NCL Pearl June-17-24 The Alaska Adventure.

I was unsure as to whether I would post a trip report, but since I received many valuable tips and info from others, I Thought I would pass on our experience. I apologize that I have no photos to share, but I do not belong to any of the Photo sites.

The explorers were myself, my 2 married daughters and one SIL. The other SIL was originally scheduled to go but had to cancel.

I chose the Pearl because I wanted a sailing that went to Glacier Bay, we wanted anytime dining, and didn't want to have to dress up( Yes I know you don't have to dress up, but you feel out of place if you do that) Also MY SIL would only sail if we had the UBP program. SO that narrowed it down to the Pearl, and due to work schedules, we needed a June 14-29 Time frame, which narrowed it down to the June 17 sailing. WE had 2 minisuites mid ship that connected. As I said

originally the other SIL was going to sail, so my plan was to ping pong back between the 2 rooms at night, so that neither would be stuck with dear old Dad the whole trip.

June 16 came and we headed to PHL airport, My children know this as Cruise Rule #1. You ALWAYS fly out the day before cruising. anything can happen,you have to make sure you get there.

The pilot put the pedal to the metal and we arrived 10 minutes early. It was a short walk to Baggage Claim, and we found that they had already started to put luggage from our flight out. This was about 5-7 minutes after we walked off the plane. Great job by the SEA TAC baggage handlers. This NEVER happens at PHL.

WE quickly got our bags, and walked through SeaTAc to the Crowne Plaza. The Crowne Plaza is Literally next to the LINK light rail station that connects to the airport. I had requested an early check in, &when we got there the clerk said that nothing was available. As we arranged for our luggage to be stored, She informed us that our rooms were ready, and we could check in. I felt bad for the luggage guy. He had just rearranged a whole pile of luggage to accomodate us, and now he had to dig through and get our luggage out.

WE headed to the light rail and took the train into Seattle. First stop Was the Columbia Tower and the Skyview Observatory. The Skyview, is taller, cheaper, and has a better view than the Space Needle, While up there we saw the NCL Bliss in Port loading up for its next sailing. There is also an excellent of Century Link and SAFECO fields.

On to Pikes Market, we saw them throw the fish, Rachel the pig, a stop at the Giant Shoe Museum, A Caramel Frappucino at Starbucks. We had dinner at the Athenian Restaurant where they filmed Sleepless in Seattle, I sat in Rob Reiners seat (There is a small plaque) AS my children said this was right as I was the Polish Meathead of the group.

After dinner, we took a ride on the Giant Wheel, which was not worth the expense.A long hilly walk back to the light rail and the Crowne Plaza.

Time to take my grand daughter for her walk. Part 2 coming up.

Enjoying your post. We travel on this cruise in August and it will be our first time on Norwegian. Any tips are welcome.

Part 2.

We woke in the morning and walked to breakfast at the nearby Denny's. Passed on the hotel buffet as we would have a breakfast buffet on board ship all the next week. I had arranged for a shuttle(SEattle Town Car) to pick us up and Nuru, our driver was prompt and sent a text when he arrived at the CP. I had arranged the shuttle both ways, as I did not want to worry about trying to find a ride to SeaTac after disembarking the Pearl. There were two other cruise ships scheduled to disembark the same time, and I wanted to know we would get to the airport and catch our return flight.

Nuru got us to Pier 66 quickly, and we dropped our luggage off out front and went around the side to check in. My daughter and SIL checked in easily and with no problems. I encountered a small "glitch" as they could not find mine or my other daughter' sea cards. It seems that NCL had generously upgraded us to VIP status, since I was arranging the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet. We were escorted to the VIP area, and check in went smoothly.

After lunch at Cagneys, we found the rest of the family at the poolside watering hole. WE proceeded to the Spa to pick up our Spa Passes, which I had purchased in advance. I had purchased them when I realized that we would not be sailing in 90 degree island weather, and that the hot tubs would constantly be filled with kids. (they were). Also the spa is indoors, so if we encountered inclement weather, we would have a place to relax. Purchasing Spa passes was one of the best decisions I made on the cruise. THe passes are cheaper if bought in advance, In addition the ones sold onboard included a "scrub package" which was a puff and some oils which added an additional $27. So Overall the ones online ended up being $47PP cheaper.

WE had heard there was prime rib the first night, The line to O'sheehans was too long, so we went to the Buffet. ANd this is my only complaint about the food. The prime rib in the buffet was extremely rare!, If someone had told me that they had defrosted a raw prime rib, and had put it out, I would have believed them, it was that rare. I knew that they would cook it for you how you wanted, but I saw many people just walking away.

Part 3.

We had breakfast at Modernos(VIP) and it's wonderful french press coffee. After Breakfast ,it was time for the CC Meet and Greet. It was a small group,10-12, and the ships officers graciously attended. I later learned that the Pearl had given those who attended the meet and greet $7.00 in OBC. Thank you NCL Pearl Staff.

