Revisit the Glaciers before they're GONE!!

Norwegian Pearl Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 43

Overall rating:

5 out of 5
Norwegian Pearl

7 Night Alaska Glacier Bay (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 29, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Pearl

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 8092

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

This was our 25th total cruise, 10th on NCL, and our 4th Alaskan Inland Passage visiting Glacier Bay.  Our first Alaskan cruise was in 2002 on the Norweign Sky, then the Norweign Star in 2006, Holland America Zaandam in 2010, then last May 2016 on the Norweign Pearl.  I compared all of the pictures -then and after - of the Glaciers in Glacier National Bay - it's AMAZING how much the Glaciers have RECEDED!!  If you haven't seen our last frontier - ALASKA - you had better go now before it all melts AWAY!!  The Norweign Pearl was an great ship, the service was excellent, the food and the entertainment was OUTSTANDING!!  The only "complaint" I always have with THESE CRUISE ships - is when they deduct the GRATUITIES DAILY AUTOMATIC OFF my Credit Card!!  There is nothing in writing about these charges when you sign up for the cruise - they will inform you about these charges WHEN YOU'RE ALREADY ON BOARD AND SAILING!!  These Gratuities are suppose to be for all the people that give you service: Cabin Steward, the Waiters & Busboys, and their SUPERVISORS (i found out).  Everyone knows that not EVERYONE WHO serve us are EXCELLENT- there are lazy ones as well!! And what gives the Cruise Companys the right to determine & disperse my funds - IT IS OUR RIGHT AS TO WHO WE COMPENSATE for a job well done!!  I found out that My Cabin Steward & Waiters & Busboy get the smalls share of the gratuities that is collected.  I have fought this battle on every cruise to have these daily gratuity deduction reverse from my credit card and I DO COMPENSATE THOSE THAT HAVE SERVED US WELL AT THE END OF EACH CRUISE  - APPROPRIATELY.  Some of these workers are still friends of ours and correspond with each other on FACEBOOK.  Be aware of these Cruise Company policies and inform them that - MAYBE THEY SHOULD PAY THERE WORKERS A DECENT WAGE!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
It was smaller than we usually select on OCEANVIEW, but it was on the 8th level and close to the elevator and the Atrium. Overall our cabin was just there for us to crash after a hard day, plus being on the higher level and near Mid-ship, you didn't feel the "rocking and rolling" during turblent sailing.

Ship tip

Always had my cup of coffee, a good book to read, with EVERYTHING YOUR HEART DESIRE to munch on at the AFT (Back of the Ship). While everyone is rushing and crowded together at the UPPER Decks to view the Glacier or ANYTHING that is interesting - go the Level 6 or the Garden Buffet Aft deck !

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

3 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 43

7 Comments

SvetlanaS    8 years ago

I live in Seattle and I can catch week to Alaska for under $700 with all charges included. Plus no flight. To take a week off work, relax in all inclusive environment - not too bad;)

MrChocoholic    8 years ago

What's the point repeating the scene? Seen one glacier, you've seen them all. Too many places to see for the FIRST time than places to go to FIVE times. I don't get it.  

SvetlanaS    8 years ago

It is not a problem. Stop by a service desk in first 24 hours and ask to stop charges. After that you'll be able to give away cash as you pleased.

Derek51    8 years ago

Hi i did on rcl in the med just asked to stop but not sure if its compulsory in the usa

DaveMJ    8 years ago

More specifically ...recently and on NCL and RCI

DaveMJ    8 years ago

Has anyone had any luck in reversing these gratuities and then paying those deserving people directly? If yes how and when did you get it taken off your on board account?

Derek51    8 years ago

Hi Quite agree with you in service charges we stopped these on Royal carribean in the med and tipped who we felt gave great service no one tips me at my work and feel they should not be compulsory Thanks Derek

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