Just off the Pearl 3 day Bahamas cruise

[Pugzila1022]

I just returned from the Pearl 3 day Bahamas cruise and thought I would post some of my observations.

 

I had sailed on the Pearl last summer for a Glacier Bay cruise that remains one of my favorite cruises ever. I had been thinking of booking a weekend cruise, and was surprised to see that Pearl had a rare 3 day cruise scheduled for Oct 17, and booked the cruise through the Casinos At Sea department.

 

I sailed alone, and booked myself into a category SE Penthouse with large balcony.

 

Embarkation was the worst I have experienced from Norwegian, but as it turns out it wasn't completely their fault. Because this was the Pearl's first visit to Miami in several months there was a full inspection that morning that delayed boarding and caused the ship to leave at 630pm rather than 4pm. This caused confusion because Suite Guests were taken to a holding area where the back to back passengers were being held. At about 1230pm, someone came to get the back to back passengers, and some of the suite guests started the boarding process with them. Some of us were stopped though and told only the back to back passengers were boarding at that time. It took about 15 minutes and some of the suite passengers were getting pretty angry about the process, which was made worse because no NCL staff had come to explain what was going on. Finally the boarding process continued and all was forgiven.

 

Once on board we were directed to Cagney's for lunch. One of the best suite perks is having breakfast and lunch in Cagney's and I took advantage every day.

 

When I went to my cabin I met Seka, who would be my butler for the weekend. She remembered me from Breakaway last year, although she wasn't my butler on that cruise. Seka is awesome. I had her bring me Cagney's for room service Friday night.

 

One of my favorites Norwegian specialty restaurants is Moderno. I had a great meal there, and once again one of my favorite things they brought me was the grilled Pineapple.

 

A couple of notes about some changes being made to the layout of the ship. Starting with this cruise, Moderno was moved to deck 13 adjacent to Cagney's rather than deck 8 where it had previously been. Also, Blue Lagoon was changed over to O'Sheehans starting with this cruise. New signs were put up and the elevator deck information was changed over the weekend.

 

Friday night was Prime Rib night at the buffet, and even though I was planning to have room service from Cagney's that night, I did stop by early to try the Prime Rib. It was quite good and well seasoned. Better than I would have expected, actually.

 

The only show I went to was the Oh What A Night show on Sunday night. It was fantastic. I had seen the same show last summer on my Glacier Bay cruise, and was actually hoping they were still on the ship. Very good show and a good example of the quality of entertainment Norwegian provides.

 

Had a good weekend at the casino. Turns out several of the casino staff had been on Pearl last year, or on Breakaway when I sailed last December and remembered me. Very friendly and professional casino staff.

 

Weather was tremendous. Calm seas all weekend.

 

I didn't leave the ship. I'm not a beach person, and have been to Nassau many times and wasn't interested in seeing it again. Besides, one of the main reasons I took the cruise was to relax and that's pretty much what I did all weekend.

 

Totally enjoyed the cruise and am planning my next one for hopefully Christmas week. I had booked Getaway for December 13 but had to cancel due to a conflict. Prices for Christmas week are pretty outrageous, but I am going to keep checking to see if something changes.

 

This was my 4th cruise on Norwegian and I'm hooked.

[garycarla]

Nice review.

 

And, as you mentioned, short cruises on ships like the Pearl are rare.

[TheMidwestMariner]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the Pearl, I am likely going on her on two cruises next year, Glacier Bay being one of them!

[Pugzila1022]

Pearl is one of my favorites and a big part if that it does the Glacier Bay cruise. I had it on my bucket list, and finally did it last year. The scenery will take your breath away.

[elevario]

I have traveled on the Pearl three times the staff is awesome. Although I do wish NCL would rotate their shows often.

 

 

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[TAYLORCPA]

Thanks for the review. We cruise her in 14 days.

[ggooglyboogly]

Does the OSheehans on the Pearl have any games (pool / darts etc.) onboard yet?