Just off the 9 day Pearl...any questions?

[JWestShuh]

Just back from our Southern Caribbean trip on the Norwegian Pearl (March 7-16th). I can now say that I am a NCL cruiser! Yay. Here is a quick review of the trip. Let me say first off that my husband and I look for the following things on a cruise vacation: Great itinerary, good food, and most importantly, relaxation. That is pretty much enough to make us happy. That being said, here we go:

 

Embarkation:

What a breeze. We did arrive to the port early, around 10:30am. The area is very well organized and we flew through the process. We were on the ship by 11:30 and into our cabins by 1:00 – 1:30. We had a lunch in the Garden Café before heading to our rooms and we took care of some business during the wait. (Casino card, spa weekly pass)

 

Stateroom:

We had an inside cabin on deck 9. Yes, it was small, but it worked. For the two of us and all that I over packed, we had plenty of room. I personally love the interiors because it saves us money and allows us to do more things in port – and I get the best sleep of my life while on a cruise. Our stateroom attendant Wilfred was wonderful. There was one small issue when we first arrived to our room and he took care of it without hesitation. After that, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. It was fun getting to know him as the cruise progressed as well.

 

Public rooms:

The Pearl is a beautiful ship. We only have one to compare her to (Mariner of the Seas on RCCL) and I must say that I liked her layout and décor much better. Some say that they miss having a grand atrium, but to each their own. They need to have somewhere to fit all the extra restaurants in. The one thing that I did miss in the theater is cup holders in the arm of the chairs. That was nice on Mariner.

 

My husband and I spent a lot of time at the Spa. It was great. For $250 a couple for a 9 day cruise, you can’t beat it. You can also spend $20 a day on a day-by-day basis if you like. I think it is even cheaper after you receive a spa service. It is worth it for sure. My husband and I were by ourselves for the first night, and maybe had two or three others join us for the 2nd and 3rd nights. More people caught on by the end of the cruise, but it still was by no means crowed.

 

We did not spend a good deal of time at the pool, as it was very crowded, just like every other cruise ship known to man. There is an adult pool and a children’s pool. I would see children in the adult pool at times and usually the parent gets the idea that they aren’t supposed to be in there, and takes them out. I loved the fact that the pools are chlorinated and not saltwater. I have enough saltwater on my excursions…but I heard that others wanted the saltwater pools. I was happy though. There were many chairs available on our cruise when we would venture outside. Of course, none around the pool, but that would be too much foot traffic anyway and not a prime location in my opinion. We would go up to deck 13 and find a nice spot without problems. When I wanted shade, I would also find chairs on the Promenade deck (7) to read my book. This took a bit longer, but always seemed to find something

 

Restaurants and Freestyle:

Ok, I know this is what most people argue about on this board. My husband and I tried every restaurant except blue lagoon and the Summer Palace main dining room, and I have to say that I wouldn’t cruise any other way. My husband and I NEVER had a problem getting a reservation OR walking in. We walked into Indigo, Mambos and Lotus Garden without a problem. No wait at all. We made reservations for the restaurants that had more visitors. It was very convenient however. When leaving the ship at the various ports there is a station where you can check out towels. Right next to that station is where you make all of your reservations. We would get our towels, make reservations for that night, and have a great day. Maybe it was because my husband and I just had two in our party…maybe it was because we are flexible in our eating times…I don’t know. Nevertheless, we experienced absolutely no problems with the freestyle system. We really liked that we could eat by ourselves and actually choose what type of food to have. I won’t go into huge detail about each restaurant but just say that we liked all of them. My husband said that the sushi was very good (I don’t eat it). We also enjoyed Cagney’s, Le Bistro’s appetizers and desserts (didn’t care as much for the entrees), loved Teppenyaki, Lotus Garden, and La Cucina. We thought that the buffet was good as well. It’s buffet, so don’t expect gourmet food please. Mambo's was my least favorite of all the restaurants on board. After this experience, I don’t think that we will go back to the traditional style if we cruise again.

 

Shows:

We went to most of the shows. The best show by far for us was Sharkbait. They were hilarious, so don’t miss it. We also liked Second City. Their improve show was great as well in the Spinnaker lounge. Get there early as seats go quickly! We missed the soap opera guy (can’t remember his name – sorry) but heard that he was great as well. The magician was good. I heard his close up show is pretty good as well. Personally didn’t care for the Jean Ann Ryan shows. Kinda cheesy and not the greatest of performers. I feel bad saying that, but again, just my opinion. I wouldn’t miss the late night shows in the Spinnaker lounge – they were very funny and entertaining.

