Just back from a 9 day cruise on the Pearl, not that impressed

[pmcrr]

In his first post on CC the original poster said:

" We sail on the Jewel on 2-1-07. "

Now he claims to have been on the Pearl during what looks like probably the same week???????

 

Sorry Jewel was in error.

[pmcrr]

I would love some elaboration on this, too. And can you give us a penthouse number? I've been looking at a 9 day on the Pearl in December and a heads up would be great. :)

 

We were on the starboard Right side in cabin 9002.

our friends were on the Port side in cabin 9502.

 

Be smart and try to book a penthouse in the aft rooms.

[obosix]

I come to these message boards for inside info and honest critique. It seems when someone gives their opinion, there is alot of bashing and nitpicking if there is anything said the least bit against the cruise. look how this poster was picked on for giving a b+ but talking about some of the things that he was disappointed with........ boy I'll make sure from now on I just read and dare not write, I may get blasted......

[pmcrr]

I come to these message boards for inside info and honest critique. It seems when someone gives their opinion, there is alot of bashing and nitpicking if there is anything said the least bit against the cruise. look how this poster was picked on for giving a b+ but talking about some of the things that he was disappointed with........ boy I'll make sure from now on I just read and dare not write, I may get blasted......

 

Thanks, For your support, I'am tough. it was our $10,000. vacation. But not as tough as the nitpickers, spelling Bee professors, and teachers are who want everything sugar coated.

[newmexicoNita]

I come to these message boards for inside info and honest critique. It seems when someone gives their opinion, there is alot of bashing and nitpicking if there is anything said the least bit against the cruise. look how this poster was picked on for giving a b+ but talking about some of the things that he was disappointed with........ boy I'll make sure from now on I just read and dare not write, I may get blasted......

Don't worry about writing your views: yes, sometimes many of us do seem to come down on what is precieved to be a negative review. In this case, you have 2 different reviews: one is filled with praises and the other starts out negative. Even those answering that were on the same ship question how so many can be thrilled and one can be disappointed. The other question lies more with the heading than the contents. The heading makes it sound like a horrible cruise when in reality, with the excepction of a couple problems it seems to have been a good experience. People will always question reviews like this. Think about it: this was good, this was good, this was good, but this was bad so we were not impressed. it does take a lot to please some people. NMnita

[above sea level cruiser]

People will always question reviews like this. Think about it: this was good, this was good, this was good, but this was bad so we were not impressed. it does take a lot to please some people. NMnita

 

Let's face it, cruise line loyalists will usually question any review that is not 100 percent positive.:rolleyes:

BTW - the OP stating the fact that they were "not that impressed"...does not necessarily mean they were NOT impressed. It simply may mean that they were not as impressed as they thought they should have been, based upon of course, how un-impressed everyone who was not impressed with the OP's impression.

Impressions, like food, can be very subjective. (just my impression).:D

[Host CMLA]

I come to these message boards for inside info and honest critique. It seems when someone gives their opinion, there is alot of bashing and nitpicking if there is anything said the least bit against the cruise. look how this poster was picked on for giving a b+ but talking about some of the things that he was disappointed with........ boy I'll make sure from now on I just read and dare not write, I may get blasted......

You're of course entitled to your opinion however anyone that understands the concept of a message board knows that members respond to what others write with their own opinion. No one has attacked the OP or told him/her they are wrong. Having a different view isn't an attack. It's also not picking on someone to question something they've said

 

I'm sorry the OP didn't have an A+ time. If I paid a lot of money and only got a B+ time, I'd probably be a little less than impressed too. But a B+ sounds like a pretty OK time all things considered.

[cruzforme]

"We were in the penthouse in the front of the ship . our Balcony was non accessable while under way as the bulkhead door had to be closed. It would have been nice to know that before we booked,thanks for telling us ahead of time NCL."

