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NCL Pearl 8-8-10: Pearls of Wisdom, Awe, and an Unforgettable Experience


jimswims

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Jimswims, Another fantastic review, because of your Spirit 2009 review my family is leaving in 1 day 9 hours on the Spirit to Bermuda:p Thanks Jimswims. I still don't know if this review will ever get me to Alaska, HAHA I just need Palm Trees and warm sun:p I am so glad you and your family had a wonderful time. I am truly so excited to cruise on the Spirit before she goes to NO, and especially back to my favorite island Bermuda

Happy Cruising

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Part 8: Ketchikan

 

We woke up early to get some breakfast before we headed out for the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour. This is the boat that was actually in the second season of the television show, The Deadliest Catch, a reality TV show about crab fishing in the Bering Sea. I have seen the show but it is my father-in-law’s favorite show and we decided that he must take this excursion.

 

The Forecast from The Freestyle Daily said mostly cloudy and 48F/19C. We dressed in layers and boots since we were going to be on the ocean. Clearly the person who typed this was referencing the water temperature. It was already approaching 70 and it was 8:00 am! We peeled off the layers and wished we had remembered sun screen.

 

A short walk directly off the ship and down the ramp brought us to the boat, the Aleutian Ballad. The ship was altered to accommodate tours and travel out to the waters around Ketchikan and the island nearby which is an Indian Reservation. We were lucky to have Derrek, the man who took over the ship the Cornelia Marie currently featured on the TV show, after Captain Phil died. This was his last tour before heading off for some vacation. Dave was the Captain for the day while Derek and Dan, another crab fisherman spoke of what it was like to be a crab fisherman. The stories were real accounts of the good times and the tough times doing this work. Throughout the three hours, we learned the in’s and out’s of the industry and were able to see the fish and crabs that were what give them their money. The crab pots were baited and pulled up throughout the week. They also shared that they are pulled up for the tour but they are emptied and re-set twice a week. The men pulled up a squid (or octopus) for some more show and tell. These apparently are frequent visitors to the pots and are often pulled up.

 

We were able to see sea lions lying and sunning themselves. In addition, we got up close and personal to several eagles that seemed to enjoy the Indian Reservation. There were a few eagle nests spotted along the coast. This entire experience was great. I highly recommend this tour. The weather approached the 80’s and the sun shined brightly. It was another beautiful day in Alaska.

 

After this tour we needed to go to the stores so my son could pick out a totem pole. Little did I know that if he wanted a real one we would need to re-mortgage the house! Wow, those are pricey pieces of carved wood! After seeing the prices, he settled on a small one that he was happy with and I was also pleased with his choice.

 

Back on the ship, we had lunch and my wife and daughter decided that it was time to go into the pool. I went for my jog while they enjoyed the sun and water. I was doing fine on my jog until a kid decided to swing his shuffle board stick around and behind him. It was a close call to my legs and to other parts as he started to lift it in the air not realizing that I was not a shuffle board puck! I think I looked like I was doing hopscotch as I grabbed the pole. He seemed shocked to see me and apologized. I told him that there was no problem (well almost a big problem) but he really should be careful with that stick.

 

It was feeling more like a Bermuda cruise on this day. There were many people by the pool and the band was playing. The familiar feeling of the other NCL cruises quickly came to mind for me. I joined my wife poolside and we relaxed on lounge chairs taking in the sun, air, and sights. We both got a bit of a color from this time outside and returned to get ready for dinner at Shabu-Shabu. I went to the spa for some rejuvenation and to shower and get ready since all 4 of us needed to shower. This spa pass was really working out to give us another bathroom. I guess it was cheaper than another cabin!

 

The Shabu-Shabu experience will cost you 15.00 per person. It is cooking the meal in a Mongolian Hot Pot. You choose your broth flavor, chicken or beef, and the raw fixings (vegetables, meat, tofu) come on a platter that you add to the broth as it boils in the middle of your table. The meal was delicious and I am glad we decided to experience it.

After dinner we again went outside to enjoy the sights. The land around the ship was continuing to be beautiful and scenic. We took it all in for awhile and my wife and children then decided to attend the chocolate buffet. They liked it and had fun. I passed on this experience after going several times in the past.

 

We turned in for the night after that. I was again grateful for the day, the sights, and the experiences we shared as a family.

 

Up Next: Behind the Scenes, My trip to the Bridge (not the Brig!) and Victoria.

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Jimswims, Another fantastic review, because of your Spirit 2009 review my family is leaving in 1 day 9 hours on the Spirit to Bermuda:p Thanks Jimswims. I still don't know if this review will ever get me to Alaska, HAHA I just need Palm Trees and warm sun:p I am so glad you and your family had a wonderful time. I am truly so excited to cruise on the Spirit before she goes to NO, and especially back to my favorite island Bermuda

Happy Cruising

 

I hope you have a wonderful time! :D

I also hope it meets your expectations. As you know we loved our Spirit cruise and I hope that you enjoy your time on the ship and in Bermuda.

