Picking the Best Cabins on the Norwegian Gem

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Norwegian Gem's best and worst cabins.

Looking for the best cabins on the Norwegian Gem? Want to find the cabin with a little larger balcony than most? And what about staying away from undesirable cabins on the Norwegian Gem? How do you avoid the worst cabins on the Norwegian Gem?

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Norwegian Gem Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary

Best Cabins on the Norwegian Gem are on Decks 9, 10,14, and 15.

Cabins to be wary of on the Norwegian Gem are on Decks 5, 8, and 11.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins on the Norwegian Gem

Deck 4

Most of the cabins on the Norwegian Gem's Deck 4 have cabins above them that buffer noise from public areas. However, as this is the lowest passenger deck, the ship's engine rooms and propellers are beneath Deck 4. While propeller vibration will likely not be an issue, we cannot rule out the possibility of engine drone.

• Forward on Deck 4 of the Norwegian Gem, Ocean View Staterooms 4500, 4502, and 4504 and Interior Staterooms 4501, 4503, and 4505 are underneath the most aft portion of the stage. There could be some noise heard overhead in these staterooms during rehearsals and performances.
• Except for the most forward exterior and interior staterooms (4500- 4505), the rest of the staterooms on this deck have cabins above, and are consequently going to be more quiet.
• An area for tenders is between Ocean View Staterooms 4564 and 4568. 
• Aft, Interior Stateroom 4604 is twice the size of other inside staterooms on Deck 4 of the Norwegian Gem.

Deck 5

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Deck 5 is right beneath several major public areas on the Norwegian Gem, including the casino and the smaller main dining room. This could mean some noise issues for a select group of cabins. 

• Forward on Deck 5 of the Norwegian Gem, Oceanview Staterooms 5000 and 5500 are closest to the stage area, but have been arranged so that conference areas, and not the theater, are directly above. Noise during rehearsals and performances could be a concern in these staterooms.
• Starboard, Ocean View Staterooms 5000- 5004 are beneath public restrooms. Noise, such as hearing water rush through pipes, could be a concern in these cabins.
• On Deck 5, Ocean View Staterooms 5524- 5546 port side and 5024- 5046 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 5525- 5543, 5039, and 5041 are under the casino. If you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on the ship, bring earplugs, or invest in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds).
• Ocean View Staterooms 5548- 5588 port side and 5026- 5094 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 5549- 5581 and 5049- 5081 are beneath restaurants and bars. Noise from the venues could be an issue in any of these cabins. We suggest looking for a stateroom elsewhere, bringing along ear plugs, or investing in a wave machine for light sleepers.
• Aft on Deck 5 of the Norwegian Gem, Oceanview Staterooms 5590- 5610 port side and 5096- 5110 starboard and Interior Staterooms 5599- 5609 and 5099- 5107 are beneath the ship's galley. This is one of the worst areas to book a cabin because cruise ship galleys are busy (and noisy) from early in the morning until late at night! On that note, however, we do want to report that a recent guest review of 5610 indicated that there were no problems to report, and that room service was excellent.
• Some of the worst cabins on the Norwegian Gem are on Deck 5. While we are not suggesting that this deck be avoided entirely, you will find more quiet cabin areas on higher decks!

Deck 8

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Along this entire deck, you should be aware that the main drag of the Norwegian Gem is right beneath accommodations. Most of the public venues on Deck 7 are not going to present appreciable noise issues. However, there is a popular night club beneath the aft section of cabins, and staterooms most forward may have some noise concerns from the theater below.

