beach style lounging and ersatz VIP rooms AND 4 regulation bowling alleys. Throw in a few slot machines and you've got one very unique venue. And everyone makes it past the velvet ropes!
The truth of the matter is that Freestyle is not for everyone. Some people just like being told when and where to eat. And frankly, to see the various shows does require some degree of scheduling. But at the end of the day, if cruisers take the time to understand in advance how the system works and appreciate the ultimate in on board flexibility they get hooked on the Freestyle Cruise concept for life.
And the suites on the GEM are to die for. In fact, NCL has the largest suites at sea, including the magnificent 3 bedroom 5,000 + square foot Garden Villa complex replete with butler, private hot tub and sun deck. Billed as a "cruise with a cruise" the two Garden Villas are joined by equally exciting, if somewhat less enormous, Courtyard Villas, Penthouses, Owner's and Romance Suites.
NCL is a company on a tremendous fast track. Just a few years ago, the company operated older ships, had lost a little of its luster and struggled financially. Today under it's aggressive leadership team and buoyed by a $1 billion dollar investment by Apollo Management (who also owns majority interest in Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises), Norwegian Cruise Line operates the youngest fleet of ships in the cruise industry with two more "F3" class ships to be introduced over the next four years.
So, cast off the lines because you ain't seen nothing yet!
To see more of NCL’s Gem, click here
For those who haven't cruised on NCL recently or just don't get the whole "Freestyle" thing, the ship is a great example of the evolution of the cruise industry. First seating is when you want to go to dinner and so is second seating. You can eat at 7:11 PM or 9:23 PM. Dining in the two main restaurants as well Tequila Latin, The Garden Café, La Cucina, Blue Lagoon and Topsiders is included in the fare. Many traditional cruisers balk at "paying for food" on a cruise but I think of the $15 or $20 cover charge as the gratuity for the staff. Can you dine in a good restaurant ashore for $30 to $40 for two? No way. On the GEM, the alternate dining venues include the Tepanaki (think Benihana at Sea), Sushi Asian, The Bistro (chic European) or Cagney's Steak House. So many choices you will think you have found Bliss. But not so, because Bliss is the name of the nightclub complex on deck 6 that incorporates a disco, South Beach style lounging and ersatz VIP rooms AND 4 regulation bowling alleys. Throw in a few slot machines and you've got one very unique venue. And everyone makes it past the velvet ropes!
The truth of the matter is that Freestyle is not for everyone. Some people just like being told when and where to eat. And frankly, to see the various shows does require some degree of scheduling. But at the end of the day, if cruisers take the time to understand in advance how the system works and appreciate the ultimate in on board flexibility they get hooked on the Freestyle Cruise concept for life.
And the suites on the GEM are to die for. In fact, NCL has the largest suites at sea, including the magnificent 3 bedroom 5,000 + square foot Garden Villa complex replete with butler, private hot tub and sun deck. Billed as a "cruise with a cruise" the two Garden Villas are joined by equally exciting, if somewhat less enormous, Courtyard Villas, Penthouses, Owner's and Romance Suites.
NCL is a company on a tremendous fast track. Just a few years ago, the company operated older ships, had lost a little of its luster and struggled financially. Today under it's aggressive leadership team and buoyed by a $1 billion dollar investment by Apollo Management (who also owns majority interest in Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises), Norwegian Cruise Line operates the youngest fleet of ships in the cruise industry with two more "F3" class ships to be introduced over the next four years.
So, cast off the lines because you ain't seen nothing yet!
To see more of NCL’s Gem, click here
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