We Sailed the Pearl Thanksgiving Week: Answer To Your Questions

[coka]

Ocean Dreams posted prior to our sailing that if anyone had questions we would do our best to answer them. From that thread, we copied and pasted the questions and answered here. Feel free to ask more. All who sailed can answer based on their experience too. We welcome additions

 

 

 

Q: What production shows are offered?

A: The nightly production shows in the Stardust Theater included the following shows: Experience Stardust, That's Entertainment, Oh What A Night, The Second City, Broadway Showtime: Encore!, The Comedy and Magic of Chip Romero, and Farewell Variety Showtime

 

 

Q: Do they offer wine packages?

A: Yes they do. The Viva Vino Wine Package allows you to pick 4, 6, or 8 bottles of selected wines at a discount.

 

Q: Do they have a 2 for 1 happy hour in sports bar?

A: Yes, they had happy hour 2 for 1 in the Star Bar which is not a sports bar. Happy hour time was usually from 4 to 6 pm yet one day it was 3 to 5pm. Applied to house drinks and domestic beers only. They had lots of specials including martini, beer, wine, margarita tastings. We went to Margarita Madness at the Moderno Bar on deck 8 mid ship. Price was 4.95 and most nights had this special. They also has beer and shot specials in all open bars as well as drinks of the day specials.

 

Q: Maybe you can report back on how the weather was for this time of year.

A: This sailing ranged from 75 to 85 during the day. With an island breeze, it never felt hot or humid on land. While at sea, it felt cooler onboard outside. While sunny, it was delightful and warming. When a cloud passed, I sort of thought brrrrr and covered up. Yes, it was warm enough to swim in the ocean and in the pools. On this sailing, I never even dipped a toe.

 

Q: Please report back on the condition of Great Stirrup Cay and ask about the lazy river.

A: GSC is looking good and everything appears to be progressing along. Did not inquire about the lazy river but we did not see one completed. The cabanas were in full use, the buffet and food options are Excellent, more than enough lounge chairs available than in the previous years, and cruise staff held plenty of activities for those interested in participating. All bathrooms are well kept. The slide for kiddos was not up but I have seen many enjoy it in the past. Hopefully it will be up and running again on your sailing. Parasailing, kayaking, ski-dooing water activities offered as well as sting ray thing. I did not snorkel on this sailing but I have snorkeled in years past. Due to the wind on this day, I did not see many in the water or snorkeling. I was glad we could just be there!

 

Q: Did you receive emails from NCL prior to departure?

A: I did not receive email prior to departure. I have in the past but I am not receiving other emails that are getting sent. Either something is different about my computer or they do not want to hear from me anymore. Hahaha.

 

Q: I also am interested in wine and martini tastings. How much $$$, what days, how many drinks, etc?

A: Tuesday at sea had a pub hop, old world wine tasting, martini tasting, and European beer tasting. Saturday at sea had martini tasting, NCL global tasting, and beer/Jaegermeister special at the Bavarian beer fest. I think the price for tastings are usually 15 dollars and at least four drinks are offered. Depending on the week, they can go up to five or six!

 

Q: Can you please post your dalies when you return? Would love to know the scheduling of shows, etc so can plan dining reservations.

A: Perhaps OceanDreams can do this? I never replaced a scanner from years ago. I can tell you that the Stardust Theater Show times are always 7:15pm and 9:30pm.

 

Q: if you could go too deck 8 and peek in the obstructed cabin 8052 for me it would be great. it is passed the lifeboats so im hoping for some sort of veiw. thanks so much if you get the chance too peek in the door.

A: This cabin has a totally blocked view. OceanDreams took a picture of it and there is NO view at all. Hopefully you have time to switch it!

 

Q: Is the $99 all you can eat all specialty restaurants only available once on board? I can't find that deal on NCL website.

A: I don't know. I do know they run different specials on different ships to see if it is something that works for both passengers and for bottom line. Although available on this sailing it might to be in future. The key is to read all pamphlets and specials delivered to you stateroom via the freestyle daily.

 

Q: Did you notice the price of the thermal suites access for the week?

A: Yes, we did the spa tour on embarkation day. The price is 119 dollars for the week. Gorgeous spa area with excellent views. They only sign up a certain number per week so if interested, be sure to sign up early. If not enough passengers sign up, one can buy a day pass for 30 dollars.

 

Q: Did they have the 2-for-1 happy hour from 4:00 - 6:00 every day like they did on the Dawn?

A: Yes they did. I went once to get some glasses and it was very well attended!

