Coka-mania or Pearl-mania? Semi-solo, Stressed, Suite and in STYLE 10/17/09 Sailing!

[coka]

Coka-mania or Pearl-mania? Semi-Solo, Stressed, Suite, and in S.T.Y.L.E. 10/17/09

 

Prologue: How does one use up the last of their old Bank of America NCL compass reward point vouchers? Having two left, I decided to use them sooner rather than later. The price was right, the time was right, and even the flight down to Miami was right. October is a great month to cruise the Caribbean as it is the tail end of hurricane season, the kids are back in school, and no major holidays for high pricing. A great month to fly as well. Waiting three years to use USAir frequent miles points, the moon properly aligned with Venus while Orion was visible on a Friday in an October during a year that ended in the number 9. The flight voucher validated on the 16th. After selecting the perfect Pearl’s October 17 sailing, I signed on to the cruise critic roll call boards to discover this cruise supposedly had the group Beatle-mania onboard for a special group sailing. Meeting the fab-four-fonies was not my draw for that themed cruise fizzled. Meeting my 208 square foot balcony almost the size of my stateroom was and how it sizzled!

 

Miami has many hotel options during October. I selected a downtown area one called The Epic. Having checked out the website I wondered if there was a link between the NCL Epic coming out next year. One of many Kimpton hotels across North America, each has ‘a story’ to tell. The Epic’s story is about heroes. Not only super heroes and famous heroes, but everyday people doing extra-ordinary things type of heroes. You can read more on their website. I booked the Bon Voyage Package that included a one night stay, breakfast the next morning, and a ride to the ship. Since my vouchers and fun money went to the NCL Pearl sooner instead of to the NCL Epic later, I at least felt satisfaction booking a hotel with the same name.

 

As I left my state flying in the same direction of migratory birds, I admired the beautiful New England fall foliage remnants What types of “stories” would I would tell after my week adventure? The fun part about traveling is the unknown that awaits. Some like to plan out everything ahead of time but I am in the category of seeing what each day will bring. Anticipation, excitement, and wonderment all ceased during the Philadelphia airport layover when I broke my own vacation advice opening up my blackberry. The email with the subject heading “last night’s tragedy” made me gasp out loud while sitting in one of the big white rocking chairs the airport has so one can relax while watching all the travelers of the world go by.

 

Everyone from the blackberry told me to follow the advice I would give under the circumstances so I continued forward…Know I will not finish this review in one day. I will return to this thread and answer questions along the way until complete.

 

Coka

 

* * * * * *** * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * *

 

 

Saturday: Embarkation Day!

 

 

I see on the boards here a thread about what suite embarkation life is like. If you have never stayed in a suite before, all say they absolutely love the cool things that come with the category. Me? I just wanted the 208 square foot balcony that came with my room number. Upon going through security a greeter told me the VIP lounge was a bit congested and I could use any of the regular check in lines. We laughed together when I told him I would rather be pampered congested. He had a better idea. He took me past the VIP lounge and past all the customers in the divided lines and brought me to the next available agent. While I checked in he went and got my key card that came in a white envelope engraved with my name, stateroom number, sealed with gold sticker.

 

“What do you want me to do next?” I asked. He said I could wait to be escorted or I could head on up. My kind of guy, I liked his innovative thinking. Not looking at any waiting passengers in the eye, nor thinking twice about those waiting escorts in the lounge, I headed on up. Someone spotted my white envelope as my card was swiped by ship security onboard. Looking mortified, he stepped out of the welcome aboard line up and offered to take me to my suite. As long as nobody got into trouble for not taking me, I was good to go solo. Besides, how else was I going to practice my secret how-to-get-your-stuff-into-cabin-before-2pm-skills for future cruises in a non suite?

 

My Concierge was Karan Arora, my butler was Gian, and my suite steward was Garry Jungco. Below is a copied and pasted list of all the suite perks and amenities available. Anything in parenthesis is what I used along with my thoughts:

 

* * * * * *

Embarkation

 

Personal escort to stateroom

 

Metallic color key card (I liked my platinum colored card…very distinguished!)

 

1 Full bottle of Sparkling Wine w/compliments of NCL card (came in handy day 3!)

 

1 Floral Arrangement (not a flower gal…but I loved loved loved the arrangement that included many of my one and only favorite flower…and I know not the name! The flowers remained fresh and beautiful throughout the entire week…for special moments I picked one to put in my hair. NCL should stick with this company)

 

Fruit Bowl replenished upon consumption (came in handy for a little pick-me-up).

 

1 Bottle of Spring Water ( I liked it but still have no issues with ice and ship water)

 

Bath Amenities

Cotton ball & Q-Tip Caddie (saved me from bringing my own…Q-tips and cotton balls were the strong and plush ones…not the cheap ones some hotels use. The Epic Hotel’s broke in my ears)

 

Bath salts, presented in container, shell scoop (I wondered what that empty silver container on the vanity was! I used it as a catch-all for things I did not want to put away immediately…oops!)

 

Loofah , cello wrapped, no logo

 

Elemis Pure Shine Shampoo ( I gave my bottles away…tried in past…like my own shampoo)

 

Elemis Pro-Vitamin Conditioner (I gave my bottles away…tried in past…like my own conditioner)

 

Sharp Shower Gel (loved loved loved it darling! Great with my own loofah)

 

Vitamin Rich Body Lotion (Used it twice a day for the scent only)

 

Pure Zest boxed Soap 80g (huh?)

Pure Zest boxed Soap 50g (huh?)

Shower Cap, paper envelope

 

Other

Butler and Concierge Service (will write about later in review)

 

Access to Star Bar Day Lounge (do not think you can be a regular passenger and enter there!)

