The best cruise ever...Norwegian Pearl 02MAR07

[sneakerstud]

Let say sorry for the delay of my trip review, but I was horribly sick.

Now let’s start…

Background Info: I have sailed many times on RCCL, Celebrity, HAL, Seabourn, Silversea and NCL and it was I have no clue how many hundred cruises I have done.

I stay as well in the most lavish 6* Hotels in this world and have been all over.

The whole trip was organized by myself as a vacation to show my neighbors and friends a good time on my beloved NCL, we have been a group of 20 (King Marcus Group), staying from an outside Staterooms to Courtyard Villas.

The day before the cruise: We arrived early (10 of us) with American Airlines and got picked up by an organized Mini Bus (Greyhound Travel Services, Thank you Anny and Bobby!!!). We had 2 Hotels booked, the lavish JW Marriott downtown (where I stayed) and the convenient Holliday Inn Port of Miami.

The day of cruise: We got again picked up with the organized buses and ended up around 10:30a at the Pier. The doors for registration have been still closed and a small line started to build up. We gave our luggage to the porters and (took 10 minutes to make sure the whole group was fine) and the Pier Manager, took us right onto the Registration Desks around the lines. Check in was a breeze and my whole group ended up in the lovely Concierge Lounge, where snacks and drinks have been waiting for us.

By 11:30am I was able to get everybody on the ship, as well all the others waiting in the Concierge Lounge have been able to pre board the ship. I guess right after us they started general boarding.

My Partner and I booked a Courtyard Villa Suite! As soon as we got up to our floor, vacation finally started! The room was gorgeous and all my preordered wine, sodas and liquor have been waiting already on my bar counter.

Ryan our Butler stopped by and introduced himself and asked, if he could show us around, but since that was my 3rd trip already on her, I have been accustomed with the whole ship already. The Champagne Cork popped and I made it to the Star Bar, where my Group waited already to show them the ship. Most of them have been 1st timers and all I hared was a WHOWWW and saw open jaws like children on a Christmas.

Let say it that way…the Norwegian Pearl is really the greatest ship out there, she is beautiful, well laid out and very colorful, which puts you right into vacation mood.

The Courtyard and its Villas: It was my 5th time sailing up there (Garden Villa before this trip) and I can only say: This cruise totally exceeded our expectations!

The Suite is just right for 2 persons, with separated bed/bathroom from the living/dining area with a cute balcony. The bathroom is even better then in the Garden Villa, I love to sit in the window over the ocean and take a bath while watching a movie right on the flat screen TV in front of you or take a shower an this fabulous shower stall with rain shower head and many massage nozzles.

Luggage was right up there and I unpacked, actually most of it goes to the Butler anyhow for pressing, so I have it the next morning nicely hanging in the closet. The only negative (for us mega packer’s), there wasn’t enough storage for our clothes, but as well the Garden Villa Master Bedroom walk in closet was to small for us…so it must be the 2 of us.

We had dinner in all the Restaurants on the simply irresistible Norwegian Pearl, food and service have been everywhere “TOP”, I still can not believe, that people do not like their food, as I stated before, I’m very particular with what I eat and know excellent food!

It was a true Gourmet experience, especially Le Bistro, Cagney’s and Teppanjaki!

If you are in the Penthouses or Villas, you have the use of the Star Bar, which the day time Concierge Lounge and you are as well invited to have VIP Breakfast and Lunch up there with a very lavish and exquisite menu.

We ended up there maybe 2 times, since (new to NCL) there is now the possibility to have breakfast and lunch served to the Courtyard. How nice that was to just wake up, put your bathrobe on and go to the Courtyard, have a fabulous breakfast is waiting for you without the whole stress to get dressed…this is real vacation! Or Lunch…sitting is just shorts, without missing out on quality food and service.

I have to praise Ryan our Butler and Michael our Courtyard Butler, have been the best we ever had! The most sincere and wonderful with the best service provided on time possible!!!

I have had organized as well a “1 Hour open Bar” Party in Bliss Ultra Lounge in one of the VIP Corners, what fun that was and what great location! Thank you, Colleen for helping me with my Group…she was excellent!

Service all over the ship was excellent! Especially I want to talk about Clarence (Pool Bartender) and Venus and her sister (Spinnaker and Bliss). Those 3 made us feel very special, all of them with better then excellent service!

The Spa was a phenomenal experience, I had the 9 day pass and both of us optioned for massages with Laurent from Australia…I have been to many Spas and also had medical massages, but he was the best! My partner had as well a “Shave of all Shaves” and loved it, for him it was a truly unique experience.

The Islands have been beautiful as usual, the bad part was, that I got a very bad cold and was a bit handicapped, but thanks to the excellent ships doctor, I could make it to our outstanding Helicopter trip to Montserrat, where we toured the active Volcano.

The shows, especially “Garden of a Geisha” were very good and the Cruise Director Clint was extremely friendly and approachable.

