I read with interest all sorts of pros and cons about the pearl. Some from first timers and others from 2 to 3 timers and more timers. Many if not all compare the ship to others, and other lines which is not totaly fair as each line has a personality and caters to a specific segment of the traveling public. Some value great dining, Somwe value kids progams, Some value nightlife and some just value the pleasure of being at sea or the process.

Simply put, my opinions here are based on my own enjoyment of travel by ship. I select ships based on what they offer me according to my wants at that time. I have cruised almost 18 times from short 7 day to 34 days on ships of NCL, Holland America,Regent Seven Seas in cabins from inside rock bottom to lux penthouse with butler. Thus I rate the speciifc ship and trip based on the "reality scale" of the realistic class of ship and the reason I am cruising to or from a specific place. It is amusing to hear complaints from people paying ultra discount rates and expecting the Four Seasons experience.. If you want LUXury dont pick a mass market ship... pick one of the 5+ you will be paying $700 to 800 a day perperson.... not $80 to $120

The goal for this trip was to visit Glacier Bay and Misty Fijords. To be onboard with as few children as possible and to explore the natural history of a port rather than shop. I did not want haut food or formal dinners and wild nightlife.... After careful research I choose the Pearl because of its departure and return to an American port and its ports and schedule. Read more