 

Daily Breakfast and Lunch in Cagney's (will write about later)

 

A3/A4 Courtyard Villas have access to Courtyard

 

Deluxe chocolate for bed turndown prepared onboard Date TBA (not happening yet)

 

Pillow menu selection /tent card on night stand

 

DVD and CD Player (other than the forward balcony…the second reason I wanted a suite)

 

DVD & CD Library , with DVD movie library binder

 

Deluxe Coffee/Espresso/Cappuccino Machine serving Lavazza coffee (Ohhhh! So that is what all you suite critics are talking about! I used it four times…trying a different button each. What is the long thing on the right supposed to do? How do you distinguish the foreign language on each little coffee container? I had a nice surprise each time! All was enhanced however with the cream and sugar.

 

China cups/saucers, espresso cups, teaspoons

 

Coffee/Tea pod dispenser accompanying Lavazza Coffee Machines

 

Bathroom Scale (I lost 5 pounds! It came in handy to weigh my luggage at the week‘s end)

 

Clock (I knew what time it was in New York, Honolulu, and Hong Kong. I think it should just be set for 5:00pm everywhere! Actually, the coffee machine had a clock and there was a clock on the phone too).

 

Bath Robes with plush Terry Robe-Waffle Design (Excellent for Alaskan itinerary…they were thick, plush, and heavy. Came in great as a blanket a few nights out on the balcony. I am sure I could have switched to the thinner silkier ones if I had asked or if it was an “issue“ for me on this Caribbean itinerary).

 

Slippers- Standard ( A wonderful gift for hubby. Too bad I forgot them in the end).

 

Feather Pillows, Queen/Euro

 

Feather Duvet Insert

 

Upgraded linen - 300TC with Embroidery

 

Upgraded Towels including oversized bath towel

 

Long stem barware, 2 each or 1 per person, space available (loved loved loved them)

 

Full Breakfast Menu (ordered an omelet once…I would order two next time)

 

24 Hour Room Service Suite Menu

 

Food turn down amenity delivered each night (Is this the same as an afternoon snack? I enjoyed mine delivered around 5pm each day…they were a great pick-me-up…I do miss this platinum latitudes perk but I am happy to know the suites get them. They certainly are an added touch for feeling special)

 

Priority restaurant reservations

 

Priority disembarkation

 

In Suite Dining

 

Butler and Concierge services include:

 

The purpose of the Concierge is to provide personalized service to guests in Villa & Suite Categories in every way possible, coordinating requests for services such as:

 

Cocktail parties

Dinners in staterooms

Shore excursions

Car rentals

Golf or tennis appointments (I wanted to jokingly request a tennis appointment in Samana just to see if it could be arranged)

Beauty Salon/massage appointments

Private Art/Jewelry showings with onboard concessions

Restaurant reservations onboard or in Ports of Call

Priority embarkation & disembarkation

Priority tenders ashore

The Concierge also assists with any problems that might occur for the Villa/Suite guests who are given a direct phone or pager number to contact the Concierge

 

Butler Service:

 

The Butler liaises closely with the Concierge to provide 24-hour personalized service for the Villa/Suite guests who are given a direct phone or pager number to contact the Butler.

Each Butler is assigned to take care of an average of 9 Villas/Suites each (not available to guests in Mini-Suites). Services include:

 

Unpack luggage (shame on you if you ever ask him to do this!)

Expedite dry cleaning processes

Shoe-shine service

Serve at Cocktail parties in Villas/Suites

Serve Dinners in Villas/Suites

Delivery of fresh fruit

Delivery of sodas/water/liquor/wine/newspapers if ordered. These are NOT complimentary in all Suite categories

Delivery of movies from a DVD library

Ensure balconies/gardens are stocked with fresh towels/seat cushions

 

* * * * * * * *

 

Although I told them and I thanked them, my three guys who took care of me throughout the week will probably never really actually know the wonders they did for my spirit. Always questioning internally my decision to stay onboard, I think they may have figured something was off key with me. Karan, Gian, and Garry were always there. I know they are supposed to be always there because you get a phone, a contact number, they call you, they stop by to check in, and they do whatever they can to make your vacation special. Having read about everyone else’s experiences, it was great to know this is just how it is when sailing a suite because you paid for it, right?

 

Well, I never ever once felt my three guys were doing something because it was part of their job. I felt they did things because they sincerely and genuinely cared. You can tell from the above suite perk list I did not require much in terms of service and amenities. I most appreciated and was most thankful for the conversations, the laughter, the story-telling, the sharing of cultures, sharing secrets, and the checking in on how I was doing. For all the cruise critics who love Karan, (he gave me permission to tell) during one of our late week conversations together he whispered he heard one of the Gem It Girls was sailing this same week. If only I had a camera to capture his expression after my response. Examples like this along with other laugh out loud moments are what I call going above and beyond morning/evening towel animals or carrying out a request. Karan, Gian and Garry are everyday heroes doing extraordinary things enabling me to forget the blackberry news from time to time.

 

The cruise critics had a fantastic roll call on this sailing and our first onboard gathering was meeting at the Outdoor Café bar for sail away. TJBarney did a fantastic job prior to the cruise that enabled many of us to know each other via internet land. If you have a cruise booked, check to see if a roll call is going or start your own. Critics made new friends, shared the cost of tours, helped each other plan, and answered questions. The anticipation of a cruise is always more fun when a lot of people are sharing the same excitement. Not all showed to the this gathering but I was happy to see Sailing-Nut and his wife as they had treated me to dinner at Bayside in Miami the night before embarkation. Pete, you are a good man, a wonderful husband, and I enjoyed the times we met up. I know you and Laurie needed this cruise and I hope it met all your expectations and more!

 

To finish sail away, I invited Sailing-Nut to see my AC category forward cabin with the big balcony. JillieNY, one of my best friends, finally made it onboard having flown to Miami that afternoon. She is such a daring gal! Afterwards, the four of us went to the spa, did a tour, made appointments, and I had a hair consultation. The spa weekly package is still 99 dollars per person or 20 dollars per person per day. Never once needing to know the time, I returned to my forward balcony to darkness. I specifically selected 9500 for this particular itinerary. Having done the same itinerary on the Dawn last April, I knew the ports were close together so there would not be all the strong winds some of you critics dislike.

