We booked the Pearl too for next year for a caribbean cruise, the ports cant be beat! We booked a forward penthouse because of the perks and large balcony. We have been on the Jewel and Gem and they are similar to the Pearl which we haven't been on yet. We have cruised mostly larger builds last few years so I'm curious to see how we will like going back to older ships. I've read lots of great things about the Pearl mostly positive and some people seem to love this ship the most out of all the Jewel class ships.