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Place the cursor over the photos to read the
descriptions; if you click on any of the thumbnail pictures,
the full-sized photo will open in a pop up screen. Please note
full sized photos may take a moment to load. |
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Page 3 of 7 |
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Page 3 of 7 |
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If the decks on
Norwegian Gem
had names instead of just numbers, deck 7 would most
probably have been called Promenade Deck. The wraparound
open deck here is a perfect place to go for a stroll, lie in
the sun ... or jump in a lifeboat in case of emergency of
course!
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If you
think Norwegian Gem's hull art is tacky,
you haven't seen the Promenade Deck yet! The cartoon-like paintings
on the bulkheads actually represent the action that is
taking place inside. So if you see shopping bags, you know
you've come to The Trade Routes - the ship's emporium. This
mini shopping mall is just that - a rather bland shopping
area that sells the usual cruise |
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ship
trinkets. It gets more exciting next door. The Orchid Garden
Asian Restaurant is one of Norwegian Gem's most popular
eateries - and not without reason. This is heaven on earth for
Oriental food aficionados. First, there is the Sake & Sushi Bar,
then there is the actual restaurant part which serves up a
dazzling array of oriental dishes (albeit at a surcharge).
Only 34 lucky ones can go one
door further and sit down at one of two large Teppanyaki
tables. Food is prepared in true Japanese style here. Be sure
to reserve early! |
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A very
Oriental looking Gallery (with intimate seating and discrete background
music) brings us to the Crystal Atrium. In cruise ship
terms, this 2-deck high atrium is of modest size, but
it combines many shipboard functions in a very
clever way. With its upbeat colors, comfortable seating
areas, inviting Java Café and nearby Reception and Shore
Excursion desk, the Crystal |
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Atrium
has it all. Unfortunately it also has an oversized and overpowering LCD screen
that spoils the area. Imagine sipping your
latte in the morning blinded by the NCL commercial that is
being shown over and over again! With a real Monet displayed
behind the reception desk, the combination of colors and
styles seems weird at first, but I must admit it grows on you
and after I while I could see the touch of genius that
Tillberg Architects have displayed right here in the Crystal
Atrium.
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From the
Crystal Atrium, two galleries run aft. On port side, you
will find a spiffy Art Gallery - actually a very nice
space that is so unlike the cluttered rooms found on other
ships. On the starboard side, the Photo Gallery comes with
sea views and friendly staff. That said, the quality and
price level of the photos on board is quite disappointing.
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Final public room on deck 7 is the much-heralded Bliss Ultra
Lounge. On Norwegian Pearl, NCL introduced the first seagoing
bowling alley and apparently it was a success, so the "It"
Girl boasts a 4-lane bowling alley as well. The basic design
of the room is similar to Gem's older sister, including
the over the top decor with double lounge beds and flat screen
TV's in the ceiling. |
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