Coming Soon! Live from NCL Pearl 10/14/2022 to 10/21/2022 Boston-to-Boston Canada/New England. First Time Cruiser!

[Denise T]

Back again. Internet very sketchy going through Halifax. Day 4: I did not think that there was anything much to do here unless you were on an excursion. I was wrong! There is a beautiful boardwalk area full of shops and restaurants. I found a wonderful kilt and tartan store as I am of Scottish heritage. There were some stores closed for the season. But the walk was beautiful. We were in port with a Regent ship and the Adventure of the Seas. Once back on, we played some trivia and visited several of the bars. So very relaxing. We had breakfast in the Summer Palace (main dining room) and dinner in Indigo (other main dining room). Food was good and staff were awesome. Evening was spent listening to the live music. I don't want to go home!

[TSUmom]

1 hour ago, Denise T said:

Back again. Internet very sketchy going through Halifax. Day 4: I did not think that there was anything much to do here unless you were on an excursion. I was wrong! There is a beautiful boardwalk area full of shops and restaurants. I found a wonderful kilt and tartan store as I am of Scottish heritage. There were some stores closed for the season. But the walk was beautiful. We were in port with a Regent ship and the Adventure of the Seas. Once back on, we played some trivia and visited several of the bars. So very relaxing. We had breakfast in the Summer Palace (main dining room) and dinner in Indigo (other main dining room). Food was good and staff were awesome. Evening was spent listening to the live music. I don't want to go home!

Not wanting to go homes sounds like you are becoming addicted to cruising and if so welcome to my world.

[fenny7cats]

Loving the daily recap Denise - I am on the Pearl in January so am interested to hear all about your experiences. Thanks.

[Denise T]

Day 5: Portland was fun. We had to do Homeland Security check which was a bit chaotic. It did go quickly though. Once in Portland we headed left to shop for our swag and eat a lobster roll at the Porthole Bar. Yummy! Then we went and walked along the harbor which was very calming. Once back on board, we visited a few bars and just relaxed. I spent time in the spa. Dinner was at La Cucina which was delicious. I had salmon which I love. We went back to the room and relaxed. We got to watch sail away from our balcony. I am so impressed with how these cruise ships turn around and move. 

[Denise T]

Hoping to download photos once in Boston and with steady Internet. I have so many great pictures to share!

[j603]

Glad you loved Portland. I do love my old stomping grounds. It has come a long ways from when I was a kid.

[Denise T]

Catching up now as I am in Boston and the Internet is so much better. Day 6 was in Bar Harbor. Very pretty. This is a tender port. Sail in was so pretty because so many islands that we passed. We decided to stay on the ship because we were so exhausted. Our plan is to make a separate trip to Bar Habor in 2024 because we want more time here. Breakfast was in the buffet. We ate our breakfast almost every day in the Great Outdoors, relaxing and taking in the views. We walked the decks, played some basketball (what a sight!) and I hit a few golf balls. We had a drink at several bars. We played some trivia (we were pretty bad at this one). Dinner was at O'Sheehan's which is my favorite. We saw the Legends in Concert in the Stardust Theater. It was Madonna, Michael Jackson and Elvis. I wanted to see the one with Tina Turner. Michael was by far the best of the three. After the show we packed (boooo). We played cards and watched the football game. 

[Denise T]

Back in Boston. 🙁Arrived before 7. We had breakfast and waited for our group color to be called. Disembarkation was very smooth. Our color was called, and we were off the ship quickly. Got our bags and easily got a cab to our hotel. Our plan today is to see sights and then fly home tomorrow. 

 

Thoughts on my first cruise:

1. I loved it! The Pearl is a great ship. I am not one for the water slides, roller coasters, and racetracks. This is the perfect ship just to relax, eat, drink, and engage in the many activities. I would sail again on the Pearl in a heartbeat. 

2. The crew was fabulous. They greeted us every time we saw them. They worked so hard maintaining the ship and making the guests happy. 

