Norwegian Pearl Review

NCL 'Pearl' Alaska Cruise: 2,900 Lemmings Return To The Sea

Review for Alaska Cruise on Norwegian Pearl
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nelsongang
First Time Cruiser • Age 80s

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Sail Date: Aug 2010
Cabin: Penthouse with Large Balcony

We are silver level member of NCL Latitudes, ie, not 1st NCL cruise. 'Pearl' is 1200 cabins and on this cruise, 2900 folks, with a Garden Cafe that seated 600! Made luncheon a New York rush hour! Pictures of passengers eating their lunch standing, surrounded by folks 3-4 deep at 'pizza' station were sent to NCL CEO!

Two outstanding NCL offerings: 1. 'BAGS.' This takes bags directly from your stateroom to your destination. Worth every penny. Too bad NCL doesn't offer the same getting baggage to ship. Only surprise was two baggage tags - one to get from stateroom to airport; second the airline tag to your destination. Great for older folks who don't want to struggle with 50 pound bags. 2. 'Aqua Kids Program.' Our grandkids absolutely loved this outstanding program which entertains kids (ours were 3, 7,and 12 year old twins) while mom and dad do the town or whatever. Kids returned painted as pirates etc and told wonderful tales about what they did. Includes taking kids to meals. Kids are tough judges and ours loved this program.

But NCL 'Pearl' really presented challenges / disappointments: 1. Cabin was far forward and dining was 800 feet aft. Bad design. The Wind and Dream had cabins in middle and much less walking involved. 2. Public restaurants miserably overcrowded. You can't fit 2900 passengers in a 600 seat Garden Cafe! But NCL calls this 'Freestyle' and, frankly, should be called 'Mud Wrestling.' People would stand by a table waiting for those eating to leave. And if you had a party of more than 4 - well, you were doomed to wait forever. Actually lining up for food (if you could find a plate to put it on!) reminded us of the lemming herds going to the sea. 3. No military discount for active duty soldiers. Our son was denied a discount despite two Iraq and one Qatar tours. But I got one for being honorably discharged some 40 years ago! Thanking our soldiers for their service isn't here 4. Class of cabin determines service you will be entitles to. If you want to avoid the lemmings in the Garden Cafe be sure to get a sufficiently high ranking cabin. Then you can eat breakfast and lunch in Cagneys, a specialty restaurant, totally avoiding the armpit to armpit Garden Cafe experience. We didn't know NCL was modeling Cunard's Queen Grill class distinction but, when we tried to take our Army son and family into Cagneys we were denied entry based on his cabin level. So NCL is basing service level on cabin level - a new disgusting development for us. 5. Our stateroom was nice and balcony was spectacular. Fortunately, as we bought 5 cabins and 10 passengers on this cruise, big enough for most of them. 6. Dining: Our family did not have the herd mentality necessary to enjoy 'Pearl's' Garden Cafe so we ate dinner in the speciality restaurants 6 of the 7 nights. In each staff was great but service no so fast. Regardless of your palette, you will not be disappointed. Due to Concierge incident we made our own reservations 4 of those nights - no sweat. Easy to do in the Garden Cafe while you wait for lunch food / table. Heard good things about breakfast items in Garden Cafe but opted out if trying breakfast there.

Cabin Review

Penthouse with Large Balcony

Cabin SE

Cabin 9500 NCL 'Pearl.'

As far forward as you can get meant longest walk to dining - not good for anyone with walking challenges.

Cabin size OK but balcony spectacular! You face forward (not to port or starboard as do 99% of balcony cabins). Surprise was even going 25 knots the wind over the balcony was minimal.

Room steward and butler were fabulous. Concierge ...

All amenities worked but be sure refrig door shuts. Especially if you're bringing any meds.

Watch shower - found tub slippery.

Late night show mumbles its way into cabin but not that bad.

Television selection limited.

Overall a good non-romantic stateroom with well planned layout.

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