Norwegian Pearl Review

NCL--A DAUNTING EXPERIENCE!!!

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Pearl
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cherise97
First Time Cruiser • Age 40s

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Sail Date: Dec 2009
Cabin: Mid-Ship Oceanview Porthole Window

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) should really be called the "Nickle and Dime Cruise Line (NCL). Having traveled on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, I was really expecting a cross in between cruise lines, but really it's just a half-step above Carnival and I really mean a half-step. They advertise their specialty restaurants and highly encourage you to use those more than the dining that's included in the price of the cruise. Of course there's an extra charge and it ranges from $10-$25 per person. If you want a coke, sprite, diet coke, etc., don't expect to get that for free. You can only get free cranberry and orange juice during breakfast and it taste like a powder mix. If you are a real coffee drinker, expect to pay extra at the Java cafe for some real gourmet coffee. It's ridiculous. I'm surprised they don't charge to use the gym!!Norweigan advertises their on board bowling alley, but it cost $5.00 per game. Even the little ice hockey game cost. It's really unbelievable.

My husband and I took a shore excursion in Samana, Dominican Republic. Although we could appreciate the natural beauty and the kindness of the people, the poverty was just overwhelming. We were constantly followed by people who was begging for money. The hardest thing to swallow were the children whom many were without adequate clothing. They were also begging for money. Our tour guide took us to a store to shop. The bathroom attached did not have electricity, toilet paper or soap. Considering that Samana is only 1.5 hours from the capitol, Santo Domingo, I am quite puzzled that the cruise wouldn't stay longer so people can experience another part of The Dominican Republic. The other ports of call were fine. Samana was very depressing.

Our stateroom was fine until New Year's Eve. We had a marching band exhibition of ants. I have no idea how we got ants considering that we were at sea the day before with no prior problems. Since many of the people who work on the ship barely understand and speak English, we had to go through the customer service manager to get approval to move to another room. Pest control sprayed the cabin and we were hoping to move back to our room the next day but unfortunatley the ants were still there.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Oceanview Porthole Window

Cabin OF

Our cabin was fine until New Year's Eve. We had ants. Don't know how we got ants considering we were at sea the day before.

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