The 7-Day Glacier Bay from Seattle cruise was my second cruise and first time cruising with NCL. I was impressed by level of service provided prior to, during, and after the cruise. Three weeks prior to the cruise data, I completed and submitted a medical form with the access desk. The response was prompt and helpful. The access desk relayed my information to the NCL Pearl.
On embarkation, I was assisted at the quest services desk. Throughout the cruise, the food service staff helped me maintain a gluten-free diet by providing gluten-free alternatives and modifications to the main menu items. As anyone who has celiac knows, being able to stick to a strict gluten-free diet means freedom to really enjoy a vacation.
Overall, the NCL Pearl crew and staff were friendly and helpful. I noticed that NCL personnel went out their way to assist passengers who had mobility challenges and special needs. For the most part, the ship board services were had outstanding handicap accessibility.
I took advice from previous postings and booked an aft balcony stateroom. I concur with a previous review - an aft stateroom balcony provides the grandest vantage point for viewing Marjorie Glacier and Glacier Bay in general. It was worth every penny to be able to sit outside and soak up the scenery as we moved through Glacier Bay and during transits to other ports. We have amazing video and photos from the balcony. A great touch was having park rangers onboard to provide narration over the ship's intercom system.
One note about a prior review complaint about stateroom 8634 being too noisy because it's over Bliss Lounge: If you are sensitive to noise, you will want to go higher. However, we had no noise or vibration problems. My advice- pack ear plugs and use them if you need them.
The entire experience occurred onboard. Park rangers boarded the ship and narrated the tour. Marjorie Glacier calved twice while we were watching.
We toured Seattle with family. Highly recommend a stop at Pike Place Market and Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and salmon ladder.