 

Q: "The beach is facing previaling wind, so the wave I can image is always big. Bahamas is facing Atlantic, so the water is cooler/colder than other Caribbean islands." I think this confirms to me that I'd rather spend GSC day enjoying ship activities. Any info on the quality of snorkeling there? That's the only thing that might tempt me off the ship since I'm bringing my own

A: The quality of snorkeling can vary as with other locations. One needs to go out by the lifeguard at the end of rocks for the best fish. I have heard some bring little pieces of bread or other fishy food to attract them. Not sure if this is okay or not. In the past I have heard people give favorable results to snorkeling there and others not.

[dustyroad]

Ocean Dreams posted prior to our sailing that if anyone had questions we would do our best to answer them. From that thread, we copied and pasted the questions and answered here. Feel free to ask more. All who sailed can answer based on their experience too. We welcome additions

 

 

 

Q: What production shows are offered?

A: The nightly production shows in the Stardust Theater included the following shows: Experience Stardust, That's Entertainment, Oh What A Night, The Second City, Broadway Showtime: Encore!, The Comedy and Magic of Chip Romero, and Farewell Variety Showtime

 

 

Q: Do they offer wine packages?

A: Yes they do. The Viva Vino Wine Package allows you to pick 4, 6, or 8 bottles of selected wines at a discount.

 

Q: Do they have a 2 for 1 happy hour in sports bar?

A: Yes, they had happy hour 2 for 1 in the Star Bar which is not a sports bar. Happy hour time was usually from 4 to 6 pm yet one day it was 3 to 5pm. Applied to house drinks and domestic beers only. They had lots of specials including martini, beer, wine, margarita tastings. We went to Margarita Madness at the Moderno Bar on deck 8 mid ship. Price was 4.95 and most nights had this special. They also has beer and shot specials in all open bars as well as drinks of the day specials.

 

Q: Maybe you can report back on how the weather was for this time of year.

A: This sailing ranged from 75 to 85 during the day. With an island breeze, it never felt hot or humid on land. While at sea, it felt cooler onboard outside. While sunny, it was delightful and warming. When a cloud passed, I sort of thought brrrrr and covered up. Yes, it was warm enough to swim in the ocean and in the pools. On this sailing, I never even dipped a toe.

 

Q: Please report back on the condition of Great Stirrup Cay and ask about the lazy river.

A: GSC is looking good and everything appears to be progressing along. Did not inquire about the lazy river but we did not see one completed. The cabanas were in full use, the buffet and food options are Excellent, more than enough lounge chairs available than in the previous years, and cruise staff held plenty of activities for those interested in participating. All bathrooms are well kept. The slide for kiddos was not up but I have seen many enjoy it in the past. Hopefully it will be up and running again on your sailing. Parasailing, kayaking, ski-dooing water activities offered as well as sting ray thing. I did not snorkel on this sailing but I have snorkeled in years past. Due to the wind on this day, I did not see many in the water or snorkeling. I was glad we could just be there!

 

Q: Did you receive emails from NCL prior to departure?

A: I did not receive email prior to departure. I have in the past but I am not receiving other emails that are getting sent. Either something is different about my computer or they do not want to hear from me anymore. Hahaha.

 

Q: I also am interested in wine and martini tastings. How much $$$, what days, how many drinks, etc?

A: Tuesday at sea had a pub hop, old world wine tasting, martini tasting, and European beer tasting. Saturday at sea had martini tasting, NCL global tasting, and beer/Jaegermeister special at the Bavarian beer fest. I think the price for tastings are usually 15 dollars and at least four drinks are offered. Depending on the week, they can go up to five or six!

 

Q: Can you please post your dalies when you return? Would love to know the scheduling of shows, etc so can plan dining reservations.

A: Perhaps OceanDreams can do this? I never replaced a scanner from years ago. I can tell you that the Stardust Theater Show times are always 7:15pm and 9:30pm.

 

Q: if you could go too deck 8 and peek in the obstructed cabin 8052 for me it would be great. it is passed the lifeboats so im hoping for some sort of veiw. thanks so much if you get the chance too peek in the door.

A: This cabin has a totally blocked view. OceanDreams took a picture of it and there is NO view at all. Hopefully you have time to switch it!

 

Q: Is the $99 all you can eat all specialty restaurants only available once on board? I can't find that deal on NCL website.

A: I don't know. I do know they run different specials on different ships to see if it is something that works for both passengers and for bottom line. Although available on this sailing it might to be in future. The key is to read all pamphlets and specials delivered to you stateroom via the freestyle daily.

