Norwegian Pearl Review

Worth the wait!

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Norwegian Pearl
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PegasusGM
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
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Entertainment
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Additional details

Sail Date: Sep 2015
Cabin: Mid-Ship Balcony

We were going to take this cruise 10 years ago and couldn't so we were thrilled when the stars aligned and we were able to do 20 days from Vancouver to Miami for a full transit of the Panama Canal. We are 68, mobile, don't drink. This is our 30th cruise, 20 with NCL. We stayed at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver and had wonderful service including complimentary BMW rides to the pier.

Embarkation went smoothly. Our cabins were sufficient (10599 inside and 9552 balcony) but the location for the Canal was wonderful. I had also purchased the spa pass which made it even nicer, particularly going through the canal. Great view from up there. Personally I prefer this spa to ones on the bigger ships.

The entertainment was fine. Particularly liked the Folklorico show and the crew show. Laughed like crazy at the "fountains". Food was fine, particularly with Executive Chef Francis Gomes. Even got Pilipino food for one lunch when I asked. Moderno, Cagney's were great, but the Asian restaurant was only fair. Service in Summer Palace was horrible so we left and ate in Indigo the whole time where we had excellent service from Dragan Gorgiev from Macedonia. Highly recommend the carrot and ginger soup. NCL has upgraded its meat supplier and the prime rib was some of the best I've had and needed no seasoning. We do not drink alcohol but NCL carries St. Regis non-alcohol white zinfandel which is excellent. The Beverage manager Kiran made sure it was available where ever we frequented. The Hotel Director Cary Turicamo is amazing. We not only had a meet and greet but a follow up with the staff before departing which was very nice. Disembarkation was slightly delayed but relatively smooth.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Balcony

Cabin BA

The inside 10599 was an average inside cabin. Quiet. 9552 was a great midship balcony for traversing the Panama Canal. Bed was comfortable enough. I used the Spa for showering.

Port Reviews

Vancouver

Love this port, the hop-on hop-off bus tour, gas town, Old Spaghetti Factory, the Cathedral, Canada Place and the Pan Pacific hotel

Puerto Vallarta

Wal-Mart and casino and mall across the street from the port.

Cabo San Lucas

Walked to Burger King and used the wi-fi

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