I chose the Norwegian Pearl based on its ports of call and dates. I wanted to leave and return from Seattle since one granddaughter's family lives there and it would be convenient to begin and end our cruise there. I wanted to visit ports in Alaska as well as cruise in Glacier Bay. Finally, my parents had lived in BC, Canada and had spoken of their love of Victoria and I wanted to see that city. The itinerary of the Norwegian Pearl and the dates, last week in June matched my criteria perfectly.
We were all excited as we munched our way through Pike's Market waiting to board Sunday at noon. The embarkation system was very efficient, we moved quickly through the lines, and were in our cabin in about 1 hour. After a quick lunch, the cousins found the ice cream (a necessity for kids on cruises), we explored the ship from top to bottom identifying essential activity venues.
Our meals included food we knew we liked, food we tried and liked and food we tried and did not like. The cousins chose their food without supervision whether at the cafeteria-style or sit-down restaurants. Portions were just right for a 9, 14 and senior citizen.
We learned quickly that in restricted space, we had to be careful with our possessions finding places to keep things and find them when needed. The overhead bunk bed was a challenge but we kept reminding ourselves to be careful. I seemed to have difficulty brushing the warning light near the door and had to tell the polite security officer that yet again I had accidently turned it on. Our cabin steward Vincent was both efficient and kind as he carefully replaced the stuffed animals brought onboard and produced a different towel animal each evening.
I stood in the large window in the spa as my granddaughters had manicures and focused on the glacier as the boat slowly turned and turned. This experience is unforgetable
We shopped in the stores and looked at the art work in the craft stores. My granddaughters completed their shopping and were most pleased.