REVIEW - Norwegian Pearl Oct 31-Nov 7

[Scrappygrrl]

OK, I have never done this before so bear with me. :o

 

Background: The cast of characters include me (36), DH (43) and DS (6) and we live in South Jersey. I also have DS (2) but left him home with the grandparents. He was not potty-trained, older DS wanted to snorkel, etc. We like to travel first week of November because NJ schools have off 3 out of 5 days that week due to Election Day and Teacher's Convention some schools even get the full week. Last year we did Disney. This year, we were going to do an all inclusive somewhere in the Caribbean or Mexico but could not decide on a destination. DH did a cruise to Bermuda about 15 years ago, and I have never cruised (well, we did a week long Windjammer cruise in 1997 in the Penobscot Bay in Maine).

 

Saw the CNBC special on the Pearl, checked out CruiseCritic, decided Freestyle was for us, and we booked the trip in August. At the time we booked an Inside Cabin on deck 10. Prices dropped at the end of September, and while I knew it was past final payment and NCL owed me nothing, decide to inquire about an upgrade. I was offered a porthole on 4, but it looked like it was next to some sort of loading door so I declined. FF to approx 2 weeks before sailing and prices had dropped like a rock. A balcony cabin was now the same price as the inside I had booked. I called again at my DH's urging (figuring the worse they could say was no), and my PCC was not available so someone else helped me, and to my great surprise we were put in Stateroom 10584 - BA - midship. I was pumped!

 

Saturday - Oct 31:

We left Philadelphia on the 6:40pm AA flight to Miami. DS was pumped!!

 

 

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dEKxBPArW-aIvPdUPTJTmA?feat=directlink

 

 

We took off 30 minutes late and landed 20 minutes early (???). Great flight, AA still shows TV shows on these short flights!! Also seems to have a smidge more leg room than other carriers. Bonus was no one sitting in front or behind me (flight maybe 2/3's full), so I could fully recline with no one to grumble at me!!

 

 

Luggage was already waiting for us by the time we trekked to baggage claim. We were staying at the La Quinta Miami Airport East. We called about the shuttle and they said it came about every 30 minutes and to meet it on the 2nd level across from ticketing. We schlepped over there and waited at least 25 minutes choking on diesel fumes before we threw in the towel and decided to get a cab ( which meant we had to go back inside, and down to level 1 baggage claim). A tad aggravating but we only paid $71 for the room so, whatever at that point.

The hotel was fine, but they only had a smoking room and they were full. Room was clean, beds were comfortable but I was excited and did not sleep that well. The free breakfast was better than I expected, yummy waffles included! They also had hardboiled eggs, cereal, fruit, juice, bagels, toast, etc.

The offer a free shuttle to the POM, but since we had gotten in so late, there was only room on the 1:30 shuttle. So, again, we took a taxi.

 

Next installment will include the cruise ship, finally!!

[Scrappygrrl]

Hmmm...can't see my pictures...help? Using picasa...used the "Direct link" URL but still not showing. I am truly hopeless at this stuff....off to troubleshoot, but if someone can point me in the right direction???

[k4btzs]

Well I'm really enjoying the details so far. Can't wait until you get to the ship, I hope it has a similar level of detail! Thanks for sharing with us.

[SuiteRose]

thank you for a great begininning of a review! Waiting for the rest and I hope you can upload your pictures!!

[WildcatRock]

OK, ScrappyGrrl, we're sailing on the Pearl in 16 days and your first post has me stoked. I'm looking forward to your ship review as this will be our second sailing on the Pearl.

[Scrappygrrl]

I'm trying everyone - just can't get my pics to work. I can't find any tricks or tips for using Picasa??? I might need to move my photos over to photbucket???? Will try to get a good chunk done tonight if my pictures cooperate.

[Scrappygrrl]

NOW with PICTURES!

OK, I have never done this before so bear with me.

