Just off the Pearl

Just home from the Pearl yesterday and thought I'd write a quick review while details are still fresh in my head.

 

A little about us . . . This particular cruise was my senior mom and myself, booked through Casino at Seas (CAS). I’ve been on 17 plus cruises in order as (Carnival, NCL, RC, Celebrity and now back to NCL, with this being our 3rd NCL CAS cruise within the last 12 months). This was mom’s 9th cruise.

 

Embarkation: We arrived at the pier in Miami at 11:30 - processed rather quickly though the CAS line, directed to the waiting area where we were assigned boarding group number 13. The area soon became overcrowded with people looking for seats and having to sit on the floor. I saw people taking 3-4 seats laying down having a nap, people taking up an extra seat to place their carryon bag on it. Hard to believe some people are that inconsiderate, not even offering the empty seat to the seniors who were standing in front of them. Once they started calling numbers the lines did move relatively fast and we were onboard by 12:30.

 

Day 1 – While the masses seemed to choose to head straight to the buffet/pool area, we chose to have lunch in the main dining room where there were only a handful of fellow cruisers present. Lunch was relaxing and very good. By 1:15 they announced all the staterooms were ready.

Cabin 10168 – Located aft, pretty much directly in the middle of the ship. This was my first time booking an aft cabin, so we were pretty excited. The cabin itself is the standard balcony stateroom . . . layout was sofa by the balcony door. With the beds separated, unfortunately it doesn’t leave much room to squeeze by that corner unit which holds the TV (small flat screen) etc. However we were thrilled that the balcony was amazingly huge. It had 2 lounge chairs, 2 standard chairs and a small table (more on the balcony itself later).

Cabin Steward: Shortly after our arrival he came to introduce himself. His name was Mike and he was from the Philippians. He was very pleasant and attentive throughout our entire cruise without ever being intrusive. Always asking if there was anything else we needed etc. Our cabin was always kept spotless. Luggage arrived within the hour.

We had smooth sailing the first night on our way to Great Stirrup Cay.

 

Great Stirrup Cay: 1 person from each family was required to obtain a tender number up on the pool deck. We wanted to avoid the mad rush to get off the ship so we waited until 11:am to get off. Of all the islands I’ve visited, I’d have to say Great Stirrup Cay was one of my favorites. Plenty of lounge chairs set up by the beach (although you’d have to get there mighty early if you wanted the first few rows). The water was crystal clear. Not a fish in sight although a gentleman came out of the water next to me and said he had seen a barracuda while snorkelling. The island also had a straw market set up (very expensive in comparison to other islands), bars, eating areas, a giant waterslide, volleyball courts etc. Several of the water excursions had been cancelled due to the sea conditions. In fact, the captain announced that had the seas been any rougher he would have had no choice but to skip this port.

 

First sea day (On our way to Puerto Rico): The ocean was rougher and the ship seemed to going much faster. This is where the aft cabin location comes into play. Normally we book a mid-section balcony location. Even in rougher waters you feel the ships motion as a more gently side to side rocking. The aft location is a totally different feeling. It was more of a fast constant jerking side to side (probably had something to do with also being directly in the middle) with a quick bump up and down (I can only guess that was when we hit a big wave?) You also feel the vibration of the engines. This was the first time mom was ever seasick. I gave her the Meclizine tablets; freely obtain at either Guest Services or the Medical Center. This did help, although she spent the entire day and night in her cabin, vowing never to cruise again! (never happen) So warning! An aft cabin may not been suitable for the faint of heart.

 

San Juan Puerto Rico: I’ve been to this island several times so chose to venture out on our own. Upon exiting the pier, we met a woman named Theresa(?) who was offering a tour of the island for $10 per person. Her vehicle was a small mini bus. There were perhaps 14 of us who took advantage of her offer. She was very informative, giving us details about the island and pointing out places of interest. She made a 10 minute stop for a washroom break or shopping at a small souvenir shop, a 10 minute stop at the Walkway of Presidents for photos, and a final 10 minute stop at a cemetery, fort area. We were offered the option of getting off at the fort, the shopping district or back to the ship. Well worth the money.

 

St. Croix: Beautiful Island with friendly people. Here we also ventured out on our own as several locations of interest were within walking distance of the ship, including a beach. Nice straw market where the prices were probably half of what was offered at Great Stirrup Cay.

