Review of 4/4 Cruise on Norwegian Pearl (by Fred Mallon)

We are a family of three: a couple approaching middle age with a three year old. We had previously done three cruises with Carnival so all the comparisons are against them.

Travel to/from Miami: We looked at the cost of airline travel through the cruise ship (very high) and the cost directly from the airlines (not quite as high) but with the worry of delayed flights (might need cruise insurance) and decided instead to drive. Fifteen hours (Richmond VA to Miami) with a 3 year old may seem burdensome, but he slept most of the way. Rather than pay for parking at the port of Miami, we did two one way car rentals (total cost $220). This was far cheaper than airline tickets plus cruise insurance. (And I much prefer to drive than deal with airline hassles.) Read more