Which one? NCL Star or Pearl

[Lessa11]

I'm planning a cruise to Alaska and I'm leaning towards NCL. I can get Star for slightly less than Pearl, but I was wondering what the differences are. I'm not so interested in food, more interested in stuff to do on the ship.

[Don Haynes]

Not much, the Pearl has a bowling alley the Star don't. The Pearl also has a slightly better itinerary, doing Glacier Bay the Star don't.

[DDMau]

Been on both but not to Alaska. Both are nice ships just a few differences as stated above. We just booked the Star to Alaska for July 4th 2009 for the itinerary it goes up the inside passage and stops in Prince Rupert and not Victoria (we have been there alot) the other reason is we just got off the Pearl in Oct. 2008. You will enjoy either ship and they both have lots to do.

Enjoy your cruise!

[IHeartCruzin]

I've been on both ships. Yes they are basically the same, except The Pearl is newer, a little bit "shinier" if you will.

 

Here's what I remember as differences.

 

If you are a jogger, The Star is better suited as the track goes all the way around the top of the ship. The Pearl, the track is about half the distance.

 

The gym, The Star does not have nice views of the water from their cardio machines. They face the wall with mirrors. There's a smoothie bar with various health drinks. The ice cream stand is right there too! =^) The Pearl, their cardio machines face the water with large picture windows. Good for spotting whales while you work out! Both have nice shower facilities and water fountains. The Pearl provides complimentary ice cold towels to cool off your face/body after your workout. Both have aerobic and spin classes for extra fees.

 

The Star has a helicoptor pad...just in case. O_o

The Pearl has a nice outdoor cafe instead.

 

The Star has a cute kids waterplay area with hottub and kiddie pool.

The Pearl does too, but it's not as large.

 

The Pearl has bowling and a rock climbing wall. Neither of these are on The Star.

 

The Star has a movie theatre with popcorn! The Pearl does not, however you can watch movies in your room.

 

The Star has many hottubs. Their spa has an endless lap pool. (Yay!)

 

The Pearl has an adult only pool with waterfall. (hey, I thought it was cool)

 

The Bliss Ultra Lounge on The Pearl is crazy fun and beautiful. Their DJ is in tune with the crowd.

 

The Carousel Lounge on The Star is adequate and uninspired. Their DJ needs to find another job.

 

The Pearl has a giant Wii screen. The Star doesn't.

 

 

Ok, I'll stop.

 

If you want me to talk about the Casinos... just ask.

[Lessa11]

I ended up booking the Pearl. Mainly because I read some posts that the Star was showing some wear and tear, and then I read that it will be going into dry dock in Nov. for an overhaul and that the Pearl has just had a facelift.

[IheartNCL]

Do your self a favor and book a balcony on the Port side. As you enter Glacier Bay National Park, all the glaciers are on the port side. At the end of the entry the ship does a 180 degree turn to leave, so the starboard side does not get a lot of "hang" time to glacier watch. This rotation is the time for you to go topside for more viewing and talking to the ranger. A lot of people go up at the start and then get cold so a lot less people for the last part of the glacier viewing. We have been on this cruise 3 time and it is superb.

[lauren0309]

What made my decision was Glacier Bay. I read its a must see.

[NayRN]

Do your self a favor and book a balcony on the Port side. As you enter Glacier Bay National Park, all the glaciers are on the port side. At the end of the entry the ship does a 180 degree turn to leave, so the starboard side does not get a lot of "hang" time to glacier watch. This rotation is the time for you to go topside for more viewing and talking to the ranger. A lot of people go up at the start and then get cold so a lot less people for the last part of the glacier viewing. We have been on this cruise 3 time and it is superb.

 

I totally agree with you! I found this out on my first-ever cruise by mistake!;)

 

NayRN

[irwins0001]

I've been on both ships. Yes they are basically the same, except The Pearl is newer, a little bit "shinier" if you will.

 

Here's what I remember as differences.

 

If you are a jogger, The Star is better suited as the track goes all the way around the top of the ship. The Pearl, the track is about half the distance.