• Forward on Deck 8 of the Norwegian Gem, exterior cabins 8508- 8538 port side and 8008- 8038 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 8517- 8537 and 8017- 8037 are over the theater. Noise during rehearsals and performances could be of concern in any of these cabins.
• Based upon past guest comments, some of the balconies on staterooms more forward on Deck 8 feature a porthole like frame. This helps buffer the wind, but it does somewhat obstruct your view.
• Best staterooms to consider on Deck 8 are mid ship, between the elevators most forward and aft. These include balcony staterooms 8542- 8548 port side and 8042- 8048 starboard. There are several exterior staterooms with obstructed views in this section of Deck 8 on the Norwegian Gem (8550- 8594 and 8596- 8602 port side and 8050- 8094 and 8096- 8102 starboard). Interior cabins 8051- 8561 and 8069- 8587 are also in this area. These staterooms have relatively quiet public areas beneath, and will not have much in the way of noise issues during the day or late at night.
• Aft on Deck 8 of the Norwegian Gem, four Penthouse Suites (8630, 8632, 8132, 8130), each with 341 sq. ft. including balcony space, command the most beautiful (and least breezy) ocean view.
• Between the Penthouse Suites, two Balcony Staterooms (8634 and 8134) have those highly sought aft views of the ocean! Please note that these balconies are smaller when compared to those similarly situated on Decks 9 and 10.
• Oceanview staterooms 8608- 8626 port side and 8108- 8126 starboard, as well as interior cabins 8609- 8627 and 8109- 8127 are all over the aft night club which does feature two bowling alleys. There is a possibility that noises could be heard very late at night. Again, if you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on the ship, bring earplugs, or invest in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds).
• Some of the worst cabins on the Norwegian Gem are on Deck 8. While we are not suggesting that this deck be avoided, you will find more quiet cabin areas on higher decks!

Deck 9

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

In addition to Penthouse Suites, Deck 9 of the Norwegian Gem has luxurious Haven Owners Suites! There are also several balcony staterooms and inside cabins from which to choose. Family Balcony Staterooms and Family Interior Staterooms are also on this deck. Deck 9 has the added advantage of cabin decks above and beneath, which filter out noise public areas can generate! Some of the best cabins on the Norwegian Gem are on Deck 9.

• Forward on the Norwegian Gem, Haven Owners' Suites 9504 and 9004 offer the most spacious accommodations on Deck 9. (Each has 791 sq. ft. of space including the balcony.) However, unless there's a tailwind, balcony views from this vantage point are going to be breezy!
• Located between these two Owners' Suites, Penthouse Suites are 9502, 9500, 9000, and 9002. Each has at least 489 sq. ft. of space including the balcony. Once again, ocean views from these balconies are likely to be windy.
• Deck 9 of the Norwegian Gem features balcony staterooms port side (9506- 9668) and starboard (9006- 9168).
• There are over 30 Family Balcony Staterooms on Deck 9 of the Norwegian Gem!
• There are over 20 Family Interior Staterooms on the Norwegian Gem's Deck 9.
• Aft on the Norwegian Gem's Deck 9, there are four smaller Penthouse Suites (9670, 9672, 9172, and 9170). Each has at least 341 sq. ft. including the balcony, and that majestic (less breezy) view of the ocean.
• Balcony Staterooms 9674 and 9174 are located between the aft Penthouse Suites and have that highly sought view of the ocean! The balconies with these staterooms are larger than those similarly situated on Deck 8 and 11.

Deck 10

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

The Norwegian Gem's Deck 10 is also cushioned between two cabin decks, which helps to make this another, more quiet place for a stateroom or suite. Deck 10 features Penthouse Suites, Haven Owners' Suites, Family Balcony Staterooms, and Family Interior Staterooms! Some of the best cabins on the Norwegian Gem are on Deck 10!

• Forward on the Norwegian Gem, Owners' Suites 10504 and 10004 offer the most spacious accommodations on Deck 10. (Each has 791 sq. ft. of space including the balcony.) However, unless there's a tailwind, balcony views from this vantage point are going to be breezy!
• Located between these two Owners' Suites, Penthouse Suites are 10502, 10500, 10000, and 10002. Each has at least 489 sq. ft. of space including the balcony, and are the largest of their kind on Deck 10 of the Norwegian Gem. Once again, ocean views from these balconies are likely to be windy.
• There are numerous Balcony Staterooms port side (10506- 10662) and starboard (10006- 10162) on the Norwegian Gem's Deck 10!
• There are over 20 Family Balcony Staterooms on Deck 10 of the Norwegian Gem!
• There are twelve Family Interior Staterooms on Deck 10. Family Interior Staterooms 10653 and 10153 are much more spacious than standard.
• Deck 10 of the Norwegian Gem is a great location to reserve an interior stateroom, if this is your preference, because this is one of the more quiet decks. 
• Aft on Deck 10 of the Norwegian Gem, Penthouses with Large Balconies (10664, 10666, 10166, and 10164) captivate hearts and idyllic ocean views. Each of these suites has at least 341 sq. ft. of space including the balcony!
• Between the Penthouses, Balcony Staterooms 10668 and 10168 also have beautiful (less breezy) views of the ocean. The balconies with these staterooms are larger than those similarly situated on Deck 8 and 11.

