Norwegian Pearl Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We are loyal cruisers with NCL and this was our 7th cruise, 2nd on the Pearl. We choose this itinerary because we wanted to see the Panama Canal and the other Central America Ports (Cartagena, Puerto Limon) that we had not been too. We've been to Roatan, Belize & Costa Maya but knew there were still adventures there we had not explored.
The Pearl is a great size Ship, easy to get around with all the basic amenities. Are there things that can be improved ? sure, but, She is going in to dry dock in February and well undergo a well deserved refurbishing where I'm sure the Pearl will come out top notch. Yes the cabins may be small, but we don't spend much time there. We did enjoy our balcony quite a bit.
The Staff were great.... always friendly, accommodating and concerned about their guests. This is especially true of their Captain and senior staff. They were very visible around the ship, attended our first sea day Cruise Critic meeting AND a follow up meeting on the last sea day. From the Captain Stephan, Tony the Hotel Director to Cruise Director, JC Sanchez and his staff, everyone gave 100%. This was especially true as we encountered some very strong winds and more rain then we've ever experienced on a cruise. Due to a tropical depression that became a Hurricane 2 heading toward Costa Rica, we had to skip that Port for everyone's safety. The Crew remained positive and flexible keeping everyone's spirits up.
Cabin Review
Balcony
This Starboard Balcony was mid to forward.... close to the forward Elevators/ stairs. Cabin is quiet as there are more cabins above and below us. Our steward, JaeMar was excellent..... anticipating our needs and responding promptly to any request. By the end of the cruise we had a 'zoo' of towel animals.!!! Convenient to access Forward amenities.... ie Spa, Spinacker, Stardust Theater.
Port Reviews
Colon (Cristobal)
We can check off Panama Canal... well at least a partical traversing, on our Bucket List. On this Cruise, we went through the first set of locks in Gatun Lake early in the morning. If it wasn't pouring buckets of rain, we would have one an excursion only available through the Cruise Line (which makes sense since no Tour Company can assure you would be back at the Port intime for sail away due to timing through the Locks). We went back out through the Gatun Locks in late afternoon. Did not go ashore at Colon (shopping center)
Miami
No excursion. Stayed at Red Roof Inn near the Aiport. Great overnight hotel where we could leave our vehicle for duration of cruise. Complimetary shuttle to POM and $20 for return.
Costa Maya
We went to Blue Kay Beach Club on our own. For $5 we had beach chairs, hammocks, a drink, and almost had the beach to ourselves. The water is shallow and snorkeling ok out by the reef. It was a windy day and current stong. If you snorkel start by the rock 'pier' to the left and go along the edge of the reef to the pier in front of Resort next to Blue Kay.
Say hello to Alex... very friendlyand fun bar tender.