 

The gym, The Star does not have nice views of the water from their cardio machines. They face the wall with mirrors. There's a smoothie bar with various health drinks. The ice cream stand is right there too! =^) The Pearl, their cardio machines face the water with large picture windows. Good for spotting whales while you work out! Both have nice shower facilities and water fountains. The Pearl provides complimentary ice cold towels to cool off your face/body after your workout. Both have aerobic and spin classes for extra fees.

 

The Star has a helicoptor pad...just in case. O_o

The Pearl has a nice outdoor cafe instead.

 

The Star has a cute kids waterplay area with hottub and kiddie pool.

The Pearl does too, but it's not as large.

 

The Pearl has bowling and a rock climbing wall. Neither of these are on The Star.

 

The Star has a movie theatre with popcorn! The Pearl does not, however you can watch movies in your room.

 

The Star has many hottubs. Their spa has an endless lap pool. (Yay!)

 

The Pearl has an adult only pool with waterfall. (hey, I thought it was cool)

 

The Bliss Ultra Lounge on The Pearl is crazy fun and beautiful. Their DJ is in tune with the crowd.

 

The Carousel Lounge on The Star is adequate and uninspired. Their DJ needs to find another job.

 

The Pearl has a giant Wii screen. The Star doesn't.

 

 

Ok, I'll stop.

 

If you want me to talk about the Casinos... just ask.

Can you tell me anything about poker on the Pearl???

Thanks

[Lessa11]

Do your self a favor and book a balcony on the Port side. As you enter Glacier Bay National Park, all the glaciers are on the port side. At the end of the entry the ship does a 180 degree turn to leave, so the starboard side does not get a lot of "hang" time to glacier watch. This rotation is the time for you to go topside for more viewing and talking to the ranger. A lot of people go up at the start and then get cold so a lot less people for the last part of the glacier viewing. We have been on this cruise 3 time and it is superb.

 

Yep, already discovered that from research on this board and booked a balcony on the port side. Thanks for the confirmation that I picked the correct side (I had to look up port and starboard on dictionary.com:rolleyes:)

[Bocadude85]

Yep, already discovered that from research on this board and booked a balcony on the port side. Thanks for the confirmation that I picked the correct side (I had to look up port and starboard on dictionary.com:rolleyes:)

 

 

Or if you want to splurge a little ugprade to the forward facing AC penthouses... the views are AMAZING! We were in one for our cruise to Alaska a few weeks ago and had the most amazing views

[Lessa11]

Or if you want to splurge a little ugprade to the forward facing AC penthouses... the views are AMAZING! We were in one for our cruise to Alaska a few weeks ago and had the most amazing views

 

I was originally looking at inside cabins. A balcony is already splurging, but for Alaska, I think it's worth it.

[Ilivetogo]

The Pearl has a giant Wii screen. The Star doesn't.

 

 

I'm glad you said this. I've been wondering. Man I"m bummed. My 9 y/o would have loved that.

[bbcruiser]

WE picked Pearl. Forgot about port side for Glacier Bay and unfortunately booked the Starboard side :( But, for the cabins we looked at on the port side, only the ones under the fitness center were available, which would likely have noise issues. Oh well, we'll enjoy regardless. We'll just plan to join the crowd in the lounge and watch the glaciers until they turn the ship around.

[Lessa11]

WE picked Pearl. Forgot about port side for Glacier Bay and unfortunately booked the Starboard side :( But, for the cabins we looked at on the port side, only the ones under the fitness center were available, which would likely have noise issues. Oh well, we'll enjoy regardless. We'll just plan to join the crowd in the lounge and watch the glaciers until they turn the ship around.

 

I don't think it's a huge deal. You'll still see lots of stuff and they do turn the boat around so you can see the glaciers too.

[IHeartCruzin]

Can you tell me anything about poker on the Pearl???

Thanks

 

They definately have Texas Hold'em tourneys on the Pearl. On a 7 day cruise, I remember at least 3 of them. If memory serves there was a $60.00 US entry fee. There were a couple of poker tables in the casino. Some nights it was busy and others not so much. Also, a curious table game of Texas Hold'em occupied a place between blackjack and 3 card poker. You and others played against the dealer. I didn't play it but I watched for a while and it looked like fun.

 

The players in the poker tourneys were friendly and it appeared to be a nice social event. (I didn't enter, but my Mom did)

 

Hope that helps.