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25 Aug 2012
Bahamas and Florida Cruise
Norwegian Gem - 7 nights ex New York, USA
Past Sailing
Be spoiled on the Norwegian Gem enjoying 7 exciting nights on the Bahamas and Florida Cruise exploring Caribbean. Your ship sails from New York and visits 4 ports in 2 countries before returning to New York. This particular 4.5 star cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line has forward departures, but is unfortunately sold out for this departure.
| Day | Date | Port of call | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sat 25 Aug 2012 | New York, USA | 4.00pm | |
 New York is situated on a large natural harbor on the Atlantic coast of the northeastern United States. With its world-class museums, big statues, even bigger buildings - certainly the Manhattan's skyline with its many skyscrapers is universally recognised, a whole lot of ‘whooo-wheee’, and being the most linguistically diverse city in the world, the Big Apple’s hyperactive rush keeps drawing more and more people to it. The City of New York is a densely packed mass of humanity and all this living on top of one another makes the New Yorker a special kind of person. It's hard to put a finger on what makes the place buzz so hard.
Major destinations include the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Broadway theatre productions, museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other tourist attractions including Central Park, Washington Square Park, Rockefeller Centre, Times Square, the Bronx Zoo, South Street Seaport, New York Botanical Garden, luxury shopping along Fifth and Madison Avenues, and the free performances in Central Park (where you will also find the zoo and the work of local artists on display) to name but a few. The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable icons of the United States and a practical, and free, way to absorb its attraction is to take the Staten Island Ferry’s one hour round trip. The famous Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock Observation Decks, both offer delightful views of the city. Try the diverse haute cuisine restaurants as well as the contrasting street fare of hot dogs and pretzels. more/less... |
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| 2 | Sun 26 Aug 2012 | At Sea | ||
| 3 | Mon 27 Aug 2012 | Port Canaveral, USA | 12.00pm | 10.00pm |
 Port Canaveral is just north of Cocoa Beach and east of Merritt Island, and is one of the busiest cruise ports in Florida. It has warm, inviting beaches, rolling surf and year round sunshine. The city of Cape Canaveral is one of the friendliest communities in northern Brevard County. Tourism and the space industry are two of the top job sectors for the residents as it is also home to the Kennedy Space Centre.
A tour of the Space Centre gives one the opportunity to tour NASA’s launch and landing facilities, ride the Shuttle Launch Experience, participate in the Astronaut Training Experience as well as view interactive simulators and live shows. There are also Space Shuttles and rockets on display, historical NASA exhibits, IMAX movies, and launch viewing. Nearby Cocoa Beach offers many other enjoyable ‘things to do’ - such as visiting the attractions of Cocoa Beach Pier and Jetty Park. The Canaveral National Seashore, a 58,000-acre long and undeveloped park located on a barrier island with its amazing variety of plants and bird species, and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, are both well worth visiting if time permits. You'll also find thrilling activities like fishing, boating, parasailing, and gaming opportunities. If relaxing in the sun and being by the water sounds like a plan, try one of the public parks within the Port, or enjoy the delightful views while riding one of the bike paths. more/less... |
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| 4 | Tue 28 Aug 2012 | Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas | 11.00am | 6.00pm |
 Great Stirrup Cay is a small island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas about 50 miles from Nassau. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into the cruise industry’s first private island for their passengers.
Their ships anchor off-shore and visitors are tendered to the private retreat, an unspoiled paradise of powdery white sand and crystal clear waters, surrounded by a reef with abundant coral and fish in the waters of the peaceful cove. Hammocks, swaying palm trees and lounge chairs line the beach. There is a Straw Market on the island that offers a wide range of Bahamian crafts and souvenirs, many at better prices than you will find in Nassau. The southern part features a helicopter airfield (with a sign reading "Great Stirrup Cay International Airport"), remnants of a previous U.S. military installation and satellite tracking station. more/less... |
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| 5 | Wed 29 Aug 2012 | Nassau, Bahamas | 8.00am | 6.00pm |
 The port city of Nassau, which dominates the entire island of New Providence, is the capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and interestingly is home to over 70 percent of the country’s population. It is well known for being an historical stronghold of pirates with connections to the infamous Blackbeard. A visit to the Pirates of Nassau Museum provides the details.
