LAFFNVEGAS LIVE From the NCL Pearl Heading North Up The West Coast

[capp]

Hi Lisa,

 

I loved your "Live From" so much that I booked the May 1, 2011 sailing (same cruise) yesterday....in the last AD!!!!!

 

Thanks so much, and my husband will thank you too....when I let him know we're going on ANOTHER cruise;)!

 

Mimi

[mafig]

Did you find that you were treated differently in the main dining room because you were in a suite?

 

Did you use your concierge for specialty dining reservations and also main dining room reservations?

 

Did you like the italian restaurant?

 

How about the mexican one?

 

Thanks, Lisa.:)

[Flindy&Doc]

The thumbnail and the link both work for me.

[knitlady037]

Thanks Lisa for the pictures. Based on your glowing review, we decided to cancel our Noordam cruise and book the Gem out of NY. e even booked the same cabin.

[jeannep]

Thanks Lisa for the pictures. Based on your glowing review, we decided to cancel our Noordam cruise and book the Gem out of NY. e even booked the same cabin.

 

The Gem out of New York is wonderful. I am sure you will be very happy.

If you have any questions let me know.

 

Jeanne

[Traveller20074]

Smashing! They still say that?!@ Cool :cool:

Glad you had a wonderful time.

Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments :)It is so hard to believe that it has been less than a week since we disembarked the Beautiful Pearl, once back to work the pampered week seems like months ago :o

I have my thoughts together and pretty much I wanted to get my pictures up loaded to share with all of you when I posted my final comments.First off I have to say the week was Smashing!!! :D

ok I just had to say that ;)

Going into this cruise I knew it would be a good week and Tom was hesitant because he thought our 2 night cruise on the Star last November was a fluke and did not want to get his hopes up. He is actually the one that is really amazed at the Suite Life on NCL. We cruised on Princess this past January and everything we read about Princess we figured it would be a nice 2nd option to HAL. In all honesty while the Princess cruise was not bad it was not great and I just feel that Princess is not a good fit for us but NCL...... definitely is!!!!The Suite amenities and perks and service exceeded all of our expectations and definitely is several steps above Holland America. Based on price points for full suites for both lines NCL is a somewhat better value. The reason I say somewhat is that one tends to spend far more on their on board account than they do with HAL so for HAL cruisers you do need to take that into account. Your daily gratuities are a bit higher plus with the addition of a Butler and Concierge that far exceeded our expectations you will also want to tip them. While I have always tipped HAL Stewards and the Concierges in the Neptune when they have done something special for us for the most part the last several cruises with HAL the Concierges barely knew our name and did nothing for us so I felt no need to tip them. Also as for spending, all alcohol prices are definitely higher on NCL than HAL but NCL prices are par with Princess, RCI and Celebrity from what I can tell.You also have to take into account for a bit more premium experience you really should plan to go to the various premium restaurants every single night. That is one of the many things that do set NCL apart from the other cruise lines. When I talk about NCL I always recommend doing this and just consider this part of the cruise cost. I think the single most outstanding thing that NCL offers is the Officers and Crew and the dedication to service and friendliness. I stated this when we did that short 2 day cruise on the Star and many from the HAL board just could not believe that I felt the crew were as friendly if not friendlier than HAL. In recent years with HAL I have seen this diminish and possibly because HAL crew are more over worked I am just not sure. Boarding the Pearl you just feel that instant warmness of being welcomed even with out that Welcome Aboard Champagne. I hope that NCL does not lose this it is definitely one of the things that will keep me coming back to NCL.The other two outstanding or should I say Smashing things about the Pearl was the Spa which for right now is definitely the number one Spa on a ship I have been on and the Entertainment which far exceeds HAL in so many levels.The only negative is that some (not all) of the meals were not that great. But then food is very subjective. I thought the meals we had in Le Bistro far exceeded anything I have had on HAL but the Main Dining Room and even the two (Star and Pearl) evening meals I have had in Cagneys the steak quality was not as good as HAL's Pinnacle Grill. But let me say that Cagney's far exceeds the Crown Grill on Princess. Yet Breakfast and Lunch for Suite Passengers in Cagneys far exceeds what HAL has in the Pinnacle but the evening steak quality just is not quite as good. Oddly the steaks were far superior in Le Bistro.My only regret is we still did not make it to Sushi which I may have to do my first night on my next NCL cruise.I will say that there were several areas of the food that did exceed anything we have had on HAL, the fruit was amazing, the bowls of fruit brought to our cabins were picture perfect and the taste especially the strawberries were amazing.

