Norwegian Pearl Cruise Reviews - Reviews

Seeing the Panama Canal was very enjoyable.  It was very different than what i was expecting.  Once in a lifetime experience.  Enjoyed the tropical forest and animals in Costa Rica.  Overall cruise was great except for the 5 days at sea (10 day cruise)  Staff on the Pearl were fantastic !!!

We love cruising with Norwegian, they offer a more casual and less restrictive cruising style.  It fits us.  We aren't fancy, and neither are they.  

This was a holiday cruise and they really did a good job of decorating the ship with christmas trees, garland, giant gingerbread houses - an entire villages complete with a functioning train - and many other small decorations throughout the ship.  They also hosted holiday events (trivia, photos with santa, carolling, etc. They made the cruise feel festive.  

Ok, I am going to let you in on my all-time favorite ship activity:  We love the Thermal spa package!!!! It's a must if you want a quiet/relaxing retreat on your cruise away from the hustle and bustle of the main pool - oh and did I mention, NO KIDS.  I don't care if you're single, a couple or parents, we all deserve the opportunity for some peace and quiet.  This is where you can find it. The Pearl's Thermal spa is good, definitely better than what we experienced on the Jade. The Pearl's set up is much better and accommodates more passengers.  Unfortunately, we were disappointed because the thermal pool (our favorite) was closed 3 of the 10 evenings + the first 2 days the thermal pool's water was way too cold.    After asking about it twice, it was fixed by the third day and much more comfortable.  The other downside on this cruise (plus I read about it from a previous reviewer) the locks in both the ladies and men's locker rooms weren't working properly so you couldn't leave anything in the lockers safely and conveniently.  While we love and secretly wish nobody else knew about the thermal spa, we weren't able to take advantage of it as much as we wanted to.  

Evening entertainment: Sadly entertainment on this cruise fell short of what we experienced on all previous cruises.  Other than David Naster (comedian - who is great and shares a great message) and the hypnotist (Nadeen), we didn't enjoy the entertainment.  One previous reviewer noted that the entertainment felt "old" and I would agree, it was definitely geared towards an older clientele.  I sat through one song/dance performance and all I could think about was that I'd rather be relaxing in the Thermal Spa. 

Food: Food is good.  It's not great, but it's good.  The waiters and waitresses are good - always friendly and kind.  We purchased the upgraded dinner packages - they aren't necessary but it's a nice splurge if you are looking to celebrate something special.    

Shore Excursions:  Good - we did two shore excursions on this cruise.  We enjoyed both of the operators (Cartagena, Colombia & Puerto Limon, Costa Rica) and felt they were good quality guides and buses.  Aruba, we simply got on a non-NCL tour which was much less expensive and a great port to do this at.  Panama canal was so fascinating to go through the lock that we chose not to do an excursion.  In fact, we watched the ship go through the lock on Deck 7.  On the return trip through the locks we watched it from the bridge's observation room - it was so cool to see it from this perspective.  We also enjoyed lunch in the Summer Palace where you can see the ship rise/fall within the lock while you nosh.  There was plenty of time to view it from different locations on the ship and that's just what we did.

Overall, it was another good NCL cruise.  A few things that makes this less than 5-stars but overall we had an experience of a lifetime.  

We have seen most of the Caribbean ports, so we enjoyed seeing a variety of ports we hadn't seen yet- Cartagena, Panama & Costa Rica. Our cabin steward was great. He always called us by name, and he always made sure we had everything we needed. There are always the inconsiderate ship passengers who are oblivious to other passengers, but you will encounter them on any cruise. We still enjoyed the cruise.

 The food was better than expected.  Service for the most part was good.  The entertainment in the Stardust theater was very poor.  The entertainment in the lounges was ok.

First time cruising with NCL and probably the last. The Pearl is in need of refurbishing, the ports of call are mostly bad and nothing to see and worst of all is the food, no variety and the same dishes with different names. We were lucky to have a dinning package to their specialty dinning were the food was great otherwise we would have not be able to have a good meal.

the only part of the trip that  was good , cartagena was good  ,colon did not see no time,beliize would not go there again ,price to go on atrip was way to much to end up seeing a swinning pool,the food cleaner in the buffet was very poor.found 5 glasses  and one cup with lip stick so why would you take any drinks from servicer they dont look to see if they are dirty , all they say i sorry then give you other dirty glass.the food low class, the desert  was very poor. i been on many cruise and was the poorest

Cruise was chosen for intinerary not for the ship.  We were on the Pearl 2 yrs ago and it was showing its age.  Going in for rehab in 2017 so I'm sure things will improve.  I felt there was a lack of interesting things to do on sea days.  Felt it was boring.  Had some rough seas and wind so pools were closed but there was no plan "B" to keep people busy.   Would like to see new ideas for activities.  Nightly entertainment had a few good shows and others just so so.  Some were the same as 2 yrs ago.