After Lunch it was Spa time. In addition to the hot tubs the spa has a sauna ,steam room, and therapy pool. I dont know their proper names but the pool has a hot tub like bubble area, a cascading water fall that does wonders for your neck and shoulder, and what I called the park bench, a series of tubes ou lay on and is great on the back and thighs. As I said earlier, Spa passes was a great decision

WE had reservations for Teppanyaki that evening. The show and food were good. One Note. participate, Clap sing cheer be involved. It is more fun for everyone including the chef. I looked over at the other table where the chef was chopping and singing, to blank faces, while we had a great time.

The show that evening was a magician, and he was bad. I saw him make some switches, and his "mind reading" was a joke. WE hustled to the Spinnaker Lounge for the Newlywed Game. It was packed, we got there 30 mins. ahead and secured the last couple of seats in the back, after us it was standing room

Part4.

First port: Juneau

I had made reservations with Coastal helicopters for their Dog sledding and extra stop on the glacier excursion.I had reserved as soon as I could as it sells out very quickly. I also had spent months worrying, as I had read that this excursion gets cancelled about a third of the time, due to weather. Even though it could be a nice day down below.Things could be different up on the glacier.

So the van picked us up and after a couple of stops for more passengers we arrived at the airport and was soon in the heli and on our way. WE arrived at the mushers camp, and it was the best excursion ever, we met our dog team and they provided us with a once in a life time ride. afterwards we played with the puppies, and my daughters were in 7th heaven. Back on the helicopter for a stop to explore the glacier. WE saw the blue ice, and drank from the glacier. It was the best water I have ever had. My daughter and I stopped another 5 or 6 times too get a drink every time we saw a small stream. NCL should put that on the drink package.

The following day we were in Skagway. I had reserved a car with Avis to travel up to Emerald Lake. The Avis office is at the end of the street, where the cars are parked. Get off the ship as early as you can As the line quickly builds up. We saw 2 bears along the way and some breath taking scenery

The show that evening was comedian Lucas Bohn. He was great and made sure he kept it as a"family" show Dinner was at LA Cucina, I had Chicken Parmesan. A good meal. I learned at the Meet and greet follow up that you can get French Press coffee in the specialty restaurants, but you have to ask for it. If you ask for coffee you get regular coffee, you have to specify french press, Ask for it, its worth it.

Thurs was Glacier Bay. I was glad we had the balcony we could just sit and enjoy the scenery. If you put the TV on Channel 24, you can listen to the commentary by the Park Ranger.

Friday was an early start, for Ketchikan, Some had complained on earlier trips that they were unable to get food at 6am, however the buffet was open at 5:30 am to accomodate those of us with an early excursion. WE were off the ship around 6:30 to find Capt. Nick from Chasin Tail Charters ready to take us on our Salmon Fishing trip. Again I had booked Chasin Tail in advance, as these guys book up fast. Remember they can only one party a day and with 3 other ships in port, you do the math. So Capt. Nick took us out on his boat. He had snacks and drinks on the boat, restroom facilities, and he has an in with some of the local bald eagles, that he gets to fly over his boat, and we get a great, pic. Capt. Nick never stopped working to get us fish. We caught our limit, and finished up early. SO there was time for some shopping.

Sat. was the mandatory Foreign port stop in Victoria. I originally contemplated not even leaving the ship. In researching the trip I Learned about Classic Car tours. They offer tours in Classic cars. We reserved a 1926 Model T for a 3 hr tour.

We met Larry in the parking lot, and off we went for a tour of Victoria. Larry is a fantastic tour guide. He is amusing(Can you guess why they called this Fourth St?) and has around 1000 ancedotes. Larry is worth the price of the tour alone. WE stopped for pictures in the car, and finished up early. Larry is an honest guy. Since we finished up early he charged me for 2.5 hrs instead of 3. I can't recommend them enough.

Sunday came and our trip was coming to a close. WE got off the Pearl fairly quickly, and Nuru, was waiting to take us to the airport and back to reality.

The trip was fantastic. Everything went well, and as I tell my kids, I,love it when a plan comes together, this time it did.

Thank you for sharing your experience! I learned some things I'd never seen anywhere before. Definitely going to remember about the French press coffee request in Moderno, good coffee is my biggest struggle while cruising! We're on the Pearl in September, I'm going to check out the Victoria classic car tours.

PS- that prime rib sounds perfect! [emoji12]

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French press coffees is available at all the specialty Restaurants at dinner. but again you have to ask. The only other thing I would add is that if you want t go to an event in the Spinnaker lounge(Newylwed Game, Comedians adult show etc) get there early. It is a smaller venue and fills up fast

French press coffees is available at all the specialty Restaurants at dinner. but again you have to ask. The only other thing I would add is that if you want t go to an event in the Spinnaker lounge(Newylwed Game, Comedians adult show etc) get there early. It is a smaller venue and fills up fast