 

This is my link to my photos

[size=3 [/size]

 

Any questions feel free to ask

 

Many thanks to all of you who followed along on our cruise adventure.

[Traveller20074]

OK if clicking on the little thumbnail picture does not take you to my album try this link

http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/577565275QJKVNt

 

Gorgeous pictures! LOVE the ones of the Golden Gate :)

[snorklinbarb]

Great wrap up, Lisa! Besides having to go back for sushi next time, don't forget about bowling!:D Honestly, we've had some great CC group bowling tourneys and on the Jewel even Ruth the concierge took part.:)

 

Another fun thing to try is the shabu shabu at the special tables within the Asian restaurant. The Gem doesn't have the special tables but the Pearl does as does the Jewel and maybe a couple of others.

 

We agree the quality of steaks and other meats in Le Bistro is superb. DH does like the ribeye at Cagney's and I usually go with the double cut lamb chops. We also like all the sides and appetizers to make the meal special. But if you have breakfast & lunch privileges there - with the jumbo shrimp appetizer, crab cakes, Cagney's fries and other things off the dinner menu - it might be more enjoyable to try some of the other venues, like you did.

 

I've lost count how many NCL cruises we've been on (more than 30) and I can honestly say we've had some very good meals in the main DR's. The herb crusted lamb chops, lobster tails (that many complain about as being too small, but they're usually pretty tasty), lamb shank, chicken parm, tilapia and many others have all been perfectly fine. We also love the specialty restaurants for the ambiance, service & some really delicious dishes. I found your comment interesting that you would recommend a specialty every single day. We usually find a mix between the two works best for us (and on the pocketbook). On the Jade Norway cruise last year we ended up in the Garden Cafe two nights just from being too tired to go through a whole sit down dinner and we were very very impressed by the food offerings.

[knitlady037]

The Gem out of New York is wonderful. I am sure you will be very happy.

If you have any questions let me know.

 

Jeanne

Thanks for the kind offer Jeanne! I'm sure I will take you up on that! Am pouring over the brochure now. Really excited to try this ship now! I hear the romance suites are wonderful.

[napakitten]

Gorgeous pictures! LOVE the ones of the Golden Gate :)

 

hey lisa thanks for the review and the updates they were great. my bf and i are leaving on the pearl on the 23rd. i was curious how much is the pass to the spa for the week???

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Thanks for all the comments, cannot beleive that tomorrow will be a week since we disembarked and it feels like months :o I guess that is what a week back to work will do to you.

 

hey lisa thanks for the review and the updates they were great. my bf and i are leaving on the pearl on the 23rd. i was curious how much is the pass to the spa for the week???

The Spa pass for the week was just $99.00 and I can honestly say was worth every penny. I spend that much on Princess it it was worth more like $29.95 ;) I want to say a full week on a HAL Vista Class ship is more money and definitely does not offer nearly as nice a spa as the Pearl. I wish we were cruising to Alaska that view from the Sauna would be smashing :D

[Ms belp]

Lisa, thank you for your review. It makes me miss it that much more. That darn ash cloud prevented us from our long awaited cruise on the Gem in an aft 9674. I think from now on we are going to stick closer to home. But you brought back fond memories of our 5/08 cruise to Alaska on the Pearl. We need to try that romance suite. Just not 10666! :p

