This was our 3rd cruise. One with Holland America and one on NCL Sun. All have been enjoyable but the latest on the Pearl was best. We noticed a month before the cruise that there had been a price drop so we were able to upgrade our inside room to an outside with a porthole. Based on other reviews, we used Priceline and got a room at J.W. Marriott in Miami for the night before the cruise. The price was very reasonable and the hotel/room was wonderful and a $24 cab ride to the Port of Miami.

On Saturday we arrived at the Port at 11:00 a.m. and were on board by 11:15. Embarkation was as easy as it could have been. We went to our room, dropped off our carry on luggage (you really can't get your room until 2 p.m.) and roomed the ship until we had lunch at the Summer Palace. Rather then a long review, I'll list the Pro's and Con's as we see them with a few comments.

PRO"S We love Freestyle dining. Some nights we wanted to eat at 6 p.m. and others at 8 p.m., this was no problem. We did not eat at any of the premium restaurants. The food quality was definitely better then 2 years ago. My wife give an overall grade of B-/B and I rate it at a B+. All restaurant staff were polite and courteous at all times, especially Dennis at the Summer Palace and Raymond at Indigo. On the Sun we stayed away from the Buffet, but on the Pearl, the Garden Cafe had a lot of food choices including much choice for vegetarians. Read more