Denise T

Thank you for your review. I will be on my first HAL cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam next May to Alaska. I appreciated the pictures. 

203

28 minutes ago, Leo the cruiser said:

I certainly hope the rudeness of responses on CC doesn't carry over onboard the ship ...

Which responses were rude?

I just got back from sailing Canada/New England, October 14 to October 21. Canada was warm! Charlottetown was almost 70. Luckily had I had thrown a few shorts and short sleeved shirts. Nights were cooler, especially if walking on the outside decks. I had packed a light jacket, a rain jacket, some sweaters and jeans. 

1 hour ago, OUTinMinnesota said:

Denise, I hope you've noticed that your profile pic here on Cruise Critic has been updated.  It now shows that you've earned a rare designation for posting this Coming Soon! Live from NCL Pearl 10/14/2022 to 10/21/2022 Boston-to-Bostin Canada/New England.  Thanks for doing it!

 

Did NCL offer passengers a mid-cruise laundry special...  one low price for a bag-full?

 - if yes, on what date did they offer it to you?

 

Thanks for pics and the thoughtful writeup about your first cruise!

Yes, I did see that. I feel so special! I believe they did offer the special and I think it was on Tuesday. I didn't make use of it as I think I overpacked and had more clothes than I needed. 

4 hours ago, salzdt said:

 

Also we booked a balcony, what is the difference between balcony and club balcony?

I think that the bathroom might be bigger. The club balcony has a longer sofa and a curtain to separate the sofa area from the beds. 

4 hours ago, salzdt said:

Hi Denise, we will be going on this cruise next Sept 2023. Do they ask you for a negative Covid test or do they test you at the port.?

I am fully vaccinated. No, no testing was required for this trip. As of now, Canada relaxed COVID protocols to enter the country and therefore Norwegian no longer requires testing for Canada. 

Slowly readjusting to life back on land. The best was picking my cats up from boarding and getting to hug them. I am starting the countdown to my next cruise!

2 hours ago, www3traveler said:

When are you heading to Alaska and which ship?

 

I am planning an Alaskan cruise as early in the Season as possible b2b from Vancouver, British Columbia on The Jewel.

I am going May 28, 2023, on Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam. I am trying different cruise lines. I will be sailing from Whittier to Vancouver. 

More pictures! I am back home, and boy do I miss the sound of the waves, having someone else cook my meals. Well, 217 more days until my Alaska cruise. 

Sydney

More Charlottetown. 

1 hour ago, teachberry said:

If the seas are rough, you need to use the elevator.  I know...from experience!!

I kind of had fun walking around the ship as it was rocking and rolling. Tested my balance and made me laugh at times. Never got seasick at all. 

Charlottetown PEI

Back in Boston. 🙁Arrived before 7. We had breakfast and waited for our group color to be called. Disembarkation was very smooth. Our color was called, and we were off the ship quickly. Got our bags and easily got a cab to our hotel. Our plan today is to see sights and then fly home tomorrow. 

Thoughts on my first cruise:

1. I loved it! The Pearl is a great ship. I am not one for the water slides, roller coasters, and racetracks. This is the perfect ship just to relax, eat, drink, and engage in the many activities. I would sail again on the Pearl in a heartbeat. 

2. The crew was fabulous. They greeted us every time we saw them. They worked so hard maintaining the ship and making the guests happy. 

3. Our room steward, Adi, was wonderful. My sister and I aren't used to being pampered and he got us everything we needed. We tipped him extra because he deserved it. 

4. Upselling at the spa is annoying and I get why they do it. The goal of the ship is to make money. I took advantage of a bamboo massage which was great and some acupuncture because I wanted to try it. I did pamper myself here but just be forewarned that they will try and upsell for extra treatments etc. 

5. My sister and I DIY'd our shore excursions. Yes, the shore excursions through the ship will guarantee that the ship will wait if you are late. But we found some very nice opportunities not offered through the ship. We wanted short excursions because neither of us can stand to be on a bus for a long period of time. Research the ports to see what deals are there. Do the ship's excursions if you are worried about getting back on time. My sister and I walked about the ports for a few hours and returned to the ship to enjoy the bars and activities. 

6. Our room was a balcony club suite which is not really a suite. I was good for two people. We were comfortable and the balcony was great when we were docked on the starboard side. Not a whole lot of storage especially since it can sleep 3 people. 

7. We only saw to children on this sailing. Could have been more. Unsure whether the kids' activities were open. We also saw a service dog. very calm and sweet. 

8. There are lots of activities on board to suite everyone. We did quizzes and watched some of the game shows. We did not go to the casino as the cigarette smoking aggravating my breathing a little. 

9. I believe this sailing was at or near full capacity. We managed to avoid many of the crowded areas. The Atrium filled up quickly each day as people claimed seats and styed most of the day. We were able to get seats at the bar when we were there. Hardly anyone at the pool decks when we got to Portland as the weather went from warm to chilly and breezy. Disappointed with buffet etiquette. I had people reaching over me when I was trying to get my drinks and they were not wanting to wait the few seconds until I finished getting my drink. The buffet has a lot of seating though so we could always get a seat. Much of the time we sat in the Great Outdoors. 

10. Be prepared for this sailing to be an older crowd. Very little children. I believe that this is because school is in session for many. 

11. Some guests don't wash their hands after using the bathroom. Saw this so many times. I have washed my hands so much and used hand sanitizer so much that my hands are dry. Not so much because of COVID but I believe Norovirus is still a thing. 

