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23 Feb 2013
Eastern Caribbean
Norwegian Gem - 9 nights ex New York, USA
Past Sailing
Get away on the Norwegian Gem for 9 exciting nights on the Eastern Caribbean cruise exploring Caribbean. Your ship starts out from New York, the cruise will take you to 5 ports in 5 countries before returning to New York. This 4.5 star voyage from Norwegian Cruise Line has 21 forward departures, but is unfortunately sold out for this departure.
| Day | Date | Port of call | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sat 23 Feb 2013 | 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 24 Feb 2013 | At Sea | ||
| 3 | Mon 25 Feb 2013 | At Sea | ||
| 4 | Tue 26 Feb 2013 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | 3.00pm | 9.00pm |
 San Juan, the capital and most populous city of Puerto Rico, is the oldest city on US territory. It is the Caribbean commercial hub, but is best known for its beautifully restored historic district of Old San Juan that is situated on a rocky peninsula girded by thick walls jutting into the crashing Atlantic surf. With its 400 restored buildings from the 16th and 17th century Spanish colonial period this area is steeped in history. Add to this the expansive stretches of smooth clean beaches, boutiques, and pleasant restaurants, that make Condado the most popular neighbourhood for visitors and one understands why this port is the heart of the island’s tourism.
Take time to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets and investigate the pastel-coloured buildings, restaurants, boutiques, museums and mansions. Explore El Morro, the dramatic fortress on a rocky promontory with its barracks, dungeons, turrets, towers and tunnels. The massive Castillo de San Cristobal with its series of fortifications, and the World Heritage Site, La Fortaleza comprising a forty room mansion that was completed in 1540 are well worth visiting. There are many statues and monuments to be appreciated including: the Citizen of the Americas, a statue of Christopher Columbus and one of the first native Puerto Rican who served as governor, to name but a few. The San Juan Cemetery is considered a beautiful place, of great historical interest as is the El Capitolio de Puerto Rico , a powerful symbol of self-government, with it interior design that highlights Puerto Rico’s history through the medium of murals are also great tourist attractions. There are also many natural splendors to be appreciated and above all you will find yourself surrounded by warm and friendly people. more/less... |
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| 5 | Wed 27 Feb 2013 | St Marten, Guadeloupe | 8.00am | 6.00pm |
 The island of Saint Martin (St Marten) was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, and is located about 250 km north of Continental-Guadeloupe. Since February 2007, after a poll, it has become a French Territorial Collectivity. Previously divided between the Dutch and the French, the peaceful cohabitation of the two communities has resulted in this tiny island becoming an extremely popular holiday and duty-free shopping destination in the Caribbean.
Probably most famous for the variety of the delightful 37 palm-treed beaches that even include salt-water ponds, one can simply laze, or go snorkelling, scuba diving in the coral reefs, windsurfing and even parasailing. Motorboats and sail boats offer excursions, while those who enjoy game fishing are sure to enjoy the variety of fish found in the offshore waters. Visit the historical Museum of Saint Martin and then possibly take a climb to the historic Fort Louis, built in 1767. Traces of Saint Martin's history can also be found in the other villages of the island. The pastel-coloured houses and tulips in Phillipsburg tell their own story, while in Quartier d'Orléans, the original settlement of the French on the island, much of the old structures and atmosphere has been preserved. Renowned for its elegance and variety of cuisine there are many restaurants and bistros but Grand Case, with its small wooden ‘gingerbread style’ cottages, is considered the gourmet capital of the island. more/less... |
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| 6 | Thu 28 Feb 2013 | Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands | 8.00am | 5.00pm |
 Charlotte Amalie is the capital and largest city of the US Virgin Islands, located on the island of Saint Thomas. It is famous as a deep-water harbor that was once a haven for pirates. Indeed, Blackbeard's Castle, named after the notorious pirate of the same name, is one of five National Historic Landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and it is located in Charlotte Amalie at the highest point of Government Hill. A great attraction is the popular and beautiful Magens Beach lining a delightful bay that is renowned for its soft sand, clear water, and palm trees, which is ideal for many water activities including windsurfing, or simply relaxing in a beach chair/float.