 

IF this is true I would be upset too. :eek: I have never had a balcony and would be upset if this was the case and was not warned first. Lots of money to spend to be shut out of it while at sea. Just my 2 cents! One of many things I have now learned on CC. If I ever get lucky and able to have a big cabin with a balcony, I am going to get it at the back of the boat out of the wind!

[pmcrr]

Seems like the last post I made sent out some mixed messages about our cruise. Re: Wonderful time but not that impressed, not that impressed but gave it a B+. Well here are some of the things that happen that went wrong. Day 1 the freestyle paper in our cabin said that you could buy a bottle of alcohol for your private party consumption. I'am thinking its to take back to the room. See any bartender for details. So I asked the Bartender on the 12th floor outside the garden cafe. He had no Idea what I was talking about. I showed him the Frestyle wording and it made no difference he looked like a Deer in the headlights. Turns out that for 85.00 they will do a bar set up in one of there lounges for a private party.

Day 2 we went to the Concierge to make our dinner reservations for the rest of the cruise and eat Breakfest in Cagneys, We were traveling with 4 other couples which made our party of 10. We Requested she make us reservations at Cagneys, Le Bistro, La Cucina, tepanyaki, and the 2 main dining rooms because of our size. The concierge confirmen in writing to our stateroom the times as well as the restaurant's name for the remaining nights. That night day 2 Indigo had no record of our group. However, they did prepare us a table on the spot with only a 30 min. wait. Day 3 was Cagneys again there was no table for 10 but they did see a table for 2 in my name. They did make us a table on the spot with little or no wait. Day 4,5, & 6 went trouble free, day 7. La Cucina reservation at 8:00, at 8:00 we were told that the party of 17 had not left yet and that it would be around 20 min. more. We elected to wait. 25 min later we inquired again, only to be told look there is nothing to be done except wait. So we did another 20 min. One of our travelers is Diabetic and needed to eat so we went to the main dining room and had dinner at 9:20 pm. So much for the level of service received from the concierge. Plus the capuchino machine was broken most of the time only Decaf was available. Not exactly Stellar performance.

 

Casino, If you play alot like I do, you should get a players card like that of any casino. You give this card to the pit person at your table and they monitor your play for points. At the end of your cruise they will deduct 1.00 for each point you have earned. The problem is that you must turn in your point request to the casino host before 9:00 pm the last night of your cruise. Well they dont tell you that. They they post a sign to read.So I got to the casino at 10:00 pm, too late. I only had like 45 points,but to me it was a cheap thing to do. they did say that the points stay in the system for 10 months so if I book another cruise within 10 mo. they will still be there.

 

What I was refering to re: balcony is that for the most part it was useless in the front of the ship. you could only use it when you were in port. Yes you

could go out on your balcony but why? Lets see Open your regular door then open your sea door , Gail force winds, plus the wind noise whistleing thru your regular door. I think that for the price paid for a Penthouse that NCL should make its passengers aware.

 

I thought the art work on the outside of the ship was tacky and done in poor taste. Alot of paint cans and paint brushes, I guess to remind the crew of there job.

 

These concerns and issues are minor nevertheless, they add to the frustration and did alter my rating. Yes, we did have a wonderful time, but we were traveling with our 8 best friends. Like I said they do things well and some not so well. The Pearl is nice but far from first class.

[megessey]

The Pearl is nice but far from first class.

 

Have you considered going on a Seabourn cruise? Its all first class. I don't know if I ever got the impression that the Pearl was at a first class status. Part of the problem with your review is that you are kinda griping about really trivial things that are about on par with a midrange cruise. But if you want first class 100% you'll have to pick a first class cruislline. That's just my opinion. I hear that you had a good time -- just wondering why you put so much emphasis on what went wrong.