Cagneys was very good....ate there twice.  Buffet was good for breakfast and lunch but was never thrilled with evening choices.  Lots of ethnic foods that were not appealing to us.  

Would i sail the Pearl again....yes but only after refurbishing.

Just back from a great 10 day cruise that included a half transit of the Panama Canal.  I would strongly recommend any cruise that does the Panama Canal since this is truly an amazing feat of engineering that must be experienced.  

Overall the cruise was great with stops in Cartegena, Bonaire, Colon, Panama and Puerto Limon Costa Rica.  Weather was perfect, hated to see it end

This was the worse cruise we have been on. Only good thing was the 2 people who served us in the dining room.also another lady who would help me but I do not remember her name. The washy washy guys were great with there singing. The Christmas decorations were very pretty

The ship is beautiful and well kept meaning clean. as far as my stateroom not so much. it was fine but if you start to look at it too much you would have noticed the dust and some little lines of mold in the shower. so not a huge deal but it was there. i wish i would have known that this ship had so many older people going. again not a problem but there were a total of about 30 guests that were under 40's. we counted we also got together with the 30 people lol. which meant that most if not all of the activities  were geared that way. especially the music. the food was ok but there was never anything new the buffet for breakfast and lunch are the exact same all 10 days for except 1 dessert here and there. we tried to eat in tje ports to get some variety in there. the evening shows wrre awesome excpet for the comedian Tim something. He had no comedy on his own. His only  jokes were to  make fun of the  audience which is nice in moderation not when its your whole show. the staff was always great polite andwere actually having fun too. 

the shows on board were the best I've seen on the five cruises I have been on.

everything about the boat was great. the four shore excursions were

outstanding.

Overall, we had a very nice cruise to the Panama Canal.  NCL Pearl is a very casual ship, including the décor.  It all looks a lot nicer in person than it does on  you tube.  I did like the colorful ‘flower’ mural painted on the outside of the ship around the promenade.  There were also some nice picture/paintings throughout the ship.  The Atrium had a very pretty blue “Dale Chihuly” sculpture.   Most people wore very casual clothing most of the time.  There was one night that getting dressed up was optional and some did.  The famous NCL “white hot” dance night had many people dressed in white that looked cool under all the neon lights.  Staff and crew joined in – it was fun and unique, especially for younger folks.

We didn’t do any excursions so this will only be about the ship.

Embarkation/disembarkation

The port of Miami is small compared to Ft. Lauderdale which we really liked.  It was easy to park onsite (but expensive $20 day).  We boarded the ship in Miami around 1:30 and there was a very long line outside to get into the building – to which we had to stand in another very long line.  Normally at this time of day we walk right on other ships so I am not sure why it was so crowded at this time.  Not problems when we finally got on board – food and music around the pool deck was enjoyable.  Sailaway party was lively and fun.

Disembarkation – we chose to get off last since we live in Florida – and it was fast, easy and short lines to leave.  Very nice.

NEW RULE:  YOU CAN’T BRING ON BOTTLED WATER. 

Room

We had a ‘mini-suite’ which as smaller than the mini-suites  on Holland or Princess.  It was more of a standard Balcony room on those ships.  The only difference I could tell from the NCL Pearl mini-suite room and their balcony room was  the size of the couch.  It was a little larger and the size of the room may have been somewhat larger (but not by too much).  It was roomy enough and had lots of drawer space and a decent size closet.  There are only Two 110 volt (3 prong) plugs on top of desk area. So bring extension cord or power strip as needed.

The bathroom was unusual with the ‘compartmentalized’ toilet area.  At first I thought it was strange but I ended up really liking the layout.  There was big tub/shower – the only downside for me was how deep stepping into the shower was for me.  We had great water pressure and the toilet never acted up.

The AC/Heat worked the best we have ever had on any ship.  Amazing…even while in port.  Also – the hair dryer was very powerful.  First time I used one on a ship (normally I use the one I bring because they are usually very weak and not very hot).

However, the bed was very hard and flat – it really needed to be replaced.  It would have really hurt my back but luckily I brought a thin air mattress (camping style).  The couch was a good long size but this was also very, very hard to sit on.  Even the chair at the desk was very hard so we brought in the chairs from the balcony to sit on.  It was doable.

The TV was very, very small and I think it was an outdated plasma style.  It you sat at an angle you couldn’t see what was on the screen.  There was a channel (22) that showed the time, weather, ships position and played music (instrumental – very nice).  It was the only music channel.  This is the station where you could listen to the Captain/Cruise Directors messages (for example when you are in your room and hear them speaking over the intercom in the hallway it won’t come through the cabin speakers unless it is important info).    You can also listen to the Panama Canal expert talk about highlights and historical facts as you go through the locks. 

