A wonderful adventure with only a few surprises. This kind of complex travel over a great distance always has it's share of twist and turns that you can't possibly be prepared for it all. Use the professionals that plan these things for a living and keep an open and adventurous spirit and you will make memories for a lifetime.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
After a long night in the air we were able to embark around 9:30 the next day. It would have been easier but was run by locals and the process was unnecessarily impeded by their actions.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We don't do the main dining areas much any more because they tend to be slow service and the food quality is "iffy". The specialty areas are better and in the buffets you can see your food before selecting, it's hot off the burners, and you select your own quantity.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Happy hour in our favourite bars are great. The Spinnaker Lounge is our favourite in the Norwegian fleet. Music was terrific, especially the Funky Roots from Jamaica were outstanding.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
see above
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Hats off to Arnold Cortez and Romwaldo Amazona in O'Sheehan's and to Gerrimias and Thomas in the Spinnaker Lounge. Great bartenders with skill and personalities !
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
This is our favourite ship, The Norwegian Pearl, and our second time aboard her. We like this size ship and not the new larger designs, too many people ! Unfortunately this class is getting older and will soon be replaced we fear. Norwegian is bringing a down-sized design on board soon but will gain around another thousand passengers. Too bad.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
A Mini-suite actually, which means it has a couch, and was a good size for two people to both move around in. Bathtub was a new addition, making it a little more difficult for us seniors to get in and out of, but overall a very nice room.
Ship tip
Work with a travel agent. Even though we have sailed several times now, something always comes up that surprises you or was written up incorrectly. Working with a professional puts that stress on them and off your shoulders.
This was my favorite. Beautiful country and people. Budva was amazing ! We purchased some fine carpets from one of the top producers of oriental carpets in the world. A great excursion !
Beautiful stop with gracious people that have overcome a not-so-long-ago war with Serbia. Their resilience and pride of country is remarkable and they remain a warm and gracious people.
Beautiful Sorrento and fascinating Pompeii how can you possibly go wrong ! My wife bought a gorgeous cameo at the shop that has been making them by hand for centuries, a great tour. with again, warm people.
Breath-taking Florence ! The art, the cathedrals, outstanding. I saw Galileo's and Michelangelo's resting place along with the most beautiful art work and sculptures ! Tremendous tour. You can't see Italy without seeing Florence !
Went better than expected for the most part. Rome's airport is NOT our favourite place in the world, BUT that being said they did allow us to check our baggage early which helped our six hour wait for our flight to New York. I won't let Norwegian make our flight arrangements again for several reasons. The biggest was dropping us off in New York at one airport and flying us out the NEXT morning from another airport with no heads up until 30 days out from our trip. That cost us an additional $500 on top of an expensive trip already. Also I would recommend avoiding Air Italia if at all possible.
Great review. We were on the Pearl in April and loved it. Romwaldo was one of our favorites in O'Sheehans also. We are sailing this itinerary next year on the Getaway and appreciated your port descriptions.
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