Norwegian Pearl Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,401 reviews

Excellent First Time Cruise

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Pearl
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itzmoi
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Apr 2011
Cabin: Mid-Ship Mini-Suite with Balcony
Traveled with children

FREE STYLE: We selected Norwegian primarily because of this. First, we didn't want to be limited by time, dining hall or selected waiters. Not interested in that. Second, we didn't want to pack formal wear OR wear formal wear. We're on vacation. This was perfect for us. And it was. It was exacty as we hoped. Those that complain they prefer formal nights and having a preselected table, waiter and dining time should be complaining about themselves. Why would you book a Freestyle Cruise when you don't want Freestyle? ROOM: We booked 9 months in advance and selected a mini-suite for two adults and two children. We were very happy with the amount of space. The washroom was fantastic. The balcony exceptional. I selected a room with these things in mind: Central and higher. Close to elevator but not in line with the elevator foyer. No rooms across the hall. On the Starboard side because most of the trip would have land on the starboard side. To our delight, the 11th floor was one floor away from the 12th where the main activity, Garden Cafe dining and the Kids Centre. For those who wait to the last minute, particularly for last minute deals, can't complain a great deal if they get the lower selection of rooms. Even when I booked, 9 months ahead, MANY rooms were already booked.KIDS: Our kids were 12 and 9. They LOVED the whole trip. They (and we) loved that they could wander freely, hang out in the pool, slip into the Cafe for food and anytime they wanted. They went to the Kids program after 8 pm and it was fantastic. EMBARKATION: Pretty straight forward. Had to wait a bit, but they make it happen. Nothing to complain about. FOOD: I'm shocked that some would complain about the food. We went to two sit down dining halls (at no extra cost) twice and walked in right away with no reservation. The meals and service were excellent. The Garden Cafe selection and quality of food was the best. It was incredible. While many tables were occupied, we always found a table to sit at. Even if we couldn't we had the freedom to take our food to another area of the ship.DRINKS: We chose to drink what was free in the restaurants, cafe which was primarily water ... juice, milk, choc. milk at breakfast ... coffee, etc. Avoiding soft drinks (which were extra cost) was perfectly fine with us. Waiters regularly came by to ask if we wanted to order, but NEVER were a bother. We NEVER bought drinks. It's nice to know they are right there if you wanted something, but also not to feel bothered by them. It took us a bit to figure out where to get water at first, but that's because we were completely new to cruises. TIPS: Be aware of the added tip cost (about $12/person/day) added to your bill. The bonus for us, we felt NO obligation to tip beyond this. They tell you up front about this, so no one can complain.EXCURSIONS: We booked three: i) South Beach Resort in ROATAN which was fantastic. ii) Mayan Ruins Trip in Belize which was fair (The sound system on the bus was muffled and exhausting to listen to for the hour trip). The guides at the ruins gave information, but it missed out on the things we'd really like to know. They all tried ... but it lacked. iii) Snorkely Trip & Catamaran in Costa Maya, MX which was amazing and well done. Loved it. iv) In Key West we just got off and walked the main road. Excursions are quite costly, but for our first time, we got to select what we wanted in advance, with no anxiety. A frequent cruiser told us that you can get excursions for less than half the cost by waiting to get off the ship and talking to locals. There is the risk that the Cruise Line has no connection to these groups and you get what's available.FINALLY: We would definitely go on another cruise. You get to see more in a week. It's relaxing. All meals are covered. We would ride Norwegian because of the Freestyle and likely try a different ship and definitely a new route.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Mini-Suite with Balcony

Cabin MA

The location is ideal. It's central located on the ship, close, but not adjacent to elevators/stairs, only one floor away from the primary areas. No rooms across the hall.

Washroom was good size. Balcony fantastic -- all four of us fit on the balcony fine.

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