I do love the atmosphere Norwegian provides. My next cruise will be in 2023 to Alaska. We will be going with Holland America because a friend recommended, and I have booked that through a travel agent who knows the itinerary very well. I want to try several cruise lines. I will definitely sail Norwegian but not the bigger ships. Love the Jewel class. 

Catching up now as I am in Boston and the Internet is so much better. Day 6 was in Bar Harbor. Very pretty. This is a tender port. Sail in was so pretty because so many islands that we passed. We decided to stay on the ship because we were so exhausted. Our plan is to make a separate trip to Bar Habor in 2024 because we want more time here. Breakfast was in the buffet. We ate our breakfast almost every day in the Great Outdoors, relaxing and taking in the views. We walked the decks, played some basketball (what a sight!) and I hit a few golf balls. We had a drink at several bars. We played some trivia (we were pretty bad at this one). Dinner was at O'Sheehan's which is my favorite. We saw the Legends in Concert in the Stardust Theater. It was Madonna, Michael Jackson and Elvis. I wanted to see the one with Tina Turner. Michael was by far the best of the three. After the show we packed (boooo). We played cards and watched the football game. 

Hoping to download photos once in Boston and with steady Internet. I have so many great pictures to share!

Day 5: Portland was fun. We had to do Homeland Security check which was a bit chaotic. It did go quickly though. Once in Portland we headed left to shop for our swag and eat a lobster roll at the Porthole Bar. Yummy! Then we went and walked along the harbor which was very calming. Once back on board, we visited a few bars and just relaxed. I spent time in the spa. Dinner was at La Cucina which was delicious. I had salmon which I love. We went back to the room and relaxed. We got to watch sail away from our balcony. I am so impressed with how these cruise ships turn around and move. 

Back again. Internet very sketchy going through Halifax. Day 4: I did not think that there was anything much to do here unless you were on an excursion. I was wrong! There is a beautiful boardwalk area full of shops and restaurants. I found a wonderful kilt and tartan store as I am of Scottish heritage. There were some stores closed for the season. But the walk was beautiful. We were in port with a Regent ship and the Adventure of the Seas. Once back on, we played some trivia and visited several of the bars. So very relaxing. We had breakfast in the Summer Palace (main dining room) and dinner in Indigo (other main dining room). Food was good and staff were awesome. Evening was spent listening to the live music. I don't want to go home!

11 minutes ago, www3traveler said:

Who is your Captain?

Teo Radun

I am on the Pearl now and believe it is at capacity for passengers. The first two days (embarkation and sea day) it was a challenge to get around and even get to the bars. By the third day, we are able to see when the bars and restaurants are less crowded. 

Day 3: Sydney was fun. I had read that unless you are on an excursion, there is not much to do. We walked the boardwalk and it was beautiful. After that we walked around the port in the neighborhoods. I loved the cute littel houses and dreamt about what it would be like to live there. We were in port with Regen'ts Seven Seas Navigator. After our DIY excursion we were back on the ship. We played Cinemogi Trivia and did quite well. This was held in Magnum's bar. We had lunch at O'Sheehan's-my favorite place. We then spent time at the pool listening to music and drinking at Topsider's. I went to the spa. We then watched sail away. Can I say how nible these cruise ships are. Pushing away from the port and backing up and then turning 180 degrees to sail out. I love watching it. Dinner was at the buffet, Mexican night. Then a walk on the deck to end the night. 

I will have to post pictures when I get back to the US. Download speeds are very slow but I have taken lots of pictures. 

6 hours ago, Cruising Lynne said:

I am glad you are enjoying your first cruise.

 

Please let us know how things are in Sydney? I think it may have had some damage from one of the recent storms. I am hoping to do this itinerary next year. I was a fan of the Anne of Green Gables books as a young girl and would like to go to Charlottetown, PEI,  and we have never been to Sydney, Nova Scotia.

We were on Pearl in May. After sailing on Prima last week I realized I missed the simplicity of a mid size ship. Not needing to reserve shows makes it more relaxing. Of course you do not get Broadway shows, but the shows on Pearl are still enjoyable. I also missed going to the Spinnaker lounge at night.

I loved Sydney and Charlottetown. I wnat to live the coastal life! There are signs damage. Trees down including very large trees that were uprooted. Signs down. For the post part both towns did a great job with cleanup. I have read that there is not much in Sydney to do. We walked the boardwalk and took in the scenes and we walked some very cute neighborhoods. I love that type of activity. 

We have spent lots of time in Spinnaker. it is fabulous!

8 hours ago, MsTabbyKats said:

Your review is making me smile....not one complaint!  You're not even complaining that it's the captain's fault that the ship rocked and rolled!

 

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

I do love the crew. They have been so friendly and they are working so hard to make my trip enjoyable. 

Day 3 in Charlottetown was fantastic. Watched the sail in. Breakfast was in the Great Outdoors and the sun came out. Beautiful day. We got off the ship and strolled around. We waited before we got off because we didn't want to be amongst the crowd running to their tour buses. I could live in Charlottetown. There is a nice harbor walk that we did. We brought some souvenirs. Back on board we sat at the Atrium bar and watched football. See was calm when we got in. Apparently, lots of people were seasick the day before due to the rocking and rolling of the ship. We had a nice walk around the promenade. Dinner at Cagney's was wonderful. The food was delicious. I had the jumbo crab cake, the petit fillet mignon with baked potato and steamed broccoli and the raspberry creme brulet for dessert. We went off to Spinnakers to listen to 80's music and then watched the Eagles beat the Cowboys and remain unbeaten!

Overnight, the ship is rocking and rolling again as we head to Sydney.