Norwegian Cruise Line Guide and Destinations

The Norwegian Gem is the newest luxury cruise liner in the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL Corporation Ltd.) fleet. As beautiful as it is luxurious, the Norwegian Gem is nothing short of a floating resort with living accommodations that range from economical inside staterooms up to spectacularly large, three-bedroom staterooms with access to private courtyards and private pools, hot tubs, and sun decks. Butler and/or concierge service is also available. The Gem's other amenities include two main dining rooms; thirteen restaurants featuring menus that span the globe, each offering a unique, elegant dining experience; a variety of lounges and bars throughout the ship; a beautiful large pool; hot tubs located throughout the ship; a beauty salon and spas; a fitness center; a boutique; special areas for walking, jogging, volleyball, basketball, and tennis; theaters that feature Vegas-style entertainment, and a casino with a turn-of-the-century circus theme. There are also many kid-centered activities and areas. The kids have their own pool and game rooms. There are separate, safe, and observable activity areas for the littlest passengers; Nintendo game systems are available with games appropriate for any age, and there is a great video game arcade for the older kids.

For those who are looking for quieter more contemplative settings, there is a chapel, a library, a card room, and an art gallery; and then there is the "Corona Cigar Club" for those who enjoy a good cigar (and perhaps a snifter of fine cognac) and the company of others who share those tastes. The Gem also provides a modern business center and meeting rooms that can accommodate 60 people for those who choose to combine business or educational seminars with their cruise. Freestyle Cruising: Who Needs An Activity Director? Freestyle Cruising is a Norwegian Cruise Line concept that is best explained the way they themselves explain it in their literature: "Welcome to Freestyle Cruising, where you are officially off the clock from the moment you board ship. There are no rules to follow or schedules to keep. Plan on a whim or book everything in advance. You get to spend each day your way." There is, of course, a large, helpful staff of experts available if you need advice, assistance, or are looking for information, but with Freestyle Cruising, you can plan your own day, make your own reservations, and enjoy your cruise, as they say, "your way."

Freestyle Cruising applies to the entire shipboard experience, but back in 2000 when Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled their freestyle concept, the primary focus was on dining. Up until then, a cruise ship had formal dining rooms, scheduled meal times, and in many cases, assigned tables. Norwegian Cruise Line saw the Freestyle Cruising concept as a way to get the formality out of meal times and allow each passenger to choose where to eat, when to eat, and most importantly, choose their own meal-time companions. There are still two main dining rooms on the Gem, for those who prefer a touch of the traditional, but even here, you will find a more relaxed, flexible atmosphere than was afforded to your parents or grandparents in their day.
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