[newmexicoNita]

People will always question reviews like this. Think about it: this was good, this was good, this was good, but this was bad so we were not impressed. it does take a lot to please some people. NMnita

 

Let's face it, cruise line loyalists will usually question any review that is not 100 percent positive.:rolleyes:

BTW - the OP stating the fact that they were "not that impressed"...does not necessarily mean they were NOT impressed. It simply may mean that they were not as impressed as they thought they should have been, based upon of course, how un-impressed everyone who was not impressed with the OP's impression.

Impressions, like food, can be very subjective. (just my impression).:D

obviously you have never read one of my reviews or you wouldn't make such a statement. I have yet to write one regardless of the line that is 100% positive. I think had the Op said we enjoyed most of the food, the entertainment, overall the ship was great, but we did have some concerns about the food, the seats in the showroom etc, it would have made a better impression and not been subject to criticism or question. Not that impressed meaning they were not as impressed as they had hoped to be, etc really doesn't make much sense. That is liking talking out of both sides of your mouth. Sounds more like a politician than someone who just got off a ship. Of course you made the statement. NMNita

[newmexicoNita]

You're of course entitled to your opinion however anyone that understands the concept of a message board knows that members respond to what others write with their own opinion. No one has attacked the OP or told him/her they are wrong. Having a different view isn't an attack. It's also not picking on someone to question something they've said

 

I'm sorry the OP didn't have an A+ time. If I paid a lot of money and only got a B+ time, I'd probably be a little less than impressed too. But a B+ sounds like a pretty OK time all things considered.

 

Seems like the last post I made sent out some mixed messages about our cruise. Re: Wonderful time but not that impressed, not that impressed but gave it a B+. Well here are some of the things that happen that went wrong. Day 1 the freestyle paper in our cabin said that you could buy a bottle of alcohol for your private party consumption. I'am thinking its to take back to the room. See any bartender for details. So I asked the Bartender on the 12th floor outside the garden cafe. He had no Idea what I was talking about. I showed him the Frestyle wording and it made no difference he looked like a Deer in the headlights. Turns out that for 85.00 they will do a bar set up in one of there lounges for a private party.

Day 2 we went to the Concierge to make our dinner reservations for the rest of the cruise and eat Breakfest in Cagneys, We were traveling with 4 other couples which made our party of 10. We Requested she make us reservations at Cagneys, Le Bistro, La Cucina, tepanyaki, and the 2 main dining rooms because of our size. The concierge confirmen in writing to our stateroom the times as well as the restaurant's name for the remaining nights. That night day 2 Indigo had no record of our group. However, they did prepare us a table on the spot with only a 30 min. wait. Day 3 was Cagneys again there was no table for 10 but they did see a table for 2 in my name. They did make us a table on the spot with little or no wait. Day 4,5, & 6 went trouble free, day 7. La Cucina reservation at 8:00, at 8:00 we were told that the party of 17 had not left yet and that it would be around 20 min. more. We elected to wait. 25 min later we inquired again, only to be told look there is nothing to be done except wait. So we did another 20 min. One of our travelers is Diabetic and needed to eat so we went to the main dining room and had dinner at 9:20 pm. So much for the level of service received from the concierge. Plus the capuchino machine was broken most of the time only Decaf was available. Not exactly Stellar performance.

 

Casino, If you play alot like I do, you should get a players card like that of any casino. You give this card to the pit person at your table and they monitor your play for points. At the end of your cruise they will deduct 1.00 for each point you have earned. The problem is that you must turn in your point request to the casino host before 9:00 pm the last night of your cruise. Well they dont tell you that. They they post a sign to read.So I got to the casino at 10:00 pm, too late. I only had like 45 points,but to me it was a cheap thing to do. they did say that the points stay in the system for 10 months so if I book another cruise within 10 mo. they will still be there.

 

What I was refering to re: balcony is that for the most part it was useless in the front of the ship. you could only use it when you were in port. Yes you

could go out on your balcony but why? Lets see Open your regular door then open your sea door , Gail force winds, plus the wind noise whistleing thru your regular door. I think that for the price paid for a Penthouse that NCL should make its passengers aware.