Deck 11

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Deck 11 of the Norwegian Gem exclusively offers mini-suites, inside cabins, and ten Family Suites. Of the cabin decks, Deck 11 is most oriented for children! Travelers who enjoy Lido pools and casual dining may prefer a suite here. However, this deck may not be ideal for light sleepers because several accommodations on this deck are beneath some of the busiest public venues on the ship.

• Forward on Deck 11 of the Norwegian Gem, there are ten Family Suites (11506, 11512, 11518, 11524, & 11530 port side and 11006, 11012, 11018, 11024, & 11030 starboard). Each of these has 544 sq. ft. including the balcony, and features a bedroom for children as well as a second bathroom with a shower. Family cabins are in in short-supply and are very popular given their attractive sleeping arrangements. They sell out very quickly, so it is best to book early if this is your preference.
• Port side, exterior accommodations 11512- 11522 are under the fitness center. Noise could be a concern in these cabins while the fitness center is open to staff and guests.
• With the exception of the Family Suites and interior cabins, all of the accommodations port side and starboard are mini-suites. On average, each of these have 272 sq. ft. of space including the balcony on Deck 11 of the Norwegian Gem.
• Exterior suites 11524- 11562 port side, 11024- 11062 starboard, and interior cabins 11537, 11037, 11053, 11055, and 11057 are underneath the pool section on Deck 12. It will be possible to hear some noise in this area, such as the scraping of deck chairs when staff are cleaning at night.
• Port side, Mini Suites 11564- 11584 are beneath the children's and teens' areas. Noise while these centers are open could be an issue in any of these cabins.
• Starboard, Mini Suites 11064 and 11066 are beneath public bathrooms. Noise, such as hearing water rush through pipes, could be of concern in these suites.
• Aft, there are several suites and staterooms located under the casual dining on Deck 12. These are 11586- 11656 port side, 11068- 11156 starboard and Interior Staterooms 11575- 11597, 11629- 11645, 11075- 11097, 11129- 11145, 11639- 11647, 11139- 11147, 11649 and 11149.
• There are seven mini-suites (11650- 11150) directly aft on the Norwegian Gem's Deck 11 which are also underneath the casual dining area. Travelers need to be aware of the fact that there could be noise as early as 7:00am, because this is a popular breakfast venue. After 11:00pm, there could be noise associated with staff cleaning. Generally, we do not think this will be a huge concern because most travelers on the Norwegian Gem are usually not in there cabins during these times.
• Interior cabins 11139 and 11147 are larger than standard.

Deck 14

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated luxury accommodations by our cruise experts!

Accommodations on Deck 14 of the Norwegian Gem are without question one of the most exclusive and luxurious of all! This is where all of the Villas are located. Each has access to the private Haven Courtyard, which features a private courtyard which includes a hot tub, pool, and sundeck!

• Forward on Deck 14, with up to 4252 sq. ft. each, the Haven 3 Bedroom Garden Villas (14500 and 14000) are the most spacious to be found on the Norwegian Gem!
• There are eight Haven 2 Bedroom Family Villas (14506- 14512 and 14006- 14012). Each has 572 total sq. ft. and a separate children's bedroom.
• On the Norwegian Gem's Deck 14, two Haven Penthouses, 14514 and 14014 are aft on Deck 14. Each of these has 440 total sq. ft. in one of the most elegant neighborhood you can find aboard the Norwegian Gem!

Deck 15

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated luxury accommodations by our cruise experts!

Accommodations on Deck 15 of the Norwegian Gem are certainly exclusive! Including access to the Haven Courtyard, the two Haven Deluxe Owner's Suites with Large Balconies on Deck 15 are the ONLY cabins on this top tier deck!

• Mid ship, 15500 and 15000 are Haven Deluxe Owner's Suites with Large Balconies. Each will have 630 sq. ft. with a 561 sq. ft. balcony. Each is designed to accommodate up to four guests, and provides a dining room, a living room, a luxury bathroom, a king sized bed, and the services of a concierge and a butler!