 

It was Cubechick's review of Alaska that got me to go. I am so glad that I did now!

 

We are going back to Bermda next year but on the Gem. I am now a really big fan of the Jewel class ships!

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I hope you have a wonderful time! :D

I also hope it meets your expectations. As you know we loved our Spirit cruise and I hope that you enjoy your time on the ship and in Bermuda.

 

It was Cubechick's review of Alaska that got me to go. I am so glad that I did now!

 

We are going back to Bermda next year but on the Gem. I am now a really big fan of the Jewel class ships!

 

Cubechick's review got me too! She should be getting a commission on these!

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Part 9: At Sea, Victoria, and disembarkation

 

We woke up to a sea day before our arrival in Victoria at 6:00 pm. The forecast called for 65F/18C. The weather was actually 80-88 and very sunny! We had breakfast and met in the Lotus Garden for our 10:10 am Behind the Scenes tour of the NCL Pearl.

The NCL Pearl Fact Sheet gave some interesting information to read while we waited.

The Executive Chef’s weekly shopping list included 2,000 lbs of cereal, 1,500 lbs of pasta, 22,000 fresh fruits, 3,000 dozen (36,000) fresh eggs, 6500 lbs of fish, 1000 lbs of lobster, 2,600 lbs of seafood, 12,000 lbs of beef, 12,000 lbs of poultry, and 900 lbs of coffee to list a few things.

 

We first toured the kitchen areas that included the main cooking/prep areas for the dining rooms and then the butchery, bakery, storage areas for all types of foods and the freezers. We then met the Environmental Engineer who spent a great deal of time explaining the ways in which the ship keeps to the highest standards of sanitation in terms of waste, biological and other, and recycling. This was a real eye opener. I am sorry that I have forgotten her name. I was impressed by all the ways NCL has worked to recycle and minimize waste. Given this is a cruise ship and there is limited space, I was impressed by the shredding, recycling, and care given to make sure the environment, on and off the ship, was protected and cared for. The massive shredding machines took care of the paper waste and there is a burning process that does occur for some of it. The ship was getting ready for their waste removal in Victoria and it looked like things were in pretty decent shape. I expect do much more given that we were only a few hours from the port. The food waste and biological waste were also discussed in detail.

 

We also traveled I-95, the main corridor for the crew. There were many signs emphasizing the STYLE approach to team work and success in their jobs and copies of recent STYLE cards were displayed for all to see. We moved on to the laundry facilities where the massive washers, dryers, and dry cleaning machines were located. This area was in full action for washing linens, towels, sheets, cruisers clothes, and uniforms. There were giant folding machines that needed to be hand fed at the precise moment in order to have things properly work. This area was loud and hot. It is also in operation 24 hours per day. These two areas made me stop and think about what I can do to make their jobs easier and help the environment. Something small like using towels more than once and using less water would make a huge impact.

 

We then toured the back stage area of the theater and this was informative in finding out how the production shows operate and also how the costumes are made, fitted, and changed with the changes in cast. From the theater we were lucky to have a nice day because that meant we could go on the bridge.

 

The bridge is loaded with the latest equipment to navigate the ship. The seas were smooth and the view was fantastic. The First Officer showed us the many types of equipment and explained each. After, we were able to walk around a bit before we needed to leave. It was a great tour and I was glad that I took it. The staff that we encountered really liked what they are doing and it showed in their presentations.

We returned to the pool area for lunch and some sun. Then I went to the spa for my last time and enjoyed the rest and relaxation. After, I met up with my family for a string of bowling! We played one string and Romeo, the Rock Climbing Coach for my daughter and I was working at Bliss and remembered us.

 

The smooth seas were not going to help my bowling score but the bumpers sure did! We had fun trying to knock down the pins and things got a bit competitive with my wife getting a few strikes to take the lead. We had fun and agreed that the 5.00 per person per game was well worth the entertainment.

 

We returned to Cagney’s for dinner and again found the meals excellent and the service superb. Elena, I Gusta, and the Maître D remembered us from a few nights ago and took good care of us. We were enjoying the meal so much that we passed on going out to Victoria. The entertainment was limited on board this evening as we were in port. The Indigo restaurant, Le Bistro, and Mambos were also closed. The Casino was closed as were the stores. I decided that this all was OK but I did not like ending a cruise with so many things closed up due to the late time in port.

 

It was time for us to go back to the room to get everything packed. We were taking advantage of the BAGS program so our luggage tags and boarding passes were delivered as promised. We had completed most of the work so my daughter and wife went up to the hot tubs for one last swim. The suitcases were definitely over 50 lbs and I did the best I could to balance them. We completed a bunch of STYLE cards and dropped them off at the Reception Desk and got ready for our last slumber on the NCL Pearl.

