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Read about our cruise expert's sneak peak at a brand new ship during an inaugural "cruise to nowhere."

Whether it’s shaking up cruise cuisine with its Freestyle dining concept or adding ultra luxury villas to its newer ships, Norwegian Cruise Line has never been afraid to take risks and go its own way. With that in mind, I was eager to check out the new 2,400-passenger NCL Gem, the sister ship to the NCL Pearl, but bristling with its own personality. What is especially appealing about the Gem for East Coast residents is that she will be home ported in New York for the winter, which means that families within driving distance can do as the Floridians do -- put those discretionary dollars toward a cabin upgrade or a few high-ticket shore excursions rather than airfare.

Décor

The Gem is trademark NCL in that it offers a playful decorating scheme with bright beachy colors, fun animal prints and comic book-shaped furnishings in chenille and velvets. There is plenty of natural light, gleaming polished woods and brass, and Art Deco touches that play up the ship’s lively ambience. This is not to say that the Gem isn’t elegant -- the Grand Pacific dining room, for example, has a distinctly upscale look. Serious art buffs can enjoy an original Monet (“Vetheuil de Soleil”) in the atrium and a Matisse (“Nu au Turban”) in Le Bistro. (Both are on loan from Star Cruises’ chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.) And the centerpiece of the Crystal Atrium, the heart of the ship, is an original glass chandelier by Dale Chihuly.

Staterooms

Our 284-square-foot mini-suite featured a balcony (as do almost half of the staterooms), ample closet space, built-ins with flat-screen TV and -- our favorite feature -- a full tub/shower combo in the bathroom. There are more than 275 staterooms, including suites and mini-suites, that can connect to make two-, three-, four- or five-bedroom links out of the total of 1, 197 staterooms in all. Twenty-seven are wheelchair accessible, and service animals are welcome aboard.

Consider splurging on one of 10 Courtyard Villas, which share a private courtyard and sundeck at the top of the ship, complete with a lap pool, hot tub, steam rooms and fitness area. Looking for even more luxury? Try one of two private Garden Villas, which offer about 5,000 square-feet of living space broken into living and dining rooms, three bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as a private garden with sun beds, a hot tub and steam room and the services of a butler and concierge. Rounding out this cruise-within-a-cruise experience are the two Owner’s Suites, with master bedroom, en-suite bathroom, dining/living area and private balcony.

This is NCL’s first ship to feature wireless Internet access in all staterooms and public areas, which explains why the Internet Café is so small. Guests who forgot their laptop can rent one (although there aren’t too many), and you can print digital photos from your camera at a kiosk at the Photo Gallery. The Gem is part of the cellular at sea network, which means that passengers can make and receive cell phone calls and text messages. Check with your local provider for rates.

Tip: Splurge on a balcony if at all possible or ask your travel agent to angle for an upgrade. Not only is the extra space worth it, but the view of ports coming into view is worth the price of admission.