Our trip started out with a 12 delay, no fault of Norwegians, there was fog in the Tampa area and the ship could not come into port. We finally boarded the ship about midnight. I truly expected them to greet us in an over the top way, due to us missing our entire first day on the ship, didn't happen, no music or any kind of special welcome. The food on this cruise was mediocre at best, sadly. We ate at 3 of the specialty restaurants, the steak house, the Italian restaurant and the Japanese restaurant. The Japanese one was probably the best out of the 3, however NONE of the we great, service was just was not good at the steak house or the Italian restaurant. Service at the bars on the pool decks was slow, one bar never opened the whole time on board and we were never greeted with a smile or friendly service. The cruise director "Jodie" who is supposed to make the entertainment on your ship amazing, did a very poor job of that. Music on the pool deck was nearly non-existent. There were a few hours a couple afternoons where a band did play for maybe an hour-play some piped in music for heavens sake, it's better than nothing! We ran into Jodie on 3 different occasions on our trip and not once did she acknowledge us!! Not even a "hello". Jodie, we rarely saw out and about or running any games or shows. Her assistant "Tara-Tiara", was friendly, fun and very visible through out the ship.The singers on board we ok, nothing fabulous except the Michael Jackson impersonator and the acrobats. Not all bars or buffets were always open and closed during annoying times. We were in port with Norwegians sister ship Jade once. When we arrived back after a day off the ship, the Jade staff was hosting an amazing dance party to welcome their guests back, singers, loud music dancer, drinks, towels etc. We turned the corner to board the Pearl, 2 attendants were there handing out towels, no music, no dancers, no party!!! Positives: we had problems with our AC unit, they did come to fix it twice and "Julie" in guest services sent us a bottle of champagne and some chocolate covered strawberries. The ship was clean as was our cabin, they were very diligent about keeping guests hands sanitized. We have cruised Carnival previously and they knocked the ball out of the park with service, food, friendliness, entertainment and music on pool decks. That cruise director was amazing, ALWAYS visible making things fun. My vote 1 Carnival ) Norwegian :(