Norwegian Pearl Review
Rating by category
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We cruise often. This is my first Norwegian cruise. My husband has taken many NCL cruises. I didn't know what to expect. I was pleased with the layed back style. We didn't feel rushed getting ready for supper. It was nice not having a specific time to be anywhere. The Summer Palace dining room was very nice. The staff there was very friendly and called us by name. The food was good and they were very attentive. We ate at Cagneys. The food there was wonderful! Embarkation was not so good. We sat in a room for a long time, and it seemed like the workers were confused on what was going on sometimes. The cruise ship we were getting on did come in late, but it seemed really unorganized. The singing/dancing shows were like most others. The juggling/comedian was ok. His jokes were old. He was still talking about Bill Clinton and Monica. The engaged couple who did the acrobat acts were really good. The Legends show was great! Elton John, Tina Turner, and Elvis was like a Vegas show. We loved it! We didn't use the pool or hot tubs, but they were about the same as all ships. We got the drink package and only drank a few alcohol drinks, as we are not big drinkers. The man who served coke in the buffet was always smiling and very friendly. His name was Redentor Bungay and he was from the Phillipines. He remembered us and had our drinks ready when he seen us in line. The girl at the buffet entrance holding the hand gel saying "Washy Washy" and the man with her playing the guitar were always smiling and singing. It always made me smile too. Very nice and welcoming. Having the silverware on the tables was a great idea. It's hard trying to hold a roll of silverware, and try to fix a plate then hold a glass and find a table. Good Job NCL. The other cruise lines need to learn from you on that one. I remember looking at the life boats and thinking WOW, they are nice. I was surprised with they dropped when it was time for us to tender into of the ports. Vincent was our cruise director and he was very involved and seemed to love his job.We loved all of his crazy suits. He was standing at the ramp dancing and partying with the crew as we got back on the ship from one of the ports. and my favorite part about getting back on the ship was the last handing the guests a cold wash cloth to wipe your face. FANCY! All in all, this was a great cruise.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Our Cabin steward was Travy. This is the first cruise we have taken that he did not know our name or even speak to us. We did not get but a few towel animals. He did do his job though and our room was clean. We never seen him until the 2nd day, and we always bring candy to our room steward. When we handed it to him he looked at us like we were crazy. I thought maybe he didn't speak english, but he did. We usually tip over and beyond the customary tips. This is the first time we did not tip more on the room. The bed was comfortable. Our safe would not open, when we first tried. They came immediately and opened it, then after we put our stuff in it, we could not get it open again. We had a light on the left side wall above the bed that would not come on, we reported it, but it never got changed. Our sliding glass door had a loose piece of rubber and it got stuck shut, with me outside. I could not get it open, but my husband pulled hard enough to get it open. We reported it also, and when we came back it slid easily and did not get stuck.
Port Reviews
Harvest Caye
Maybe we came at a bad time of the year, but there was an awful smell of sulfur on this island. The sea weed was all over the beach. The pool is very nice and has a swim up bar, and chairs and tables built in on some end. We ate in the air conditioned restaurant there. The wildlife experience was very small, but has a nice little butterfly habitat, and some pretty parrots.
Costa Maya
There is so much to do at this port, you don't need an excursion. If you are looking to go to the beach, then you will need a taxi to get there, or book an excursion. They have a big pool in the middle, and port shopping all around. They have a dolphin habitat there if you want to swim with the dolphins or just watch. They have coconut shell spa baths too. The locals put on shows for you, and expect tips, but it is so entertaining to watch.