 

I thought the art work on the outside of the ship was tacky and done in poor taste. Alot of paint cans and paint brushes, I guess to remind the crew of there job.

 

These concerns and issues are minor nevertheless, they add to the frustration and did alter my rating. Yes, we did have a wonderful time, but we were traveling with our 8 best friends. Like I said they do things well and some not so well. The Pearl is nice but far from first class.

oh come on,the part about the casino: that sign is posted about redeming points the first day of the cruise. btw, unless they have changed the policy very recently the points stay for 18 months. As for the side of the ship and the art work, to some it may not be attractive, to others it is energetic. Regardles, this is certainly nit picking in my opinion. I think you need to be looking at luxury liners, not mass marketed cruises. NMnita

[hotspur]

What I was refering to re: balcony is that for the most part it was useless in the front of the ship. you could only use it when you were in port. Yes you

could go out on your balcony but why? Lets see Open your regular door then open your sea door , Gail force winds, plus the wind noise whistleing thru your regular door. I think that for the price paid for a Penthouse that NCL should make its passengers aware.

You can't be serious. Do they have to tell you that if you stand on deck in the rain you'll get wet? Or if you spend an afternoon in the sun without sunscreen you'll get sunburnt? Do you think NCL can repeal the laws of physics? If you're cruising at 20+ knots on the open seas it's going to be windy on a balcony at the front of the ship.

 

And enough about the "it wasn't first-class" business. You take a mass-market cruise--whether it's NCL, HAL, Celebrity, or whatever--and it's not going to be Crystal. You want Crystal? Open up your checkbook. And then come back and tell us if it was really worth it.

[7SeasLover]

It seems when someone gives their opinion, there is alot of bashing and nitpicking if there is anything said the least bit against the cruise. look how this poster was picked on for giving a b+ but talking about some of the things that he was disappointed with........ boy I'll make sure from now on I just read and dare not write, I may get blasted......

 

This is not entirely true. I have posted a couple times here and I've sailed a few times with NCL (next cruise will be my 10th with NCL) and I posted some live reviews from the Jewel last October with a major complaint about the noise of running water in our mini.

 

I never got blasted. As a matter of fact NCL refunded over $1400 because of the situation in our room. I think it's not so much that people have negative things to say, but more in how they say it. I think OP's post was very anti-NCL and was quite suprised to read their overall rating after all the negatives.

 

I think it's good that you come here to inform yourself -- I did. I found that I had to wade through the minutiae, weed out the bad stuff, and make my own determination as to what is true or needs more research. I also put a lot of creedence into how many times a person has posted. I don't know why I should care about that, but it makes a difference to me as to the person's credibility.

 

I find it very curious why the person didn't come here before the cruise to learn more about the line or room or itinerary rather than finding this forum after the fact to lodge complaints.

 

No matter what forum on whatever subject there will always be people for or against the issue. As a reader and participant in this forum I find my job is to make my own determination as to the believable aspects of posts. As for grammar and spelling, I discount any such errors as we aren't all English majors. I just "listen" to what is being said.

 

A B+ is very very good, but the OP's post didn't seem to warrant that grade compared to the narrative, but OP is entiled to his opinion and his grading scale. Sheesh... I'm rambling...:cool:

[mbisson]

You can't be serious. Do they have to tell you that if you stand on deck in the rain you'll get wet? Or if you spend an afternoon in the sun without sunscreen you'll get sunburnt? Do you think NCL can repeal the laws of physics? If you're cruising at 20+ knots on the open seas it's going to be windy on a balcony at the front of the ship.

 

You sure said exactly what I was thinking hotspur!