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Lisa, thank you for your review. It makes me miss it that much more. That darn ash cloud prevented us from our long awaited cruise on the Gem in an aft 9674. I think from now on we are going to stick closer to home. But you brought back fond memories of our 5/08 cruise to Alaska on the Pearl. We need to try that romance suite. Just not 10666! :p

I have to admit I was just a bit hesitant about the cabin number but Tom and I agree we think it was a lucky number:D We have traveled several times on the 13th of the month so why not try a cabin number like this. We are very positive travelers so now having had this cabin number I can assure that there is nothing to worry about ;)

[knitlady037]

I hope we have just as good a time in cabin # 10666 as you We booked it on the Gem though.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I hope we have just as good a time in cabin # 10666 as you We booked it on the Gem though.

I am sure you will :) Honestly I would never have believed a few years ago that that NCL was such a perfect fit for us in what we were looking for in a cruise line but really is.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Did you find that you were treated differently in the main dining room because you were in a suite?

 

Did you use your concierge for specialty dining reservations and also main dining room reservations?

 

Did you like the italian restaurant?

 

How about the mexican one?

 

Thanks, Lisa.:)

I am so sorry I do not think I answered your questions :o

We only ate in one of the Main Dining Rooms (Indigo) one night except that when we did the Murder Mystery they also seated us in the back of Indigo. I think it is hard to tell if they treated us differently since we are basically new to NCL but we did not have to wait and we were seated immediately where I do believe others were waiting. I am pretty sure Ryan our Concierge met us there and had them take us in.

Yes we used Ryan our Concierge a lot, far more than I ever dreamed we would. The first day I alreayd had a list printed out with the time and day of what restaurant our group wanted to dine at. It was easier to plan it in advance. Although we did make a few changes along the way such as the night we dined with the Captain and when we changed to do the Murder Mystery Dinner. Ryan stated he thought it was great that we had the list for him and it made it easier for him as well :)

We did eat at La Cucina and enjoyed it very much but did not get a chance to eat at the Mexican Restaurant. We also did not do Asian or Sushi or that Mongolian Hot Pot thing that we really wanted to do but there just was not enough days :( I really need to book another NCL cruise soon but not sure I can fit it in till 2011.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I really can't thank you enough for your wonderful reports. We have been cruising almost exclusively on Princess and Celebrity and some of the negative posts about NCL's food and service were worrying me. I chose the Pearl because I read about the Courtyard suites and the sweet life and just had to try it out. Your live from thread has really reassured me and made me even more eager for January.

 

Hope you enjoy my books. A couple of reviewers have called my the small town Janet Evanovich (while I'm flattered, I doubt she'd feel the same way, but I do have a lot of humor and a touch of romance ;))

 

Thanks again!

Denise I just wanted to let you know that for Mother's Day I just got a Nook eReader and I have down loaded your first book, figured I better start from the beginning ;) The reviews and excepts look great. I cannot wait to start reading it. I need to finished two I am in the middle of first a Sue Grafton and Stephanie Bond. The Sue Graft I am 3/4 the way thru "U" so I should be able to start reading yours by this weekend when I have to go to LA on business.

Thanks :)

[mafig]

Thank you, Lisa, you've been very helpful (as usual).:)

[Pamster]

Lisa, I'm glad you had such a good time on your cruise. You certainly enjoyed your perks.

 

I'd love to read a similar comparison from someone who sailed in a regular cabin and ate at the all-inclusive restaurants. That would make comparisons much more meaningful for those of us who must sail in the "cheap seats". I realize that since the base prices on NCL are lower, it makes sense to use the savings to upgrade accommodations and dining. However, if I booked NCL, it would probably be to save money....so wouldn't do many upgrades.

 

How about it...........has anyone done this?

