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If you have not cruised on one of the NCL newer-builds before or with NCL at all, in recent years, it should help. Apart from the decor and some minor layout changes their newer ships are all similar to each other - but different! (Jade does not have a bowling alley or rock wall, for example)
I'm sure that other members (Pam et al.) have been on the Gem and will help.
[ 01-10-2009: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]
http://maritimematters.blogspot.com/2007/12/boston-gem-party-first-look-at-ncls.html
All the best,
Peter
She's a nice ship. Those wacky looking seats are actually quite comfortable. I have also sailed Norwegian Jade, which although newer is nowhere near as nice as Gem and really quite 'tired' in areas in comparison.
Pam
quote:Originally posted by CliveB:...the Jade felt tired and I felt bit ‘knocked up’ from its conversion from the PofH...
One of Jade’s problems is that she still has most of her ‘Hawaiian’ decor and only her hull art and name have been changed. The name, decor and European itineraries are all a bit of a mismatch.
I produced a two-show series about the Norwegian Pearl which is very similar to the Gem. I interviewed the Captain, the Cruise Director and Hotel Director, and some others. Compared with many of our other shows this one has been very popular.
quote:Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:One of Jade’s problems is that she still has most of her ‘Hawaiian’ decor and only her hull art and name have been changed. The name, decor and European itineraries are all a bit of a mismatch.
I do not at all understand why this should be a problem.Do you need a 'Norwegian' themed ship when sailing in Norway or a 'Greece' decor when sailing in the Aegean sea? Why should a Hawaii themed decor be more of a problem than e.g. the 'over the top' decor of the Carnival / Costa ships? Hawaii is an 'exotic theme' and 'exotic' is what most passengers associate with a cruise.
quote:Originally posted by Ernst:Do you need a 'Norwegian' themed ship when sailing in Norway or a 'Greece' decor when sailing in the Aegean sea?
Do you need a 'Norwegian' themed ship when sailing in Norway or a 'Greece' decor when sailing in the Aegean sea?
Oh yes. NCL obviously thought that it was important to have a Hawaiian themed decor in Hawaii.
The décor does of course create an atmosphere on any ship. Jade has lots of artwork of the Hawaiian Islands which in a sense advertised her Hawaiian itineraries. On my Jade Med cruise last summer, at times I wish I was visiting the Hawaiian Islands especially when we were heading back for Southampton and the rain.
[ 01-14-2009: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]
quote:Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:The décor does of course create an atmosphere on any ship. Jade has lots of artwork of the Hawaiian Islands which in a sense advertised her Hawaiian itineraries.[...]
Of course. But it's not the end of the world if a ship with such a decor is operated in another area. There are e.g. many 'Italian' restaurants with 'Italian' themed decor outside of Italy and people do go to such restaurants also during vacations in locations which are not related to Italy.
quote:Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:[....]On my Jade Med cruise last summer, at times I wish I was visiting the Hawaiian Islands especially when we were heading back for Southampton and the rain. [ 01-14-2009: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]
But doesn't the Hawaii decor make even more sense under such circumstances? If you go on a (short) vacation to 'escape' from the rainy weather in Britain you don't want the ship to be decorated this way - most people might actually like a more exotic decor for the 'illusion' of being at an exotic (warm weather) destination. (like e.g. these indoor water parks with fake palm trees etc.) Also, where is the disadvantage for NCL if you book a Hawaii cruise because of the decor?
[ 01-14-2009: Message edited by: Ernst ]
quote:Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:Ernst...you win, I surrender!
....thinking about it it's actually odd that not all cruise ships are decorated Hawaii themed.
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