Norwegian Pearl Review
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This was my 22nd cruise on NCL and I have sailed Carnival 7x, Princess 3x, and Royal Caribbean 2x. I choose NCL because they have the most genuine, sincere, friendly, and dedicated employees. Additionally, NCL has great past passenger benefits and I find freestyle cruising most conducive to how I like to vacation. Although I have diary reviews all throughout the CruiseCritic.com archives, this is my first on the big board!Hotel Information: Stayed two days in South Beach at the Kent Hotel prior to cruise. Near everything, we enjoyed the Oceanside dining, the sun, and dancing at Mangoes, Nikki Beach Club, Gemma (at Lincoln Road Mall), and Mansion (although I was the oldest one dancing on a box above everyone...well, okay...I was the oldest one amongst the 2,500 patrons). Post cruise was at Bahia Mar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Nice hotel in the center of the beach action.
Embarkation: Very easy. I usually get in the very small platinum boarding line, but since I was traveling with my sister in a wheelchair, we got on even faster!
The ship: She's simply irresistible! She is the first ship to have bowling which compliments her Bliss nightclub experience. There are very nice deck chairs and loungers in all the outdoor areas. The gamblers are not confined to the casino as they set up tables near the pool and have some slots next to bowling area. Do not expect a grand atrium as there is none. This works for me because the big atriums make me feel like I am in a mall. Each restaurant and lounge is unique in dEcor and is certainly worth taking time to look at. In the deck hallways, the fish on the carpet are always swimming forward thus enabling you to know where the front is. My second time on the Pearl, I discovered all sorts of secret spots where one can relax in the sun peacefully away from crowds...on the promenade deck, near the rock climbing wall, deck 13 aft up the outside stairways, and forward ship on the uppermost decks. If you want more vibe and energy of pools, a band, bars, grills, barbecues and hot-tubbing, then lido deck 12 is the place to go. The Garden Cafe buffet is nearby.