 

I took pleasure in having so much space to put things. Plenty of cabinets, drawers, and shelves, I realized I am a creature of habit by placing most of my things at eye level and above. If you look at the penthouse suite on the NCL website for the Pearl, the suite looked like the picture. I rearranged the furniture. The dining table and chairs were moved to the window area and the white couch, white chair, and small round glass table were moved to the dining area. The original dark dining corner area was now more bright. The original lounging area was more functional with the table/chairs because nobody really sits on that couch for a long period of time, right? If I was going to do any in suite dining, I wanted to look out to the sea not out to the wall flowered curtain. The bench at the bottom of the bed (see picture) was sort of in my way to get the vanity/bathroom area. A much better location was at the foot of the big window. One dining room chair in the closet and voila! I just increased my 281 square foot cabin into a room with a direct line to anywhere without having to walk around something or bang my knee into something. I even considered moving the bed into the corner so I could be rocked up and down instead of side to side but I figured it would be a pain for Garry to make up. The bathroom looked the same as the mini-suite and balcony bathrooms until I realized all the leg room available when sitting. A tall gal that I am, my knees never hit the wall.

 

JillieNY, who lives solo, wanted to be out and about and talking to people and that is what she did all week. A soul sister, the only difference we have is me being from a large family, working with 2400 people daily, and a retired hubby who is always home, I cherished the thought of being alone as much as possible all week. Having spent pre-embarkation watching thousands of runners in the morning Miami Race for the Cure marathon, and given my condition, I was glad to crawl into the big blissful bed of luxury. About to fall asleep, flashing lights beamed upon me.

 

Heat lightning flashed from afar. Orange bolts from dark shadows zipped from the sky above to the sea below pulverizing whatever got in its way. More fascinating than watching from an airplane window seat, the forward balcony had the best view on board. I was seeing what the bridge guys were seeing. There I was amidst the glory of mother nature leaning against the three metal rungs. The forward balconies separated by thick metal sloping sides enabled nobody to see me unless a bridge guy was standing at the window. The thick metal overhang also offered protection as a light misty rain fell. Mesmerized by the experience, time stood still until realizing being surrounded by metal standing outside in a Caribbean lightning storm might not be such a good idea.

 

Although I created a window seat from the bed bench from which to view things, I snuggled into the duvet with Egyptian cotton sheets once again with the four awesome comfortable pillows propped. Watching the storm I sometimes buried my face into them each time I was frightened. Having lightning strike three feet from me years ago, I suppose I had a little PTS going on. Then the most faint yet familiar smell came upon me. Each time I buried my face into the pillow I was reminded of my rich cousins who had feathered pillows at their house when I used to visit them as a kid. An ahhh moment realizing the total luxury of this suite, I began to finally fall asleep.

 

A faint noise awoke me. Was I dreaming? Eyes wide shut I could see confetti. Eyes half open I seriously was seeing confetti out my picture window. Every time the lightning flashed, more spots covered the pane. Tired, I buried my face into the feathered pillows. Unck unck oonck! What the hell is that? Arnck arnck arnck! Is someone at my door? Honk honk honk! Is the toilet backing up? Oh my god, it’s coming from outside my balcony and there is no doorbell out there! Although I am not supposed to, I turned on the balcony light for a moment to realize a most glorious event of nature was taking place just a few feet away and above.

 

Thousands and thousands of geese were flying south as the perfect Pearl sailed east. I laid down in the long lounger and watched them forever. I stayed under the overhang as you can imagine why. Most were quiet yet some were honking. With each flash of lightning I could only identify two types of geese. I concluded after four flashes they were mostly snow geese along with some Canadian geese. These birds fly over my house twice a year and sometimes rest in my bay so I write with confidence.

 

So this is how NCL stocks their suites with pillows! Taking one from inside, I stood back out beyond the overhang and offered one up amidst the flashing heat storm. More honk honk honking as some came closer and swirled about to pay their respect to deceased relatives, friends, and foe. Briefly done so as not to make a mockery of them, nor to send them into a frenzy of angst as they needed to get somewhere, I returned the pillow and continued to watch until the early morning hours. Thinking just me and bridge guys were the only ones watching a once-in-a-lifetime show, I learned some passengers on the upper decks and the promenade decks during this two hour if not longer time period also got to witness it. How fortunate was I to have the best spot on the ship from which to view them?

 

Coka

[familyof4cruising]

LOVE LOVE LOVE your review so far...

 

I feel like I am following you around...just got off the Sky and will be on the Pearl ( 2nd time) in February. LOL

 

Thank you for taking the time to write it.

[sparks1093]

I love sailing vicariously with you! I'll love even more the day when DW and I can jet off to Miami or other ports of departure for a cruise. I like planning things, but I also like doing things on the spur of the moment. Still, between now and then I will enjoy sailing with the kids as they soon will be off on their own and our time with them is ever shortening.

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

I don't want to go to work until I've read more! Thanks so much!

[ute_fan]

Yippee! Another review by Coka... :D

[Planer's Edge]

Isn't Karan just the best? He does his job with such ease and confidence. We have sailed with him 4 times now and have become good friends.

 

PE

[Cruiser#5]

What a nice way to start your morning,

 

Great review, thanks Coka.:D

[NJLVW]

I just love reading your reviews. Always feel like I am there with you...

Thank you for sharing.

[flashdog_1]

Solitude is a real boon! It's great that you knew you needed it and didn't feel compelled to "be" with people 24/7. wow on the geese!

[LOWTYD]

LOL. I love the geese story! It's always a pleasure to read your reviews. Makes me feel lile I am there too. ( Bummer that I'm not.:()

[crew mom]

Enjoying your review as usual coka! Looking forward to the next chapter.