 

-Monte

[RSWBADGER]

Welove2cruise2To reiterate what a few others said here, just because the bulkhead door is closed does NOT mean you can't go on your balcony! We had an AC penthouse on the Dawn in '05. We asked our butler if we were allowed to open the bulkhead door whenever we wanted and he said that we could. He told us when the cabin stewards come in to make up or turn down the cabin, they will close the door (that's their job), but we were free to open it up. And yes, the bulkhead door was closed whenever the stewards came in to service the suite. Yes, it was windy on those "at sea" days, but once we were in the islands, sailing from one port to the other, that forward balcony was wonderful! We spent every morning and evening out there. BTW, we were not told to keep our drapes closed or the lights off at night -- maybe because we were on deck 9, and there were other cabins above us?

 

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2434069720051811170EwJzlV

 

So he went the entire cruise not knowing all he had to do what open the bulk head door. See what you can learn here on the cc boards.:D

 

Click to Enlarge

[kimdave68]

It is suggested to keep closed while under way but not a requirement. Matter of fact it's more like common sense. ;)

 

Ours was open 24x7 during our entire cruise to Bermuda. I guess we were lucky most of the time we had a tail wind of about 20-25 knots. Hmmm at night it was like the ship was not moving but the con showed 20-24 knts all the time. :D

 

One Sunday a bit of wind did kick up and the inside door whistled when closed. We only closed it when our doorbell rung. Opening the cabin door to the passageway while the back door is wide open is a no-no as anyone that's done this (guilty) will tell you anything less than a few pounds gets re-arranged. But it's those things that make a cruise memorable.

 

Sorry that you kept yours closed while under way. Those forward penthouses are fun.

[OceanDreaming2]

We enjoyed being in 9500, same ship, same dates. We also enjoyed visiting with our adjoining neighbors, 9502 included. Never did any of us express a complaint about wind noise. We enjoyed our balcony everyday of the cruise. It was a joy to be outdoors, avoiding the crowds, and reading in peace. The balconies are built so that you can enjoy the sun/shade even while the cruise is underway.

 

What we did complain about was the mysterious clunking/banging taking place between 11PM and 1AM. We felt the noise was coming through the ventilation system, originating from the theater while they were dismantling sets. In any event, it was not every night, and for our inconvenience, they provided another dinner at Cagney's along with a bottle of wine.

 

If the OP was so upset with his stateroom, they could've moved him. I know of at least 3 couples who moved to different areas on the ship once we were underway.

[above sea level cruiser]

I think had the Op said we enjoyed most of the food, the entertainment, overall the ship was great, but we did have some concerns about the food, the seats in the showroom etc, it would have made a better impression and not been subject to criticism or question. Not that impressed meaning they were not as impressed as they had hoped to be, etc really doesn't make much sense. That is liking talking out of both sides of your mouth. Sounds more like a politician than someone who just got off a ship. Of course you made the statement. NMNita

 

 

The OP said what they thought. They did not try and put it in terms of what everyone wanted to hear - that is the problem. As for talking out of both sides of my mouth, sometimes I too, can be deaf in both ears.:rolleyes:

[pmcrr]

You can't be serious. Do they have to tell you that if you stand on deck in the rain you'll get wet? Or if you spend an afternoon in the sun without sunscreen you'll get sunburnt? Do you think NCL can repeal the laws of physics? If you're cruising at 20+ knots on the open seas it's going to be windy on a balcony at the front of the ship.

 

And enough about the "it wasn't first-class" business. You take a mass-market cruise--whether it's NCL, HAL, Celebrity, or whatever--and it's not going to be Crystal. You want Crystal? Open up your checkbook. And then come back and tell us if it was really worth it.

 

Yes I am serious, I think that NCL should have made it known that acess to your Balcony was limited to the Port days only. Other cruise lines state that certain cabins may have a partially blocked view, due to life boats or other obstructions. Talk about bashing do you really think that I need to be told to get out of the rain to avoid getting wet? It must be hard to live in your perfect world where you have no suprises.