 

Background: The cast of characters include me (36), DH (43) and DS (6) and we live in South Jersey. I also have DS (2) but left him home with the grandparents. He was not potty-trained, older DS wanted to snorkel, etc. We like to travel first week of November because NJ schools have off 3 out of 5 days that week due to Election Day and Teacher's Convention some schools even get the full week. Last year we did Disney. This year, we were going to do an all inclusive somewhere in the Caribbean or Mexico but could not decide on a destination. DH did a cruise to Bermuda about 15 years ago, and I have never cruised (well, we did a week long Windjammer cruise in 1997 in the Penobscot Bay in Maine).

 

Saw the CNBC special on the Pearl, checked out CruiseCritic, decided Freestyle was for us, and we booked the trip in August. At the time we booked an Inside Cabin on deck 10. Prices dropped at the end of September, and while I knew it was past final payment and NCL owed me nothing, decide to inquire about an upgrade. I was offered a porthole on 4, but it looked like it was next to some sort of loading door so I declined. FF to approx 2 weeks before sailing and prices had dropped like a rock. A balcony cabin was now the same price as the inside I had booked. I called again at my DH's urging (figuring the worse they could say was no), and my PCC was not available so someone else helped me, and to my great surprise we were put in Stateroom 10584 - BA - midship. I was pumped!

 

Saturday - Oct 31:

We left Philadelphia on the 6:40pm AA flight to Miami. DS was pumped!!

 

 

 

 

 

We took off 30 minutes late and landed 20 minutes early (???). Great flight, AA still shows TV shows on these short flights!! Also seems to have a smidge more leg room than other carriers. Bonus was no one sitting in front or behind me (flight maybe 2/3's full), so I could fully recline with no one to grumble at me!!

 

 

Luggage was already waiting for us by the time we trekked to baggage claim. We were staying at the La Quinta Miami Airport East. We called about the shuttle and they said it came about every 30 minutes and to meet it on the 2nd level across from ticketing. We schlepped over there and waited at least 25 minutes choking on diesel fumes before we threw in the towel and decided to get a cab ( which meant we had to go back inside, and down to level 1 baggage claim). A tad aggravating but we only paid $71 for the room so, whatever at that point.

The hotel was fine, but they only had a smoking room and they were full. Room was clean, beds were comfortable but I was excited and did not sleep that well. The free breakfast was better than I expected, yummy waffles included! They also had hardboiled eggs, cereal, fruit, juice, bagels, toast, etc.

The offer a free shuttle to the POM, but since we had gotten in so late, there was only room on the 1:30 shuttle. So, again, we took a taxi.

 

Next installment will include the cruise ship, finally!!

[Scrappygrrl]

The taxi to POM was a bit nutty - traffic wasn't bad, but the driver was texting the whole time! When we got to the POM entrance, it was really backed up. We left at an early time so I think maybe we were still dealing with those passengers that disembarked late. Took about 10 or 15 minutes to actually get to the Pearl drop-off. Gave our luggage to the porters, and tipped them. Headed to the cruise terminal. We were handed the health questionnaire first, and then we went through security. I had (stupidly) filled my thermos with lemonade for my son in case it was a long wait and he got thirsty. Had to toss that! As we made our way to the checkin desk, we were asked if we were VIP's. We had a good chuckle, said, "We wish!" and headed to checkin. There were no lines, so we marched right up. Gave her our ID's, got our Freestyle Dailies, and got our pictures taken. Then, she said, "Oh, I am so sorry! You are in the wrong line. Please come with me." We followed her back the way we came and were cordially invited to wait here:

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

 

 

I was trying to act cool, but inside my head was exploding! More to come!

[PreciousMissy]

"Thank you, sir (or ma'am in this case), may I have another" :D

[k4btzs]

"Thank you, sir (or ma'am in this case), may I have another" :D

 

Me too please, more!!!

