The Star or the Pearl?

[amadeus289]

Planning a cruise to Alaska, and dont mind which port I sail from. I was just wondering if anyone had experience on either the Pearl or the Star and which ship would you take if you had the choice?

 

Thanks

[STARFISH*4]

hopin to sail the Pearl to Alaska in 2012 if she is still doing Glacier Bay:)

[Ms belp]

We sailed on the Pearl in May 2008. Loved it. Loved Glacier Bay. The ship is newer.

[amadeus289]

Not too familiar with Alaska, is the "inside passage" Glacier Bay? If so, then it's The Star that is sailing that route.

[Hikini]

It all depends on well, many things. Do you want a Saturday to Saturday or a Sunday to Sunday cruise? Do you want to go to Glacier Bay, which is most of a day or just to see one glacier which is only part of a day and much less spectacular, although still very nice.

 

Do you want to see Victoria, BC or Prince Rupert, BC? As for ships, the Pearl is newer but they are the same size. I've been on both and I think the Star is prettier and offers more of the 'wow' factor, especially in the Grand Atrium area.

 

The 2 MDR's are basically the same style on both ships. At this time the Pearl still offers the Spinnaker at the front of the ship with large windows for viewing, where the Star recently renovated that area making several more suites.

 

You cannot go wrong with either one, so just figure out what is more important to you.

[Ms belp]

Not too familiar with Alaska, is the "inside passage" Glacier Bay? If so, then it's The Star that is sailing that route.

 

No sir, Glacier Bay is after the inside passage cruise. You go into the bay and cruise one way and then the ship turns around and sails back out. It is the most beautiful place! The Star cruise often can't get into Sawyer due to ice. Plus, Seattle was so pretty too! We stayed one day before our cruise and two days after and were so pleased.

[ChubbyBunny361]

Planning a cruise to Alaska, and dont mind which port I sail from. I was just wondering if anyone had experience on either the Pearl or the Star and which ship would you take if you had the choice?

 

Thanks

We sailed on the Star two years ago and LOVED it! Now we are going to sail on the Pearl (Sept 5) so we can see Glacier Bay! I think it's going to be awesome!! :)

 

TJ

[NW Pacific]

We did the Pearl Alaska in 2008, wonderful! Since the Star renovations eliminating the Spinaker Lounge uprfront with the fantastic views and comfy loungers I would vote for the Pearl, just my humble opinion. We were up close to the glaciers saw and heard the "calfing".

[clarkg]

Planning a cruise to Alaska, and dont mind which port I sail from. I was just wondering if anyone had experience on either the Pearl or the Star and which ship would you take if you had the choice?

 

Thanks

 

The Pearl is the better of the two ships with the better itinerary, and the Spinnaker lounge on the Star, in the back is just no good. I have been on both ships twice each and trust me when I say, you absolutely want to take the Pearl.

[newmexicoNita]

Planning a cruise to Alaska, and dont mind which port I sail from. I was just wondering if anyone had experience on either the Pearl or the Star and which ship would you take if you had the choice?

 

Thanks

 

Like so many things, this is very subjective. I am one of those who isn't crazy over the Star, but most repeat NCLers love her. I love the Pearl. The ship is only a few years old, part of the Jewel class and has a wonderful crew. Plus I happen to like the casino better, but to many that is certainly not something to judge the ship on.

 

Nita

[iceman2a]

I say Pearl also. There are many reasons but Glacier Bay alone is enough to choose the Pearl! I have only been on 3 cruises so far, but Alaska on the Pearl was one the best experiences I've had!

[InternetAgeTraveler]

We've been on the Pearl twice to Alaska and enjoyed it both times and the experience was different for both as one with our children and the other without. The Pearl has a lot to offer, but the bigger difference is the itinerary. Glacier Bay is great and well worth the difference in price you will find for comparable rooms. The Pearl does have a couple of short port days but long enough to still have a good time.

 

You can read my review from May of this year by clicking on Pearl review in my signature.

 

I have also been capturing time lapse videos including the Pearl and the Star from this summer. These can be viewed by clicking on my time lapse video link in my signature as well. They don't do the cruises justice but they do give you a bit of insight.

