Live Pearl April 16 Panama Canal and Pacific Coast

[djmess]

I thought I’d try to give a somewhat live overview of the Panama Canal and Pacific Coast Cruise. To be honest, I don’t know how many questions I will be able to answer while live, but I will try if possible. I only purchased the 250 minute plan for $125 and I do need to keep in touch with family and do a tiny bit of business. I actually received 20 minutes bonus for signing up today and the Internet manager said when I use 30 minutes to let him know and he would add 30 minutes to my plan as I am Platinum. So all in I should have 300 minutes for my 21 day cruise

 

A little background. I’m a 50 y/o single Mom traveling with my 11 y/o son, soon to be 12 a few days after debarkation. Before you ask, we homeschool. We cruise extensively and for the most part with NCL. For the most part we have been inside cabin cruisers with an occasional balcony. In January on the Getaway, we had our first Suite. For this cruise, we are booked in an Obstructed Ocean View sideways cabin 8566. The windows are NOT Frosted.

Embarkation was pretty smooth, albeit a little delayed. We arrived at the port about 11:45, very easy through security and straight to the Platinum line with one person in front of us. Got to the desk and they told me we were VIP and escorted us to the suite check in area. Got checked in and taken to a waiting area. Apparently the ship was going through an Inspection, I heard CDC and Coast Guard. Not sure which it was. But as there was a Noro incident on the cruise prior to the 10 cruise before ours, I’m guessing it was CDC. Haven Suites were allowed to board right at 1 and the regular suites and VIPs shortly after that.

 

Had met some fellow CCers in the waiting area and once we were on board, we went straight to the Main Dining Room for lunch. The 4 of us were the first ones in and seated. Ordered a great lunch. I miss the cob salad from the old menu, but there were wonderful choices and we were all happy. About 1:30pm they began announcing cabins available by deck. Around 2:30 all cabins were ready. Muster drill began about 4 and we finally sailed away from Miami about 6.

 

My son and I decided to just catch dinner in O’sheehans. Skipped the opening show, went back to the cabin and began the unpacking for 21 days. My son is one of less than 20 kids on board. There are only 3 kids ages 6-11, a larger number under 6 and I think 3 teenagers. We did meet a 13 y/o from Romania. Hoping my son and this young man may hang out together as they are the closest in age. Wondered around the ship for a little while and called it an early evening.

 

I was the Roll Call Organizer and set up the M&G. We had an excellent turn out. I think it was around 50 or so. I had asked the group service coordinator if we could get some “giveaway” items to raffle off. She brought us cards, mugs, water bottles, fans, koozies and I donated my Sparkling wine.

 

The Captain, Hotel Director and all the regular senior officers were present and introduced. They did not serve any refreshments because of the whole NORO thing. A member did ask if we would be returning to “normal” soon and we were told that once we are Clear for 72 hours with no notice of symptoms, they would return to normal service. I think they said we were at 48 hours. Right now there is nothing on any tables. No salt and pepper, condiments are all served. Food is not allowed to be taken out of restaurants.

 

Today was just a fun sea day. Took advantage of the VIP status and had lunch in Moderno. It was awesome. We had a great martini tasting. 6 mini martinis for $15. It was also Prime Rib night in O’sheehans, so that was our dinner. The Show tonight was called “Swing” it was enjoyable. 70’s Disco Party, then a movie in the Atrium with my son and now I’m typing this up to post. We get to turn back the clocks an hour and another sea day tomorrow, so extra sleep and relaxation. In my next post, I will dig out the card with all the names of the officers and concierge. Can’t remember them all and it is late.

[EllieinNJ]

I am so happy you posted this. We too are looking at the Panama cruise in March, 2016 and will be eagerly awaiting more of your report. But also we are taking a Gem Canada & New England cruise this September and also have sideways cabin 8566. I have been asking people on several Gem roll calls when they get back to post if the obstructed ov cabins had frosted windows, but no one yet has answered. Really glad to know the Pearl did not so there may be hope for the Gem. How do you like the cabin? Does it seem a little bigger with the bed not being under the window or did you separate the beds on two walls? Maybe you can post a picture? Enjoy your trip.

