We are 2 59 year olds who found cruising late in life but learned to enjoy it very easily. We stayed at the National in Miami pre-cruise. It was a very nice hotel we found on line at sky auction for a good price. We always go a day early because of living in the Midwest. Snow is always a threat in January.
Embarkation was relatively easy. We got to the dock around 11:00 and were shown to the special lounge for suite passengers. A little crowded, but not too long after, Ruth Hagger the concierge started getting passengers onto the ship. We were shown to the elevator and told to go find our own room, which is very unusual for an owners suite. But we know how to find it, so we weren't unhappy, just surprised. The room was nice and big. Lots of drawers and room to place things. The closet was a walk in, but they put the vanity table in there and crowded it a bit. Could have used the room better, but not a big problem. The bath was big and had two sinks. His and hers. He He The side balcony had 2 chairs and a table, but hubby brought a lounge chair from the front deck and we enjoyed the side deck a little more than the front one, as there was a stiff wind when in route. Still, the front deck was a large one and we always saw people on the other ones. It was fun to look around and see new faces and got to know each other that way. We also had a lap top in the room, which came in handy. We bought the 100 minutes for $55 and got lattitudes minutes for free.
The Pearl is a very beautiful ship. Lots of color and always something interesting to check out. I could not even begin to attend all the activities they have. That could be because I was at the courtyard a lot. Could not seem to get away from that comfort and quiet. I liked to go to the 15th deck and swing in the hammock, rest and feel the breeze and sun on my face. You really do find relaxation on a cruise if you want it. Anyway, enough of that.