[above sea level cruiser]

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2434069720051811170EwJzlV

 

So he went the entire cruise not knowing all he had to do what open the bulk head door. See what you can learn here on the cc boards.:D

 

Click to Enlarge

 

Can you say "rogue wave"? I think the OP knows how to open a door. Fact is when a ship is under way, it is requested that all bulkhead doors remained closed. - See what I learned from CC?

[above sea level cruiser]

If the OP was so upset with his stateroom, they could've moved him. I know of at least 3 couples who moved to different areas on the ship once we were underway.

 

 

Really? Next time I'll book an inside....complain that it is too dark and asked to be moved to a balcony.

Most ships sail FULL. Changing staterooms would be next to impossible.

[mbisson]

Can you say "rogue wave"? I think the OP knows how to open a door. Fact is when a ship is under way, it is requested that all bulkhead doors remained closed. - See what I learned from CC?

 

I wouldn't be believing everything I see on CC. Anyhow, too many of the "facts" presented here conflict and I'd go nuts trying!

[pmcrr]

Yes, I realized that after I posted and it was too late to make any edits. But having a concierge is a good thing!

 

I wish we could afford another penthouse, but like LateCruiser said (Hi Gus!) we don't want to take out a second mortgage for another cruise. If the upsell fairy does call (fingers and toes are crossed) maybe they'll offer a AE penthouse, but *any* penthouse will do!

 

Dream on my friend having a concierge is a good thing. Only if the ship gives that person some authority and is respected by others on the ship. Every problem we had with what our concierge booked for us ws never resolved. And the concierge was nowhere to be found. Worthless, do the bookings yourself. I cant speak for the Butler, as we did not use him. They were both prompt in sending us tipping envelopes at the end of the cruise. Take out a second mortgage its worth it.

[RSWBADGER]

We were in the penthouse in the front of the ship . our Balcony was non accessable while under way as the bulkhead door had to be closed. It would have been nice to know that before we booked,thanks for telling us ahead of time NCL. The decor is well in some parts of the ship its nice then in other parts its really cheap looking. Like the casino, It looked like it was designed by Burger King with an un limited budget. Not very classy or elegant. However do check out the origanal Van Gough hanging on the wall behind the reception desk. Value 30 million, That was something to see. The food was very good overall. The french bistro was ok but the veal chop and the rack of lamb were ordered med. and were well done. Cagneys Steak house had perfect steaks but the Lobester was over cooked. Tepanyaka, like a Benny Hanna grill, cook table side with like 8 per table, The chef was new ,and missed most of his tricks, which actually made it funny to watch. The food was fair as the shrimp. scallops, and Lobster were all overcooked. the steak was perfect. The show lounge seats were like that of a movie theater and were kinda small not very comfortable. Seating thruout the ship was most pleasant except for the show lounge. The Bliss lounge looked like a Bordello. the only thing missing were the hookers, Beds, private rooms, heavy colors and fabric, along with loud music and 4 bowling lanes made this a fun spot for the young set. We went, been there done that. The freestyle cruise dining Idea is setting the bar for other lines to follow. Much nicer than the regement of two seatings. I cant speak for the excursions as my wife went on them. She did say that the beach snorkel trip was very nice. All in all we had a wonderful experience. The NCL Pearl is nice 70% of the time, 25% not so nice and 5% down right un-excuseable. I score the pearl 88, B+.

 

above sea level cruiser:

Can you say "rogue wave"? I think the OP knows how to open a door. Fact is when a ship is under way, it is requested that all bulkhead doors remained closed. - See what I learned from CC?

 

The original comment is listed above, I have been in Forward Suites on NCL and Princess, they want the door and drapes to be closed, they have no problem with you opening then closing the door to access your balcony, just do not leave it open all the time. See comments by other posters in regards to this.

 

In regards to your comments, do you know the OP can open the door?, he never did on the entire trip, don't presume! You seem to speak for this person, maybe your the same. Please post a cruise line memo or rule, where it says no one is allowed on their forward cabins once the ship is underway, please.