We sailed the NCL Pearl primarily because of the itinerary. We were interested in visiting 3 ports, the Grand Caymans, Harvest Caye and Guatemala, which we have never been too before. This cruise left out of New Orleans which also factored in on our decision to book this cruise. We were able to fly in for Thanksgiving in New Orleans and spend Friday and Saturday in New Orleans before embarking on Sunday, November 26th.

Since we were booked in the Haven, our embarkation was seamless. We Ubered to the port from our hotel. There were people readily available to receive our luggage before entering the building to go through security. Once we passed through security (a long line that everyone has to pass through) we asked one of the NCL representatives where the Haven registration was. They directed us to a VIP room which is available to all guest booked in the Haven! This allowed us to bypass the HUGE queue of hundreds of people winding through a long line to register and board the ship. In the VIP lounge, we were able to register, meet our concierge, enjoy sparkling wine and light snacks before boarding the ship. We arrived at the Julia Street terminal around 10:45 am and we were onboard and sitting in Cagney's at 11:30 am enjoying a light lunch before we were allowed to access our suite. We were able to explore some of the public areas before waiting in the Haven Courtyard before we were escorted to our suite.

The Pearl was recently refurbished back in the spring which showed in all of the public areas. The decor was updated and the public spaces we saw were clean and appeared fresh. It seemed that while smoking was allowed in the Casino, there was enough ventilation that the smoke did not spread to any of the public areas outside of the Casino. Smoking was only allowed when the casino was open and only if you were sitting down and gambling. I saw some people being asked to smoke outside in their designated smoking areas or in the Cigar Lounge if they were not actively gambling. The one thing we missed was Spinnaker Lounge. It seemed the lounge was closed for renovation during this sailing which was a bummer for those of us that enjoy sitting in there during the cruise. A lot of entertainment was relocated to the Atrium due to the renovations which was a shame because there wasn't enough seating for some of the better performers like Alex Ford and his Michael Buble tribute. Read more