There was only a couple of movie channels – one was primarily for family/kid type movies (channel 35).  So that only left one channel (channel 36) which showed standard movies but  the same movies over and over again – even on multiple days.  Not much variety which was disappointing.  In the evening we like to watch a movie before bed but there wasn’t much of a selection like there was on Holland or Princess.  There were a few other channels that showed a couple of sitcoms and few other type programs such as food network or sports.  There were also channels that talked about the jewelry/art sales or what’s in port.  I would have liked more regular movie channels because we don’t stay out in the ‘clubs/bars’ all night and enjoy watching a movie in the evening.

I loved the small single serving coffee pot (used small coffee ‘pods’).  You could also use for just hot water for tea.   The water on the ships really upset my stomach due to my IBS issue so having a way to use bottle water for coffee was terrific.

The room steward we had was fabulous – so friendly, professional, and helpful. 

Gift Shops

NCL Pearl only carries  a small amount of drugstore type items – which are pricey like all ships – so make sure you bring what you need in case they don’t carry the item want.  Don’t ever count on cruise ships to carry every little personal item you may need.  Pearl had more jewelry store than clothing stores.  There was one store with a small selection of clothing items – I wish they had a bigger selection.

Entertainment/Shows

Like most cruise ships – the entertainment was hit/miss.   The theater seats could use better padding – they hurt my back (if you don’t have back issues they probably would be okay). 

Music

I really loved the music throughout the ship – they had a really nice variety all over the ship. The was everything from popular music to classical violin sounds.  The pool area had a fun live band that everyone liked a lot. 

Staff/Crew

The majority of the staff/crew that we interacted with was really nice, personable, friendly and helpful.  Even the officers were pleasant and said ‘hello’ to you as they passed by.  No complaints at all.

Movies

They showed a movie every night at 11:00 pm and some days at noon in the Atrium which was located in front the main desk and next to the jewelry counter and in front of the cigar bar (I think).  Anyway they have a bunch of seat (not that comfortable) all crowded together and you watch the movie on a large screen.  It’s hard to watch the movie at noon time because of all the people walking back and forth, talking everywhere.  I didn’t check it out at 11 pm – so it might be quieter then.  

Restaurants/Buffet/Lounges/Bars

The food in the specialty restaurants were good from what we were told but expensive in the ones you had to pay for (even the ala carte choices adds up).   Cagneys was really high quality.  The Asian and O’Sheenans restaurant was okay (both were free).  There was a french, Italian and Teppanyaki restaurant which we didn’t try but people seemed to enjoy.   We ate many times at the buffet and thought the quality was surprisingly very good.  Some people have complained that they served the same food over and over every night, but that is NOT TRUE.  There were a few things the same every night like hamburgers/hotdogs, salad bar but they always had some type of theme food selection that varied each night.  We enjoyed the food and variety very much.  The décor in all the restaurant was very nicely appointed.   Very lovely.

We really enjoyed the “Great Outdoor” Cafe located next to Garden Café (buffet).  We enjoyed eating breakfast and having an evening cocktail.  Beautiful view of the ocean and surrounding areas.  Great for sunsets.  Just lovely – my favorite place on the entire ship.

I didn’t love the layout of the lounges/bars….for example on one of the floor there was the martini, beer, whiskey bars but they all were right next to each other on one side of the ship in an open area.  Again you could watch people walking back and forth next to where you sat and it could get congested, loud from all the talking – so the bars never had that cozy, intimate feeling.  It was nicely lit up at night however.

The Bliss lounge was a little odd looking to me…there were two bowling lanes and arcades games that surrounded the small lounge, bar and stage area making it a little claustrophobic looking to me.

I prefer the lounges/bars on the Holland and Princess ships much better.

ART/PHOTOS/JEWELRY/SPA

Like most ships NCL sells a lot of art work, jewelry, photos and SPA packages.  However, we didn’t find anyone to be too pushy like on other ships which was such a pleasure for a change. 

PORTS

One thing I was disappointed in was that fact that NCL Pearl didn’t highlight some fun things in the ports that you could walk to (especially for those of us who didn’t do any excursions).  For example in Cartagena,  You can walk over (about 10 minutes or so) or take the shuttle to entrance area and visit gift shops and see all types of parrots and flamingos and other wildlife everywhere.  The parrots would even climb on your shoulder for photos – so much fun.  They was even a separate aviary area to view local exotic birds and Emerald Mine ‘simulation’ that was fascinating.  They may have mentioned it in one of the port talks but if you didn’t attend that you wouldn’t know because it wasn’t highlighted in the daily paper. 