 

St. Maarten: I’ve also been to this island a few times. Normally we book with Bernard Tours, but having done his tour on 3 previous occasions, we decided we wanted to go directly to Orient Beach. There were 4 ships in port so needless to say the island was pretty crowded. Due to the possibility of getting stuck in traffic etc. we decided the smart move would be to do the ships excursion for an afternoon at Orient Beach. The ship charged $49/pp, which included transportation, the afternoon at the beach, guaranteed chair etc. Unfortunately due to lack of participation, the ship decided to cancel this tour. We had also heard from other passengers that Orient beach had been damaged by a hurricane in November and wasn’t sure if it had been repaired to previous standards. There were shuttles at the pier offering different destinations, Orient Beach being one of them. The lines were quite long. We decided instead to take our own taxi. We made our way to the taxi stand but were told they would not take just a party of 2, due to 4 ships being in port. They would only cater to large groups. We were instructed the shuttles were our only option. In general, I also found several of the vendors in port to be quite rude in comparison to the other islands. In my opinion, St. Maarten has been overplayed by the cruise industry.

 

Two days at sea: The seas were much calmer on the return trip home, although it does some getting used to the motion of the aft location.

 

More on the Aft balcony 10168: While this location does have the benefits of size and amazing view, please allow me to comment on a few of the negatives. 1: While to balcony is very large, passengers from the above cabins, or people looking out from the outdoor café on deck 12 can look down on to the uncovered part of your balcony. Several mornings we woke up to food that had been dropped down from the café, lettuce, chicken etc. yuk! 2: Yes there is a problem with soot. Be sure to put down a towel before sitting on the chairs. I didn’t realize this until I noticed several black spots on both my white robe and white beach cover-up. Also, if you walk out on the balcony barefoot, expect to have the bottoms of your feet black. 3: I was expecting more sun with such a large balcony. We did notice more sun on the return trip home, but going, we found ourselves trying to move the 1 lounge chair lengthways along the glass to get sun. While lying there, you will notice the camera directly hanging above your head, or face to face with the other passengers looking down at you, lol. 4: The overall condition of all the chairs were pretty awful, burn holes, one lounger really sagged etc. . . but then better than not having them at all.

 

Food; well although subjective to personal preferences, I also found the food in the buffet and main dining rooms to be above par in comparison to any of the other ships I’ve sailed (including Celebrity). Buffet always had a nice variety, including the chilled soups (yummy). We had done the UDP on a previous cruise and yes we found the food offered in the pay restaurants excellent, but this time we chose to eat in the main dining rooms and also found them excellent. We did eat in Moderno (the Brazilian Steakhouse) a comp from the casino. The salad bar is amazing! The assistant hotel director stopped by our table to chat and later had chocolate covered strawberries delivered to our cabin (many thanks)! A few hints: The main dining rooms are extremely busy between 6-8 pm. To avoid the long lines, we chose to eat dinner early when they first opened. The same goes for the buffet for breakfast. They open Italian restaurant located next to the aft elevators for overflow seating. Not many people seem to know about it, and it was a great place to enjoy a quiet leisurely meal.

 

Entertainment: Needless to say, we find most of our entertainment in the casino. Yes, tight slots in comparison to Vegas. We did attend a show, That’s Entertainment, for which we lasted all but 15 minutes before leaving along with several other people. But then again, maybe we have attended too many of these shipboard variety type shows, that we just no longer find them entertaining. Bars: Not really drinkers but we did stop to enjoy the entertainment offered at several of the smaller venues.

 

Pool area: As with all cruise ships, the pool area is always overcrowded. Two pools, one being adults only. We really did not spend much time on this deck due to the crowds and the fact that both pools are too deep for people who cannot swim (mom). I did take a quick dip or two while in ports. At which time there were only a handful of people lounging about.

 

Spa: This is one area I wish I had utilized earlier. On our last sea day they offered a massage special for $139. It consisted of a full body massage (not really full, lol), a foot and hand massage, a scalp massage and a facial. Including auto gratuity it came to $164.02, but still well worth the price. Be careful though as they do really try and upsell their products which can be very expensive. I also know they offer a package for use of the area for the entire week or $40.00 per day.

 

Disembarkation: I know they say not to book a flight before noon, but we chose to avoid a 3 hour layover and booked a direct 11:20 am flight. We chose self disembarkation. The ship reached port at approx 5:30 am . . . we were lined up to get off at 7am . . . through customs, in a taxi and at the airport by 7:50 am. Plenty of time to spare.

 

Summary: All in all, I’d say the Pearl is by far my favorite ship so far. I’ve tried the larger ships but find the Pearls size to be just perfect. All staff we encountered were friendly, cheerful and helpful. I’d love to sail her again, but it looks like she does chartered Entertainment cruises, then off to Alaska for the summer, then doing longer Panama Canal cruises. I’ll be sure to keep an eye on her and will hopefully be given the chance to sail her again.

Any questions? I’ll be sure to answer any if I can.

