Just returned from the Alaskan cruise on the NCL Pearl (July 17-24), and wanted to post a short review. Overall the ship is average at best. The food is not good, and the bar / nightlife is boring. The shows are fun and enjoyable. NOTE TO READERS: Wife and I are mid-30s not traveling with kids.
As for the new water policy, it wasn't much of an issue. We purchased 12 1-liter bottles on the first day for $49 plus 18% tip. But at each port they did not say much if you had a bottle in your bag.
The prices for photos are outrageous. they start at $14.95 up to $24.95 per photo and then if you want a digital copy they will of course sell you one for $19.95. The picture packages do not provide any real discount.
The cabin was average. The room can sleep up to 3 people with one bed able to be stored upright on the wall. The room offered plenty of storage and the fridge was nice to have after we had the steward remove all of the pricey mini-bar items. There was also a small safe to store valuables.