3. Our room steward, Adi, was wonderful. My sister and I aren't used to being pampered and he got us everything we needed. We tipped him extra because he deserved it. 

4. Upselling at the spa is annoying and I get why they do it. The goal of the ship is to make money. I took advantage of a bamboo massage which was great and some acupuncture because I wanted to try it. I did pamper myself here but just be forewarned that they will try and upsell for extra treatments etc. 

5. My sister and I DIY'd our shore excursions. Yes, the shore excursions through the ship will guarantee that the ship will wait if you are late. But we found some very nice opportunities not offered through the ship. We wanted short excursions because neither of us can stand to be on a bus for a long period of time. Research the ports to see what deals are there. Do the ship's excursions if you are worried about getting back on time. My sister and I walked about the ports for a few hours and returned to the ship to enjoy the bars and activities. 

6. Our room was a balcony club suite which is not really a suite. I was good for two people. We were comfortable and the balcony was great when we were docked on the starboard side. Not a whole lot of storage especially since it can sleep 3 people. 

7. We only saw to children on this sailing. Could have been more. Unsure whether the kids' activities were open. We also saw a service dog. very calm and sweet. 

8. There are lots of activities on board to suite everyone. We did quizzes and watched some of the game shows. We did not go to the casino as the cigarette smoking aggravating my breathing a little. 

9. I believe this sailing was at or near full capacity. We managed to avoid many of the crowded areas. The Atrium filled up quickly each day as people claimed seats and styed most of the day. We were able to get seats at the bar when we were there. Hardly anyone at the pool decks when we got to Portland as the weather went from warm to chilly and breezy. Disappointed with buffet etiquette. I had people reaching over me when I was trying to get my drinks and they were not wanting to wait the few seconds until I finished getting my drink. The buffet has a lot of seating though so we could always get a seat. Much of the time we sat in the Great Outdoors. 

10. Be prepared for this sailing to be an older crowd. Very little children. I believe that this is because school is in session for many. 

11. Some guests don't wash their hands after using the bathroom. Saw this so many times. I have washed my hands so much and used hand sanitizer so much that my hands are dry. Not so much because of COVID but I believe Norovirus is still a thing. 

 

I do love the atmosphere Norwegian provides. My next cruise will be in 2023 to Alaska. We will be going with Holland America because a friend recommended, and I have booked that through a travel agent who knows the itinerary very well. I want to try several cruise lines. I will definitely sail Norwegian but not the bigger ships. Love the Jewel class. 

[Denise T]

Charlottetown PEI

[TSUmom]

Thank you for sharing!  Welcome to cruising and I am glad you enjoyed it!  We prefer the Jewel class ships also but I am happy onboard any ship!

[teachberry]

On 10/15/2022 at 12:06 PM, Denise T said:

Quick update. Seas have been a little rough throughout the night. Last night we watched the Joy and the Seabourne ship sail way. The Pearl followed shortly after. We enjoyed the sail away party at 4. Spent the evening walking around the ship and enjoying the night sea air. 

 

Day 2: Sea Day

Started with breakfast at the buffet. Had a massage. Seas still choppy and cloudy today. The sun is trying to break through the clouds. Lots to do. Trivia followed by a scavenger hunt and walking the ship. The staff is awesome, so very friendly. Hope to get some pictures up soon. Having trouble with Internet. 

 

More later! Having a fantastic time!

If the seas are rough, you need to use the elevator.  I know...from experience!!

[Denise T]

1 hour ago, teachberry said:

If the seas are rough, you need to use the elevator.  I know...from experience!!

I kind of had fun walking around the ship as it was rocking and rolling. Tested my balance and made me laugh at times. Never got seasick at all. 

[Denise T]

More Charlottetown. 