 

Staff:

Simon the cruise director is great. Very funny, not showy and fake…we liked him a lot. Lots of smiling faces. Everyone was great.

 

Ports:

Great, great itinerary for us. Some people don’t like Samana…but it is because you have to put some effort into that one in order to enjoy it. Pick an excursion to do and you will have a great time. I enjoyed each port very much.

 

Disembarkation:

Awesome. We did the get off when you want thing and we were off in no time. What a difference to our last cruise where we sat and sat and sat for hours waiting to be called. We got up at 7 that morning, packed until 8, and were off the ship, through customs in into our taxi by 8:30. Awesome.

 

 

Didn’t like:

Two things I was disappointed in on the ship (besides the small things in the review). I really like coffee, and I like to have “specialty coffee”. My café mocha on the ship was pretty bad. The “mocha” was a nestle hot chocolate packet.

 

I didn’t like that the cruise line didn’t enforce the no children in the pool policy as well as the 21 and older only policy in the Spinnaker lounge for the late night shows. Teens have the ability to be very disrupting. Luckily, the Second City guys have the ability to make fun of the teens in an attempt to shut them up. It worked for a bit, but teens will be teens.

 

That being said, I would recommend this cruise to everyone. Great ports, great ship, great relaxation – I am a happy camper with my decision to cruise NCL.

 

This is now a novel and my fingers hurt – If anyone has specific questions that they would like answered…I’ll do my best.

[jag2gator]

We are heading that way on Friday!! We are really excited about the itinerary. We actually took this ship to Alaska last summer, so it all sounds familiar. My one question i do have though is...on our cruise last year, you could not get to your cabin before 1:30/2:00 as the stewards were preparing them. Was that the case on this cruise? Last year we were carrying around alot of bags and cameras(items that we didn't want to check since sometimes it takes awhile to get your bags even after you leave port). I agree with you when you talk abou the kids in the pools and trying to get a chair. We booked a suite right out the front of the ship, so I will have my own chair!! YIPPEE. Also, we are taking our 2 teenage sons, but decided to keep Antigua open to do "anything". We booked excursions in all the ports but here. Is there enough to do to keep us busy for the day? Thank you for all your info!!:)

[JWestShuh]

We are heading that way on Friday!! We are really excited about the itinerary. We actually took this ship to Alaska last summer, so it all sounds familiar. My one question i do have though is...on our cruise last year, you could not get to your cabin before 1:30/2:00 as the stewards were preparing them. Was that the case on this cruise? Last year we were carrying around alot of bags and cameras(items that we didn't want to check since sometimes it takes awhile to get your bags even after you leave port). I agree with you when you talk abou the kids in the pools and trying to get a chair. We booked a suite right out the front of the ship, so I will have my own chair!! YIPPEE. Also, we are taking our 2 teenage sons, but decided to keep Antigua open to do "anything". We booked excursions in all the ports but here. Is there enough to do to keep us busy for the day? Thank you for all your info!!:)

I think they made the announcement that everyone could go to their rooms around 1:00-1:30. It was funny carrying around all that stuff on the ship - but that's what we get for getting there so early. That's why we parked ourselves and our stuff at the outdoor buffet. I don't really know if there would be enough to do to keep you busy or not since we went on Eli's Eco tour. It looks like a very walkable port though. We did a bit of walking before the tour. If you change your mind and decide to do a tour, Eli's is the best and was our favorite excursion on the entire trip. Have a great time on your trip!

[jami98]

Thanks for the review. I am sad that the Pearl won't be doing to 9 day southern caribbean anymore because that does sound like a fun one. Now I guess I have the Pearl, Dawn and Spirit to choose from for the 7 day cruise. Thanks!

[snorklinbarb]

It was a pleasure to read your review.:D

 

Have been on the Pearl 3x and Gem 2x and, if I'm remembering correctly, Spinnaker is 18 and up. I believe it is Bliss that has the 21 and up restriction. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

That may explain why you saw kids under 21 in Spinnaker.:confused:

 

Glad you enjoyed your trip so much. The Pearl is such a wonderful ship.

 

Did you have a Meet & Greet?

[neverthought]

Just back from our Southern Caribbean trip on the Norwegian Pearl (March 7-16th). I can now say that I am a NCL cruiser! Yay.

