Pearl advice needed

[Benji817]

So let me start out by saying I'm in the middle of planning my very first cruise, and I'm so excited but so overwhelmed at the same time! Reading through these boards has been super helpful, but there is one point I'm stuck on. There are two decks/rooms I'm trying to decide between, and I'm hoping someone out there can help. I could either go for an obstructed view on deck 8, or "upgrade" to an ocean view (DD) on deck 5. When I checked out deck 6 though, I noticed the casino and a couple of bars. Has anyone stayed on deck 5? Do you hear a lot of the noise from above? The room looks like it sits more below a restaurant, with the bars and casino more foreword. *sigh* I'm just not sure.. :confused: Any advice? Opinions?

 

Thanks so much for your help.. you guys are great!

[whatawonderfulworld]

I will be sailing on the Pearl this September - I cannot give you an answer. But I see that you're new to our board and that you're planning your first cruise. I still wanted to welcome you to this board.

 

My husband went on his first cruise last October - we were on the Dawn out of NY. Within 3 days of that cruise, we booked the Pearl. I've read almost nothing negative about this ship and I cannot wait to sail her in September.

 

Planning can be a bit overwhelming so just take it one thing at a time. There are many many experienced cruisers on this board who should be able to help you out with your inquiry.

 

Have you decided on an intinerary yet? Once you book, consider joining your roll call...it's a really nice way to meet folks.

 

Again, welcome aboard!

 

Ciao,

W A W W

[jmcdon7230]

.... "upgrade" to an ocean view (DD) on deck 5. When I checked out deck 6 though, I noticed the casino and a couple of bars. Has anyone stayed on deck 5? Do you hear a lot of the noise from above? The room looks like it sits more below a restaurant, with the bars and casino more foreword......

 

I haven't sailed on the Pearl yet (we'll be on her Sunday afternoon!), but from looking at the deck plans I wouldn't be too concerned about the restaurant, bars or casino above deck five. What would sound an alarm for me would be a disco, basketball court or buffet. Deck six looks relatively harmless to me.

[ute_fan]

I've been on the Pearl -- deck 8, inside cabin, and on the Jewel (which is a sister ship) outside view, deck 5. Our Jewel cabin was starboard side, underneath one of the bars or the walkway area by "bar central" and we had no problems at all with noise. If you're under the restaurants, you're probably OK, as they wouldn't tend to be that busy during normal sleep hours. I might be a little concerned about being under the galley -- I've heard that can be a kind of noisy location. It's located between the two main restaurants, if that helps. Rather than being too concerned, however, I'd pack earplugs just in case and not worry about it.

 

As far as the layout of the ships, deck 8 was more convenient to the areas of the ship where we tended to hang out -- the promenade deck (deck 7) in our case, or the pool deck if you enjoy spending time there. Most of the restaurants are located either midship or aft, so being forward, which we were on the Pearl, didn't seem as convenient as our more mid-ship location on the Jewel.

 

Assuming that the prices are either the same or that your "upgrade" isn't much more expensive, I'd probably go for the unobstructed view on deck 5. Whichever room you end up choosing, have a wonderful cruise! We loved both the Pearl and the Jewel and would love to be planning another one ourselves.

[Benji817]

Hey all! Thanks for the advice and the friendly welcome. :D I just decided to take the plunge and book it. We ended up on the 8th deck with an obstructed view. I am happy with our choice, and now I REALLY can't wait for our trip! We're on the 5 night Western Caribbean, 10/28-11/2.

 

I've read a few (somewhat) negative reviews about the Pearl, :rolleyes: but overwhelmingly the reviews are positive! Plus, being newbies we have nothing to compare it against - so what do we know? ha. :)

[kdg51]

We were on deck 8 obstructed view and had no problems with that. Do take the time to study the floor plan on deck 8 because it can be like a maze at times. I thought it was just me, I have no sense of direction, but one of our friends said she passed our cabin 3 times one day trying to get to hers. :o It's a handy location if you need some potato skins, fish & chips, or chicken wings...be sure to visit the Blue Lagoon. Remember that the fish on the carpet swim towards the front of the ship. :D

[ute_fan]

I'm in agreement with the "maze" that exists on deck 8. Luckily, I do have a good sense of direction, but the hallways aren't the long, straight hallways typical on a cruise ship. Instead, they zig and zag and go around corners and have a little incline up and then a little incline down.

 

If you're near midship, you'll be right by either Mambo's or the Blue Lagoon. Have a wonderful cruise!