Another nice thing to do was in Bonaire – there was a nice outdoor market with all types of booths set up selling a wide variety of items from locals.  We just stumbled upon it and met a lovely mother/daughter selling a variety of items which we enjoyed purchasing. 

In Puerto Limon – there was a nice park and beach within walking distance that would have been nice to be make them aware of in the daily paper.  Some people just walked to the gift pavilion and didn’t even know about how close these were to visit.

Of course, food is always the highlight of activities on the ship and the Pearl's culinary staff doesn't disappoint!   The Pearl itself is a bit tired and needs some TLC which she will get in Feburary 2017.  The ports and excursions are great as they give a good overview of the diverse Eco systems and cultures of Bonaire and the Central American countries of Columbia, Panama and Costa Rica.  Be prepared to put up with the silly art (questionable term) auctions and "time for BINGO" announcements but the staff does a great job providing lots of on board activities for those who want them.  Because fire is the greatest danger on a ship, we couldn't believe that they still allow smoking in the casino or on the ship at all, but they do so we avoided the casino as it really stunk.

Overall, a very pleasant experience which I would recommend if you want to have the experience of the Panama Canal without the cost or time commitment of a full transit.  If you do have the time and money, I would highly recommend an LA or SanDiego to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale full transit.

First time on NCL. Took a little getting use to, but nice ship. I may think they went overboard on the sanitary conditions. Every restaurant you went in, someone was standing there to spray your hands down with antiseptic. Antiseptic machines in every elevator and throughout the ship. Food was good, never ate in any of the restaurants, just the buffets. Took a city site seeing tour of Cartagena. Basically took us to the city fort and all the vendors were just waiting for us to get off the bus. Not a pleasant trip. Entering Panama Canal was an experience. People got up so early to get the prime seats on the front of the ship and would not give them up at all.. Barely could take photos. Took the excursion that went the whole way to the Pacific. Only trouble is that you are at the whim of the canal. We had to wait for in the locks for close to two hours as a huge car transport carrier entered our locks and every lock to the Pacific. Tour was 2-3 hours late getting back to the ship, but they do say that in the description. Well worth it though.

I would not recommend this cruise for families, the shows where more for older people. The excursiones where very expensive and to stay in that destination you only have a few hours.

To embark or disembark was a nightmare.

Favorite part of the cruise was spending time with family and friends; getting to meet great people.  The majority of the staff were professional and upbeat. 

The overall experience about going through the Panama Canal was informative. Despite the weather all of the ports we were able to stop at were nice to visit.

Though it is due for refurbishment in Feb, 2017, the Pearl is still in great shape.  What made the cruise special was the quality of the crew and the food.  Both are quite good and better than I thought it would be.  Their freestyle approach really works.  Not once did we have to wait for a table and we went to eat at the main dining rooms both early and late.  The food selection and quality were better than anticipated and there was a tremendous selection in the MDR's each night.

Additionally, the entertainment was better than we thought it would be.  Dancers and singers were very good, comedians were terrific and there was even a hyponotherapist that did several shows and was quite entertaining.

The only port that could/should be passed by is Santa Marta in Columbia.  Ugly and dirty are the descriptors that enter my mind when thinking of this port.  All of the others were good to very good.   

The high lights of this cruise is experience to see the Panama Canal and relaxation  the services on board the ship was outstanding the entertainment,food,ambiance and the cleanliness was above my expectation and highly recommended to my friends and relatives about this wonderful journey  

My favorite part was the Panama Canal crossing. It was an amazing experience,

I loved the landscape of the place and in the tech side, the complexity of the engineering was mind bugling.

Loved the history of Cartagena also, the old city with it's walls and the fort was reminiscence of my Old San  Juan with it's old Spaniard culture.

VISITING THE PANAMA CANAL VIA FERRY AND GOING THROUGH 2 LOCKS WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP.  THE BUS RIDE WAS AWFUL, 4 HOURS TO GET FROM THE SHIP TO THE CANAL FERRY. NO BATHROOMS ON THE BUS. LUNCH ON THE FERRY WAS TERRIBLE. ON THE SHIP'S DINING, THEY ELIMINATED LOBSTER NIGHT AS A USUALLY INCLUDED FREE ENTREE. OTHER THAN THAT, THE FOOD WAS GREAT. SANTA MARTA WAS A LESS THAN DESIRABLE STOP  AND SHOULD BE SKIPPED ALTOGETHER. YOU'LL LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SIMON BOLIVAR AT CARTAGENA WHICH IS A MUCH MORE TOLERABLE DESTINATION.