 

We've done 3 NCL Cruises - 2 Alaska and 1 Pacific Coastal (Vancouver to LA). We've always stayed inside cabin. We've found the stewards to be VERY helpful and friendly. They've always greeted us by name, and done an excellent job maintaining our cabin. I do not have other cruise lines to compare to, but have never had any complaint about the service. For dining we usually do breakfast at the Garden Cafe, lunch at the Topsiders Grill or Blue Lagoon, and dinner at a premium restaurant. My only complaint is that the food often isn't as hot as I would like (at any of the venues, but especially the Garden Cafe). I've frequently considered upgrading to a Oceanview or Balcony, but always figure that the less we pay for a room the more money I have for the Casino. I probably would accept an upgrade at a discounted rate from the Upgrade Fairy, but not at full price. We're looking at the Vancouver to LA Pacific Coastal in 2011, maybe a balcony?

[Pamster]

 

My only regret is we still did not make it to Sushi which I may have to do my first night on my next NCL cruise.

 

 

Thanks for the trip along the Coast - brought back great memories of our southbound cruise 2 years ago - and our trip on the Pearl several years ago.

 

As for the sushi bar - if you are a real sushi "snob" (someone who like real sushi and not just rolls) - I'd suggest passing on that. We've tried it twice and have been disappointed both times. The selection is very limited and the chefs must be last in line at the fish market, because the quality isn't near what you find on most land-based restaurants. I will admit, I'm pretty spoiled when it comes to sushi, but would not eat sushi onboard again. We do go to the Asian restaurant but for other items. The Shabu-Shabu was really good last time.

[jeannep]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koshlong

Lisa, I'm glad you had such a good time on your cruise. You certainly enjoyed your perks.

 

I'd love to read a similar comparison from someone who sailed in a regular cabin and ate at the all-inclusive restaurants. That would make comparisons much more meaningful for those of us who must sail in the "cheap seats". I realize that since the base prices on NCL are lower, it makes sense to use the savings to upgrade accommodations and dining. However, if I booked NCL, it would probably be to save money....so wouldn't do many upgrades.

 

How about it...........has anyone done this?

 

 

 

 

We have been on 8 NCL cruises and have always had an oceanview room. I have always had wonderful service from all the room stewarts. Of course, some were more friendly than others but our room was always kept very nice and anytime I have requested anything we have gotten it.

We really don't spend alot of time in our cabin so the lack of space never bothers us. I do have to admit, we have been on other cruise lines and have always had wonderful service from our stewarts in our oceanview rooms.

 

I definately have no complaints about the food on NCL. We usually dine in the Main dining rooms for dinner but once or twice during the cruise we usually eat in a pay restaurant. LeBistro, Cagneys and the Italians are always very nice but I am still as happy with the MDR's. For breakfast and lunch we usually eat in the Garden Cafe or Blue Lagoon. We enjoy both places. We don't eat breakfast or lunch in the MDR usually as we don't want to spend the extra time it takes there.

 

We have cruised on Carnival and we really enjoy the food. We were not quite as happy with the food on RCCL but that is only our opinion.

 

We have had room service brought to our oceanview room many times and we are served with a smile.

 

Personnally, I don't need a balcony or a suite. I would rather save some money on the cabin. There is nothing wrong with wanting a balcony or better but we just don't feel that we need it.

 

We enjoy cruising no matter where our cabin is.

 

Jeanne

[fcorey]

Lisa, I'm glad you had such a good time on your cruise. You certainly enjoyed your perks.

 

I'd love to read a similar comparison from someone who sailed in a regular cabin and ate at the all-inclusive restaurants. That would make comparisons much more meaningful for those of us who must sail in the "cheap seats". I realize that since the base prices on NCL are lower, it makes sense to use the savings to upgrade accommodations and dining. However, if I booked NCL, it would probably be to save money....so wouldn't do many upgrades.

 

How about it...........has anyone done this?

