Pearl vs Jewel for AK ??

[travelingla]

Please help -- those of you who've been on both or are familiar enough with what's different between these 2 ships. Friends of mine in their 50s want to cruise AK this summer -- never been on NCL and the 2 that seem to work are Jewel and Pearl -- does one ship outshine the other?

 

Thank you so much!

 

They will compare itineraries as well -- this qt is just on the ships :)

[cole]

Please help -- those of you who've been on both or are familiar enough with what's different between these 2 ships. Friends of mine in their 50s want to cruise AK this summer -- never been on NCL and the 2 that seem to work are Jewel and Pearl -- does one ship outshine the other?

 

Thank you so much!

 

They will compare itineraries as well -- this qt is just on the ships :)

 

I believe the ships are basically the same. The itinerary would be what I would suggest that they compare and decide according to that. The inside passage is the most scenic.

Cole

[www3traveler]

The ships are very similar. There is a slight difference in itinerary. The biggest difference is that The Jewel leaves and arrives in Seattle on a Saturday. The Pearl leaves and arrives on a Sunday. Which works better for your friends?

[Tricialy]

Ditto what everyone else said, but we prefer the Pearl - there is something about the Pearl Staff that is fantastic. We were on the Jewel in March and the casino staff asked us where our next cruise was - we mentioned Alaska on the Pearl and they asked why not Alaska on the Jewel and I think the nicest thing we could say was, "There's something about the Pearl" - one of the dealers we had met on the Pearl several years ago just nodded and said "Yes, there is something special about the Pearl"

 

I think they'll have a FANTASTIC time either way. We could have booked either this summer and booked the Pearl. I'm sure there are folks out there who love the Jewel just as much (and we have no complaints about the Jewel at all)

[roger001]

We've sailed on them both several times, including each to Alaska. You can't go wrong either way. Just choose schedule and which glacier you want. We have been on the Pearl more often though.

[Orange jeep]

I have been on the Jewel Twice (never on the Pearl). I loved the Jewel and definitely will go on that ship again.

[Planmaam]

I have been on both, and twice to Alaska on the Pearl.

 

I agree that itinerary should be the first determining factor, as I think everyone should visit Glacier Bay at least once.

 

Other than that, I would vote for the Pearl, as she has what I consider the best spa in the fleet. But if they don't intend to use the spa, I'd go with strictly itinerary.

 

They'll have a great time on either ship.

[cruiser 1613]

I've been on both ships to Alaska... Planning to go again.. I just go with the one that has the Best Price....

 

Cannot go wrong with either itinerary.. Both were great...

[bonvoyagie]

Ak is less about the ship and all about AK.

 

Both ships visit the same ports - and spend similar times in each port.

The biggest difference is Glacier Bay (Pearl) vs Tracy Arm/Sawyer Glacier (Jewel).

The Pearl tends to run a bit more $$ - however if you purchase the small boat tour of Tracy Arm (a must do IMHO) the costs are about the same.

 

BTW I consider both GB and TA must sees - yes you have to visit AK at least twice :D.

 

The Jewel spends the AM in Juneau while the Pearl spends the PM - perhaps the Jewel has a slight advantage here.

 

In Skagway the Jewel leaves a few hours earlier in order to make it to Victoria - Speaking of Victoria - the Jewel has the edge in both the time of arrival and the time spent here.

 

The time in Ketchikan is about the same - the Jewel lands here first - the Pearl last.

 

As for Sun vs Sat - either way you can spent a day in Seattle - or not.

[triptolemus]

bonvoyagie has it right re the difrerence in itineraries. cruiser 1613 has it right in that you can't go wrong either way.

 

Many posters here express a preference for the Pearl/Glacier Bay trip. I can tell you that the Jewel/Tracy Arm trip is magical.

 

I'll just leave these here... Jewel in Juneau...

 

 

Jewel in Tracy Arm...

 

[Budget Queen]

There are BIG differences with Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm. In my opinion, it is "necessary" to purchase the add on ship excursion for Tracy Arm. Far superior compared to the cruise ship transit. Figure out if glaciers are a priority for you. IF they are and you're not going to add a tour, then Glacier Bay is a better choice.