 

Hopefully someday, your cruise paths will cross with DS's.

[pcreek]

Love your reviews, Coka! So enjoy the reading break while @ work!

 

Hey - do you think they'll come up with some EPIC girl contest??

Wouldn't THAT be fun!??!?:rolleyes:

 

Looking forward to your next installments....

 

Loving the Suite info, as we're in our first suite on EPIC next year...so far away....

[BikerAl]

What a great start. Your reviews are always so fun to read.

 

I half expected that that sealed envelope was going to be from KS, upgrading you to the GV;)

 

Looking forward to the next chapter. Oh, Karan was our butler, on the Pearl a few years back. We are so looking forward to sailing with him as our concierge one day.

 

Al

[Stillfloatin']

Coka, you never fail to delight us. So very sorry to hear that you began your cruise with sad news. All your fans and friends are sending Ts&Ps your way.

[kayhil3]

More ... more... more.... PLEASE. Can't wait to read the rest of your review.

[terrymtex01]

OMG.. you left us hanging? What wonderful reading, Coka... I agree with Kayhil.. MORE MORE MORE.. PLEASE. 8-)

[Maryfrei]

Love it, thanks Coka!

[AFT_LOVER]

Per a Japanese consierge at our Timeshare on Maui. I would have a saucer with the sugary stuff from danish on it & the babies would fly over &eat it. She came over to tell me that I am an angel from God. The babies know I am one. She brought me a bowl of sugar sauce and some pound cake to dip into it & put on a plate for momma. A daily event at breakfast.

 

Then that afternoon I was attacked by jelly fish, my armpit and left arm was swollen & burning very bad. That dear woman told my husband to take me to our room & put me in a warm then cold shower. She came into the bedroom with green tea bags on a pot, drink for us & the bags were split that spread on my stings. The pain subsided within the hour. Next day at breakfast whe comes over with a homemade spread to put all over me when we went back upstairs. Swelling went down, I took Advil also and I will never forget her.

 

 

Coka-mania or Pearl-mania? Semi-Solo, Stressed, Suite, and in S.T.Y.L.E. 10/17/09

 

Prologue: How does one use up the last of their old Bank of America NCL compass reward point vouchers? Having two left, I decided to use them sooner rather than later. The price was right, the time was right, and even the flight down to Miami was right. October is a great month to cruise the Caribbean as it is the tail end of hurricane season, the kids are back in school, and no major holidays for high pricing. A great month to fly as well. Waiting three years to use USAir frequent miles points, the moon properly aligned with Venus while Orion was visible on a Friday in an October during a year that ended in the number 9. The flight voucher validated on the 16th. After selecting the perfect Pearl’s October 17 sailing, I signed on to the cruise critic roll call boards to discover this cruise supposedly had the group Beatle-mania onboard for a special group sailing. Meeting the fab-four-fonies was not my draw for that themed cruise fizzled. Meeting my 208 square foot balcony almost the size of my stateroom was and how it sizzled!

 

Miami has many hotel options during October. I selected a downtown area one called The Epic. Having checked out the website I wondered if there was a link between the NCL Epic coming out next year. One of many Kimpton hotels across North America, each has ‘a story’ to tell. The Epic’s story is about heroes. Not only super heroes and famous heroes, but everyday people doing extra-ordinary things type of heroes. You can read more on their website. I booked the Bon Voyage Package that included a one night stay, breakfast the next morning, and a ride to the ship. Since my vouchers and fun money went to the NCL Pearl sooner instead of to the NCL Epic later, I at least felt satisfaction booking a hotel with the same name.

 

As I left my state flying in the same direction of migratory birds, I admired the beautiful New England fall foliage remnants What types of “stories” would I would tell after my week adventure? The fun part about traveling is the unknown that awaits. Some like to plan out everything ahead of time but I am in the category of seeing what each day will bring. Anticipation, excitement, and wonderment all ceased during the Philadelphia airport layover when I broke my own vacation advice opening up my blackberry. The email with the subject heading “last night’s tragedy” made me gasp out loud while sitting in one of the big white rocking chairs the airport has so one can relax while watching all the travelers of the world go by.

 

Everyone from the blackberry told me to follow the advice I would give under the circumstances so I continued forward…Know I will not finish this review in one day. I will return to this thread and answer questions along the way until complete.

 

Coka

 

* * * * * *** * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * *

 

 

Saturday: Embarkation Day!

 

 

I see on the boards here a thread about what suite embarkation life is like. If you have never stayed in a suite before, all say they absolutely love the cool things that come with the category. Me? I just wanted the 208 square foot balcony that came with my room number. Upon going through security a greeter told me the VIP lounge was a bit congested and I could use any of the regular check in lines. We laughed together when I told him I would rather be pampered congested. He had a better idea. He took me past the VIP lounge and past all the customers in the divided lines and brought me to the next available agent. While I checked in he went and got my key card that came in a white envelope engraved with my name, stateroom number, sealed with gold sticker.

 

“What do you want me to do next?” I asked. He said I could wait to be escorted or I could head on up. My kind of guy, I liked his innovative thinking. Not looking at any waiting passengers in the eye, nor thinking twice about those waiting escorts in the lounge, I headed on up. Someone spotted my white envelope as my card was swiped by ship security onboard. Looking mortified, he stepped out of the welcome aboard line up and offered to take me to my suite. As long as nobody got into trouble for not taking me, I was good to go solo. Besides, how else was I going to practice my secret how-to-get-your-stuff-into-cabin-before-2pm-skills for future cruises in a non suite?

 

My Concierge was Karan Arora, my butler was Gian, and my suite steward was Garry Jungco. Below is a copied and pasted list of all the suite perks and amenities available. Anything in parenthesis is what I used along with my thoughts:

 

* * * * * *

Embarkation

 

Personal escort to stateroom

 

Metallic color key card (I liked my platinum colored card…very distinguished!)