[Scrappygrrl]

As we waited, I noticed that the captain (Lars Stengsson) was waiting too! His wife was joining him and they were having problems getting her onboard because her ticket didn't have cabin number. When a supervisor came around she was like, "Of course she doesn't have a cabin, She's the captain's wife!!!" Couldn't help but chuckle :D

 

We were only there a few minutes, but we were given our cards, and room number. Our stateroom was the same as I had been given, so we weren't upgraded to a suite or anything. I was really stumped trying to figure out why and how we had gotten VIP status. I asked a staff member, and they only knew I was VIP, not why or how :confused:

 

After about 5 minutes total, we were escorted behind the ticket desk, and up an escalator to the main terminal area. We were put in a separate section with two other couples. They had coffee, tea, juices, and danish. After a quick phone call home to check on the 2 year old (he was fine), we were escorted onto the ship. I checked my watch and it was only 11:05! The embarkation photo team wasn't even set-up yet, so we bypassed that area. And got our first view of the Pearl!

 

 

 

Somewhere along the way we lost one of the couples, so us and the other 2 were the first 5 people on the ship! We embarked on Deck 6 near Bar City and were escorted to some sort of conference/meeting room.

 

 

 

 

To be continued....

[myra711]

This is suspenseful! I can't wait to hear the rest!

[Scrappygrrl]

We were barely settled into our seats when the concierge, Carlos Zarate, came in adn introduced himself. He explained that we were to call him with any issues or concerns, for dinner reservations, and anything we might need. He also said to make sure that we enjoyed Cagney's for breakfast and lunch. At this point, I took him aside, and said, "Excuse me, I think there has been a mistake. We aren't in a suite so I don't think we are supposed to be here." He said. "Mrs. Veneziano, please, stop asking questions, and enjoy what I am telling you. You get to eat at Cagney's! Relax! You are on vacation!"

 

I was truly stunned and speechless! And that never happens to me! We sat for a few more minutes when Carlos came back and explained that for some reason, we were let onto the ship much earlier than usual and that our rooms were not yet ready and that Cagney's would not open until 12. He led us up to the Star Bar to be more comfortable while we waited. It was decorated for Halloween

 

 

My son keep himself busy coloring and we got our first view of the pool deck.

 

[Scrappygrrl]

The large chess set is right outside the Star Bar, so we burnt off some energy there.

 

 

Cagney's opened a bit before 12 and we made our way in. Really cool room!

 

Perused the menu:

 

 

The offered my son the kids menu but he preferred the adult menu. He order Crab cakes, and the sliders, no dessert. I got the Jumbo shrimp cocktail, seared scallops with artichoke risotto and banana cream pie for dessert. HUsband got the smoked salmon appetizer, group with arugula, and the berry mango dessert.

 

Ds enjoying crab cakes:

 

My shrimp cocktail (very good)

 

To be continued, the kids are fighting. Oy!

[SuzyLovesNCL]

Thanks for the running commentary and the pics! We sail on the Pearl in Feb and I'm starting to count the days.

 

BTW - your son is adorable!

[Scrappygrrl]

My husband got the smoked salmon which was a very weird dish. It was a hot cooked filet of salmon (like an entree, not thin sliced and cold, like we are used too - sort of like lox, you know?) Was not what he expected. His grouper for his entree was much better. And I adored my risotto. And I tasted my son's sliders which were very yummy too.

 

The grouper:

 

After lunch we headed to get changed and check out the pool. It was cool, but pleasant (Miami was very muggy that day):

 

 

FWIW - my DS was upset that the pool was salty. He is fine with the salty ocean but the salty pool threw him for a loop. Also, I saw plenty of kids wearing swim diapers. I personally did not bring my 2 year old because of that issue. I saw more some days than others so I am not sure if the rule was enforced sporadically or not. There is a small enclosed splash pool for toddlers back by the bar on the port side.

 

Around 2 they announced rooms were ready do we checked out our room. As I said, we were in 10584. Great location, just a few rooms down from the midship elevators. Never heard any noise. I really did not take any cabin pics, but it looks just like the picture they advertise. Upon entering the room, we noticed another surprise:

 

 

Champagne and fruit from the captain. Still pinching myself. This is the first moment we had a chance to sit and regroup a bit, and think about all this VIP stuff. I realized that it must be from the CC roll call. I had helped set things up (along with another member Miss Rabbit - hello!), but literally all I did was send 1 email to the group coordinator ask for a meet and greet. That is IT. that was my only communication with NCL. Later, when I touched base with Miss Rabbit she had gotten the VIP perks as well, so that must have been it. I was surprised and I think it was bit over the top but I am not complaining. I do, of course, realize, that NCL is sweetening the pot, and wants me to report back to CC a positive review. So I feel I needed to share this perk with you all so that you can fairly assess my review. Yes, it was the icing on the cake, for sure, but the cake was pretty darn good.