Downtown with its numerous boutiques is the hub for all activities. The busiest part is the Bay Street thoroughfare and the Woodes Rogers Walk that runs parallel to the Bay. There are a number of must-see landmarks in Nassau, including Rawson Square where you’ll find historic government buildings and the old goal, now reborn as a public library and museum. Other places of interest are Vendue House, Christ Church Cathedral, The Queen's Staircase, The Water Tower, The Forts, Gregory Arch and The Caves. The golden sands of Cable Beach provide a great spot to swim, go diving, fishing, canoeing, or simply relax. With its grand hotels and great restaurants that each offer a serene atmosphere, unique décor and distinctive cuisine it cannot be missed! Indeed the distinct blend of international glamour and tropical ease of this unique island gives visitors the freedom to do everything, or nothing at all. So, kick back and enjoy. more/less... |
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| 6 | Thu 30 Aug 2012 | At Sea | ||
| 7 | Fri 31 Aug 2012 | At Sea | ||
| 8 | Sat 1 Sep 2012 | New York, USA | 9.00am | |
| New York is situated on a large natural harbor on the Atlantic coast of the northeastern United States. With its world-class museums, big statues, even bigger buildings - certainly the Manhattan's skyline with its many skyscrapers is universally recognised, a whole lot of ‘whooo-wheee’, and being the most linguistically diverse city in the world, the Big Apple’s hyperactive rush keeps drawing more and more people to it. The City of New York is a densely packed mass of humanity and all this living on top of one another makes the New Yorker a special kind of person. It's hard to put a finger on what makes the place buzz so hard.
Major destinations include the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Broadway theatre productions, museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other tourist attractions including Central Park, Washington Square Park, Rockefeller Centre, Times Square, the Bronx Zoo, South Street Seaport, New York Botanical Garden, luxury shopping along Fifth and Madison Avenues, and the free performances in Central Park (where you will also find the zoo and the work of local artists on display) to name but a few. The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable icons of the United States and a practical, and free, way to absorb its attraction is to take the Staten Island Ferry’s one hour round trip. The famous Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock Observation Decks, both offer delightful views of the city. Try the diverse haute cuisine restaurants as well as the contrasting street fare of hot dogs and pretzels. more/less... |
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Norwegian Gem sails year-round from New York. Until early September 7-night cruises visit Port Canaveral in Florida and two ports in the Bahamas (with three sea days). During the northern Autumn for five weeks she visits the Canadian – New England region for the beautiful scenery. From mid-October 2013 she runs 9-night cruises to four country-islands in the Eastern Caribbean, with four sea-days.
Accommodation
All cabins have tea/coffee making sets, TV channels and movies, mini-fridge, separate toilet and enclosed shower, and European duvets. Two single beds can combine to make a double bed. Cabins have bunk beds to accommodate four (though crowded), and some have inter-connecting doors for families. The ocean-view cabins have a rectangular window or a porthole. Balcony staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person on a sofa bed. These rooms are larger with a sitting area and full height glass doors opening to a private balcony. There are no single cabins, and 27 cabins and suites are wheelchair-accessible.
Food and Dining
The ship has 16 dining options, and Freestyle Dining means you can eat anywhere, anytime, and with whomever, in formal or casual dress. The two main dining rooms are Grand Pacific and Magenta. Check the video screens to find out how busy each venue is, make a reservation, and find out the wait time. Alternative restaurants include: Cagney's Steak House serving steaks in a 30s setting, Blue Lagoon for trendy fast food, Le Bistro with classic French gourmet, La Cucina for traditional Italian fare, and Orchid Garden Asian for authentic Japanese/Thai/Chinese. Specialty restaurants have a surcharge and may need reservations.