 

1 Full bottle of Sparkling Wine w/compliments of NCL card (came in handy day 3!)

 

1 Floral Arrangement (not a flower gal…but I loved loved loved the arrangement that included many of my one and only favorite flower…and I know not the name! The flowers remained fresh and beautiful throughout the entire week…for special moments I picked one to put in my hair. NCL should stick with this company)

 

Fruit Bowl replenished upon consumption (came in handy for a little pick-me-up).

 

1 Bottle of Spring Water ( I liked it but still have no issues with ice and ship water)

 

Bath Amenities

Cotton ball & Q-Tip Caddie (saved me from bringing my own…Q-tips and cotton balls were the strong and plush ones…not the cheap ones some hotels use. The Epic Hotel’s broke in my ears)

 

Bath salts, presented in container, shell scoop (I wondered what that empty silver container on the vanity was! I used it as a catch-all for things I did not want to put away immediately…oops!)

 

Loofah , cello wrapped, no logo

 

Elemis Pure Shine Shampoo ( I gave my bottles away…tried in past…like my own shampoo)

 

Elemis Pro-Vitamin Conditioner (I gave my bottles away…tried in past…like my own conditioner)

 

Sharp Shower Gel (loved loved loved it darling! Great with my own loofah)

 

Vitamin Rich Body Lotion (Used it twice a day for the scent only)

 

Pure Zest boxed Soap 80g (huh?)

Pure Zest boxed Soap 50g (huh?)

Shower Cap, paper envelope

 

Other

Butler and Concierge Service (will write about later in review)

 

Access to Star Bar Day Lounge (do not think you can be a regular passenger and enter there!)

 

Daily Breakfast and Lunch in Cagney's (will write about later)

 

A3/A4 Courtyard Villas have access to Courtyard

 

Deluxe chocolate for bed turndown prepared onboard Date TBA (not happening yet)

 

Pillow menu selection /tent card on night stand

 

DVD and CD Player (other than the forward balcony…the second reason I wanted a suite)

 

DVD & CD Library , with DVD movie library binder

 

Deluxe Coffee/Espresso/Cappuccino Machine serving Lavazza coffee (Ohhhh! So that is what all you suite critics are talking about! I used it four times…trying a different button each. What is the long thing on the right supposed to do? How do you distinguish the foreign language on each little coffee container? I had a nice surprise each time! All was enhanced however with the cream and sugar.

 

China cups/saucers, espresso cups, teaspoons

 

Coffee/Tea pod dispenser accompanying Lavazza Coffee Machines

 

Bathroom Scale (I lost 5 pounds! It came in handy to weigh my luggage at the week‘s end)

 

Clock (I knew what time it was in New York, Honolulu, and Hong Kong. I think it should just be set for 5:00pm everywhere! Actually, the coffee machine had a clock and there was a clock on the phone too).

 

Bath Robes with plush Terry Robe-Waffle Design (Excellent for Alaskan itinerary…they were thick, plush, and heavy. Came in great as a blanket a few nights out on the balcony. I am sure I could have switched to the thinner silkier ones if I had asked or if it was an “issue“ for me on this Caribbean itinerary).

 

Slippers- Standard ( A wonderful gift for hubby. Too bad I forgot them in the end).

 

Feather Pillows, Queen/Euro

 

Feather Duvet Insert

 

Upgraded linen - 300TC with Embroidery

 

Upgraded Towels including oversized bath towel

 

Long stem barware, 2 each or 1 per person, space available (loved loved loved them)

 

Full Breakfast Menu (ordered an omelet once…I would order two next time)

 

24 Hour Room Service Suite Menu

 

Food turn down amenity delivered each night (Is this the same as an afternoon snack? I enjoyed mine delivered around 5pm each day…they were a great pick-me-up…I do miss this platinum latitudes perk but I am happy to know the suites get them. They certainly are an added touch for feeling special)

 

Priority restaurant reservations

 

Priority disembarkation

 

In Suite Dining

 

Butler and Concierge services include:

 

The purpose of the Concierge is to provide personalized service to guests in Villa & Suite Categories in every way possible, coordinating requests for services such as:

 

Cocktail parties

Dinners in staterooms

Shore excursions

Car rentals

Golf or tennis appointments (I wanted to jokingly request a tennis appointment in Samana just to see if it could be arranged)

Beauty Salon/massage appointments

Private Art/Jewelry showings with onboard concessions

Restaurant reservations onboard or in Ports of Call

Priority embarkation & disembarkation

Priority tenders ashore

The Concierge also assists with any problems that might occur for the Villa/Suite guests who are given a direct phone or pager number to contact the Concierge

 

Butler Service:

 

The Butler liaises closely with the Concierge to provide 24-hour personalized service for the Villa/Suite guests who are given a direct phone or pager number to contact the Butler.

Each Butler is assigned to take care of an average of 9 Villas/Suites each (not available to guests in Mini-Suites). Services include:

 

Unpack luggage (shame on you if you ever ask him to do this!)

Expedite dry cleaning processes

Shoe-shine service

Serve at Cocktail parties in Villas/Suites

Serve Dinners in Villas/Suites

Delivery of fresh fruit

Delivery of sodas/water/liquor/wine/newspapers if ordered. These are NOT complimentary in all Suite categories

Delivery of movies from a DVD library

Ensure balconies/gardens are stocked with fresh towels/seat cushions

 

* * * * * * * *

 

Although I told them and I thanked them, my three guys who took care of me throughout the week will probably never really actually know the wonders they did for my spirit. Always questioning internally my decision to stay onboard, I think they may have figured something was off key with me. Karan, Gian, and Garry were always there. I know they are supposed to be always there because you get a phone, a contact number, they call you, they stop by to check in, and they do whatever they can to make your vacation special. Having read about everyone else’s experiences, it was great to know this is just how it is when sailing a suite because you paid for it, right?