 

The next morning we again went for a sit down breakfast and said our goodbyes to the staff that were so wonderful throughout the week. I have become a fan of the NCL Pearl and really like the Jewel Class ships. In particular I like the layout of deck 6 and 7, Spinnakers, The pool area, the action stations of the Garden Café, The Great Outdoors, and the location of the Blue Lagoon, La Cucina, and Le Bistro. These are just a few of the things that I liked about the physical structure of the ship after sailing on the Majesty, Dream, Spirit and Dawn. The staff seemed to work as a team and there was never an instant when I felt that the staff wanted to push me overboard or hang me from my balcony. The management team should be commended for a job well done with supporting their employees to excel in their jobs.

 

We disembarked the ship reluctantly. It was 97 degrees and sunny in Seattle. We had the whole day to hang out in the city since our flight was not until 10:20 pm, the red eye to the East coast. It was an unforgettable week filled with amazing sights, revelations, and new horizons. This was our best cruise to date. NCL shined and Alaska’s beauty is unmatched. The weather was icing on the cake.

 

In Alaska and on this ship I also discovered the greatest Pearl of wisdom that I am sure will help me and be with me for many years to come: MY WIFE IS ALWAYS RIGHT!

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Great review' date=' Jim. Doesn't the Pearl have a great crew. Sort of reminds me of the Dawn's crew. Great HD's make for great crew, but, then again your Dawn cruises were pre-Hugo.[/color']

 

PE

 

I agree PE. I have been on the Dawn twice and both times in 2007 so I believe that you are correct.

 

I really though Sean was great last year on the Spirit. I think he is now on the Epic. The HD on the Pearl for last week was Kaj Turunen. I did have the opportunity to meet and speak with him.

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Do you know if that meal is done on all Pearl cruises we are on her Panama canal crossing in Sept and it looks like something my GF and I would like

 

Hi waterguy,

 

I believe that you are referring to the Shabu-Shabu meal. It is located in the Lotus Garden restaurant. You need a reservation and try to make it as early as you can as there are only a few tables (4 maybe) so seating is limited.

 

I hope that helps. Enjoy the Panama Canal cruise. That is also on my list to do someday!

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Jimswims-

 

Did you get the spa package for $99 and did you feel that it was worth it? Was it crowded? I know they only sell a certain number of packages, but I wonder how many.

 

Also, what items of clothes would you suggest?

 

Thanks for your help.

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Jimswims-

 

Did you get the spa package for $99 and did you feel that it was worth it? Was it crowded? I know they only sell a certain number of packages, but I wonder how many.

 

Also, what items of clothes would you suggest?

 

Thanks for your help.

 

I did get the Spa Thermal suite for 99.00 for the week. It is limited but I for get what the number is. 150 couples or 300 people seems to ring a bell but do not hold me to that. I thought that it was worth it. I used the sauna, steam, and jacuzzi in the Men's relaxation area more than the co-ed area. This is because the co-ed area was usually more crowded. Only once would I say that it was too crowded in the co-ed area. The therapy pool was great and I did go in there a few times. The day we were in Skagway I was the only one in the pool area for a time and this was nice.

 

I thought that we really overpacked. However, if we did not do laundry the Saturday before we boarded the ship in Seattle we sould have run out of a few things. I really think that it depends on when you go too.

 

We had shorts, pants, jeans, LL Bean rain gear (light jacket, un lined and rain pants), boots, sneakers, shoes. We also had fleece jackets and sweat shirts for all of us. These were used quite a bit as it is still air conditioned on the ship as well.

 

I hope that this helps.

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Jim

 

I enjoyed your review. We did ours in May and reading the reviews always brings back memories. We also did the Pearl a few years back with our our kids. I had a great time both times.

 

The review for our recent is in my signature and pictures from both can be found here... http://www.flickr.com/photos/roseoftexas/collections/72157601829385443/

 

I also captured a time lapse of the August 8th Pearl cruise in my collection (also in my signature).

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Jim

 

I enjoyed your review. We did ours in May and reading the reviews always brings back memories. We also did the Pearl a few years back with our our kids. I had a great time both times.

 

The review for our recent is in my signature and pictures from both can be found here... http://www.flickr.com/photos/roseoftexas/collections/72157601829385443/

 

I also captured a time lapse of the August 8th Pearl cruise in my collection (also in my signature).

 

Thank you. I do remember reading your review. The pictures are amazing. It really got me excited for our cruise actually. I think I have some just like it as we took about 750. I have them on a disc but have not been able to get them into my review.

 

The time lapse is pretty cool as well. It was much more sunny in Glacier Bay than the time lapse shows It was clear blus skies by the time we got close to Margerie Glacier, sort of like what your pictures show actually.

