First of all, I have to thank Sherri Pimental at for her endless hours of EXCEPTIONAL customer Service working with our available vacation dates locating an Alaskan Cruise for our family of five (which included my 91 year old Mom). Sherri is professional, warm, kind, answers and finds answers to every one of our questions about cruising! She is FIRST RATE and the Cruise Expert everyone should use to book their next cruise! No question is too small to ask her, and she always goes the EXTRA MILE and more treating us (her customers) with TLC (tender, loving , care). Once again, this being our second cruise we've booked with Sherri, we just can't thank her enough! We'll try! Sherri, our HEARTFELT thanks to you for EVERYTHING, every minute you spent with us - insuring we had peace of mind heading into our Alaskan cruise with my Mom. You were right that we'd all have a great time! Mom surely agrees. She, too, thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and loved each and every destination. Her comment, "Each destination was like a dream!"
Sherri found us the perfect Alaskan Cruise. Our only disappointment came with the crew members on the ship (not Sherri); the Pearl Crew were not welcoming, friendly, or knowledgeable about the ship and events. There was much miscommunication that went on between crew members and guest services (this was echoed by all guests which we met). All guests also noted how the food on the ship was terrible (the worst cruise ship food they had had, especially within the Norwegian lines). Shore excursions (through and the ship) were highlights! Glacier Bay was incredibly stunning! Thank you Sherri for finding us such a fantastic cruise!!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The Specialty Dining is worth purchasing but menu options and restaurants are limited. The food at Cagney's and Le Bistro were our best meals. The other restaurant we chose in our package was La Cuchina which was below average. I recommend their Tiramisu, everything else was terrible. The Summer Palace had awful food - DO NOT go there. Strangely, the Indigo offers the same menu as Summer Palace, yet the food and service is a million times better!
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Fitness Center was small, cramped, and other guests didn't clean their machines after use which led to them being dirty. It would have been nice if the Ship offered free water bottles or a spot to fill your water bottle for those exercising. In addition, upon entering the Fitness Center on the Pearl, there should be clear signage stating that guest should wipe down machines after use to maintain cleanliness for all. Yoga/Stretching Mats are torn and dirty and there is no room to put them down due to lack of space. The Outdoor running track is small and it would be great if that was larger or if guests could run around Deck 7 at certain hours (due to the small Fitness Center). The Bowling Alley should have been open all day or at many more times for more Guests to enjoy!
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
At all times throughout our cruise (from stepping on board to to final port) MOST Staff were NOT friendly or helpful at all. Crew members often did not know answers to questions and frequently gave false information. Service at the Summer Palace was terrible (non-existent). Kudos to Owen who took us aboard with the wheelchair for my mom, he was friendly and helpful. Joe our Room Steward 10144 and 10146 Room Steward were great!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Pearl is well maintained and clean. At the time of our sailing, they were updating the stairway carpets on Decks 8, 9, and 10. All Common areas were clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Ship tip
Definitely get a balcony state room or better for cruising Alaska, it is well worth it. If on the Pearl, DEFINITELY purchase the specialty dinning package. Another tip: water bottles are not included in any beverage package.
Cute town, lots to do. Only thing we would have liked was more time to see the city. Our excursion through CrusiesOLNY was fabulous (Orca whale watch and Salmon Bake).
We went on the Tatoosh Islands Sea Kayaking, which was excellent! Halibut fishing was also extremely fun and successful! Saxman Village Tour was fun and informative. Here we also wish we had more time to spend in the town.
We went Zip lining which was fantastic though it did take up our whole time in the city (it was 4.5 hours). The Horse Carriage through the city was also very fun, informative, and beautiful (1 hour, so we had time to enjoy the city).
Unfriendly staff? Oh no! Sailing in three weeks on Pearl and this is not the first review expressing disappointment in this area. Getting concerned. Shame. Of course, I will go with an open mind and hope for the best. Sailed on RCCL and staff was exceptional! So extremely friendly which made the experience extra special as I am a solo traveler. Fingers crossed.
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