[Denise T]

Sydney

[bonvoyagie]

Your story and photos bring back memories from our cruise back in 16 - I put lots of research into this trip and did lots of DIY tours including rental cars and self guided tours - in Sydney we drove out to the Alexander Graham Bell museum - about an hour away from town and a great drive. I also found several taxi companies that do tours for a flat fee on port days. I am glad that you had a great cruise we also love the Jewel class ships. We did our NE cruise on the Gem.

[Denise T]

More pictures! I am back home, and boy do I miss the sound of the waves, having someone else cook my meals. Well, 217 more days until my Alaska cruise. 

[www3traveler]

When are you heading to Alaska and which ship?

 

I am planning an Alaskan cruise as early in the Season as possible b2b from Vancouver, British Columbia on The Jewel.

[Denise T]

2 hours ago, www3traveler said:

When are you heading to Alaska and which ship?

 

I am planning an Alaskan cruise as early in the Season as possible b2b from Vancouver, British Columbia on The Jewel.

I am going May 28, 2023, on Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam. I am trying different cruise lines. I will be sailing from Whittier to Vancouver. 

[cruiseny4life]

145 days until my next cruise. Thanks for making it a tolerable wait with your live! I so appreciate being able to follow along!

[disneynan]

Thank you for posting!

[Denise T]

Slowly readjusting to life back on land. The best was picking my cats up from boarding and getting to hug them. I am starting the countdown to my next cruise!

[salzdt]

On 10/12/2022 at 4:46 PM, Denise T said:

A little bit more about my trip. My sister and I are in a balcony club suite on deck 11 aft. My sister gets claustrophobic so a balcony it is. We chose not to upgrade because we are happy with what we have. No Haven for us as we are just not interested in it. Our goal is to relax and enjoy ourselves. We will do our best to avoid very crowded areas and take the stairs mostly (I am a diabetic so I try to walk as much as I can). If necessary, we will wear masks as I am considered high risk (I am fully vaccinated and boosted and already had COVID). We may come down with COVID as we will be going through airports and such and if that happens, it is what it is. 

 

We are booked for Cagney's and La Cuchina. We plan to try the main dining rooms, the buffet, Lotus Garden, and O'Sheehan's. Will we be able to see the Eagle's game on Sunday or a Phillies game, who knows? I would like to get a massage and perhaps I will set foot in the gym. Since my sister and I are such workaholics, we are going to attempt to be as unstructured as possible. Will it work? Let's hope so. 

 

We will be in Boston tomorrow and I will try to get some pictures there. Looks like rain, so we will play it by ear. We may be sailing out on Friday in a thunderstorm! 

 

Stay tuned for more!

Hi Denise, we will be going on this cruise next Sept 2023. Do they ask you for a negative Covid test or do they test you at the port.?

[salzdt]

Just now, salzdt said:

Hi Denise, we will be going on this cruise next Sept 2023. Do they ask you for a negative Covid test or do they test you at the port.?

 

Just now, salzdt said:

Hi Denise, we will be going on this cruise next Sept 2023. Do they ask you for a negative Covid test or do they test you at the port.?

Also we booked a balcony, what is the difference between balcony and club balcony?

[ggTexasGal]

1 hour ago, salzdt said:

 

Also we booked a balcony, what is the difference between balcony and club balcony?

Note: Club Balcony Suites do NOT get the same perks as other SUITES/HHAVEN rooms.

 

Currently being offered in a CBS: there "should be" a couple of days when some treats are delivered to the room, a bag of laundry done for FREE should be available, and you have the opportunity to book restaurants for your sailing at 125 days prior (rather than the standard 120 days).

[OUTinMinnesota]

Denise, I hope you've noticed that your profile pic here on Cruise Critic has been updated.  It now shows that you've earned a rare designation for posting this Coming Soon! Live from NCL Pearl 10/14/2022 to 10/21/2022 Boston-to-Bostin Canada/New England.  Thanks for doing it!

 

Did NCL offer passengers a mid-cruise laundry special...  one low price for a bag-full?

 - if yes, on what date did they offer it to you?

 

Thanks for pics and the thoughtful writeup about your first cruise!