Great Suite Perks and Restaurant Reviews Pearl

[RainbowChaser]

We just came off the Pearl and had a wonderful time. One of the best perks was the use of the Courtyard Area (14th floor). We enjoyed at sea time with our whole family and felt like we were on our own ship. When we wanted to we were surrounded by 3,000 people and then we could find our way to this retreat where the kids swam in 'their own' pool. Had our own jacuzzi and sauna. And best of all, they have assigned a wonderful butler, Charlie, to be the butler for the courtyard. He was awesome, brought us breakfast and lunch in the courtyard (same menu as Cagneys), brought drinks, snacks and was great with the kids. We saw him much more than our suite butler.

 

While the other pool areas were windy and cool at times, the enclosure made our oasis warm and pleasant. On one day, we had heard the outside decks were closed as the sea was rough and they didnt want people on deck, yet we were able to enjoy the fresh air around the pool and never even knew the outside decks were closed.

 

The 2.0 in suite hors d'ouvres were a joke: a saucer of tortilla chips with a shot of salsa, a small plate of potato chips or a few vegees with a small cup of ranch dressing, 3 little brownies. The chocolate covered strawberrys were decent. Overall this was pretty chincy as these were the same sort of things you could get yourself on the buffet or at the sundries store. When we had people over to the suite, we had to order canapes and shrimp (at an extra cost).

 

Food was adequate depending on what and where you ate. Main dining room really depended on what was ordered. The fish is frozen, salmon was Atlantic even on this Alaskan Cruise. Steak in main dining room really poor. Ethnic foods included the currys tasted good. Caesar salad was bottle dressing (Cardinis).

 

Cagneys was excellent. Freshly prepared, high quality meats. The King Crab Legs were a highlight here. More than I could eat and they are totally split, so all you need is to scoop out the crab, no crab cracker necessary.

The lobster was tasty in most venues, but usually 6oz tails, which are large Red Lobster size. Not really worth it, but go for the Crab Legs, you won't be dissapointed. Also, the service at Cagneys for dinner is excellent. Kudo's to Vickram, the restaurant manager.

 

La Cucina, Italian, don't waste your evening or money. Pasta is Chef Boyardee quality. I heard it is same as served in the Buffet. My puntanesca and my wifes arabiata tasted the same except mine had added capers and olives and hers had red flake peppers. Both had the sauce coating the noodles like out of a can vs. having the sauce served on top. The pizza was ok here. The best of this place was the cart of Antipasta but not worth the price of admission. By the way the Lobster (2.0) here was the Ravioli. It's preparation was seafood--presumably lobster, finely processed like a pate or mush and inserted inside the ravioli pockets, then lightly coated with some sauce. Unlike any lobster ravioli I had eaten elsewhere. Not in a good way.

 

Mambo

When asked if we could have Chicken Burrito instead of the Beef, we were told, "sorry all the food is pre-pared and then microwaved" That was how the meal started. I did enjoy the Beef Burrito. It reminded me of the frozen 7-11 type and I actually like those. The fajitas were decent and portions were fine. The nachos, were movie theater quality with that gross cheese sauce vs. shredded cheese. The Ahi appetizer was very good. All in all Chilis or your local Mexican retaurant is much better, but it is free!

 

The buffet really wasnt bad depending on when you got there. I am not a buffet person, but saw the pizza was hot and looked good when fresh. The fruit selection was o.k. Salad ok, but bottled dressing and not much choice. Unfortunately, if you got there at the wrong time, before replenishment, then there was slim pickens. Same for breakfast and often long lines for fresh eggs and omelets. I cant tell you how many times I arrived there for a quick snack and they were closed or closing. The only option was a sit down meal at Blue Lagoon.

 

Anyone need more info let me know

[Frosting Master]

We use bottled salad dressing all the time, so I guess I would be ok with this on the Pearl. I don't really know anyone who makes their own salad dressing. I agree with your description of the nacho cheese sauce, that stuff is nasty. Your courtyard experience sounds wonderful!!!

 

Anyway my question is about the Blue Lagoon. All I seem to read is how slow and rude the workers are. Was this true for you? We will be on the Pearl in September, and I guess I don't understand what the Blue Lagoon is. I thought it was a "quick" snack bar, but it sounds like it's a sit down place. Please set me straight.

[sealuber]

Anyway my question is about the Blue Lagoon. All I seem to read is how slow and rude the workers are. Was this true for you? We will be on the Pearl in September, and I guess I don't understand what the Blue Lagoon is. I thought it was a "quick" snack bar, but it sounds like it's a sit down place. Please set me straight.

 

I was on the Star last week and Blue Lagoon is a diner type place. On several occasions I went down there and ordered chicken wings to go. The service in my opinion on Star was excellent. I never had a problem getting a seat or asking for my food to go. They also have a limited menu and it does not change like the other restaurants.

[DMH15]

The Blue Lagoon on the Jewel and the Dawn are like night and Day. Nothing alike. You can't compare!

 

On the Jewel it was open and quiet. Nice staff.

 

On the Dawn it was like a diner and loud. Impatient staff.

