Trip Report, Day 1: Cruising on the Norwegian Gem

Since you know we have a toddler and you know that we like to travel, my family and I decided to take a cruise together on the Norwegian Gem. We all had cruised before, but never all together, so we were super excited to get away for a week and cruise the Atlantic Ocean. The travelers on this trip included my husband Tom (TK), my two-year-old son Jackson (Jax), my parents (Mike and Angie), Uncle George, Aunt Rosie and me, of course. We normally travel in big groups. It's more fun that way!

On Saturday, May 31, we got up and started to get ready to leave. TK, Jax and I were actually ready and waiting for my parents, for a change. We packed our bags and gear in their car and then we headed over to Burger King for breakfast. Jax likes French Toast Sticks, so we knew Burger King was a safe bet. When we got our food, we headed into the city and to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on 50th Street and 12th Avenue. By 10:30 a.m., we were in the Terminal, checking in and meeting up with Uncle George and Aunt Rosie. We were able to wait in a VIP area because one of the crew members handed my father a paper that got us in. We still have no idea why that happened. At around 11:45 a.m., we were allowed to board and we walked on the boat. We were greeted on the 7th deck by crew members and I made my way to one of them to sign up and pay for the Pub Hop that I read about online.

From the 7th floor, we headed up to the 12th for lunch on the pool deck. Fortunately, we were able to find a table and we got burgers at the buffet and drinks from the waiter. I had the drink of the day in a souvenir glass, which had a funny name, but essentially, it was a Mai Tai and a pretty good one (It had better be for $9).

While we were hanging out, there was an announcement that our rooms were ready and we abandoned the table and headed down to the 5th floor. Our room was an inside cabin, so it was a walk-in closet with furniture. We were missing the toddler life preserver and the pack n play, so we told the stewardess, Deisei, and she said we would have everything before the end of the night, which we did. We had to muster at 3 p.m. and hear all about what we should do in an emergency. Jax was making noise the whole time, so everyone in Muster Station G2 was on their own.

Afterward, we did a little exploring to see where everything was on the ship and cruised past the Statue of Liberty and the Verrazano Bridge. As soon as we passed the bridge, we came back to the room to see if our luggage had arrived, and some of it had! TK's bag arrived first and Jackson's arrived last. Jax and TK took a nap, so I went with my mom and Aunt Rosie up to the spa and fitness center for a raffle. I actually ended up winning a $100 voucher for the spa, but the stipulation was that I had to use it while we were at port. Then, I came back to the room to wake up TK and Jax, and get ready for dinner in the Magenta Dining Room. The Magenta was on the 6th floor, so it was only one floor above us. I had a Broccoli Soup, Surf and Turf and a slice of Apple Pie for dessert. Jax had his first Macaroni and Cheese meal.

After dinner, we headed out to the bars and lounges and everyone hung out in the casino, but Jax and I made our way outside because it was way too smokey in there. TK, Jax and I walked around the ship for a little bit and then to Malting's Beer & Whiskey Bar where Tom had some scotch drink that I wanted nothing to do with. Soon, Jax started to fuss and we decided to go to bed. We were cruising and the next day was a full day at sea.