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Norwegian Pearl Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 5
Helpful Votes: 114

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5
Norwegian Pearl

11 Night Panama Canal - Partial Transit (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 23, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Pearl

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 11524

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

We were a family grouping with one mini-suite and two, two bedroom suites. We traveled with young college kids, teens, Mid 50's and one elder. We were able to get our minor college kids (20 and 19) a caps and corks package with parental consent. They were able to have wine and beer. They are only allowed to have one drink at a time, and as a parent you are responsible for them. It is very hard to find this information and the package can only be purchased in person after you have boarded the boat.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
We went straight from security into the lounge. In less than 10 minutes we had all three rooms set. We had a quick snack and were escorted to the priority waiting area. We had about a 30 min. wait before our early embarkation onto the ship.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Entertainment

4 out of 5
We really appreciated live music, especially at the stage show. Would like to see productions like "Choir of Man" and "After Midnight" on more ships. We do not enjoy "canned" music like "Burn the floor." Theater seats are terrible.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
All of our staff were outstanding. We really enjoy talking with and learning about the people that served us. Our Concierge, Anoop was Fantastic! The wait staff in Moderno for breakfast and lunch went above and beyond daily. They had our custom drink order waiting every time. My room attendant Duke was also outstanding. We honestly did not run into anyone that didn't provide excellent service.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
The ship is easy to navigate. I did not notice missing anything from the bigger ships. In fact, the pools seemed bigger and better. However, the seats in the theater are wretched!

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
This room was fantastic in all aspects except one. It sits below the gym. I had read that there was some noise from the gym above, but decided I could cope. I could, but would not take this room again. It sounded like they were doing the tractor tire flip above my bed. My sister thought I was just being bitchy, but was stunned by the noise. It lasted from 0600 into the evening. Consequently we hung out in her suite.

Ship tip

Study the map of the ship before you board. Not all areas can be reached from every floor. You can save yourself some aggravation with a little study time.

Ports of call

Cartagena, Colombia

5 out of 5
Did the Fort and City tour. Worth every dime.

Panama Canal (Cruise Into Canal)

4 out of 5
We did the ferry. It took way too long after the final lock, to get back to the bus. Buses were comfortable and the ride was about an hour, which we also expected.

Colon, Panama

1 out of 5
We drove through to meet up with the ship. Based on the areas we drove through, I would get off the boat in this port.

Harvest Caye, Belize

5 out of 5
Fantastic! Food and beverage too expensive. $25 dollars for two 12 oz beers. We knew that food and beverage were not included, but didn't think that it would be that expensive.

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico Did not visit port

We had booked Chocchoban but were unable to attend due to the health of an elderly person in our party. Really wished we had gone. Will come back for this shore excursion.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Went well. Do not be afraid to send bags out the night before. We watch people struggle with the elevators all morning long.
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