Norwegian Pearl Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,402 reviews

Topnotch ship and itinerary

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Norwegian Pearl
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NavyLineRet
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Nov 2018
Cabin: Mid-Ship Balcony

Wife and I had previously sailed on Pearl about 8 years ago and loved the ship. Found it just as nice now, if not better. Ten ports in 14 nights and sailing into Lake Gatun through the Panama Canal was a wonderful experience. Our balcony stateroom (Deck 9) was clean and comfortable but lacked a little in storage for a 14 night cruise. We had the Ultimate Booze Package and a 4 meal Ultimate Dining Package. Drinks were excellent. We ate 3 times in Cagney's (Outstanding) and once in Le Bistro (Excellent.) The entire shipboard experience was beyond expectations. Some ports, especially Columbia, had too many locals in your face to buy something or to give them money. We succumbed several times! There were very few young adults or children, which was fine. Average age possibly 50 to 60. Many singles and lots of planned activities in the Freestyle Daily newspaper. Great value for the money and we would definitely do it all over again!

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Balcony

Cabin BA

Cabin was clean and about average size. Storage was a bit low for a 14 night cruise. Split bathroom with separate toilet and shower enclosures was quite nice.

Port Reviews

Cartagena (Colombia)

We had been to Cartegena previously and found little to do. The stores and zoo at the pier were plenty interesting to satisfy us for the day.

Santo Tomas de Castilla

Our tour was Ak'Tenamit and Livingston Town. It includes a boat ride to 2 separate locations. The seas were rough and many on the tour complained. As an old Navy man, it didn't bother me but I understood their complaints. You can also get wet. Essence of the tour is the tour guide describing the plight of the poor and walking through an average size town. Gives you a fair understanding of life in Guatemala.

Harvest Caye

This NCL private island is new, clean and full of entertaining features. We took a boat and snorkelled a shallow reef off another island close by. Lots of fun on the island for everyone of all ages.

Costa Maya

We scheduled a snorkeling excursion but it was cancelled by the tour operator due to weather. Good plan! We have been to this port many times so we just shopped and watched the dolphins in the dolphin pool.

Tampa

We arrived 2 days early and used Uber to get around. Did the Riverwalk and ate on the waterfront. Excellent restaurant choices.

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