J

Embarkation: We arrived at the pier in Miami at 11:30 - processed rather quickly though the CAS line, directed to the waiting area where we were assigned boarding group number 13. The area soon became overcrowded with people looking for seats and having to sit on the floor. I saw people taking 3-4 seats laying down having a nap, people taking up an extra seat to place their carryon bag on it. Hard to believe some people are that inconsiderate, not even offering the empty seat to the seniors who were standing in front of them. Once they started calling numbers the lines did move relatively fast and we were onboard by 12:30.

 

This is something I hate. I can't believe how people are brought up. I'm a senior woman myself and have many times given up my seat up to a older man or woman or a younger person who I felt needed the seat more than I did and am always amazed that people just watch me do it and they sit there taking up seats for their luggage. What ever happened to manners?????

Thanks for the great review! We are also CAS and will be on the Pearl in March. I am curious about the casino. What types of slot machines did they have? Did the have video keno? Any Hangover machines? Also, if you play table, do they have let it ride with three card bonus or three card poker with six card bonus?

Thank you for the great review and it’s good to hear about the good crew on the ship! :D

 

 

I’m curious about the change over of the Blue Lagoon to O’Sheehans on Deck 8 mid-ship. Was this area under construction during your voyage or was the name just changed? Also, what was the location of the Moderno Steakhouse? Was the Star Bar still there on Deck 13?

Thanks for the great review! We are also CAS and will be on the Pearl in March. I am curious about the casino. What types of slot machines did they have? Did the have video keno? Any Hangover machines? Also, if you play table, do they have let it ride with three card bonus or three card poker with six card bonus?

 

We were on the Pearl in November. There's a decent variety of slots, some relatively new ones, in denominations from 1 cent and up. There is video Keno on some of the Game King machines and on all of the All-Star Poker machines. They even have Cave Man Keno (my favorite). Good luck.

As far as people taking up two or three seats in the waiting area, why didn't you ask them to move up. They will get away with this type of terrible behaviour only if you allow it. I am a Scot and I can assure you this would not be tolerated where I come from. :(:(:(

Thank you for the great review and it’s good to hear about the good crew on the ship! :D

 

 

I’m curious about the change over of the Blue Lagoon to O’Sheehans on Deck 8 mid-ship. Was this area under construction during your voyage or was the name just changed? Also, what was the location of the Moderno Steakhouse? Was the Star Bar still there on Deck 13?

 

Just off less than two weeks ago (and still suffering from "withdrawal" :) - we had such a relaxing time!)...

 

This was our first time on the Pearl, so we don't know if O'Sheehans was physically changed or just a name change.

 

As for Moderno's, I'm pretty sure that was part of the ongoing construction, with some various closed-off areas on the ship.

The Star Bar (across from Cagney's) was being used as the breakfast/lunch area for suites, instead of the actual Cagney's on at least a few days.

That area became Moderno's for dinner.

We saw Moderno's food being carried from Cagney's because the food was being cooked at Cagney's (or at least some of it was).

 

Having been on the Dawn a few months ago, the "ambiance" of Moderno's in this new (temporary?) location wasn't anything nearly as nice as Moderno's space on the Dawn. But the ships aren't identical, and we don't know where the Pearl's Moderno was before, or what it looked like.

The Atrium on the Dawn was much larger than on the Pearl, so it wouldn't have been the same to begin with.

Other than that, we loved the Pearl.

 

GeezerCouple

Thank you for the great review and it’s good to hear about the good crew on the ship! :D

 

 

I’m curious about the change over of the Blue Lagoon to O’Sheehans on Deck 8 mid-ship. Was this area under construction during your voyage or was the name just changed? Also, what was the location of the Moderno Steakhouse? Was the Star Bar still there on Deck 13?

 

We were on the Pearl in December and the it had been fully changed over to O'Sheehans. Moderno is in the area directly across from Cagney's where the Star Bar is. The Star Bar is now called the Sugarcane Mojito Bar.

We were on the Pearl in December and the it had been fully changed over to O'Sheehans. Moderno is in the area directly across from Cagney's where the Star Bar is. The Star Bar is now called the Sugarcane Mojito Bar.

 

May the Star Bar RIP… I will miss her. :(

 

 

Thank you for the updates everyone who has replied to my question! :)

Just off the Pearl on Saturday also. One of the staff told us at the CC review meeting that there are still some changes to be made to O 'Sheehan's before it is considered fully changed. They will be adding some ledges around the top balcony rail, for instance, to make it easier to have a drink and face the atrium below or watch sports on the atrium TV.

Just off the Pearl on Saturday also. One of the staff told us at the CC review meeting that there are still some changes to be made to O 'Sheehan's before it is considered fully changed. They will be adding some ledges around the top balcony rail, for instance, to make it easier to have a drink and face the atrium below or watch sports on the atrium TV.

