This was my 3rd sailing on the Pearl (chosen only for the stop in San Francisco) and 7th overall on NCL.
Pre-cruise customer service was disappointing and left me not wanting to sail. I called multiple times pre-cruise to request a balcony cabin change but was thoroughly rebuffed. I guess I expected better having reached Gold on last sailing 8 months prior. NCL just feels different than in years past, and not a good different. There were many balcony cabins available up to the day before sailing. I was travelling with someone in another balcony cabin. Upon embarking in Los Angeles I went to guest services to ask if there was any possibility of a change (there was a sign saying full capacity, no changes possible). I got a call after 8PM that night offering a different cabin but declined after having already unpacked.
Cabin 8542. Carpet seemed clean or new. No bathrobe (requested one from steward). Disgustingly dirty balcony table. No room service menu. Used Ziplock bags under sink left me wondering how well this cabin was cleaned. Slept in this cabin the first night then called the next morning to see if a change was still available.
Cabin 8542. Enclosed hull balcony. Forward cabin. Carpet seemed clean or new. No bathrobe (requested one from steward). Disgustingly dirty balcony table. Used Ziplock bags under sink left me wondering how well this cabin was cleaned.
Moved to forward cabin 9028 (family balcony, regular balcony). Broken shampoo dispenser (would need replacement for an actual family) so a small bottle was provided. Dirty carpet and sofa cover. Coffee table needs replacement.
Both cabins have easy access up to pool and observation decks.