 

Next up: Sailaway!

[Scrappygrrl]

Thanks for the running commentary and the pics! We sail on the Pearl in Feb and I'm starting to count the days.

 

BTW - your son is adorable!

 

Thanks Suzy! She is a great ship! Very classy.

[khall]

Can't wait for the rest!! We are sailing on her in January with our 6 and 9 year old...they are counting down the days!

[Scrappygrrl]

Time for sailaway! My son had become friendly with Jergen, a staff member who was working the water slide before sailaway. He told him that the rock wall would open at 4, so you knew we had to be there at 4!! It was actually a great place to be at sailaway - great photo ops from the back of the ship.

 

 

 

 

[Scrappygrrl]

It was a busy day for us, because then we had to hustle back to the cabin for my son's Halloween costume. There was family social at the Kids Club at 5pm, followed by a family trick or treat scavenger hunt.

 

Kids Crew info - There were very few kids on this sailing. I think Andy (the CD) told me less than 20 teens. There were more than that of the under 12's but not by much. My son attended all week, in fact, it was hard to get him to hang out with us. I was surprised by the size of the kids club. Had there been a large number of children I am not sure how they would accommodate them in that space. I have the 6-9 age group schedule I can scan in if anyone is interested. They took the kids to the show 2 of the nights, and they did a kids dinner one night. And they had all manner of themed activities, Halloween party, pirate party, spy party, etc.

 

My husband and I ended up eating dinner alone 5 nights out of 7 because my sone would either grab a quick bite at the buffer to order room service and head straight back to the club.

[Scrappygrrl]

After a nap, we had dinner at Indigo. I had ceasar salad and the skirt steak. Both were good, although the steak was bit salty to my taste from the green olive chimmichurri that was on top. My husband had some the salad and the lamb shank that was delicious. I had the cheesecake for dinner which was delish. Son chose the dinosaur chicken nuggets from the kids menu and was not happy when they were not dinosaur shaped! THey were actually just chicken tenders (he was really grumpy from the nap I had made him take. Ah well.

 

Kids Crew opened at 8 and he was off, while we explored the ship:

Bliss Ultra Lounge - a tad tacky for my taste but it serves as a nightclub, so I am sure it was enjoyed in that context. It is a bit jarring at first compared to the understated elegance of the rest of the ship.

 

 

The bowling alley is located there:

 

There were cool prints of artwork in between each floor on the stair. We took the stairs alot, to free them up for those who needed them.

 

[lovewine]

Thanks so much for the wonderful review. Your son is adorable. We will be on The Pearl on the Dec. 12th sailing. So excited. My kids have always loved the kids clubs. What did you do in Samana?

[minnesotalady]

It was a busy day for us, because then we had to hustle back to the cabin for my son's Halloween costume. There was family social at the Kids Club at 5pm, followed by a family trick or treat scavenger hunt.

 

Kids Crew info - There were very few kids on this sailing. I think Andy (the CD) told me less than 20 teens. There were more than that of the under 12's but not by much. My son attended all week, in fact, it was hard to get him to hang out with us. I was surprised by the size of the kids club. Had there been a large number of children I am not sure how they would accommodate them in that space. I have the 6-9 age group schedule I can scan in if anyone is interested. They took the kids to the show 2 of the nights, and they did a kids dinner one night. And they had all manner of themed activities, Halloween party, pirate party, spy party, etc.

 

My husband and I ended up eating dinner alone 5 nights out of 7 because my sone would either grab a quick bite at the buffer to order room service and head straight back to the club.

 

Great review! We will be on the Pearl in February. Can I get the 6-9 age group schedule. Our dear nine year old daughter would love to see as first time on NCL. Thanks in advance. You can email to me if you like.