 

Well, I never ever once felt my three guys were doing something because it was part of their job. I felt they did things because they sincerely and genuinely cared. You can tell from the above suite perk list I did not require much in terms of service and amenities. I most appreciated and was most thankful for the conversations, the laughter, the story-telling, the sharing of cultures, sharing secrets, and the checking in on how I was doing. For all the cruise critics who love Karan, (he gave me permission to tell) during one of our late week conversations together he whispered he heard one of the Gem It Girls was sailing this same week. If only I had a camera to capture his expression after my response. Examples like this along with other laugh out loud moments are what I call going above and beyond morning/evening towel animals or carrying out a request. Karan, Gian and Garry are everyday heroes doing extraordinary things enabling me to forget the blackberry news from time to time.

 

The cruise critics had a fantastic roll call on this sailing and our first onboard gathering was meeting at the Outdoor Café bar for sail away. TJBarney did a fantastic job prior to the cruise that enabled many of us to know each other via internet land. If you have a cruise booked, check to see if a roll call is going or start your own. Critics made new friends, shared the cost of tours, helped each other plan, and answered questions. The anticipation of a cruise is always more fun when a lot of people are sharing the same excitement. Not all showed to the this gathering but I was happy to see Sailing-Nut and his wife as they had treated me to dinner at Bayside in Miami the night before embarkation. Pete, you are a good man, a wonderful husband, and I enjoyed the times we met up. I know you and Laurie needed this cruise and I hope it met all your expectations and more!

 

To finish sail away, I invited Sailing-Nut to see my AC category forward cabin with the big balcony. JillieNY, one of my best friends, finally made it onboard having flown to Miami that afternoon. She is such a daring gal! Afterwards, the four of us went to the spa, did a tour, made appointments, and I had a hair consultation. The spa weekly package is still 99 dollars per person or 20 dollars per person per day. Never once needing to know the time, I returned to my forward balcony to darkness. I specifically selected 9500 for this particular itinerary. Having done the same itinerary on the Dawn last April, I knew the ports were close together so there would not be all the strong winds some of you critics dislike.

 

I took pleasure in having so much space to put things. Plenty of cabinets, drawers, and shelves, I realized I am a creature of habit by placing most of my things at eye level and above. If you look at the penthouse suite on the NCL website for the Pearl, the suite looked like the picture. I rearranged the furniture. The dining table and chairs were moved to the window area and the white couch, white chair, and small round glass table were moved to the dining area. The original dark dining corner area was now more bright. The original lounging area was more functional with the table/chairs because nobody really sits on that couch for a long period of time, right? If I was going to do any in suite dining, I wanted to look out to the sea not out to the wall flowered curtain. The bench at the bottom of the bed (see picture) was sort of in my way to get the vanity/bathroom area. A much better location was at the foot of the big window. One dining room chair in the closet and voila! I just increased my 281 square foot cabin into a room with a direct line to anywhere without having to walk around something or bang my knee into something. I even considered moving the bed into the corner so I could be rocked up and down instead of side to side but I figured it would be a pain for Garry to make up. The bathroom looked the same as the mini-suite and balcony bathrooms until I realized all the leg room available when sitting. A tall gal that I am, my knees never hit the wall.

 

JillieNY, who lives solo, wanted to be out and about and talking to people and that is what she did all week. A soul sister, the only difference we have is me being from a large family, working with 2400 people daily, and a retired hubby who is always home, I cherished the thought of being alone as much as possible all week. Having spent pre-embarkation watching thousands of runners in the morning Miami Race for the Cure marathon, and given my condition, I was glad to crawl into the big blissful bed of luxury. About to fall asleep, flashing lights beamed upon me.

 

Heat lightning flashed from afar. Orange bolts from dark shadows zipped from the sky above to the sea below pulverizing whatever got in its way. More fascinating than watching from an airplane window seat, the forward balcony had the best view on board. I was seeing what the bridge guys were seeing. There I was amidst the glory of mother nature leaning against the three metal rungs. The forward balconies separated by thick metal sloping sides enabled nobody to see me unless a bridge guy was standing at the window. The thick metal overhang also offered protection as a light misty rain fell. Mesmerized by the experience, time stood still until realizing being surrounded by metal standing outside in a Caribbean lightning storm might not be such a good idea.

 

Although I created a window seat from the bed bench from which to view things, I snuggled into the duvet with Egyptian cotton sheets once again with the four awesome comfortable pillows propped. Watching the storm I sometimes buried my face into them each time I was frightened. Having lightning strike three feet from me years ago, I suppose I had a little PTS going on. Then the most faint yet familiar smell came upon me. Each time I buried my face into the pillow I was reminded of my rich cousins who had feathered pillows at their house when I used to visit them as a kid. An ahhh moment realizing the total luxury of this suite, I began to finally fall asleep.

 

A faint noise awoke me. Was I dreaming? Eyes wide shut I could see confetti. Eyes half open I seriously was seeing confetti out my picture window. Every time the lightning flashed, more spots covered the pane. Tired, I buried my face into the feathered pillows. Unck unck oonck! What the hell is that? Arnck arnck arnck! Is someone at my door? Honk honk honk! Is the toilet backing up? Oh my god, it’s coming from outside my balcony and there is no doorbell out there! Although I am not supposed to, I turned on the balcony light for a moment to realize a most glorious event of nature was taking place just a few feet away and above.

 

Thousands and thousands of geese were flying south as the perfect Pearl sailed east. I laid down in the long lounger and watched them forever. I stayed under the overhang as you can imagine why. Most were quiet yet some were honking. With each flash of lightning I could only identify two types of geese. I concluded after four flashes they were mostly snow geese along with some Canadian geese. These birds fly over my house twice a year and sometimes rest in my bay so I write with confidence.

