Norwegian Pearl Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We haven't been on a cruise in 15 years mostly because I didn't have fond memories of the last one we went on (also a Norwegian cruise), but we wanted to see Alaska and couldn't think of a better way to see it. This has cured me of wanted to go on a cruise again. And, this was not an inexpensive vacation, so it was overall disappointing.
First, I will say the staff and crew work incredibly hard to make sure you are comfortable and entertained. It's just that the entertainment was mostly designed for an older crowd and centered around selling, selling, selling you Norwegian products. I felt like I was in a 7-day time-share sales pitch. Or, an episode of Golden Corral R Us.
You are stuck on the boat for 1 and a half days to start out with activities like shuffleboard, bingo (for a cost), knitting/crocheting, learning the foxtrot, a casino, and tips on booking your next cruise. Then again, at the end of the cruise, you are stuck for another day with more of the same.
Cabin Review
Mid-Ship Mini-Suite with Balcony
This cabin was in a excellent location. Right down the hall from the mid-ship elevators. On the 11th floor, so a quick walk up the stairs to the Garden Café where most people eat breakfast and lunch. Easy to access O'Sheehans (8th floor) and the Atrium (7th Floor). Plenty of storage for 2 people and lots of electrical outlets. Can't imagine having more than 2 people in this room, though. The bathroom had a small bathtub/shower, which was nice, but the side of the bathtub was incredibly high and might be hard for someone with a disability to use. This room must have been built right under a water pipe as you constantly heard water flowing.
Port Reviews
Glacier Bay
You are on the boat the whole time -so no opportunity to do a shore excursion. Very scenic views of the many tidal glaciers in the bay. A park ranger gives descriptions and information over the ship's speakers to narrate the journey