Embarkation: This was the first time we chose to drive instead of fly into Miami. The port was very, very crowded, and ours was one of the last cars admitted into parking deck C before it was closed. Once DH parked the car and made it to the ship entrance, it was a very smooth process to check in and board the ship - lines moved quickly and efficiently. NCL has this process down to a science - speedy and very easy to navigate - very professional.

We made our way immediately up to the Garden Cafe to eat - lunch time. This was our first time on the Pearl and I have to say I really like the set up in the buffet better than the other ships we've cruised. The buffet line is very organized - hot on one side, cold on the other, with popular items repeated to prevent backups. Station set up: Soups on your right as you enter, followed by pizza stations, pasta stations, carving stations with hot foods and vegetables, specialty cuisines (Thai, sushi), then hamburgers and hotdogs, fries etc. Across the isle, salads, sandwiches, breads, cheeses. Breakfast and dinner set up similarly. Desserts and fruits were on a separate isle down the center isle where you could walk unobstructed all the way to the back of the boat and outside seating - my favorite place to eat. Dining was to your left away from foot traffic and included comfortable booths - all with lovely views. Free drinks (tea, milk, juices, coffee - including lattes and cappuccinos) were spaced throughout the walk space. Ice cream (hand scooped and soft serve) was very plentiful. Soft drinks are not free - you must purchase them individually or buy an unlimited soda card. DS bought this as soon as we boarded. Price will vary depending on the length of your cruise. They do give out a refill cup for your convenience, but you don't have to use it to get your soda, you only have to show your cruise card (with soda sticker) at restaurants and bars. While sitting in the bar, he was afforded the same courtesy that someone ordering a "hard" drink was given. My suggestion is to figure out how much soda you would normally drink, add up the days and divide into the cost. He more than got his money's worth. We saved our money for the hard stuff.

Cabins: Our bags arrived in good order and we got into our cabins soon after the spa tour. Our balcony cabins seemed somewhat smaller on the Pearl than the Jewel, but that might be my imagination. We like the layout of the bath - sink in the middle, shower and toilet on either side. The desk chair was in the way, so out on the balcony it went were it stayed for the entire cruise. Because Honduras and Belize were so humid, we did not use our balcony as much this trip, but it is still nice for the views and the open feeling you have in the cabin. The couch in our cabin was very comfortable to relax and watch TV. Our sons watched a lot of movies in cabin - most of them current on video and pay per view and read on the balcony. They were also room service junkies (free). Our cabin steward responded promptly to any special requests. We had a problem with our door locking and reported it to reception. They told us we did not have to wait in the room, a carpenter would be dispatched immediately. After dinner we went back to the room and the problem was already taken care of. Read more