Norwegian pearl May 13, 2018 review

Easy embarkment. Usual lengthy line but process is perfected if you have brought your documents.

Room was as stated exactly. Only complaint was scalding hot water in shower every day. Room 10052, balcony mid deck. Very quiet room and a great room steward, Richard. A balcony is a must and was much enjoyed.

On Tuesday the ship will offer a bag of laundry for $19.95. It came earlier than I wanted it but wasn’t offered again. Good deal.

Our weather was sunny and 60s. It was only windy and rocky on first day at sea. The pools were all closed and drained because of splashing.

We used the Thermal Spa two separate times and both times not crowded with beds to spare and empty spas. Pleasant view but one window pane is clouded. I didn’t get my moneys worth so probably would not purchase again. On sea day the ocean was rough and being in the spa made me seasick.

Specialty restaurants were good.

Cagney’s food was the best. Soup, shrimp cocktail and the smallest steak and onion rings and I was full. Potato soup was the best, although my husband said that about the split pea. Steak was tender. Desert was Oreo cheesecake to go. It was wonderful.

Teppanyaki is the best entertainment. Our chef (also on omelet bar in morning) was a great cook and put on a good show. It made for a fun night. They also sold photos for $35.00. Not a fan of tea cake and ice cream but again too much food so you didn’t care. A must go to restaurant

Moderno was good. Salad bar was lacking. Meats were good, service was fine.

Summer Palace and Indigo both were okay. Prime rib on first night was too rare and chewy with hard potato.

We ate at breakfast buffet because of time and were sick of it by the end. Always crowded but walk to the La Cucina restaurant; It is open for overflow and always could finds a quiet place to eat. The buffet seating area is wild and a lot of rude people in search of food.

One night after a long excursion we had room service. The food was good and worth the surcharge.

O’Sheehan’s had a limited menu but was our go to bar for a late-night dinner. We also like the Magnum bar and the piano singer, Peter James.

We were never wowed with the standard food, there was a lot and you weren’t hungry.

We had the UBP but with chilly weather we didn’t get our money’s worth. A hot weather cruise would have been different. The liquors available were adequate.

Cruise glacier bay was nice. Glad we had a balcony. The decks were elbow to elbow.

The ports were much like ship parking lots. Many tourists stores.

Ship Tv is limited to fiesta music played over informational channel, a couple of movie channels, bbc, msnbc, foxnews, cnbc, sports channel and channel of Bridge view. Bring portable music and cables to non blue tooth your music

Juneau Whale Watch excursion was a whale watching trip I purchased off internet Plus a crab dinner at Tracy Crab Shack. It was a beautiful sunny day and we saw Orcas, humpbacks, sea otters and an eagle. It was a must to have an Alaskan King Crab Leg in Alaska. It was good. Big crab leg, drawn butter, mini crab cakes and crab bisque. Expensive but a great end to the day.

Skagway, we did the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari through the ship. Pricy but worth it, book early on internet to save money. The trip was up close and was my favorite part of the trip.

We shopped in Ketchikan. Good deals on cheap souvenirs. Short port time.

In Seattle we did the ships Seattle excursion where you take tour of Seattle with your luggage and are dropped off at airport at 1:00. The tour went to see the Space Needle and Pike Market while killing time to wait for flight. Our tour guide Spencer was entertaining and knowledgeable.

Cruise was fun. We didn’t see the entertainment nor the late-night bars. We didn’t use the spa services nor attend the game shows etc. It was a more than casual cruise and very enjoyable.

My tips would be

Bring your slippers

If you don’t get a robe ask for it. We had to request!

Have your mini fridge emptied and buy the water package.

The casino is not your friend and is very smoky.

Not all decks go through.

Express breakfast is free and a nice wake up call with limited menu.

Bring magnets and warm clothes.

Two plug outlet plus 3 additional usb plugs. Each light by bed had a usb for easy phone charge.

Internet is not worth it. 30 minute package on last night and still could not confirm airline check in.

A shoe bag help store too many shoes and gadgets.

Bathroom is smelly.

Ship sold reasonably priced jackets if you are lacking. $19-$39.

Bring lanyard and get hole punch at guest service

Camera batteries and cards.

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Enjoyed your review.Sailing on Pearl in 2weeks.

Thanks for the review. It answered a bunch of questions I had about our upcoming Alaska cruise -- nice to have current info.