Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Cruise Lines has been synonymous with excellence and hospitality since their inception out of Oslo, Norway in 1966. Since then, they have grown to a strong fleet of over ten ships and they’ve added new destinations, too. For instance, the Norwegian Gem will be serving routes to Bermuda starting in 2011. In addition, you can expect the usual, gorgeous, tropical settings such as Florida, Caribbean areas including the Bahamas and the Mediterranean. If you’re looking for a vacation that satisfies the single bachelor just as readily as it does the full family, look no further than the Norwegian Gem.

Fun for the Whole Family

What makes the Gem stand out among other cruisers is that it is geared for every kind of person or group. The Norwegian Cruise Lines actually instituted a policy that many other cruise companies have implemented since it was implemented across the NCL line called “freestyle cruising”. This basically means that anything from activities to dining is on your terms. You can order from any of sixteen different restaurants on-board catering to all tastes. If you’re interested in adventure, the cruise staff will ensure that you get signed up for all of the most thrilling activities for your dock stops including but not limited to:

Water-Skiing
Para-gliding
Para-sailing
Bungie jumping
Wave running
Hikes, bike paths and scenic tours

In addition to the thrills that you’re sure to find when docked, the ship itself features a rock wall and a water park with slides. If you’re more of a relaxing vacationer, check out the pools, spa treatments and on-ship bowling alley. After any activity you decide on, always feel free to visit one of the many bars and lounges where you can get a cocktail or other drink to cool down. If you have kids you’ll be pleased to know that there are both centers for younger children with abundant activities available and also disco dance parties for young adults serving non-alcoholic beverages and playing the coolest new music!

Dining: Casual and Decadent

Depending on your tastes, your “freestyle” cruise experience wouldn’t be complete without a host of different food selections. There are exotic and familiar dishes at the sixteen different locations ranging from salads to five-star, four-course filet mignon dinners. Just a few of the available restaurants on the ship include:

The Magenta Main Dining Room where banquets are held
Tequila Latin Restaurant
La Cucina Italian Restaurant
Le Bistro French Restaurant
Orchid Garden Asian Restaurant
Pizza 24/7
Cagney’s Steak House
Topsider’s Bar and Grill

Vacations and Starting Prices

The Gem operates out of the New York port but offers many different vacation routes starting as low as $149 for an inside cabin. Some examples include the one night getaway that’s listed at the $149 price, the two day getaway starting at $229 and the six day Bermuda route starting at $509 and stopping at the King’s Wharf port before heading back to New York. Even suites are reasonable: roughly $1,500 for a ten-day Quebec cruise!