 

So this is how NCL stocks their suites with pillows! Taking one from inside, I stood back out beyond the overhang and offered one up amidst the flashing heat storm. More honk honk honking as some came closer and swirled about to pay their respect to deceased relatives, friends, and foe. Briefly done so as not to make a mockery of them, nor to send them into a frenzy of angst as they needed to get somewhere, I returned the pillow and continued to watch until the early morning hours. Thinking just me and bridge guys were the only ones watching a once-in-a-lifetime show, I learned some passengers on the upper decks and the promenade decks during this two hour if not longer time period also got to witness it. How fortunate was I to have the best spot on the ship from which to view them?

 

Coka

[coka]

(Thanks everyone for the comments! I agree, Karan is the nicest guy I have ever met. AftLover, I actually thought of you as I thought the confetti was a flock of seagulls! Seriously, I thought of you and LOL'd.)

 

Sunday: Full Day At Sea

 

Awakening early for sunrise, I concluded my previous late night flight with the geese made paying 200% for the suite more than worthwhile. Everything else yet to come was just an added bonus. The light breeze, calm seas, few clouds on the horizon, and me poised in my own Captain’s chair on the balcony sipping Lavazza coffee would make one think I arrived in heaven. In turmoil, I still could not shake the horrible news from my mind. Unfortunately, I am quite experienced and a professional at such bad news given today’s world, but this time was different. In my profession of 24 years, this was a new one for all back home. Look forward look forward look forward I told myself. I can not control this one. Trust your colleagues as they too are trained to deal. All I could think about was who was helping those who were helping the others deal? If anything I discovered an ironic connection with any military person who signs up for more than one tour. Often wondering why they willingly return to battle, I understood their decision more as the only concern I was thinking about was about my comrades back home. Feeling guilty about where I was sitting, I decided to go to Catholic mass onboard and rub salt into the wounds. Would God be my hero today?

 

I was amazed at what I saw along the way. Having sailed the Pearl twice before I have written she is an immaculate ship who has won many awards. Many crew

members all along the deck were cleaning in ways I have never witnessed. Having looked under my bed as an embarkation ritual of ship cleanliness I was already satisfied. Even so, there was someone dusting the hallway pictures. Someone was polishing not only the handrails, but the metal gear that held them up. A unique brush, they were going behind and under in places human hands do not even touch. A third cleaner sanitized each cabins door handle. A fourth cleaner dusted the doors. A fifth cleaner wet scrubbed all along the sides where carpet met the wall touching places a vacuum cleaner could not. I asked where I could purchase one of those brushes and spray for my hubby. The same ritual took place by others on the opposite side hallway.

 

Late for church as scheduled in Spinnaker‘s Lounge, I thought I could make it time for the sermon. Finding out later I did not miss an important message, I did appreciate the deviation from ritual by the priest. When the time came to pray for special mentions he allowed the passengers to speak out their requests. I could not raise my hand for I did not want to cry in front of all these people enjoying their vacation. I heard nobody’s request as I thought about the unfairness of a young life taken not by suicide, not by an accident, not by disease, but by a willed act of grotesque violence from the hands of a parental caretaker. I know wild animals kill their young but humans? As much as I did not want to, I am embarrassed and not proud that I prayed for the familial murderer as well. I figured by doing so, the body of Christ wafer would not burn my tongue for any of my sins compiled since last going to church.

 

Mass out of the way, I could now decide my full day at sea eating, drinking, gambling, sunning to cool Caribbean bands sounds, buying spa products, looking at jewelry and watches, using hydro-therapy pools/steam rooms/saunas, attending NCL-U workshops, enter bowling tournament, take a basic salsa dance class or line dance class, play Wii on the big screen in the atrium, rock climb, or go to wine and cheese tasting, martini tasting, or a global beer tasting, sign up for murder mystery dinner that now has a charge, or try to win a courtyard villa giveaway at bingo.

 

I chose to eat, attend parties and camp out on my forward balcony. My first breakfast in Cagney’s was great! If you stay in a suite you can dine there for breakfast and lunch. Many cruise critics state this is one of the best perks and I agree. I had steak and eggs. While enjoying a mouth watering croissant, I thought of the heroic bakers in Vienna during a city siege from the Ottoman Turks in 1683. Due to their nightly efforts, they held off the enemy until help arrived. To commemorate their victory, the bakers baked crescent moon shaped bread taken from the image on the Turk‘s flag. The Pearl bakers are heroes as well because NCL has by far the best breads onboard any ships sailing the seas.

 

The cruise critic meet and greet was attended well by both passengers and officers. As mentioned, TJBarney worked very hard putting it together. She made the coolest nametags ever. Jennat and her family got passengers to bring donations as she was visiting a school in port. Jessica Ferrari, the group services coordinator was a sweetheart and she welcomed all of us. I know many of you ask “who is working onboard,“ so here they are: Hotel Director Denis Prguda, Assistant HD Dallas Easterly, Cruise Director Julie, an Executive Chef from Jamaica, Restaurant Manager Victor, and the Food and Beverage Director who was leaving mid week. The Captain was Lars Bengtsson (spelling?) and he appeared later at the latitudes party, the VIP party, and for formal passenger pictures in the atrium later that evening. Some critics also brought thank you gifts for the officers/staff that showed up and I think they were surprised. They all work very hard for us so it is a nice gesture to do something in return. Seven showed up and I had seven individually wrapped life-size dark/mild/wild chocolate fish. They looked like the NCL logo as six were swimming one way and the seventh swam the opposite.

 

The latitudes party was also well attended. I think the Cruise Consultant was the host but I did not catch his name. Maybe I was too busy thinking about the next round of cocktails or fingers foods to walk by me! The ships usually serve wine, rum punch, champagne, and other concoctions. I sipped an amoretto sour and talked with 6 gals traveling without their hubbies for a girls-only cruise. The cruise consultant host then gave away prizes. Nobody near me won but a good time was still had by all. My quest to win a bottle of champagne continues.