[djmess]

I promised names of the staff: Captain – Paul Von knorring, Hotel Director – Cary Turecamo, Food and Beverage Director – Tony Rosa, Cruise Director – Dan the man Olsson, Concierge – Elvina De Meneses

 

Here are a couple things I thought I would mention. No room service delivery charges except the $3.95 between Midnight-5am. I just realized I don’t have a room service menu in my room, so will ask my steward about it tomorrow. We do not have a dining package or drink package. I have made reservations for Cagneys, Teppanyaki, Le Bistro (platinum benefit) and La Cucina. Yes I was frustrated when the 18% gratuity was added to the cover charge, but decided in the grand scheme of things, it really did not matter to me. For a 21 day cruise, I want to eat at the mentioned specialty restaurants and know we will enjoy thoroughly. So far we have enjoyed breakfast and/or lunch in Moderno (the VIP perk). We haven’t yet eaten dinner in the Main Dining room, but have taken advantage of O’sheehans dinner specials.

 

The pool deck was not overly crowded the last 2 days. The chair hogs are out though. Lots of towels in chairs, and no people in site. The big thing also seems to be people reserving their Table and Chairs in the shade to sit at all day. One or no people at table with 4-6 chairs, a towel, book or game. We don’t sit at tables all day on the pool deck, so that doesn’t bother me, just an observation.

 

Tonights entertainment was "Oh What a Night" Very good. There were also many activities happening throughout the day.

[albean99]

How do you like you're cabin? I just booked the 10 day Panama Canal on the Pearl next April and chose obstructed view. I almost booked the sideways cabin but it seemed to have less shelves.

 

I'm looking forward to hearing more about your cruise.

[newmexicoNita]

thanks for posting. I hope they will be able to lift the restrictions in a few days. We were on the Pearl just last week. The restrictions did put a damper on the cruise, but otherwise it was great and is one of my favorite ships.

[djmess]

Update 3

 

This is just a very short update on Specialty Dining. It really only affect those people who take children to the specialty restaurants. It used to be that kids age 3-12 would pay HALF the cover charge and be allowed to eat off the specialty dining menu. It is now changed. Kids under 12 may eat off the regular dining menu for free, but if eating from the specialty menu, they pay FULL Price! It says in our daily that if you had pre purchased, then you get the kids half price, but if you book them onboard this cruise, they now pay FULL price.

 

As I notice any more changes, I will post. I will also let you know if they do indeed refund me half the cover charge for my son on those that I pre purchased.

 

Cartagena was today’s port stop and it was awesome. It is very hot and humid this time of year. We did the Historic Cartagena SEGWAY tour with Caesar. This was a tour we booked on our own. It was tons of fun and very interesting. It got great reviews on tripadvisor and we were not disappointed!

[newmexicoNita]

Update 3

 

This is just a very short update on Specialty Dining. It really only affect those people who take children to the specialty restaurants. It used to be that kids age 3-12 would pay HALF the cover charge and be allowed to eat off the specialty dining menu. It is now changed. Kids under 12 may eat off the regular dining menu for free, but if eating from the specialty menu, they pay FULL Price! It says in our daily that if you had pre purchased, then you get the kids half price, but if you book them onboard this cruise, they now pay FULL price.

 

As I notice any more changes, I will post. I will also let you know if they do indeed refund me half the cover charge for my son on those that I pre purchased.

 

Cartagena was today’s port stop and it was awesome. It is very hot and humid this time of year. We did the Historic Cartagena SEGWAY tour with Caesar. This was a tour we booked on our own. It was tons of fun and very interesting. It got great reviews on tripadvisor and we were not disappointed!

 

We too loved Cartagena. We did it a couple of years ago on the Sun.

As for the specialty dining program and kids, I think this is a good idea. Land restaurants don't give 1/2 price to kids. But, like the ship, they have kids menues.

[theloo]

If you have a chance, can you report on whether the room service charge is on the Pearl now?

[alohadan]

The kids half price specialty dining being eliminated is disappointing (but will not alter my plans). All of us adults purchased the UDP. My daughter will eat with us some nights and might want to order an item off of the specialty menu. I believe she will just want a "fancy" dessert and order from the kids menu for her entrée. Under the old guidelines, my daughter would only be charged 50% if she ordered a main course. Now, according to the website, she may be charged full cover plus 18% if she orders anything from the specialty menu. Wow, the changes just keep coming with NCL. I would appreciate any clarification on this whenever you have time (during or after your cruise). Thank you for the update. Have a great cruise!

[Phyllis Flipflop]

Enjoying this already. Thinking about a Panama Canal cruise for my 50th next year so this will.be most helpful.