[brunolvr]

How did you enjoy your front balcony, RainbowChaser? Did you find it too windy out there? No problems getting your entire extended family of 17 in to enjoy the courtyard amenities?

[RainbowChaser]

Blue Lagoon was indeed a sit down diner serving burgers, hot dogs, a chef salad, wings, etc. limited menu and 24 hours. The service was ok, but that means you sit down, order from waitress and get your burger, dog in 15-20 minutes or so. We didn't try to do take out but Im sure it wouldve been same.

 

Since it is the only restaurant open at night, I would've preferred a walkup snack bar with Pizza slices or something lighter than burger and fries and you could take it and go. In addiiton, they had a cheesecake and some other lackluster dessert, no cake or pie nor ice cream. That was the shocker, if you wanted ice cream late at night, good luck. Although I was ready for a lite bite to eat at 11:30 sometimes, I didnt want to hang out in a restaurant for 45 minutes and by the time you order get served and eat, it is at least that. It was a toss up which was quicker to do Blue Lagoon or room service. One of my family suggested that it probably would be a lot busier if it was a grab n go counter and maybe they are actually saving money by doing full service?

 

Also, I use bottle dressing at home sometimes and thats why I said the food was adequate. My expectations when I dine out are to get things a notch above. The buffet literally has bottles of wishbone or kraft dressing sitting on the salad bar for self pouring. I guess maybe thats better than dressing packets, but not much. Also, I like blue cheese and never saw it except in Cagneys.

 

My suggestion to NCL would be to have Blue Lagoon have a snack bar counter late at night, add Pizza by the slice and ice cream!

 

By the way, we also dined at Teppanyaki and it was excellent. Le Bistro was pretty good as well.

[RainbowChaser]

Brnolvr,

 

The front balcony was great. It was windy at sea, in fact one time we had to have a crew come in and 're-hatch' the outer bulkhead door so the wind wouldnt howl. The view coming into Glacier Bay from the front lanai was spectacular.

 

Although we loved the room and had our kids in connecting balcony, I wouldve been as happy in the A2 2bdr Courtyard that my sisters family had. It was smaller but housed everybody well and was conveniently located right on the courtyard. We got a chance to see the Garden Villas as we disembarked late. These suites were spectacular, incredible in every way. When we sail with a family group again, we would only want to go NCL and stay somewhere in the courtyard. If we cruise just my wife and I or with other couples, we wouldnt go NCL. By the way the Pearl was the most spectacular ship I've been on. Practically every public space, restaurant (even the buffet), lounge, etc. had huge ocean views. The Spinnaker Lounge was amazing with it's creative seating and views perfect for Alaska wildlife and whale watching. I have to say it's probably the only 7 day cruise I've been on where I didnt get to every public space in the ship.

[crimmper]

Brnolvr,

 

The front balcony was great. It was windy at sea, in fact one time we had to have a crew come in and 're-hatch' the outer bulkhead door so the wind wouldnt howl. The view coming into Glacier Bay from the front lanai was spectacular.

 

Although we loved the room and had our kids in connecting balcony, I wouldve been as happy in the A2 2bdr Courtyard that my sisters family had. It was smaller but housed everybody well and was conveniently located right on the courtyard. We got a chance to see the Garden Villas as we disembarked late. These suites were spectacular, incredible in every way. When we sail with a family group again, we would only want to go NCL and stay somewhere in the courtyard. If we cruise just my wife and I or with other couples, we wouldnt go NCL. By the way the Pearl was the most spectacular ship I've been on. Practically every public space, restaurant (even the buffet), lounge, etc. had huge ocean views. The Spinnaker Lounge was amazing with it's creative seating and views perfect for Alaska wildlife and whale watching. I have to say it's probably the only 7 day cruise I've been on where I didnt get to every public space in the ship.

 

 

DW & I are in an AC penthouse deck 10. Glad to hear the view of Glacier Bay from the front balcony was spectacular.

 

Regarding your second comment. Why would you not cruise NCL if you were traveling with your wife or other couples. Can you elaborate on that comment? :confused:

[RainbowChaser]

Crimmper,

The ship is beautiful and you will love your accommodations. Often times when my wife and I travel without the kids and with other couples we will go on a cruise so that we can live up a notch. (no butler at home:-), so we will choose a more upscale cruise line. NCL's service is ok but not special, possibly due to the pooled tipping. Food is ok, but more banquet quality in the free/main dining, try Cagneys for a great meal!

 

Finally, we really hated the way so much of the programming was geared to selling you something. All the shore excursion talks (as on many cruise lines) tried to either sell you on their excursions or their 'preferred' shops.

 

When you go to the shows, you get a 10 minute commercial prior as the cruise staff walks around the audience hawking instant lotto tickets.

 

Good ole Paul Scaley, cruise director, comes on the PA throughout the day to 'hawk' upcoming bingo, raffle tickets, lotto, casino specials, art aucition and other 'giveaways'.

 

But all that being said, we enjoyed our family cruise on NCL and will book again with the family.