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I'm actually looking at cruising on the Pearl next year, although not to Alaska. It is still very interesting to read your review. I really appreciate you taking the time to write it. Looking forward to reading the rest of it.

 

OceanDreams

 

Thank you. Hopefully I answered some questions about the Pearl as well. It is a beautiful ship and my new favorite.

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I enjoyed reading your review. I got off the Pearl the day you got got on the Pearl. I remember looking down at people getting ready for the cruise and thinking how lucky they were to be starting their cruise. I wanted to get back on and spend another week on the Pearl. It is a wonderful ship. I had some of the same feelings about Glacier Bay that you did. It was some kind of spiritual experience for me. It is the only time in my travels that I have felt that way. Just awesome seeing the beauty of the mountains and the glaciers!

Thank you for sharing your cruise with us. :)

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I enjoyed reading your review. I got off the Pearl the day you got got on the Pearl. I remember looking down at people getting ready for the cruise and thinking how lucky they were to be starting their cruise. I wanted to get back on and spend another week on the Pearl. It is a wonderful ship. I had some of the same feelings about Glacier Bay that you did. It was some kind of spiritual experience for me. It is the only time in my travels that I have felt that way. Just awesome seeing the beauty of the mountains and the glaciers!

Thank you for sharing your cruise with us. :)

 

Thank you for your comments. I am also very glad to hear that I am not alone with my experience in Galcier Bay. I appreciate you sharing that it was a special place for you too:)!

 

I was tortured all day Sunday because we were in Seattle for the day and had lunch at Anthony's Pier 66 and I got to view the ship (and my balcony) that I just got off and did not want to!!!! It was such a clear day too and everytime I look towards the water, the NCL Pearl was there, It was so cruel :D! I even saw it sail off with some very lucky passengers that afternoon.

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Dear Jim,

Thanks for taking the time to post such a great review. I can't wait til Sunday, when my family will take its turn on the Pearl! I totally understand the 6 pieces of luggage - I'm so conflicted about what to bring - I feel like I'm packing everything we own.

 

One question for you...is Second City still performing on board? My older son loves improv comedy and it is one of the reasons we picked the Pearl - that and Glacier Bay of course!

 

Thanks again!

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Thank you for your comments. I am also very glad to hear that I am not alone with my experience in Galcier Bay. I appreciate you sharing that it was a special place for you too:)!

 

I was tortured all day Sunday because we were in Seattle for the day and had lunch at Anthony's Pier 66 and I got to view the ship (and my balcony) that I just got off and did not want to!!!! It was such a clear day too and everytime I look towards the water, the NCL Pearl was there, It was so cruel :D! I even saw it sail off with some very lucky passengers that afternoon.

 

I bet that was pure torture watching those lucky people sail off. I would have been tempted to jump on the ship and sail away. :D

Ohh Glacier bay.... my special place! :)

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Dear Jim' date='

Thanks for taking the time to post such a great review. I can't wait til Sunday, when my family will take its turn on the Pearl! I totally understand the 6 pieces of luggage - I'm so conflicted about what to bring - I feel like I'm packing everything we own.

 

One question for you...is Second City still performing on board? My older son loves improv comedy and it is one of the reasons we picked the Pearl - that and Glacier Bay of course!

 

Thanks again![/quote']

 

I am ready to go back and can fold up nicely in a suitcase now that I have lost so much weight, lol!

 

Second City was on-board and they did perform. I have the Dailies so I can tell you that it was on Thursday 7:15 and 9:15. They also did a Scriptless act in Spinnakers at 8:15 and 10:15. The earlier being the Family show time.

 

David Naster, a Commedian was also on-board. I thought that he was hysterical and I ususally do not care for the NCL Comedians too much.

 

You son may also like Sharkbait, a balancing, juggling, stunt act. It has quite a following as well.

 

Enjoy the cruise!

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Thanks Jim! I too have been dieting for the cruise - I'm afraid of the damage I'll do next week while on the Pearl and unlimited choices - I'll be doing alot of walking - hope it helps!

 

Do not forget that the Promenade deck on 7 is also a great place to walk. I believe it is 3 and 1/2 times around = 1 mile. It is also sheltered more than the jogging track on deck 13.

 

Have a great time!

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. I found myself quite emotional at times. I was speechless and in awe.

 

I am glad to see that other people were effected the same way I was!

 

Thank you again for this review, if I can't return as soon as I wish to Alaska at least I can relive thru my memories, my pictures and your review!

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I am glad to see that other people were effected the same way I was!

 

Thank you again for this review, if I can't return as soon as I wish to Alaska at least I can relive thru my memories, my pictures and your review!

 

Thanks for reading and for sharing! It was truly a special place.

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