 

I spent the remaining afternoon hours pouting on my giant balcony. If you ever stay in a forward balcony, you will need to mark out the territory non visible to the deck 11 bridge guys and to the deck 10 suite passenger balconies. When we practice lock-down procedures back at work, I tell everyone if you can see them, then they can see you. After staring at the bow for any indication of a camera and after marking spots where I could not see “them,” I concluded the safe territory was anywhere prior to the little open holes from the bottom balcony dividers. As the sun shifted throughout the day, so did my lounger. As long as I remembered the safe spots, I stayed full monty and my tan lines from last summer slowly disappeared.

 

Awakening me, JillieNY called and asked if I was ready for the VIP party. Still on the balcony I asked “What time is it?“ Only 25 minutes to arrive on time. No problem. Years ago getting ready would take 75 minutes. A wonderful part of aging is it now can be done in a flash. We arrived together had our two formal pictures taken together with Captain Lars. Knowing we would never see these photos, I still always wonder where they go to? The band played and we sipped complimentary wine from various selections with our pinky finger up. We missed the hor’s d’ouvres tray somehow. I could not sit but was happy to know I can stand and walk very well in my new black dress shoes and most comfortable new cocktail dress. The second night is dress up or not so I wore them as a practice run for a future gig on the Gem one night cruise to nowhere. Forty five minutes later the gathering was over.

 

We went to Mambos Mexican 15 dollar surcharge restaurant by walking on over with no previous reservation and asked if a table for two was available. Indeed it was. We ate some nachos, Il Popo, and drank a free margarita now served in a big shot glass. Not really a dessert gal with exception to vanilla ice cream, I saved lots of room for my new favorite…the vanilla ice cream dish with crushed pineapple, mangoes, with cinnamon and crunchy brown sugar sprinkled something and a caramel stick on top. I longed for it and satisfaction was delivered. Yum yum yum. The MLB championship series was shown on the atrium big screen and you can see it from Mambos and the Blue Lagoon on the other side. Baseball and vanilla ice cream…my dad would have loved this…well, only back when you could smoke inside.

 

The inside smoking areas include the casino, your stateroom, and enclosed cigar lounge. Outside areas have designated spots. This includes certain spots on the promenade deck where the ashtrays are located with signs stating, “You can smoke here.” The Sky High Bar above the pool has one side with tables and ashtrays. One side of the pool area is designated smoking. The Great Outdoors Aft no longer allows smoking as I never saw an ashtray. I think Jillie asked for one and that was when she found out. Somebody here will correct me if wrong. We then visited the Galleria shops and I perused duty free watches that were 35% off American prices and I perused Virginia Slims that had gone up to 30 dollars (ah, it was bound to happen). The cigarettes were all 20% off this evening. No matter. I had quit.

 

A perfect way to end the evening was laughing out loud to the comedy of David Naster. Not that I needed to be taught how to find humor, I did appreciate the reminder to laugh throughout the week. His myspace comedy website states: ***Naster is a rare blend of quality entertainment and true inspiration. He is funny without cursing. He motivates without preaching. David’s philosophy is: “Making people laugh is wonderful. Teaching them how to find the humor in turbulent times and laugh is even better.” David’s two books, “You Just Have To Laugh through Tough Times” and “When Work Gets TOUGH – You Just Have To Laugh” were voted “Best Humor” award of 2007 and 2008, by the Association of Applied Thereputic Humor.*** Do not miss his shows. He is a must see. As the week progressed it became standing room only anytime he was on.

 

Back in my glorious suite, I sat out on the dark balcony with a gentle breeze looking at nothing while listening to the crew pool drain gurgle any time the water swished. I tried to fall asleep but my thoughts were about my future. Looking forward tends to do that. I woke up thinking about a rogue wave, got scared, and went inside to look forward from my blissful bed.

 

coka

[mbisson]

Hey Coka-Glad to see our IT Girl having (had) a great cruise!

[coka]

What a great start. Your reviews are always so fun to read.

 

I half expected that that sealed envelope was going to be from KS, upgrading you to the GV;)

 

Looking forward to the next chapter. Oh, Karan was our butler, on the Pearl a few years back. We are so looking forward to sailing with him as our concierge one day.

 

Al

 

Hahaha, although they ask, I never tell Miami office when I am sailing.! Gotta keep the CC reviews real!

 

coka

[coka]

Love your reviews, Coka! So enjoy the reading break while @ work!

 

Hey - do you think they'll come up with some EPIC girl contest??

Wouldn't THAT be fun!??!?:rolleyes:

 

Looking forward to your next installments....

 

Loving the Suite info, as we're in our first suite on EPIC next year...so far away....

 

Hi Pcreek! I doubt they will. Although now that you mention it, maybe an Epic Hero contest...stories about everyday people doing epic or heroic things...???

 

coka

[coka]

Hey Coka-Glad to see our IT Girl having (had) a great cruise!

 

Your turn is coming soon Thanksgiving week! That is the one I would have been on until I found out that week was my week to help take of my mom.

 

You are going to have a great time! WoooHoooo!

 

coka

[mbisson]

AW CRAP! You were thinking about my sailing and then backed out. That just ruins my whole evening-- LOL. But seriously, I wish you were sailing with us.

 

I'm considering printing out some of your comments about Karan to give to him. I'm sure he would appreciate them. He really is a great guy.

 

Your turn is coming soon Thanksgiving week! That is the one I would have been on until I found out that week was my week to help take of my mom.

 

You are going to have a great time! WoooHoooo!

 

coka

[BikerAl]

Hi Pcreek! I doubt they will. Although now that you mention it, maybe an Epic Hero contest...stories about everyday people doing epic or heroic things...???

 

coka

 

Fantastic idea... Hope NCL is reading this, and decides that is the way to go. The Godmother could be the wife or mother of one of our heroic servicemen.

 

Al