After 40 seven-day or longer cruises on various lines, 4 of us (USA & Canada) decided to try NCL Free Style cruising. The Dec. 1st NCL cruise preceded our annual 11 day Costa cruise Dec. 11th.. Happy we made this choice!

We were pleasantly surprised to find one of the friendliest, happiest ship staff ever encountered, Excellent & varied foods were available 24 hours a day ( 24-hr. pub on deck 8, formerly Blue Lagoon). The staff is very attentive to cleanliness (hand spraying with singing by staff) before entering public venues performed at every opportunity.

The Pearl itself, in our opinion, needs their 2 main lounges re-furbished....they have seen better days. A huge inside flat screen is the focal point of the main atrium. Football fans were able to watch favorite teams close-up with popcorn to order. Movies were shown on the big screen throughout the cruise.. Read more