Norwegian Gem Review
Rating by category
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The fall leaves were gorgeous.
The weather was too cold to enjoy the outdoor areas very much.
I think in the future I might choose an itinerary with fewer ports, as we exhausted ourselves with port after port. However, some people might love that. But I did love the ports. And I would hate to have missed any of them.
Cabin Review
Port Reviews
Quebec City
Gorgeous old town. Feels like Europe. Wander around on your own and take time to find a favorite little nook.
Saguenay
Locals were so welcoming and put on entertainment right at the dock in the morning. Locals we talked to were so friendly. Welcome center people went above and beyond for me. Centre Plein Aire Bec-Scie is totally worth it, though you have to take a cab to get there. It was one of my favorite things about the whole cruise (of course, the leaves were changing, which made it even more beautiful than usual, probably)
Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island)
As a huge Anne of Green Gable fan, I was delighted. We rented a car and drove around the island, saw beaches, lighthouses, Anne's house, autumn leaves. Very nice day. We didn't have much time in Charlottetown, so I can't say much, but it seemed nice.
Sydney (Nova Scotia)
I really enjoyed Sydney. Walked around historic part, found a local Christmas craft fair, did a multi-step geo cache, and took the local bus to a nature trail (Baille Ard). Leaves were turning and it was GORGEOUS. People were friendly.
Halifax
We didn't do a whole lot here, but the waterfront walk was nice, and the public gardens. Oh, and we visited the awesome central library.
Saint John (New Brunswick)
Because I'm a nerd, I found the Reversing Falls pretty amazing. We went near low tide and again near high tide, and it was pretty cool. There's also a nice little center and waterfront walk. I think if you take an excursion to the caves or the Hopwell Rocks, that would be really cool too.
Portland (Maine)
Nice historic center, nice walk on the Eastern promenade and down to the beach where I looked for shells and relaxed. Don't miss the historic cemetery on the way to the eastern promenade. It's a small place, very walkable. Watch for lighthouses while you sail in and out.
Bar Harbor
Such a beautiful town!!! The national park is awesome too. I wish I'd had more time there. And don't miss the walk across the sandbar at low tide to Bar Island. Just don't let high tide strand you.
Boston
I felt like I was in the birthplace of America. Walk the Freedom Trail. It's amazing.
New York (Manhattan)
I think you're a New York person or you're not. It was too crowded for me, but I enjoyed seeing so many famous sites.