we had the trip we wanted... relaxing with a wonderful staff
Embarkation
5 out of 5
with the added help i need when traveling with my husband it can be a hassle and confusing... and more so if we are embarking on a line that we have not tried before... but i will say that our experience in getting on the Pearl out of New Orleans was without a hiccup. there was a designated area for us to wait for assistance and was taken in order of arrival.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
the many restaurants offered was a little confusing as to if they were part of the package or extra.... (yes i know i just had to look at the daily brochure) but without that it was a little overwhelming... but we tried everything... and the several omelette stations were a pleasant surprise. They take the sanitation very seriously and prior to going into the buffet area (even if just crossing thru) they would spray your hands... they even had t a song that they sang (among others ) that was to the tune of Hey June by the Beatles that was titled Washy Washy - I want to wash your hands.... kinda corny, but cute...
The room and balcony were a little smaller than Carnival and Princess. but well maintained and clean.. Our Steward George could not do enough for us... and our favorite Bartender Matrica was without words the best we have met on any of our prior trips. She was at the Sake bar and we sat with her and enjoyed her company several times during out stay...
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Matrica was the bartender and she kept up with demand from the 2 restaurants that were close along with the public like our selves that stopped and chatted...... I noticed while we visited that she was often going off for extra supplies when she ran low.. and several customers would leave as they didnt see anyone behind the bar... the Public does not like to wait... i personally think that a runner would be helpful for her just to keep her supplied with things like ice and glasses...
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I found the staff to be more open and friendly than any other trip we have been on.. we became friends with several and noticed the interactions among them were also like a family - they teased each other and showed their human side... several were leaving with us and going home for their break- seeing family that they have not seen in several months.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Bathrooms could be alittle bigger... but i did like the lay out with the sliding doors... but for large people - even long legged folks it was hard to manage...
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
George seemed to know when we were out.... because when we came back the room was always straightened up... not sure how he did it as we enjoy our cabin and balcony more than the more public areas.. i joked with him that he had some sort of infra red sensor....
we took the French key excursion... was not what i expected... our Guide was very informative and knowledgeable but when we got to the beach i really was expecting more of a private beach - one you could walk and enjoy... the beach was small, it faced another facility on the other side of the lagoon. don't get me wrong.. it was nice but just not what i expected and personally didn't think the price was equal to what we got.
the tourist area was a relatively small shopping area- with out much to speak of... there was a pool of some sort towards the end - but we didn't investigate... we took the lagoon boat ride and saw some wonderful wildlife... but watch out- we got burnt--- don't for get your sun block!
again you had your major anchor stores to shop in plus many other silver shops.. several were willing to bring down the price just to make a sale.... one brought the price for a mens silver bracelet down from 850 to 375... without much effort... we went to the back side where all the ground transport was and rented a golf cart by the hour and took our time just going around the island... stopped at a beach bar about half way for a drink on the beach and was hounded every 5 mins by someone trying to sell their products.
again we did the assisted and found this to be very well organized... get there early and make sure your name gets on the list... then they start calling you down by that - based upon which of the times you selected to get off ( 8:45 or 9:30) and the time you signed in... they had several chairs going which helped.
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