 

But the menu is already in effect.

Thanks for your review.

Edited January 13, 2015 by PathfinderEss

Thanks for the great review! We are also CAS and will be on the Pearl in March. I am curious about the casino. What types of slot machines did they have? Did the have video keno? Any Hangover machines? Also, if you play table, do they have let it ride with three card bonus or three card poker with six card bonus?

 

Sorry but I didn't see any Hangover machines. There is a group of gold bar machines that paid pretty decent. Other than that . . . tight tight tight as always. But hey, if I'm going to lose, at least I'll be at sea on a cruise ship, lol. I didn't notice video keno either, but I know there are some slots up by the bowling alley. And lastly I don't play poker, so can't help you there. The casino staff are excellent and they always knew my name and exactly what I wanted. You'll have a great time! A word of warning . . . it does get quite smokey in there at night, and busy as the shows are letting out. If you are bothered by smoke, best to visit early in the day. Good luck and happy sailing!

Thank you for the great review and it’s good to hear about the good crew on the ship! :D

 

 

I’m curious about the change over of the Blue Lagoon to O’Sheehans on Deck 8 mid-ship. Was this area under construction during your voyage or was the name just changed? Also, what was the location of the Moderno Steakhouse? Was the Star Bar still there on Deck 13?

 

O'Sheehans is there, complete on Deck 8 mid ship. Moderno Steakhouse is now on 13, next to Cagney's overlooking the pool area. Star Bar? Hmmmmm . . . can't be sure. I know there is a Mojito bar inside Moderno. Didn't see anything else on 13 unless it's at the other end of the ship.

O'Sheehans is there, complete on Deck 8 mid ship. Moderno Steakhouse is now on 13, next to Cagney's overlooking the pool area. Star Bar? Hmmmmm . . . can't be sure. I know there is a Mojito bar inside Moderno. Didn't see anything else on 13 unless it's at the other end of the ship.

I believe that the Star Bar was converted to become Moderno.

 

Do you remember who your Bridge and Hotel Officers were?

thanks for the review - we will be in the same room for the Panama cruise in April - my wife gets sea sick so I will make sure we have the medicine -

 

Question - was the soot every morning and just h bad was the trash issue - thanks again

 

Ikoolu

thanks for the review - we will be in the same room for the Panama cruise in April - my wife gets sea sick so I will make sure we have the medicine -

 

Question - was the soot every morning and just h bad was the trash issue - thanks again

 

Ikoolu

 

Soot was always a problem! I made the mistake of taking a shower before the spa, stepped out on the balcony and had to take another shower again . . ugh! I made sure after the first day of ruining clothes, to either use their robe or put down a towel before using the chairs. I think this may also be why the chairs & loungers and in poor condition (burn holes, stains, one lounger really sagged). As for the trash . . . we always had some sort of garbage that seemed to land on our balcony. Was it just our balcony? I really couldn't tell you. Would I book another aft balcony again? Probably not. I know some people will only sail in an aft, but personally, other than the actual size of the balcony, I found the bad outweighed the good on this one. Another item I forgot to mention is the room steward keeps all his cleaning supplies on either side of your door. Not really an inconvenience for us, although some may find it so.

O'Sheehans is there, complete on Deck 8 mid ship. Moderno Steakhouse is now on 13, next to Cagney's overlooking the pool area. Star Bar? Hmmmmm . . . can't be sure. I know there is a Mojito bar inside Moderno. Didn't see anything else on 13 unless it's at the other end of the ship.

 

The Star Bar was re-named and now shares the same space as Moderno after the re-model. Did the Sugarcane mojito bar have a separate seating area and was there a piano still in the Sugarcane bar or was that gone too? Such a shame. I loved the Star Bars!

 

Good to know about the updates to the O’Sheehans. I wonder when the rest of that construction will be completed.

The Star Bar was re-named and now shares the same space as Moderno after the re-model. Did the Sugarcane mojito bar have a separate seating area and was there a piano still in the Sugarcane bar or was that gone too? Such a shame. I loved the Star Bars!

 

Good to know about the updates to the O’Sheehans. I wonder when the rest of that construction will be completed.

 

I didn't notice any piano, just the bar seating area and there were a few chairs for those waiting for tables at Moderno.

I didn't notice any piano, just the bar seating area and there were a few chairs for those waiting for tables at Moderno.

 

The Star Bar as I knew it is dead. So sad… loved that out of the way place to just chill and have a good conversation and sometimes a good piano bar would be made of it! A classy joint replaced by a restaurant to make room for a venue catered to sports. It’s like the Carnival-izing of Norwegian (referring to the addition of O’Sheehans above the atrium).

 

Thank you for your help! :)