Rather disappointing
Norwegian Pearl Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America
10 Night Panama Canal & Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)
Sail date: December 19, 2016
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 5541
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 7 years ago
Review summary
Majority of the cruise, from check in to final departure was quite disorganized and with minimal appropriate communication from NCL. Initial check in took approximately 1 hour and was stopped for luggage check but security had no idea what he was looking for. Lines were too long and sluggish. Once onboard the cruise director and his staff were obnoxious and consistently interrupting the cruise with over enthusiastic interruptions to play bingo, but raffle tickets, etc. Perhaps they should stress passenger satisfactions and decrease the constant sales gimmicks. The majority of the entertainment was very good, with the exception of one performer who was panned by all passengers I spoke with. The ship bands (Avalon and Future Perfect) were very good but when they weren't playing on the deck the DJ would quickly come on and blare extremely loud rock and rap at a volume that was near painful (turn down the speaker volume please) so that people can speak to each other without yelling. Also, the frequent pool deck interruptions of very loud yelling from assistant cruise directors leading college spring break like play-by-play of beer pong and hairiest leg contests was disruptive. Please continue the games if you wish but you need not yell at full volume into microphones so that every one is immersed constantly. Discussions with other passengers agreed with the above assessments. Finally, the lines to exit and renter the ship at ports were far less organized and took far longer than previous cruises I have taken. State room acceptable and food was routine although I did not find the cleanliness to be up to previous cruises on other lines. Discussions with other passengers agreed with the above assessments. While certainly not totally unacceptable the cruise was far from standards I have experienced on other lines and I would be unlikely to repeat this cruise.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Consider a different ship unless NCL makes some changes.