KAU1952@hotmail.com

Kathie:D

[Scrappygrrl]

Great review! We will be on the Pearl in February. Can I get the 6-9 age group schedule. Our dear nine year old daughter would love to see as first time on NCL. Thanks in advance. You can email to me if you like.

KAU1952@hotmail.com

Kathie:D

 

Sure Kathy! I will try to get it scanned tonight or tomorrow.

 

After DS was in the kids club, we strolled around the ship. Football was on in the atrium. We went to check out Karaoke in Bliss at 8 pm but it was dead.I think a lot of folks were resting up for the Halloween party that night! We went to the Welcome Aboard show. Andy Steinhauser introduced himself and then then there was a small performance by the comedian Rod Long. He was pretty funny, and we went to 2 of his shows later in the week. The production show was South Beach review. It was just OK. They had an aerial acrobat that was the highlight. FYI - they are no longer contracting with Jean Ann Ryan Productions so these shows right now are temporary - they are debuting all new shows in December I think. We were pooped, so we left early, picked up our son and headed back. There was a love note on our bed when we got back. An invitation the next night for a VIP cocktail party with the captain and officers! Went to bed as we were pooped!

 

A note about the sleeping arrangements. they have the pull out sofa and also a bunk that drops down from the ceiling. My son insisted on the pull-down even though the room steward thought he would be safer and more comfortable on the pullout. ONce he got up there though, he freaked out ( and he has slept on the top bunk before). I think it was the motion of the ship and the fact that the "safety railing" on the bunk is tiny. I don't think it would deter anyone from falling out. Food for thought for those with little ones. He ended up sleeping in between us that night. The next night, Jovics, our steward asked how things had gone. I laughed, told him he was absolutely right and that our son would be on the pullout from now on.

 

After hours there was a helluva Halloween party from what I am told, and I heard that The Dating Game was Hilarious that night also. Side note: they video the game shows, and show them on the TV the next day!

[Scrappygrrl]

I forgot to mention that while we were getting ready for dinner that first night we received a delivery of chocolates from the hotel director:

Monday Nov 1 - Day at Sea.We slept in a bit, and then headed to breakfast at Cagney's. Overall, this was a great experience, they offered a small buffet with smoked fish, bread, danish, cereal, yogurt, fruit, etc.. as well as hot items to choose from.

 

I had the traditional Eggs Benedict and my husband had steak and eggs. Today was the one day things were a bit "off". My husband asked for his steak medium and it came out well done, and my poached eggs on the Benedict were hardboiled :(

I already didn't feel worthy of the VIP perk, so we didn't say anything. Although if we had, I am sure it would have been corrected, without a problem. This was a pool day mostly, and I think we ate lunch in the buffet. The buffet was overall very good. Hot dishes hot, cold dishes cold and very good quality. Some highlights were the soup station, where you could concoct your own Asian style soup, with rice noodles, veggies, etc. The Indian food was also quite good. My son enjoyed the tuna sandwiches on croissant most days (he's rather picky).

 

Pool scene: definitely chair hogging going on, we always found something, though. Usually on the smoking side (the port side). There were plenty of chairs on Deck 13 and 14, so if you don't have to be right next to the pool, you can find something. My son enjoyed the slide and pool, although it is challenging to swim when the water is sloshing from side-to-side! We had 8-12 foot swells most of the trip, so we were rocking!! He also loved the hot tubs. After lunch, he was tired of us and wanted to go back to the Kids Crew so we let him.

Activities during the day included all you can east sushi for 10 (lunch), Synchronized swimming contest in the pool (missed this, but heard folks laughing), WHo Wants to be Bazillionaire? game show, dance classes, etc. there were also several tastings: Sushi and Sake, French wine and cheese, MArtini, and Global Beer Tasting. They were each $15. Late afternoon we got cleaned up, fed my son room service, and shipped him off to the kids club while we got ready for the cocktail party. It was originally supposed to be in the private Courtyard for the suites, but it got changed to the 3 bedroom Garden Villa .It turns out that the guests staying there offered up the space to the captain, so we were excited to see it!!!