Norwegian Gem set to sail

Editor's note: Erica Silverstein will be out of the office through December 25. Check back during the last week in December for new blog entries.

The Norwegian Gem, NCL's newest ship, was christened today in New York harbor. The Gem is the eighth ship custom-designed for NCL's Freestyle Cruising fleet, which focuses on relaxed schedules, no fixed dining times or dress codes, and lots of luxury extras.

The Gem can hold 2,400 passengers. Itineraries include seven-, 10-, and 11-day trips from New York to Florida, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean islands during the winter months, and to Europe in summer and early fall.

The ship features a 30-foot rock climbing wall, a 10-pin bowling alley, a nightclub, and 10 restaurants.

Expect more coverage of this ship once Erica Silverstein, our cruise editor, returns from her honeymoon. To learn more in the interim, visit Norwegian's website. Cruise Critic also offers a first-hand look at this new ship.

(Editor's Note: SmarterTravel.com is published by Smarter Travel Media LLC, a member of the TripAdvisor Media Network, which also owns Cruise Critic.)