My husband and I spent a lot of time at the Spa. It was great. For $250 a couple for a 9 day cruise, you can’t beat it. You can also spend $20 a day on a day-by-day basis if you like. I think it is even cheaper after you receive a spa service. It is worth it for sure. My husband and I were by ourselves for the first night, and maybe had two or three others join us for the 2nd and 3rd nights. More people caught on by the end of the cruise, but it still was by no means crowed.

Wonderful review! So glad to hear you enjoyed your cruise on the Pearl, and at least you realize "not everything is or can be perfect all the time." I look at our cruises as a time to relax, be waited on , and not having to clean or cook. Now, The Spa was $250 for two for 9 days. What were you able to use for the cost? I would probably be the only one in the Spa, can one person buy Spa use?

Nevethought

[grangermom]

I am so relieved to read this review. I have never sailed NCL before, but loved the Alaska itinerary and the idea of freestyle cruising. However, since booking in January, it seems that I have read so many negative things about NCL, especially the food. I'm glad to hear that the pools are chlorinated. I know it will be cold, but my son won't care. Thanks for the review, and I'm glad you had such a nice time.

[travellovers2]

We have cruised with NCL before and the one thing we remember that we loved was the food. We have said before that comparing the food to the two RCI cruises we have taken, we remember NCL food being the best. We will be on the Pearl this Friday and look forward to it after the many positives reviews. :D

[lhall85917]

Thanks for the review. We are also boarding the Pearl on Friday -can't wait!! We'll be sure to share our thoughts when we return.

[JWestShuh]

It was a pleasure to read your review.:D

 

Have been on the Pearl 3x and Gem 2x and' date=' if I'm remembering correctly, Spinnaker is 18 and up. I believe it is Bliss that has the 21 and up restriction. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

That may explain why you saw kids under 21 in Spinnaker.:confused:

 

Glad you enjoyed your trip so much. The Pearl is such a wonderful ship.

 

Did you have a Meet & Greet?[/quote']

Bliss does have the 21 and up at night restriction. Spinnaker does have the 21 and up "rule" for certain shows that were "adult". Lots and lots of 14 and 15 year olds there. I remember how I was at that age...and I was probably just as loud as these guys were. Like I said, they were used as part of the act so it was great :)

 

To the poster who asked about the spa. Yes, you can get the pass just for yourself. I think it was $139 for the 9 days. The spa had nice loungers, heated loungers, a hot tub and a therapy pool in the common area. In the separate men's and women's area there are loungers, single hot tubs, a sauna with amazing views, a steam room and a plunge pool. They also had large showers and some ladies would go there to shave their legs :) The views from the spa are fantastic. My husband and I loved it and spent most of our relaxation time there.

[mcmarya]

Hats off to you for admitting you sailed in an inside cabin and enjoyed it. We had one on deck 10 and found it to be very quiet. I'd rather cruise more often than cruise in a more expensive cabin. My son's father-in-law to be is paying for the honeymoon this summer and is getting the couple a balcony cabin for their first cruise. I told my son not to get too used to it because, if we are buying, he'll have to travel the way we do or pay for the upgrade:)

[mrsbooger]

Do you have any of the Freestyle's or the main menus in day order by chance? Leaving Friday and it's starting to become a reality with the suitcases all over the house!

[JWestShuh]

No, I didn't keep any of that stuff. Sorry :)

[Travelfor4]

Thanks for the review. I am sad that the Pearl won't be doing to 9 day southern caribbean anymore because that does sound like a fun one. Now I guess I have the Pearl, Dawn and Spirit to choose from for the 7 day cruise. Thanks!

 

Hello -

 

I'm new to the boards but not new to cruising. Just got off the Spirit and booked the 9 day southern caribbean on the pearl for November of 08. Has something changed that I haven't heard about? Thanks.

[jami98]

Hello -

 

I'm new to the boards but not new to cruising. Just got off the Spirit and booked the 9 day southern caribbean on the pearl for November of 08. Has something changed that I haven't heard about? Thanks.

 

According to the NCL website, the Jewel will be taking you on November 28th, not the Pearl. It looks like the Pearl's last 9 day southern caribbean will be on 4th of April and then it will go to Alaska. After that the new route is Miami; Roatan; Belize City; Cozumel; Great Stirrup Cay on a 7 day cruise. Sorry:(