Efficiency is the Pearl's Superpower

Norwegian Pearl Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 62

Overall rating:

3.2 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Pearl

4 Night Bahamas & Key West (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 08, 2020

Ship: Norwegian Pearl

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10544

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

Just got off the Pearl. All in all I was impressed with the efficiency of the organization and the cleanliness of the overall ship. The embarking and disembarking processes went very smoothly. Also purchasing excursions were quickly processed and you received the tickets within minutes. The same for canceled excursions, they were credited immediately. We never had a billing issue. We loved our balcony stateroom. As staterooms go, this was the best we have ever had. The room was spacious and clean. We found all staff and service was good. I wasn't impressed at all with the buffet (lots of cold over cooked food), the sit down complimentary restaurants were about as good as a chain restaurant. The specialty restaurants we went to were much better. They were not up to a 5star review, but things were well cooked, seasoned appropriately and had nice presentations. My husband and I liked the specialty restaurant the Bistro. We found there were plenty of deck chairs at all times. That doesn't happen on bigger ships. We took part in some of the games and activities and we enjoyed them. We laughed a lot. As far as the shows go, you're not getting Broadway quality, but you are not getting a community production either. I was impressed with the male dancers, the Michael Jackson impersonation and the comedian. All in all the shows were entertaining. The internet and the Norwegian App worked occasionally. Both were pretty useless, not to mention frustrating. We would recommend taking part in the Whiskey tasting. We did that a few times and learned some cool things. Do go on the Pearl if you like smaller ships. Don't go on this ship if you like lots of options Do go on this ship if you like freestyle dining and don't mind average Sysco food at best. Don't go on this cruise if you like scheduled dining times and dress up days. Don't go on this ship if you can't stand over selling everything and being nickel and dime.

Embarkation

4 out of 5
Very smooth, small wait

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5
The buffet food was cold or overcooked. Things were mislabeled too. For example one sandwich was labeled crabmeat, but was Chopped ham. MDR was fair, Sysco food. Specialty food was a step above but definitely not gourmet.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Activities were ok.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
I enjoyed the entertainment. Nothing outstanding, nothing bad.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5
On other ships I have had better, but service was good and polite.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
The Pearl was very clean. I liked the layout and common areas

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Best stateroom I have had. Clean, service good, spacious for a ship, lots of storage.

Ship tip

If you like dress up and more formal dining, this is not the ship for you.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

4 out of 5

Key West, Florida

4 out of 5
Old Time Trolley. One of our favorite tours

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas Did not visit port

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

1 out of 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
A little slow but no complications.
Was this review helpful? 62

Be the first to comment

Other reviews of this sailing