I am autistic, very sensitive to sound and other environmental conditions, with serious food allergies. The Pearl staff were very helpful boarding and throughout the cruise. The dining staff, particularly our Maitre D' Alex, went beyond our expectations to ensure that my food was safely prepared AND that I had a comfortable dining experience. He made sure the staff would seat us in the quietest area. The Pearl has a chef who dedicates himself to fulfilling special dietary orders which is outstanding. The food was delicious and I could dine with confidence.

Why would I give them so much praise? Well our last cruise was on the Brilliance (Royal Caribbean) and we had the exact opposite experience. By the time I left the Brilliance, my gums were bleeding, as were my intestines, because no care was taken in food preparation, despite assurances. As compensation, RCI offered us a discount on our next cruise with them but nothing could make up for the weeks of illness due to their negligence.

Anyway, there were blind persons on board the NCL Pearl and others with significant disabilities all being cared for. I was so pleased to see the freedom NCL's services allowed disabled travelers. Read more