 

For your trip, I recommend to get away from the crowds in the Spa if you enjoy that, the week spa pass for couples at $125 is great and rarely crowded . Also, be sure to book the restaurants early as the concierge will do it for you anytime rather than just day of and if you are just 2, ask for a window table. Most of the restaurants have them. Not sure if Cagneys is available for Bkfst and Lunch for your level suite, but if so, then I would recommend it, especially when you first get on board and are herded into the Garden Buffet. Have a wonderful time!

[terrymtex01]

I was on the Star last week and Blue Lagoon is a diner type place. On several occasions I went down there and ordered chicken wings to go. The service in my opinion on Star was excellent. I never had a problem getting a seat or asking for my food to go. They also have a limited menu and it does not change like the other restaurants.

 

I LOVE their chicken wings and late at night on the way back from the casino, would stop and get an order to go. They also have great fries. I have to say I did find the service a little bit lacking at the Blue Lagoon. We would sit down and it would often be at least 10 minutes before anyone would acknowledge we were even there. Once they did and took our order, they were nice and friendly, but until they gave us their initial acknowledgement, I have never seen people with as good a talent on no looking in someone's direction as these people were. I kind of get the feeling this might be stage two of their training for the main dinning room.. with the buffet being stage one. Just my opinion. The food in the Blue Lagoon was great though.. and I guess that is the most important.

 

This was on the Star by the way. The only other NCL ship we have been on was the Sun and honestly, I don't remember a "Blue Lagoon" type of restaurant when we were on her.

[ChiSquare8]

Are you "guys" serious about bottled salad dressings? I have been on many many cruises including Windjammer and never saw bottled salad dressings. The least they could do is pour them into a salad bar compartment.

 

What kind of crepes do they have in the Garden Cafe in the evenings? Do NCL ships still serve Haagan Daz for a charge???? What types/topping of ice cream does the Dawn have?

 

 

I know food is subjective (I sailed with a friend of mine years ago on Celebrity and she hated the food whereas I love Celebrity's food) but the cheap cheese sauce and the salad dressings are not subjective comments.

 

Also does anybody know if the Dawn has fresh water pools? I got spoiled on Princess last year with fresh water pools. I like salt water when I am at the beach but not to swim.

 

Many Thanks

 

Melissa

[crimmper]

Crimmper,

The ship is beautiful and you will love your accommodations. Often times when my wife and I travel without the kids and with other couples we will go on a cruise so that we can live up a notch. (no butler at home:-), so we will choose a more upscale cruise line. NCL's service is ok but not special, possibly due to the pooled tipping. Food is ok, but more banquet quality in the free/main dining, try Cagneys for a great meal!

 

Finally, we really hated the way so much of the programming was geared to selling you something. All the shore excursion talks (as on many cruise lines) tried to either sell you on their excursions or their 'preferred' shops.

 

When you go to the shows, you get a 10 minute commercial prior as the cruise staff walks around the audience hawking instant lotto tickets.

 

Good ole Paul Scaley, cruise director, comes on the PA throughout the day to 'hawk' upcoming bingo, raffle tickets, lotto, casino specials, art aucition and other 'giveaways'.

 

But all that being said, we enjoyed our family cruise on NCL and will book again with the family.

 

For your trip, I recommend to get away from the crowds in the Spa if you enjoy that, the week spa pass for couples at $125 is great and rarely crowded . Also, be sure to book the restaurants early as the concierge will do it for you anytime rather than just day of and if you are just 2, ask for a window table. Most of the restaurants have them. Not sure if Cagneys is available for Bkfst and Lunch for your level suite, but if so, then I would recommend it, especially when you first get on board and are herded into the Garden Buffet. Have a wonderful time!

 

Thanks for the info RainbowChaser.

We cruised the Dawn 2 years ago, and I have to agree with your statement regarding the programming geared to selling stuff. We cruised Carnival Liberty last year and IMOP I thought they were even worse (first and last cruise with Carnival)

 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this cruise. MY BIL & SIL are joining us. This will be their first cruise with NCL. They are staying in a courtyard villa .They usually cruise with Holland America or Princess.

 

Where would I purchase the week spa pass?

 

Thanks again.

[RainbowChaser]

Crimmper,

You will be able to get the spa pass on board at the spa, just ask for the couple special. Also, glad to hear that your family is joining and will be in a CV. They will be able to walk you into the the CY with them to have bkfst, lunch or to hang out. We really enjoyed being there. It was a great getaway from the masses and loved the pool and jacuzzi there. Charlie, the CY butler will keep everyone happy.

[crimmper]

Crimmper,

You will be able to get the spa pass on board at the spa, just ask for the couple special. Also, glad to hear that your family is joining and will be in a CV. They will be able to walk you into the the CY with them to have bkfst, lunch or to hang out. We really enjoyed being there. It was a great getaway from the masses and loved the pool and jacuzzi there. Charlie, the CY butler will keep everyone happy.

 

 

REALLY. I was under the impression that my DW & I would be able to visit their room, but not the Courtyard.

 

My BIL is going to throw a surprise (I hope) cocktail birthday party for my DW on our day at sea (BIG 5-OH) SIL's sister and friend will be joining us. If we have access to the courtyard that day,it would be really nice.

 

Thanks once again for the info. RainbowChaser.