Some background on us. We've cruised 25+ times on 7 cruise lines. We're middle aged, having cruised on average once or twice a year for many years. Since we had kids 9 years ago, we've cruised only on the NCL Norwegian Sun. We've loved the freestyle cruising. Wonderful for kids. We always have a great time.

This time the Sun was unavailable so we decided to try out the Pearl. The most important part of the ship to us is the outside open spaces. Top sides, pool side, wrap around promenade is an absolute must.

I had expected the Pearl to be an even larger version of the Sun, but I was disappointed in its layout. Read more