Why, oh why, would anyone board a cruise ship on Friday
evening just to get back off Saturday morning? Because, it’s cheaper than
staying at a hotel. Around once a month, Norwegian Cruise Line hosts a one
night cruise to nowhere onboard the Norwegian Gem out of the Manhattan Cruise
Port in New York City.
For Friday, February 7, 2014, a one night stay at a
Manhattan hotel below Central Park starts at $178 before taxes and meals but
typically runs from $250 to $300 and beyond. That same night on the Norwegian
Gem costs as low as $227.44 for two, taxes included. And, the Gem includes all
the food you can stuff down. You will not find a hotel in New York City that
includes that in your overnight stay.
The Cruise
Norwegian Gem embarks from the Manhattan Cruise Port in New
York City at 6pm on Friday, February 7, 2014. The Cruise Port is located in
lower Manhattan where 12th Avenue meets the Hudson River. The ship
heads out into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, does a wide circle and returns
to New York for 7am on Saturday morning.
Of course, the ship docking at 7am doesn’t mean you need to
get off the ship at 7am. There is time for a decent breakfast. What else is
there to do on Gem? Besides the usual restaurants, bars and casino, Norwegian
Gem has a bowling alley, rock climbing wall, hot tubs and ample fitness
facilities. I highly doubt the outside pool will be of much use in February.
The Price – In Canadian Dollars
Right now, an inside or ocean view stateroom can be had for
as low as $22 per person. A room with a balcony goes for as low as $29 per
person and a suite goes as low as $39 per person. Added to that is $91.72 per
person in government fees and taxes. As mentioned above, an inside or ocean
view stateroom for two can be had from $227.44, including taxes.
The Ship
Norwegian Gem is the newest of the Norwegian
Cruise Line Jewel Class of ships. The Jewel Class consists of four ships
put in service between 2005 and 2007. Gem was built by Meyer Werft in
Papenburg, Germany and entered service in 2007.
Gem is a decent sized ship with a gross tonnage of 93,530. She
is 294 metres or 965 feet in length and has 12 decks accessible to passengers.
Capacity onboard is for 2,394 guests, along with 1,101 crew members.
For 2014, Gem calls New York City home, with a selection of
itineraries that include the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean.
The Small Print
·Because of the nature of last minute deals, the pricing printed here is fleeting and could change at any time.
·Prices are in Canadian dollars.
·Most meals are included in a typical cruise price but DRINKS ARE NOT!
·Also not included are gratuities.
·Cruise pricing does not include air fare, ground transfers and hotel accommodations before and after the cruise.