[Essiesmom]

Pearl approaching Gatun Locks

 

 

Entering the second lock. Can you see yourself on the bow?

[wurmine]

Hi Debbie,

thank you so much for this review, which I will follow the next weeks :)

We will do the Panamacanal tour from LA to Miami in October on the Pearl with two kids(5+10) , so your information is very helpful!

Hope you have a great time. :)

[Essiesmom]

Leaving the last lock

 

 

[nunuc2000]

We will be on the Pearl this October for a partial Panama Canal cruise.. so I'm really enjoying your 'live from' review :)

 

Celine

[Essiesmom]

 

 

 

 

 

[Essiesmom]

 

 

 

 

[djmess]

Thanks for posting the pictures as we went through the locks.

 

Going through the canal was amazing. We viewed the progress in 3 different locations. 1st set of locks we sat on the floor in Spinnaker very forward.

 

The 2nd locks some awesome new friends who have a forward penthouse invited us to view from their balcony.

 

The Final locks at Mira Flores we watched from the Bow.

 

On the room service. I had to ask my steward for the menu. It is the basic old free menu. Still free except from midnight to 5am. I did order this morning as we had an early start in Costa Rica.

[theloo]

On the room service. I had to ask my steward for the menu. It is the basic old free menu. Still free except from midnight to 5am. I did order this morning as we had an early start in Costa Rica.

 

Thanks for the update. There has been a lot of discussion about whether the room service charge has gone fleet-wide yet. I'm sailing in less than 3 weeks and hope not to be surprised.

Edited April 22, 2015 by theloo

[newmexicoNita]

I thought I’d try to give a somewhat live overview of the Panama Canal and Pacific Coast Cruise. To be honest, I don’t know how many questions I will be able to answer while live, but I will try if possible. I only purchased the 250 minute plan for $125 and I do need to keep in touch with family and do a tiny bit of business. I actually received 20 minutes bonus for signing up today and the Internet manager said when I use 30 minutes to let him know and he would add 30 minutes to my plan as I am Platinum. So all in I should have 300 minutes for my 21 day cruise

 

A little background. I’m a 50 y/o single Mom traveling with my 11 y/o son, soon to be 12 a few days after debarkation. Before you ask, we homeschool. We cruise extensively and for the most part with NCL. For the most part we have been inside cabin cruisers with an occasional balcony. In January on the Getaway, we had our first Suite. For this cruise, we are booked in an Obstructed Ocean View sideways cabin 8566. The windows are NOT Frosted.

Embarkation was pretty smooth, albeit a little delayed. We arrived at the port about 11:45, very easy through security and straight to the Platinum line with one person in front of us. Got to the desk and they told me we were VIP and escorted us to the suite check in area. Got checked in and taken to a waiting area. Apparently the ship was going through an Inspection, I heard CDC and Coast Guard. Not sure which it was. But as there was a Noro incident on the cruise prior to the 10 cruise before ours, I’m guessing it was CDC. Haven Suites were allowed to board right at 1 and the regular suites and VIPs shortly after that.

 

Had met some fellow CCers in the waiting area and once we were on board, we went straight to the Main Dining Room for lunch. The 4 of us were the first ones in and seated. Ordered a great lunch. I miss the cob salad from the old menu, but there were wonderful choices and we were all happy. About 1:30pm they began announcing cabins available by deck. Around 2:30 all cabins were ready. Muster drill began about 4 and we finally sailed away from Miami about 6.

 

My son and I decided to just catch dinner in O’sheehans. Skipped the opening show, went back to the cabin and began the unpacking for 21 days. My son is one of less than 20 kids on board. There are only 3 kids ages 6-11, a larger number under 6 and I think 3 teenagers. We did meet a 13 y/o from Romania. Hoping my son and this young man may hang out together as they are the closest in age. Wondered around the ship for a little while and called it an early evening.

 

I was the Roll Call Organizer and set up the M&G. We had an excellent turn out. I think it was around 50 or so. I had asked the group service coordinator if we could get some “giveaway” items to raffle off. She brought us cards, mugs, water bottles, fans, koozies and I donated my Sparkling wine.

