The Norwegian Pearl is by far the best Cruise ship I have been on. The Pearl is the newest of the Norwegian fleet and is worthy of her name. Norwegian already has already been one up on other crusielines with their "freestyle" cruising. Eat when you want and where you want, with a plethora of restaurants to pick from. The key is making your reservations first thing in the morning for the restaurant you want that night. The food was spectacular and the service of the crew was outstanding. I have also traveled on the Norwegian Jewel, also a fantastic ship, but I found The Pearl to have a few more bells and whistles making her number one in my book.
For the adventurous, have a go at the Rock Climbing wall on board. Now you can be at Sea and practice your rock climbing skills all at the same time.
You will also find a small bowling alley on board complete with bowling shoes in all sizes.
The Spa was an experience all it's own and I openly admit, I went twice I loved it so much.
They generally offer Spa specials the days you are in port, take advantage of them, as the specials are not as great when you have days at sea. Speaking of at sea....don't expect to be board even when there are no ports of call to see. The ship provides seminars, bingo, activities for kids, activities for teens, games, live shows, an exercise gym facility, a game room with board games to play, and of course you can always find something amusing to do in the Casino!
One of the main things I really loved about the Pearl, was the bed. Yes, the bed. Honestly I have not had as good a night sleep since I got off the ship.
You will find all kinds of people on board, those who are adventure seekers and those who are looking for more of a relaxing vacation. Whatever you are into, The Pearl has it.
Based on my 9 day Carribean Cruise on the Pearl, I have compiled some helpful tips and information, so here we go...
1. If your budget allows, opt for a room with a balcony, you will be glad you did. There is nothing like sitting on the balcony watching the water and sky.
2. If they are available, opt for a room with a balcony at the very back of the ship. I was dubious about this at first, but with a room on the back of the ship, your balcony will give a view of both east and west or north and south. It's a much different viewpoint then a balcony on either side of the ship. And some of the rooms at the back of the ship tend to be a tad bigger.
3. Play Bingo at least once. It's a very cool experience. Besides the cash winners, which could be you, they also give out some prizes during the game. It's a lot of fun and also a great way to meet some of the other passengers.
4. If you are a first time cruiser, take a long some Bonine sea sickness meds and Sea Bands, the wrist bands warn to help prevent getting sea sick.
5. As I mentioned above, the Pearl has a fantastic Spa, try and visit while Port specials are being offered, don't wait til you are at sea.
6. If you want the chance to go bowling, make your reservations early in the day. It's a hit or miss as to how much the bowling alley will be on any given day. If you are with a small group, they also run a special for bowling that includes a side room with eats. Pretty good deal.
7. If you happen to have any talent in the performing arena, come prepared, every cruise has a Talent competition with a chance to win a free cruise.
8. Book excursions prior to cruising, they fill up fast!
9. Just a personal tip here....try not and book a cruise during Hurricane season, the waters tend to be far more choppy as a rule.
10. At the end of your cruise, you will see on you bill a built in gratuity fee, you can have it removed and tip individually and how much you want to tip. The choice is yours. Remember the staff does not gets days off so give big!
Cruising is one of the best types of vacations you can take, lots of bang for the buck.
Norwegian does it best if you can ask me, the Pearl....she is a true gem.