Enjoyed the Pearl 6/19/16-6/26/16

[TMC]

Just returned from our great cruise. Happy to answer questions, but here is some info:

 

Embarkation-

Arrived during our time slot of 10:30-11.00 and breezed through luggage drop, security and check in. Found seats and waited for our group 9 to be called. Once they started, they went through the numbers quickly. Went to main dining room for lunch and cabins were ready when we finished.

 

Cabin-

Balcony room 10650 located near the aft stairs. Very happy with location and would choose it again. Small but had adequate closet and shelf/drawer space. We appreciated the hooks on the wall and bathroom door. One outlet by the coffee maker and one on the opposite table where the hair dryer resides (hard wired to electricity). Sofa bed firm but not too bad with a topper, Best for someone 5 ft or less as it can be made up shorter than full length and then will not block balcony door. Warning sink water gets scalding hot! Jackson was a great cabin steward.

 

Shows-

Comedian Tim Kaminski was our favorite, but also enjoys the juggler, cirque style show and Legends song and dance.

 

Shops-

Nice little assortment but some of the Alaska items found cheaper in ports.

 

Casino-

Not overly crowded, slightly smoky at times.

 

Spa-

DH had a massage and I forgot to warn him about sales pitch, so we now own as assortment of Elemis products.

 

Staff-

Always smiling, friendly and helpful. Sous chef and assistant maitre'd, Robert, so helpful with DS food allergy.

 

Food-

There is food everywhere! We did not go to specialty restaurants. Enjoyed the food in the main dining room. We went to Indigo since that is where Robert was. Ordered the chocolate volcano more than once. Lotus Garden was just ok. it would not go back. O'Sheehans pretty good, but chicken tenders not the best. Did not eat buffet much because of allergies but what we had was good. It was nice to have access to coffee, tea, lemonade and flavored beverages anytime.

 

Ports-

In Juneau went whale watching with Harv and Marv. Saw quite a few whales and liked the small boat. WARNING - if you need to disembark soon after arrival get in line early and prepare to herded. This was the worst part of our trip. In Skagway we took a helicopter to Meade glacier - great excursion. Glacier

bay was beautiful and got to see Margerie calf. In Ketchikan we had a private tour with Ketchikan Taxi. Dave took us to Herring Cove where we saw many eagles, a few salmon out in the bay and a mink. Missed seeing a bear :( then we saw the totems at Saxman and were dropped off at Creek St for some shopping. Had to tender back, important to get in line early. In Victoria just walked around and ate a beaver tail pastry.

 

Disembarkation-

Super easy, waited in cabin until time to go. They called our tag at 8:00 but it was scheduled for 8:45. We headed off around 8:40 and were outside the terminal in less than 10 minutes!

 

What to wear-

We saw people on board wearing everything from shorts to jeans to fleece to dressy. I wore jeans every day with a short sleeve shirt and sometimes a sweater too. It was chilly near doors and in theater.

 

Weather-

Just a few sprinkles, some wind. High temps from 55-75 and cooler at night. Water was a bit rough at times with 9-12ft swells the first night. I took Bonine the first two and last two days just in case.

[misslyss1220]

Thanks for your review! I'll be getting on the Pearl this Sunday. Very excited! :D

[johnt83]

Thanks for the review! We'll be going on the Pearl next month and looking forward to it! Appreciate the tips as well especially in Juneau, as we dock at 2pm and our excursion is at 3pm, we will definitely get in line early, likely after lunch to make sure we can get off in time.

 

Also thinking of maybe doing the Main Dining Room on embarkation day for lunch. We typically hit up the buffets but I know they are always crowded, the MDR may not be as busy, less selection since we're vegetarian but something we'll consider. Can't wait!!

[ssaito1]

Thanks for sharing! Always happy to hear another Pearl success story :) My favorite ship I've been on so far.

 

 

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[Clarea]

Thanks for the report.

[Cavetti2013]

Was a shuttle service operating from the dock to town?

[TMC]

We got on a shuttle provided by Harv & Marv for our whale watching. We asked to be dropped off in town afterward and we walked back. I do remember watching people return to the ship by bus, so I think that was the shuttle you are looking for.

 

T