 

The Captain, Hotel Director and all the regular senior officers were present and introduced. They did not serve any refreshments because of the whole NORO thing. A member did ask if we would be returning to “normal” soon and we were told that once we are Clear for 72 hours with no notice of symptoms, they would return to normal service. I think they said we were at 48 hours. Right now there is nothing on any tables. No salt and pepper, condiments are all served. Food is not allowed to be taken out of restaurants.

 

Today was just a fun sea day. Took advantage of the VIP status and had lunch in Moderno. It was awesome. We had a great martini tasting. 6 mini martinis for $15. It was also Prime Rib night in O’sheehans, so that was our dinner. The Show tonight was called “Swing” it was enjoyable. 70’s Disco Party, then a movie in the Atrium with my son and now I’m typing this up to post. We get to turn back the clocks an hour and another sea day tomorrow, so extra sleep and relaxation. In my next post, I will dig out the card with all the names of the officers and concierge. Can’t remember them all and it is late.

 

I might have missed it, but did you mention if the restrictions on touching things has been lifted and do you now have things like salt and pepper on the tables? I know there had to be 72 hours with no outbreaks of the noro virus.

[djmess]

I might have missed it, but did you mention if the restrictions on touching things has been lifted and do you now have things like salt and pepper on the tables? I know there had to be 72 hours with no outbreaks of the noro virus.

 

Yes, all restrictions have been lifted as of about 2 days ago.

 

Got to have dinner with the Hotel Director last night and we all had a discussion about the virus. He had said that last cruise there were 2 crew members sick and at the start of our cruise no crew members were sick and only a handful of passengers. So we are good now!

[Meredithe]

Lovely journey so far! We will see you on board in Los Angeles! Funny that Dan is the CD, he is the only CD we have ever had in multiple NCL trips!

[djmess]

Hey everyone. We have arrived in LA today. We are continuing on until Vancouver and will disembark on May 7.

 

A little more info you may want to know. According to the hotel director, the Room Service Fee is Fleetwide as of today May 2. The Pearl will not institute the service fee until they begin the Alaska runs on May 17.

 

It was very difficult to get the OBC credit (half of cover) for my child on the specialty restaurants that we had pre booked. No one seemed to understand that according to the Daily, if we had pre booked, we would still get the 1/2 rate. We DID get the credit, but I don't hold out a lot of hope for future people. I could be wrong, but also understand that any NEW reservations all kids are FULL cover price.

 

The cruise has been absolutely fabulous. We have had no issues at all. The hotel director and many senior officers did a Cruise Critic De-Brief on our last sea day. it was well attended. It was not a total gripe session. there were some complaints by some and many more positives given. The entire staff was wonderful and helpful.

 

The Hotel director did indicate in the ship board Q&A session that there are many changes on the horizon and prices are definitely increasing in ALL aspects of cruising with NCL

[alohadan]

Thank you for the update. Since three of us adults have paid for the UDP, I guess my 7yo daughter will likely be eating the kids meal or paying full price. With the way the reservations are set up on NCL, only one person needs to make the reservation. The reservation is made for 4 people and has a zero charge. Since nothing is charged, there is no credit to give back. If my 7yo wants a steak in Cagney's, I will just pay the cover charge. Taking into account all of the costs of a vacation for 4 people, the 50% off is such a small part of the overall costs of the vacation, it is not worth it to me to change my plans. It looks like I will save the $.05 on the new $29.95 cover for paying onboard!

[newmexicoNita]

Yes, all restrictions have been lifted as of about 2 days ago.

 

Got to have dinner with the Hotel Director last night and we all had a discussion about the virus. He had said that last cruise there were 2 crew members sick and at the start of our cruise no crew members were sick and only a handful of passengers. So we are good now!

 

He is a gem of a guy and maybe the best Hotel Director we have met or toward the top anyway. The guy on the Sun (I forgot his name) was super. That was about 18 months ago.

 

Glad the restrictions were lifted for all of you. It has a challenge for everyone I am sure.

 

Thanks for keeping us up to date. It will be interesting to see what changes lie ahead and if quality improves as prices are adjusted. I am not saying this as a complaint about NCL, everyone knows I love the product, but if new management does increase prices and make changes, they need to have something to show for the changes.

Edited May 3, 2015 by newmexicoNita

[Cuizer2]

I thought I’d try to give a somewhat live overview of the Panama Canal and Pacific Coast Cruise. To be honest, I don’t know how many questions I will be able to answer while live, but I will try if possible.

I'm guessing you'll be able to answer a lot more questions while live then while dead.