Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Norwegian-Gem

In the wake of the recent Hamas attack on Israel, cruise lines have opted to adjust their itineraries, prioritizing passenger safety in the Eastern Mediterranean. MSC Cruises announced on October 12, 2023, that both the “MSC Sinfonia” (IMO: 9210153) and the “MSC Musica” (IMO: 9320087) will modify their scheduled stops. The “MSC Sinfonia” will omit the port of Haifa on its next eight voyages, replacing it with Istanbul. This change also leads to Rhodes being substituted by Piraeus and Limassol by Izmir. Similarly, the “MSC Musica” will forego Haifa on its three upcoming trips from Piraeus, stopping at Rhodes on October 18 and 25, and Marmaris in Turkey on November 1 instead. Meanwhile, TUI Cruises has preemptively revised two voyages of the “Mein Schiff 5” (IMO: 9753193), changing its destinations from Haifa and Ashdod to Marmaris and Santorini. Another notable change occurred involving the “Nieuw Statendam” (IMO: 9767106), which was docked in Haifa when the incident took place. Initially slated to remain until the evening of October 8 and then proceed to Ashdod, the vessel departed Haifa a day early on October 7, redirecting to Alanya. Furthermore, the “Odyssey of the Seas” (IMO: 9795737) and the “Celebrity Apex” (IMO: 9838383) also bypassed Haifa, making course corrections to visit Bodrum and Limassol instead. Additionally, the “Norwegian Gem” canceled its visit to Ashdod, redirecting towards Limassol as well.

On the evening of July 23, 2023, a critical situation unfolded in Thira when the Port Authority received an urgent alert regarding a 49-year-old crew member aboard the 'Norwegian Gem' who required immediate medical attention. A coordinated response led to the crew member's transfer to a Coastguard vessel, which efficiently navigated to the port of Athinios in Thira. There, the patient was swiftly taken to a private clinic for necessary care. Following this incident, the 'Norwegian Gem' resumed its journey, with an anticipated arrival in Mykonos set for July 25.

On the evening of October 26, 2022, the Port Authority of Thira received a critical alert from the maritime agent representing the "Norwegian Gem". A 44-year-old passenger aboard the vessel required urgent medical attention following injuries sustained during the cruise. Consequently, plans were swiftly made for his transfer to the port of Athens. Upon arrival, an ambulance was promptly on standby to escort him to a private clinic in Thira, ensuring he received the necessary medical care without delay.