Worth the View

Norwegian Pearl Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Reviews: 0
Helpful Votes: 59

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Pearl

7 Night Alaska Glacier Bay (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 29, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Pearl

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 9073

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

Everyone is nice enough on NCL , but as for the NCL Pearl itself, it lacks in entertainment. The shows are at best 3rd rate and the food is 2nd rate.

The views and relaxation time are totally worth it. I highly recommend booking a spa time and a cabin with a window or balcony.

I didn't and regretted it. Would be worth the extra $ on this cruise . 

I heard that the NCL Pearl is going to have a complete renovation next year, which would be great. I would do this cruise over again but just probably not with NCL. 

Let me get to the food.  Its like they just try to use the same food and make slight variations depending on which cafe, snack bar, restaurant you dine in. We opted for the Specialty Dining package and rate it

2 -1/2 stars. So it seemed like i was eating same food day in day out.  In my opinion drinks are watered down. Stick to wine or beer. 

I did notice a lot of families on board and I think for the value it is good. Seemed like the kids and teens on board where having a great time. I peeked at the activities offered for children and teens and they had lots of different choices. 

I would travel via cruise to Alaska again but will be more inclined to take a higher end cruise line company. 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Had a really nice steward Augus.

Ship tip

Great value for families.

Ports of call

Seattle, Washington

5 out of 5

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5

Victoria, British Columbia

5 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 59

7 Comments

JusMe    8 years ago

I agree with the OP. ‚ to get descent food on NCL you have to go the the specialty dining. ‚ I did like the Steak house and the french on NCL but the MDR left a lot to be desired.

 

The sea day Indian lunch for $ 10.00 was excellent.  But an extra charge.

toontes    8 years ago

Everything about entertainment was 3rd rate? Did you go to all of clubs, shows and comedy sets? Just curious if it all 'stunk' or parts of it. 

 

Alaska next year...excited!

meghad23    8 years ago

Originally posted by: BDRebel

Since I made the mistake of getting a balcony once, I am forever stuck with them (definitely a first-world problem :) ) Also, from what I have heard, Alaska will make any cruise enjoyable regardless of the ship or line.

Sorry that you did not fully enjoy the Pearl, but glad to see you did enjoy your cruise.

This is what I fear in September... I had the past 2 cruises balcony, and now booked an interior... I've been contemplating seeing If I can upgrade or not....

 

BDRebel    8 years ago

Since I made the mistake of getting a balcony once, I am forever stuck with them (definitely a first-world problem :) ) Also, from what I have heard, Alaska will make any cruise enjoyable regardless of the ship or line.

Sorry that you did not fully enjoy the Pearl, but glad to see you did enjoy your cruise.

meghad23    8 years ago

I know when I do the Alaska, a balcony will be a must... Still looking at various cruise lines. I'm typically a RCI person, but have heard mixed reviews on the cruise and ships that go there. Always appreciate good honest reviews! Maybe with the renos, who knows...

Johngold    8 years ago

Thank You for the review. We could not do the Alaska run this year, but will be on the NCL dawn next year to Bermuda. Did you try the specialty  restaurants on board?

MrChocoholic    8 years ago

Did you check out their Indian culinary specialties? Mmmm, tasty! It's not all curry. 

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