Did I state, there is now everyday “Happy Hour” with 2 for one drinks??? Just look it up in the “Freestyle Daily”, we had them mostly 2 times a day, 1st by the pool and 2nd in one of the lounges in the evening.

Debark was very easy and we got off as a Group by 11:30a and have been shortly after at the airport. Thank you Concierge Carlos!

Verdict: This was really the best cruise experience ever, there could have not been a more caring crew, better food and service and respectfully a more beautiful ship! The whole group was feeling the same way and we are all already booked for the next journey with NCL!

The biggest “Thank You” goes to Klaus Lugmaier (Hotel Director) who is the best on all the ships in the world and to my friend the Bridge Doll “King Kim” (Staff Captain)!!!

[CRUZIN TOM]

What a great write up. We also enjoyed our 9 day in February and have booked the Pearl for Alaska in August. We are even waiting for the re-positioning of the Pearl next April to go thru the Panama canal...Super ship and staff,:)

[GeekyMom]

Nice review, I enjoy reading reviews; "the good, the bad and the ugly." You can learn a lil from them all.

 

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself!

 

I've yet to have a suite, and the thought of having a butler, well. :D

[snorklinbarb]

Greetings to King Marcus,

 

OMG, you had me laughing and nodding the whole way through!:D

 

Of course, silly, it wasn't the closet.....how much stuff did you 2 guys lug?:eek:

 

I could just picture you and your group over in the special corners in Bliss having your cocktails. Were you in the "red" or "purple" areas!

 

Happy Hour drinks 2 for 1? You've made some readers very happy already.:cool:

 

How nice for the CY guests to offer them breakfast & lunch up there. I swear, the more I read about NCL's suite "perks" and amenities with more meager offerings from competitors, NCL really seems to be edging out the competition.

 

Glad to hear Klaus & Co. showed you and your group their superb hospitality. That crew is so motivated to be helpful, pleasant and efficient no matter what position and what deck. I was down on deck 4 last cruise and you would not have believed how fantastic our stewards were.

 

And, of course, you're right, Marcus. She's simply irrestible!

 

Hope our paths cross on another ship!:D

 

p.s. Hi CRUZIN'TOM - don't you just wish we were back on the Pearl?

[sneakerstud]

Greetings Barb,

 

We had the red side with the "Kings Throne"...LOL!!! It was really fun adn I belive I have never been as drunk and many others in my group! We went to bed by 5am or so...the one hour bar (started 11:45p) extended to they have closed, it was scandalous!!! He he he!

 

YES...NCL offers the best suite product on all the ships in the world, they really are trend setters and many years in advance, before the other cruise lines implement the same.

 

I hope to see you on the GEM!!!

 

Have all a great day...

King Marcus

[Maryfrei]

Sounds heavenly!

[sneakerstud]

It was pure "Heaven"!!! I do have now a severe "Post Cruise Depression"!!!

[watchdiva]

Thanks SneakerStud for posting so much info about the CY's - DH and I are in an A3 for the 4/13/07 9 day Southern and we just can't wait!

 

I too have sailed RCCL and HAL and for my money - nothing beats the freestyle atmosphere on NCL AND their suites with butler service and large cabins.

 

Glad that you enjoyed your cruise - you sound like you had a really fun group with you - we'd love to cruise with you some time! Question for you - were you able to make all your reservations the first day and (if you didn't take that route) did you experience any problems getting reservations for restaurant/time you wanted? We like to eat about 7-7:30 PM and when we had an AB on the Dawn, booked everything the first day with the concierge and hoping that we can still do the same. Also, is the concierge lounge in the Star Bar staffed during its hours of opening (meaning, can we pop in there are ask the concierge to handle something, etc or is it easier to just call him/her on the phone?)?

 

We've got a very active roll call going on and DH and I are looking forward to some great food, tons of fun and breakfast/lunch in the CY!:D

[star7228]

Thanks for posting Sneakerstud! What a fabulous review...you have me waayy too excited for our 6/24 sailing on the Pearl. :D

 

And the more I read about the suite amenities, I'm even more excited that we booked an AD. We had one on the Star a few years back, but it seems that NCL has really put a lot into their amenities for suite passengers, I'm really looking forward to it!! Thanks for getting me even more excited than I was!!! :D

[Pradagal]

You made my day !! We will be on the Pearl April 8th for a short 5 day. We have never been on NCL and this ship in pictures looked sooo beautiful. She also got great reviews in travel mags.

Thanks again I can't wait. Question were the 2 for 1 drink specials on all drinks? Our bar bill is always so crazy!!!

[sneakerstud]

Restaurant reservtions: Normally it is possible to reserve the day before, but as a Villa/Penthouse Guest you can do far in advance. I mostly just call and show up and there is never a problem eiter. Just call your Concierge.