 

Q: Did you notice the price of the thermal suites access for the week?

A: Yes, we did the spa tour on embarkation day. The price is 119 dollars for the week. Gorgeous spa area with excellent views. They only sign up a certain number per week so if interested, be sure to sign up early. If not enough passengers sign up, one can buy a day pass for 30 dollars.

 

Q: Did they have the 2-for-1 happy hour from 4:00 - 6:00 every day like they did on the Dawn?

A: Yes they did. I went once to get some glasses and it was very well attended!

 

Q: "The beach is facing previaling wind, so the wave I can image is always big. Bahamas is facing Atlantic, so the water is cooler/colder than other Caribbean islands." I think this confirms to me that I'd rather spend GSC day enjoying ship activities. Any info on the quality of snorkeling there? That's the only thing that might tempt me off the ship since I'm bringing my own

A: The quality of snorkeling can vary as with other locations. One needs to go out by the lifeguard at the end of rocks for the best fish. I have heard some bring little pieces of bread or other fishy food to attract them. Not sure if this is okay or not. In the past I have heard people give favorable results to snorkeling there and others not.

 

thank you so much for all the helpful information from your cruise. but, i am very sad too hear about cabin 8052 is totally blocked :(. we specified this cabin for the cost and other posters stating there was a great veiw from the window. but it still exciting too be going on the pearl and still having a wonderful time. thanks again for your help. :)

[coka]

Hi Dusty,

Ocean did not go into cabin and look out the window. She stood in doorway to take the picture when the door was open (to my knowledge). The lifeboat blocked the window ...the picture I saw had the boat blocking the window...but there still might be view when looking directly out the window? I can call her to verify.

 

Coka

[www3traveler]

Coka,

 

Who were the Senior Officers on your cruise?

[coka]

Coka,

 

Who were the Senior Officers on your cruise?

 

 

Captain Gunnar Hammerin

Hotel Director Prem Kainikkara

Food and Beverage Director Alain Magnier

Executive Housekeeper Cesar Hapa

Cruise Director Julie Valieriote

Executive Chef Errol Brissett

 

There were others mentioned on the "At Your Service Card" they gave out at our cruise critic meet and greet so let me know if you want more.

 

Coka

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the review!

[jdvmd]

Great information! Thanks!

[dustyroad]

Hi Dusty,

Ocean did not go into cabin and look out the window. She stood in doorway to take the picture when the door was open (to my knowledge). The lifeboat blocked the window ...the picture I saw had the boat blocking the window...but there still might be view when looking directly out the window? I can call her to verify.

 

Coka

 

thanks so much coka for going too the added time too check out that cabin. we will still be happy with our it no matter what. im so glad you had a great time and liked the pearl. happy cruising in the future.

[jimswims]

Hi Coka and I have a question. Did you have a nice cruise? I also do not see any mention of a pool plunge or dancing with a caution cone, lol!

[coka]

Hi Jimswims!

 

The Pearl is just as awesome as you and I remember her. There are two crazy things I did. The first was to gain 25 pounds, cut my hair real short, and color it dark brown. Undercover Coka is an understatement. One of my favorite DJs is now a cruise staff member. When he asked where I was from, he responded he once knew a (my job title) from (my state). To be fair, I had not recognized him in the daylight. LOL

 

The second crazy thing I did was with cruise critics from the Star while at the Cozumel pier. I met up with Tideone and his wife, and met up with sjnyc323 and her mom. It was great to see Tideone family again and it was great to meet sync323 and family. The pier party was better than ever expected. Music played out there for two hours plus, and at one time I counted over 80 staff from both ships lining up along the sides to welcome back passengers. It was great morale booster and great fun for all involved. We got off the ship so we too could dance down through the center. Cruise Director Julie danced and welcomed back passengers the entire time wearing 20 foot stilts. She is my hero! If that is what it takes to keep a good figure, then my stilts are on order!

 

The Pearl beds were just as I remembered them. They had the special mattress toppers on each and our steward told us they just replaced all mattresses onboard. OceanDreams verified this on her Behind The Scenes Tour as she saw some of the older ones ready for disposal. So you can imagine this trip I was not getting up at 6:50 for morning stretch at 7 and fab abs at 7:30. There were some evenings I could not wait to go to bed. Ocean stayed out much later than me. The evenings were cool with the balcony door opened and it was great sleeping weather.

