Norwegian Pearl Review
Rating by category
Additional details
For our 20th anniversary, we planned a "Go Big or Just Stay Home" vacation. It may have been a little risky to "go big" on a cruise when we'd never taken one before, but the crew of the Pearl is a "go big" community. We were pampered, indulged, loved on, and made to feel entirely worthy of our VIP suite status (as high school teachers, we're more "steerage" in our daily lives).
Our excursions were bucket-list level experiences that left us simultaneously exhausted and spiritually recharged.
Lest you think we treated this cruise like an episode of Downton Abbey... we also imbibed, giggled, shared flirtatious double entendres, and beat the pants of a room full of casual fans at Game of Thrones trivia. We also learned to use a fancy-schmancy camera we purchased specifically for the trip by choosing an excursion led by a photography teacher. And we became familiar with the ways and means of sauna+plunging.
Cabin Review
Penthouse with Large Balcony
This is a non-haven aft penthouse suite with large balcony (category SF). It is not wheelchair accessible although its next-door neighbor is. I think these were previously known as "romance suites".
I'll let the photos tell the story. I tried to shoot photos that elaborate on the floor plan on NCL's website. (I forgot to photograph the little alcove in the entry, but I've seen it in YouTube videos, so you can find it if you're curious.) The balcony is a little small compared to analogous suites, but it was plenty for us.
We loved this suite and didn't care a jot that it wasn't in the Haven. It had full VIP status (other than Haven access) and we got incredible views and photographs of the glaciers the whole time we were in Glacier Bay. The only tiny little thing that I would have liked from the Haven cabins is a separate "car wash" type shower. But I had thermal suite access and lived it up in that lap of luxury instead.
We didn't notice any noise from surrounding rooms/venues. The bed was huge and comfortable. (My husband and I disagree about the pillows. I thought they were great. He wished he'd brought his from home.)
Our butler, Renato, kept us super spoiled with gluten-free afternoon treats and coffee set-ups. It took me about a day and a half to get over my hang-ups about bothering him with requests. He reassured me that it's what he's there to do!
Noemi, our concierge, got me out of a tough spot when I realized I had scheduled a spa treatment that overlapped with prime glacier viewing. I always appreciate good customer service, but I especially appreciate it when the issue is obviously my fault.
Our cabin steward, Roy, was simultaneously an instant friend, the ultimate host, and a true linen-folding artist. All of his creations made me "squee" but he saved the best for last. Check out the swan wedding with eskimo priest presiding. He got a little misty eyed the night of our special dinner talking to us about soulmates and how he could tell how connected we are to each other.
We ended up writing comment cards for around ten Cruise Heroes because we were so overwhelmed with the level of personal attention. One of the things that struck me most is that all of the crew we interacted with were upfront as "real people" and we got to know them. They are sacrificing months away from their families to give us a week away from our daily stress and they still had the emotional stamina to make a real community out of our temporary population. They do it to send good money back home but they also do it to make our lives a little better. They're incredible and I'm in awe of them.