Entertainment
The three-deck Stardust Theatre offers Las-Vegas-style razzle-dazzle production shows and cabaret acts. Many bands and solo musicians provide dance music and entertainment throughout the ship. The ship also features library, internet cafe, games room, a cinema with moving seats, a casino, and really comfortable cards and writing rooms.
Welcome to our Roll Call forum for Norwegian Gem's "Bahamas and Florida Cruise " departing 25 Aug 2012. Here you can meet fellow cruisers, swap ideas, plan tours, share with others and make friends before you even leave!
blog comments powered by DisqusClick here to view Norwegian Gem's calander of future cruises or
View the current location for Norwegian Gem here!
Cruise summary
Cruise: Bahamas and Florida Cruise
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Star rating: 
Departs: New York
Returns: New York
Ports of call: 4
Forward departures:
What's onboard? ▼
- Atrium social centre
- Shopping arcade
- The Haven suites & facilities
- Wedding packages
- DINING
- Main dining venues (2)
- Open seating, anytime
- Specialty restaurants (6)
- Casual buffet in/out-door
- Grill
- Pizzeria (with delivery, pay)
- Kid’s café
- Room service 24 h menus
- Coffee Bar & patisserie
- ENTERTAINMENT
- Show theatre (shows, cabaret)
- Bars & Lounges (13)
- Live music, dancing
- Nightclub, DJ
- Library
- Card room
- Chapel
- Casino
- Conference/business centres
- ACTIVITIES
- Swimming pools (2)
- Whirlpools (6)
- Spa & beauty treatments
- Fitness centre & rooms
- Sports courts
- Jogging track
- Climbing wall
- Bowling alleys (pay)
- Internet café (pay)
- UNDER 18
- Children’s water park
- Children’s centre
- Teens’ centre, disco
- Video arcade
- OTHER
- Wi-Fi in cabins, public areas (pay)
- Elevators (12)
- Wheelchair access good
- Cabin current 110 V
- Medical centre
What's included? ▼
- Accommodation as booked
- All main meals on-board
- Coffee, tea & milk 24 hrs
- Open/anytime seating & multi-venue dining
- Welcome bottle of wine in Suite
- Use of ship facilities - indoor & outdoor
- Entertainment - live music and/or shows, movies
- Activities - organised & individual
- Bridge director on select cruises
- Kids clubs & teen programs (2-17 yrs)
- Cruise Director & all English speaking staff
- Butler, valet & concierge services (Suites & A Staterooms)
- Special needs requests & service animals allowed
- Ship-shore-ship transfers
- Internet access & Wi-Fi (common areas, cabins)
What's excluded? ▼
- Airfares, accommodation & transfers not specified
- Shore & land excursions and meals not specified
- Alternate specialty dining venues (unless specified)
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks
- Casino gaming
- Passport & visa fees
- Insurances of all kinds
- Increases in third party charges or taxes
- Customary land tour gratuities are welcome
- Service charge: USD 12 pp/night (can be pre-paid with fare) if over 2y. Adjust at Guest Services Desk.
- Gratuities to beverage staff welcome.
- Service charge for spa & salon 18% charged
- Items & services of a personal nature
- Medical services, vaccination costs
- Laundry and/or valet charges
- Wi-Fi, Internet, satellite/mobile phone & fax charges
- Babysitting in groups (2-12 yr)
Recent testimonials
"Thanks Jane, you've been amazing and made my booking so easy. I am happy to recommend you to all my family and friends!"
Rosemary from Perth
"We have returned after enjoying such a great first cruise. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire cruise and hope to take another one at some time. We just wanted to say thank you for everything you did for us and we valued your assistance greatly."
Amelia from Melbourne
"We were more than satisfied with the service we received from your agency everything was organized well. The P&O cruise itself was absolutely wonderful and thank you for your service and support."
Keith & Moira from Newcastle