 

The Pearl still remains the Best Buffet at sea! We ate there a few times for dinner and brought the meal to the Great Outdoors under the stars. Ocean loves the Lotus Garden as much as I do and we ate there twice compliments of platinum rewards. Along with yummy food we listened to Arvin and Emily one night who was playing below and the piano player who was there another night while we dined. We also won a dinner with two officers (Staff Captain Peter and 1st Officer Navigation Vincente) and they took us to Le Bistro. The escargot and beef was the best ever as was the company and conversation.

 

OH! I thought of a third crazy thing. Having always defended a mini suite being more than a glorified balcony, Ocean did take a picture of the leg room in the mini suite toilet area. We needed to meet someone in a balcony cabin who would let us go in and take a picture of my legroom while in there. Not while actually using it, but while in there. We met two guys at margarita madness at the Moderno restaurant bar and they were very accommodating. One had to clean up the bathroom first before they agreed. For their efforts, I gave them my bottle of champagne I won at the latitudes party for sailing Norwegian the most times.

 

Since quitting smoking 30 months ago, I finally could hang out in the casino. I had a blast in there with OceanDreams and with other gambling passengers. My favorite machines were the goldfish because they were loud, played good music, and had fun games and visuals. I won the most on the goldfish with mermaids but not enough to brag about when done. Ocean plays the lines and I play the max so it was interesting to watch the difference. There is a new game near one of the entrances...one dollar per card swipe allows one the opportunity to navigate a key into an opening to unlock either 200 cash prize, a 500 cash prize, or 500 cash prize and iPad. It was crowded and passengers loved to watch. Only two payouts the whole week and I was there to see both winners.

 

We played Deal or No Deal and Bingo. We actually had a blast and found the price reasonable as we're the payouts. My twenty and forty dollars there lasted a lot longer than at my maximum slot bets in the casino.

 

Oh! The Pearl had the German Fest the last day at sea in the great outdoors. It was Phenomenal! My mother in law does not cook anymore and everything I ate was just like hers if not better. The Germans I met onboard also said it was very good.

 

If anyone has more questions I am here all weekend!

 

coka

[www3traveler]

Hi Coka,

I am glad that you had a great time on the Pearl. I have had 11 cruises on Her in the last few years. I am glad that you got to meet my friend, Navigation Officer Vicente. He went home this morning on his vacation. What was the Staff Captain like??

Did you get down into Bar City in the evenings to hear another friend, Don Alexander perform??

 

Merry Christmas to your family from the Pacific Northwest,

 

Mandy

[coka]

Hi Mandy!

 

Yes, we saw Don Alexander perform and he was the piano player we heard from above while eating in Lotus Garden. I like to sit in the chairs along the window on deck 6 and watch people go by while practice sipping a specialty martini instead of downing it in three gulps. I need more practice with this. Most evenings there were many passengers enjoying his performances. I have never personally met him but I could swear we are always on the same ships together. This past year I sailed the Star, the Jewel, the Dawn, and now Pearl. I think either he was on all of them too or it all is just becoming one big blur for me!

 

Your friend Vicente is a cutie pie! He invited one of the families with us (mom, dad, and 16 year old) for a bridge tour the following morning. I should mention that Captain Gunnar invited the cruise critics for a bridge tour too earlier in the week. I went on that one and learned my hand was twelve inches away from the ship horn. I had to move because it was too tempting. One of the last few items on my bucket is to blow a cruise ship horn. The horn is just a tiny little button...so easy to go ba-ba...ba-dum-puh...........bum-pa!

 

The Staff Captain was like "a tall hubba bubba jingle jangle and he looked good from every angle," guy, hahaha! Seriously, I am glad we put a little effort into our freestyle dining outfit because in my past experiences, such wins with "dining with an officer" took place in the dining room with everyone else. I have won three times and all times all passengers and all officers met and dined at about ten or so tables in the big dining room. One of those you are in and then you are out, thank you very much, goodbye.

 

For this dinner, it was WAY more intimate being held in Le Bistro with these two officers and four sets of us cruisers. If Raquel Nunez, the group services coordinator, was the one who set this up, then she did a Fantastic job with it! We had name tag place settings and much thought was put into who sat where. We were all scared at first once seated because it seemed so formal, but Staff Captain Peter took the helm and made everyone feel extremely comfortable in no time at all. The Tisdale wine assisted. Having researched such fine dining events, I think everyone was engaging and all 11 of us contributed to the conversation at hand. For me personally, I LOVE hearing about how these guys began their careers. I am sure in a former life, I was once a Viking.

 

coka