Norwegian Pearl Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose a Christmas cruise with our adult children as a 'splendid experience' before the next generation comes along. Norwegian Pearl delivered. We had a great time! I don't know what Pearl was like before refurbishment, but the updates are lovely! All upholstery and carpeting is fresh, the paint and surfaces are unmarked, and there are some additional USBs in the cabins. The staff is equally wonderful - helpful, cheerful, and efficient. We really enjoyed chatting with them all. It must have been hard to be working away from their families during the holidays, but they seemed to be having nearly as much fun as we were.
We sailed out of New Orleans so booked Hilton Riverside for a few days prior. We enjoyed the decorations in the city, a fun Swamp Tour with Cajun Encounters (highly recommend!), and the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, as well as strolls along the river and Royal Street. After the cruise we were able to check our bags at the bell desk so we could spend a day in the city.
It was very convenient to be able to walk through the Riverwalk Outlets on Embarkation Day. We had different checkin times, but I checked ahead and we were all able use our earlier window. The whole process was very efficient and we were aboard in under an hour after leaving the hotel.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Cabin 10130, aft balcony, port side. (Try for starboard when going down the Mississippi if you want to see the ship traffic you will pass. Port is good if you want to se just the near shore.) Refurbished cabins are lovely! There are 3 USB ports (One under each beside lamp, one below the TV) in addition to three power outlets (at vanity, desk and below minibar), so no need for my power strip. Comfy bed, lots of storage, roomy (for a cruise ship) shower.
Port Reviews
Cozumel
Wandered around the town, down to Los Cinco Soles on Christmas Day. Most places were open, but all typical tourist stuff and diamonds. Not in the market for either. Ate lunch in Pancho's Backyard with a tasty Mexican sampler lunch, split between 2 of us and the biggest cervesas we have seen! Lovely setting and a marimba duo added just right ambiance.