[iceman2a]

We've been on the Pearl twice to Alaska and enjoyed it both times and the experience was different for both as one with our children and the other without. The Pearl has a lot to offer, but the bigger difference is the itinerary. Glacier Bay is great and well worth the difference in price you will find for comparable rooms. The Pearl does have a couple of short port days but long enough to still have a good time.

 

You can read my review from May of this year by clicking on Pearl review in my signature.

 

I have also been capturing time lapse videos including the Pearl and the Star from this summer. These can be viewed by clicking on my time lapse video link in my signature as well. They don't do the cruises justice but they do give you a bit of insight.

 

Just went back and read your review, it was great!

Brought back memories and as you stated, sailing out of Skagway thru Lynn canal was awesome. One of the things I'll remember most about my cruise.

Like you I hope to go back again soon!

[Budget Queen]

I have sailed both ships in Alaska. You need to do your homework. :) Find out about Alaska.

 

As for some of the mentions above- IF on the Star and the Tracy Arm itinerary- then in my opinion it is "necessary" to budget for and add on the NCL Tracy Arm boat excursion- FAR superior to the ship transit.

 

The Star- at this time, has the superior routing compared to the Pearl, with going interior Vancouver Island, northbound.

 

Glacier Bay certainly is a highlight.

 

So, either cruise could be an excellent choice to consider.

[Canada98203]

Our family just cruised on the Pearl 8/1/10 to 8/8/10 and it was simply marvelous. I didn't know Discovery Bay was a national park and you will enjoy a full day there. Three park rangers board the Pearl at 8:00 am and leave at 1:30 pm for their program in the Spinnaker Lounge. Educational and so cool there, 52 degrees F for a high. Pick the Pearl!

[flbeachmom]

The Pearl is my favorite ship so far!

[suzyed]

I have sailed both ships in Alaska. You need to do your homework. :) Find out about Alaska.

 

As for some of the mentions above- IF on the Star and the Tracy Arm itinerary- then in my opinion it is "necessary" to budget for and add on the NCL Tracy Arm boat excursion- FAR superior to the ship transit.

 

The Star- at this time, has the superior routing compared to the Pearl, with going interior Vancouver Island, northbound.

 

Glacier Bay certainly is a highlight.

 

So, either cruise could be an excellent choice to consider.

I agree on the Tracy Arm boat excursion, although when we did it, we actually went into Sawyer ...it was spectacular!! Our all time favorite excursion and well worth the money...to me it is what cruising Alaska is all about!

We haven't sailed on the Pearl, but we sailed on the Star two years in a row and loved it both times. The staff and crew are just fabulous! The ship is kept spic and span...and the concierge is wonderful!!

[fightpiter]

Having sailed on both the Pearl and the Star Alaska itineraries I have to say that you can't go wrong with either. That said, if I had to choose one I would probably pick the Pearl. Not because of Glacier Bay but because of all the things it has that the Star doesn't. These include the rock wall and the bowling alley among others. Also, it is a newer ship. The Star is likely a few dollars cheaper if that is a concern. If not I would go with the Pearl.

[Budget Queen]

I agree on the Tracy Arm boat excursion, although when we did it, we actually went into Sawyer ...QUOTE]

 

Not sure what this reference is??? The boat tours, most of the time, get right up to the Sawyer south glacier, for an extended look.

 

There is an alternative route, they sometimes take- which is totally up to the cpt, and last minute, to Endicott Arm. Having sailed all these areas, Endicott and Dawes Glacier is way down the pole for me preferences.

[suzyed]

I agree on the Tracy Arm boat excursion, although when we did it, we actually went into Sawyer ...QUOTE]

 

Not sure what this reference is??? The boat tours, most of the time, get right up to the Sawyer south glacier, for an extended look.

 

There is an alternative route, they sometimes take- which is totally up to the cpt, and last minute, to Endicott Arm. Having sailed all these areas, Endicott and Dawes Glacier is way down the pole for me preferences.

I misspoke...we went to Dawes Glacier...I thought the whole experience was wonderful! We even got to witness a "shooter", it was pretty spectacular!

[jimswims]

I have not been on the Star but just got off the Pearl yesterday. It was an amazing cruise and the Pearl is my new favorite NCL ship. I will be positng my review soon. The weather got better and better as the week went on. Clear blue skys and temps ranging from 70 to 90 really made this journey even more incredible.