 

Well I was on the same cruise with Lisa but had accommodations in steerage :D

(sorry Lisa...you know I couldnt resist) actually we were in a BB balcony room down the hall from Lisa and Tom who were staying in the Lucifer suite. The BB room was ok. A little smaller than what we were used to. But we've been spoiled by booking SS/SY suites on HAL....and its not a fair comparison because this was a fraction of the cost. On Princess we've stayed in a mini suite and I have to say that those seemed comparable to the mini suites on NCL. The room itself was ok, wish it had a little more space. The only part I didnt like was the cramped bathroom. That was the only thing the wife and I both didnt like. However we both did say we would stay in one again if the price was right ;)

While we ate with Lisa and Tom several times, there were times when we did not. I would say that the Summer Palace was a bit better than Indigo, both were good though. The garden cafe (buffet) was decent. The Blue Lagoon has a really limited menu and is so so. We didnt try Mambo's or the rest of the asian restaurants as Lisa said. But their extra cost restaurants seemed very good. Teppanyaki is good if you have a group, but it is expensive. For the same price Cagney's is probably better....but we didnt go there...on the last night we were too wiped out and got something in the Garden Cafe.

The spa was nice, and worth what they charged for thermal suite passes....but lets face it all treatments on any ship are really expensive. However overall entertainment was very good best we've seen on any ship. Andy the cruise director was a trip and overall staff was good. Let me know if there are any things I didnt cover that you were interested in.

[IllinoisAuthor]

Denise I just wanted to let you know that for Mother's Day I just got a Nook eReader and I have down loaded your first book, figured I better start from the beginning ;) The reviews and excepts look great. I cannot wait to start reading it. I need to finished two I am in the middle of first a Sue Grafton and Stephanie Bond. The Sue Graft I am 3/4 the way thru "U" so I should be able to start reading yours by this weekend when I have to go to LA on business.

Thanks :)

 

I haven't seen a Nook yet. A few readers have brought their Kindles to signings show me and they look nice. I'm a big Grafton fan and although I haven't read Stephanie Bond yet, she's on my list of authors I want to try. Hope you enjoy Murder of a Small-Town Honey. You can e-mail me through my website DeniseSwanson.com. I'd love to hear what you think.

[Ms belp]

I have to admit I was just a bit hesitant about the cabin number but Tom and I agree we think it was a lucky number:D We have traveled several times on the 13th of the month so why not try a cabin number like this. We are very positive travelers so now having had this cabin number I can assure that there is nothing to worry about ;)

 

I was born on the 13th and I don't want to push my luck.:D

[ugminer]

Well I was on the same cruise with Lisa but had accommodations in steerage :D

(sorry Lisa...you know I couldnt resist) actually we were in a BB balcony room down the hall from Lisa and Tom who were staying in the Lucifer suite. The BB room was ok. A little smaller than what we were used to. But we've been spoiled by booking SS/SY suites on HAL....and its not a fair comparison because this was a fraction of the cost. On Princess we've stayed in a mini suite and I have to say that those seemed comparable to the mini suites on NCL. The room itself was ok, wish it had a little more space. The only part I didnt like was the cramped bathroom. That was the only thing the wife and I both didnt like. However we both did say we would stay in one again if the price was right ;)

While we ate with Lisa and Tom several times, there were times when we did not. I would say that the Summer Palace was a bit better than Indigo, both were good though. The garden cafe (buffet) was decent. The Blue Lagoon has a really limited menu and is so so. We didnt try Mambo's or the rest of the asian restaurants as Lisa said. But their extra cost restaurants seemed very good. Teppanyaki is good if you have a group, but it is expensive. For the same price Cagney's is probably better....but we didnt go there...on the last night we were too wiped out and got something in the Garden Cafe.

The spa was nice, and worth what they charged for thermal suite passes....but lets face it all treatments on any ship are really expensive. However overall entertainment was very good best we've seen on any ship. Andy the cruise director was a trip and overall staff was good. Let me know if there are any things I didnt cover that you were interested in.

 

Gald to hear from the "common" class.:-) Glad all of you enjoyed your trip and your accomodations. I have only done one NCLA but enjoyed it also. Looking forward to our next cruise together