I was looking for a cruise through the Panama Canal that ended in Los Angeles. The Norwegian Pearl was the only cruise ship to start in Florida and to end in Los Angeles with free style dining. My husband does not want to cruise on a ship where you have to eat at a specific time and at a specific table. I would have preferred a cruise that stopped more in ports before the Panama Canal such as Aruba and less stops in Mexico.

Embarkation was okay but was very crowded. It is important to arrive early. Disembarkation was very easy eventhough we chose to have our bags taken off for us. I wish the activities on the ship had included more zumba exercise type classes that were free. There were a few "cardio salsa" classes but these classes were very "light" on the cardio and only 30 minutes in length. The service in the restaurants was great. The staff remembered our preferences after the first evening.

We had a balcony cabin which was very nice. My husband likes to keep the doors open, but this was not possible due to the high temperature and high humidity until Mexico. We signed up for the "behind the scenes tour on the ship for $80 per person. This did include a picture in the galley in a very nice folder, but my husband was disappointed in the tour. He wanted to see more of the "guts of the ship." He was interested in the engines and the de salinization process on board, which was not included. I might consider another cruise with Norwegian as this was our third cruise with Norwegian. Price will definitely be a determining factor.