Pearl 7/4/2010

[redsoxnationaz87]

Just was wondering if there were some inside tips for must do activities on board? Anyone do the behind the scenes tour?

[korgano]

Just was wondering if there were some inside tips for must do activities on board? Anyone do the behind the scenes tour?

 

As far as on board activities, the production shows are great, and if you're a Frankie Valli/Four Seasons fan, you mustn't miss the "oh what a nite tribute"... another show that was very popular with the guests is the comedy/juggling show Sharkbait (two guys formerly with Ringling Bros. Circus).. they are VERY talented, and both their shows were standing room only (go early!!).

 

The behind-the-scenes tour is quite interesting (particularly if it's your first sailing, or you've never done one on another ship), but some people consider it too pricey. on the Pearl it's on Sat. morning about 10, and lasts about 2.5 hrs. You'll typically visit the galley, laundry, environmental, and backstage areas.

 

normally the tour ends in the bridge viewing room, but on our sailing; because the group was very small (about 9-10 people), Captain Bengtsson actually invited everyone onto the bridge for a personal tour. that was by far the most amazing part. (we were very lucky... not all of the NCL captains will permit it, and even those who do, sometimes can't because of their schedule on a particular sailing). He was quite charming, very friendly, and posed for individual photos and talked a bit about his long career in the industry, and about the actual building of the ship at Meyer Werft.

 

Enjoy your trip!

[Jen731]

There were so many great things to do. We really liked the Sharkbait & Frankie Valli shows, definitely the chocolate buffet, the game "Majority Rules", and the entire day at Glacier Bay - the ship gets to the glacier around 9 a.m. and spends an hour there.

 

Have a great time! You will love the cruise.

[redsoxnationaz87]

Thanks for the tipps guys i really appreciate it def looking forward to the shows you have listed! im so excited i have already packed and we are not leaving for another 4 days lol

[korgano]

Thanks for the tipps guys i really appreciate it def looking forward to the shows you have listed! im so excited i have already packed and we are not leaving for another 4 days lol

 

When you get back, please report on the J.A.R. production show. They changed casts about 3 weeks ago, so I'll be interested to hear how the new group is doing. The outgoing cast had some very talented performers.

[redsoxnationaz87]

will do!

[LBS1]

I would recommend the Capitan's/Cruise Director Question and answer session held the last sea day. It was free and had lots of behind the scene's info. Plus Capitan Lars is Very funny. Ask him how a cruise ship is like a female. His answer is not PC.

 

And whatever you do, fo one of the the most original things you can do on a cruise ship; DON'T miss Quest! It is one of the best, funniest things to on the ship. Just don't take the kiddos. (see the photos linked below. Pages 36-38)

[MissRabbit]

How often does the entertainment swap out? Do you think it will change to all new acts once it transitions from Alaska to the Caribbean in September?

[korgano]

How often does the entertainment swap out? Do you think it will change to all new acts once it transitions from Alaska to the Caribbean in September?

 

depends on the act. For the large production show, entertainers are typically on board for a minimum of 6 months, but people of course can rotate in and out of the show as needed.

 

For the lounge acts, smaller musical groups, comedians, etc. it can change on a week-to-week basis.

 

For example, the comedian on our Pearl sailing in May was different than the guy who was on board the week before us. Also, one of the singers in the Frankie Valli tribute quartet was new to the show as of early May, and the lead singer rotated off the boat during the first week of June.

 

Also, the Jean Ann Ryan-produced shows appear to be winding down on NCL ships now that NCL Productions is on the scene.