Concierge Lounge/Star Bar: YES it is staffed and you can get cocktails! For breakfast time there is mostly as well the Concierge around and looks afer all his Guests otherwise you call him/her.

 

Happy Hour: Was all house brand, for example N(O premium Champagne (Dom Perignon) or Cordials (Louis XIV), but all regular Cocktails, beer and open wine was 2 for one! Belive me the buckets of beer have been flying around like crazy at the pool deck!!!

Last night in Bliss, the whole night was until close 3:30am "2 for 1" on everything, even Cognac and so on!

 

Don't ask about my BAR BILL:mad: !!! Actually never got one...I guess somebody took it from our door...:D !

[debshomespun]

I also have to agree that the 9 day pearl has been our best cruise to date. We were on the 3-2-07 sailing too. the ship is fantastic, the itinery is also fantastic! The crew were all fabulous. I sooooooo miss the pearl! I am also full of post cruise depression!

[marilynd]

Thanks for the review sneakerstud: My DH and I are on the April 13 9 day Pearl in a Courtyard Villa suite. My second time in a Courtyard villa suite. On the Jewel my sister and I were able to get cans of soda in the Concierge lounge and at a table in the pool area. I have heard that you can't get soda anymore. Tell me this isn't true?

 

If they serve cocktails in the Concierge lounge can we get a fountain coke there?

[sneakerstud]

I know...I have ben on the Jewel myself and there have been Sodas in the Lounge. They have a wonderful continental Breakfast Buffet in the Courtyard (you can order as well everything from Cagney's) with fresh fruit juices, from then there is iced water and orange juice and snacks.

If you go to the Concierge Lounge you have regular Bar prices for drinks.

Only the Owner's Suite, Deluxe Owner's Suite and the Garden Villa have complimentary Sodas and bottled Water!

In the Caribbean you will not really use the Concierge Lounge, but I can see myself in there for a Alaska cruise, since you have in there the best view (inside) over the ship and the ocean!

 

King Marcus

[marilynd]

Thanks Sounds like we will be getting a soda card again on this cruise.

[brunolvr]

Someone had indicated that Deck 7 is smoke free "end to end". Does that mean there is no smoking both inside the ship on Deck 7 and also outside on the Promenade Deck?:confused:

 

Any other non-smoking areas besides the dining rooms?

[debshomespun]

Non smoking is on the port side (?) of the ship for all public areas. I don't have my dailys with me, but one side of the ship is smoke free, including on the open decks. We were up on deck on one of the sea days, and one of the white uniformed crewmen told someone sitting by us that they couldn't smoke on that side of the ship. Also, the bars on the smoke free side of the ship is just that, smoke free. Although, I didn't really see people smoking inside the bars, I wasn't looking for that. The casino, however, always has smokers in it.

[sneakerstud]

I only do smoke on a ship...! Deck 7 is smoke free, except outside on deck it is possible and ashtrays easy to find. In Bar Central there is smoking as well as in the Casino and on the opend decks. You will see ashtrays around.

Total NO GO smoking is Bliss, Restaurants, Theater.

[Stillfloatin']

Hi King Marcus & Debbie. It was fun meeting you all at the meet & greet. I gotta agree with you, this Pearl cruise was the best ever! We were also on the following 5-day Western. Wow, with over 1000 Florida college students, that cruise was LIVELY! I'm still suffering from major PCD also. And the only cure is to book another cruise! :D

[sneakerstud]

You say it and I did...!!! I booked the 15 night Panama Canal in Septeber and PCD is gone and a smile back in my face!!!

I just wished Health Care would pay for that:D !!!

[Stillfloatin']

I agree. Cruises make us live longer and happier lives so our insurance companies should pay for them! :D

[Matt143]

Thanks for the in depth review...looking forward to my own voyage on the Pearl in June!

[sneakerstud]

You are all welcome...just wished I could jump on her tomorrow!!!

[micheleg]

Hiya Marcus!

 

I knew you would have a fabulous time...Anny & Bobby are going again in April and now you're joining them again in September for the Panama Canal cruise! How wonderful...John and I are so jealous... :D Are you still joining us for the Transatlantic on the Jewel in October? You haven't posted there in some time (our thread is surprisingly quiet), so I was wondering if you were still going!

 

Thanks for the review of Pearl...I just wish there was some way John and I could hop on for even a 5 dayer...but unfortunately, the vacation days don't allow it this year. Oh well...there's always 2008! :)

 

Talk to ya soon!

Michele

[sneakerstud]

Hey Michele,

 

We do not go on the theranstlantic, since they have doubled the price for our Suite. We just said thank you...LOL!!! I believe I would be as well bored on the Jewel, after being on the Pearl with such better amenities.

 

YES...Bobby and Anny are as well on the Canale Grande Tour and we plan to sail a couple of times next year as well a extended cruise in Europe.

 

The world get's too small for us...LOL!!!

 

Have a great time and weekend,

 

King Marcus