Of additional interest for many is the nearby Aboretum containing some extremely rare native species of trees, while the unique features of the Saint Thomas Synagogue, the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere attracts many visitors. Be sure to visit the historical landmark and oldest standing structure in the US Virgin Islands, Fort Christian, currently the St Thomas Museum, and examine artifacts and art from the Danish period of the 17th century. Also worth visiting is the St Thomas Reformed church. If time permits there are a few nearby islands very well worth visiting. For example, take a ride to Water Island that has very few residents but many delightful beaches such as Honeymoon Beach, plantation ruins, and Fort Segarra - an underground partially constructed U.S. fort, or St John island, with its main town Cruz Bay that is home to numerous shops and restaurants. Then for the active there is Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge with its spectacular reefs and a shipwreck that simply make it ideal for snorkellers and divers, a lighthouse, and home to numerous migratory birds is located just 4 km south of the island of St. Thomas. more/less... |
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| 7 | Fri 1 Mar 2013 | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | 8.00am | 4.00pm |
 Santo Domingo, the most bustling and diverse city in the Caribbean, is the capital of the Dominican Republic, and the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Wander down the cobblestone streets to check out the many examples of 15th and 16th century architecture in the Colonial Zone. These include: the Cathedral that was the first church built in the Americas, the Ozama Fort, and the Italian Renaissance style palace Alcazar de Colon, which were all built during the lifetime of Christopher Columbus.
Most visitors take the time to visit the Faro a Colón, the very impressive monument and burial site of Christopher Columbus. Shoppers will be sure to visit the modern Plaza Central, Calle de Conde one of the oldest streets in the city, and the Diamond Mall, one of the most exclusive shopping centres with several fast-food restaurants. Then there’s the middle stretch of El Malecon, the levee where visitors can relax, interact with the locals and absorb the spectacular ocean views. A ‘must-see’ is Los Tres Ojos caves with its numerous beautiful lakes. The open air National Aquarium with shaded grounds that overlook the ocean is great for families, as is the National Zoo. A hidden treasure with the most remarkable collection of Dominican art from the 19th and 20th century is the Museo Bellapart, one of many fine museums. There are also parks and recreational areas to be visited, such as the Parque Colon and its monuments in the Colonial city, as well as the National Botanical Gardens and the National Zoo. more/less... |
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| 8 | Sat 2 Mar 2013 | At Sea | ||
| 9 | Sun 3 Mar 2013 | At Sea | ||
| 10 | Mon 4 Mar 2013 | New York, USA | 10.00am | |
| 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 "Eastern Caribbean" departing 23 Feb 2013. Here you can meet fellow cruisers, swap ideas, plan tours, share with others and make friends before you even leave!
blog comments powered by DisqusYou will then have the option to send us an enquiry or you can call us for FREE and speak to one of our Cruise Specialists who will check availability and find you the best possible price.
Prices are twin share per person in AUD, include all taxes and are subject to change.
View the current location for Norwegian Gem here!
Cruise summary
Cruise: Eastern Caribbean
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Star rating: 
Departs: New York
Returns: New York
Ports of call: 5
Forward departures: 21
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
"The trip was just fantastic! We loved it and highly recommend the Pacific Sun to anyone who wants a fun time. Thanks for your help booking the cruise and we will be be back soon for our next cruise."
Ron H from NSW
"We really enjoyed ourselves on the Pacific Dawn. You can be assured that your name has already been passed on to friends - your courtesy and professionalism has been most appreciated."
Ian R from Sydney
"We weren't really sure about which cabin was right for us, your advice turned out to be great. And thanks for organising all our flights and transport - so much easier than doing it ourselves!"
Bryan & Lara G from Brisbane