Just off the Pearl! ANy ????

[ketzelacruising]

WE just returned from the Pearl. It was a great cruise with a few exceptions-

I 'll get into detail tomorrow! WE did have the excitement of finding five "Cuban" refugees in a boat and picking them up. the Captain, however, behaved in a completely unprofessional fashion, bashing the USA and the Coast Guard, and then eventually announcing at 915 pm that he was going to bed with his wife to celebrate their anniversary...TMI!!!

Does anyone have any questions about Pearl? We had a GREAT CC meeting, and the only problem with the CV was the smell of cat pee in the master bath- they never did resolve it...

Slots were LOOSE for me- won every night- always over 100, couple of times over 800- came out WAAYY ahead!

We were on a cruise that had 170 "special" Casino guests, so we were treated like crap at the tables- and not the CRAPS tables!! I was even told that I was " not important enough" ( direct quote from pit boss) to be allowed to play" at the 10 dollar BJ table.. as a high roller ( what the hell is a high roller dong at the 10 doller table) NEEDED to play 2 t0 3 hands at once.....

 

Food was great, never a crowd in the Garden Buffet, Cagney's lunch stellar, La Cucina and Teppanyaki awesome- CAgneys filet at dinner was nothing to great. But we loved our lunches and breakfasts there. Mambos was awesome- Terry- those ribs ROCK! Or mmaybe they didn't- after the free MAragherita I might not have known!

Murder Mystery was really fun, as was bowling. We only saw a few shows, but the Shows were great- we saw Sharkkbait twice and took juggling lessons.

The 3 kids loved Kids Krew, with the exception of all the potty -mouth jokes

( booger icecream, barf soup, etc....)

 

Our butlers, Lanie and Charlie were AWESOME! Carlos the concierge was very sweet and very kissy-touchy- but he didn't do anything for us-really. Our room butler did all the reservation making and trouble shooting. But he was VERY nice. (He did blow off our whole group this morning, not showing up on time at the apointed debarkation for us - I know, things happen) so we got off alone and were wizzed thru like nothing!

 

Embarkation- 15 minutes, tops. A breeze at 11:30 am. Debarkation- 5 minutes from ship to curbside.

 

All the stewards and waiters were awesome- and they ALL introduced themselves. I didn't hear all the announcemnets as the PA ssytem in our suite didn't work, so I don't know how often there were announcements. Never felt pressured or pushed to buy ANYTHING on board- very mellow, friendly crew this time around.

 

The ports were not our favorite, but we just love being on the ship anyway. The Dolphin Family Adventure was a blast for the kids. Roataon Tabyana beach had the BEST massage I ever got. Had great snorkeling there- too bad it rained twice! We went back to the ship , showered and went into town. Were immediately "adopted" by a young guy who wouldn't leave- I fianlly paid him a few bucks to GO AWAY! Yes, I know that is what he wanted. The shop owners were very friendly and the kids loved bargianing.

Also, a new store has jsut opened right as youleave the ship on the second story of the Diamonds International building. If, like some people, you forgot your husband's shorts and bathing suits ( except for one pair of shorts) , this is a great store. Bathing suit on ship=- 119 dollers. In Roaton- 20 dollars. The civil unrest seems to be rested here- although when buying a bathing suit I was shocked at the 12 percent sales tax!

Belize was not stellar- we had to skip our beach break as the children were exhausted- but did a little shopping. Cozumel we did the Dolphins and then a little shopping. GSK was the usual fun but cold water, so we stayed til lunch and then had the whole ship tp ourselves! We had an early tender , but those who waited til 10:30 or so had a hard time finding chairs-make a note to yourselves! The water was clear, the beach clean and everyone friendly.

 

Linda the cruise director was FABULOUS!

Also, the second day of the cruise a Del Sol store opened on the ship- you with kids know what that is. the prices on SOME items are the same as in port, but in Belize they are a bit lower in the Del Sol store in port- only a buck or to, just letting you know.

 

Full review coming, need to rest!

 

Happy 2009!

 

Ketzela

[knjfaith]

glad u had a great time...one quik question...there was talk here of possible pearl route change last sunday/monday after the incident...was there or did it follow normal port/route sched?

[ketzelacruising]

Nope- no talk of it. But my spa person on Monday morning couldn't STOP talking about the incident- we heard so many different versions about what happened in this sad case... we were told that Security was beefed up, but i don't see how that would stop me from jumping of my balcony during the night!

We left on schedule and arrived on schedule- even after, as the Captain put it , the Coast Guard " screwed up my night" with a rondevous to pick up the refugees. ( Can you imagine a Captian saying " srewed up" over the PA?!)

 

Everyting on time and on schedule, Sir!

 

K

[knjfaith]

that does seem unprofessional on his part...do u know if the room was still roped off/duct tape on deck 11? or did they not want to draw attention to it?

[ketzelacruising]

I don't know- I did go on deck 11 a couple times when i wanted to avoid the chaos that can occur on 12 during At Sea days-I personally didn't see it but it could be there- except our cruise was sold ou 9 allegedly,..) so I don't know where they would put that passnegers- BUT- if the FBI needed to check it as a crime-

basically, I don't know!

[Traveller20074]

First question. Did you book your shore excursions ahead of time? Was there a line even if you did book them ahead? What is CV? What is GSK? :confused:

Glad you had a good time :)

 

One more ? What kind of food did the buffet have? thank you :)

[knjfaith]

how cold was the air conditioning in the restaurants? & how windy was it?

[Traveller20074]

and, another question. Is there access to water to drink on the ship? I don't want to carry on any more than I have to, I'll already have a carryon and backpack that will be full :) And, I also don't want to pay $4.00/bottle. Thank you :)

 

This is cool that you asked this, so we can ask directly from someone who's been on it!

[ddakrt]

When I was on the Pearl a few weeks ago I thought Captain Lars was great, not the most profession guy over the PA but he was a character and great fun to listen to.

 

I personally would have gotten a kick out of hearing his "colourful" announcements! :D

 

Great review though, I'm glad the pit boass and the cat pee didn't ruin the trip for you, as these two things would have to some people.

[ketzelacruising]

When I was on the Pearl a few weeks ago I thought Captain Lars was great, not the most profession guy over the PA but he was a character and great fun to listen to.

 

I personally would have gotten a kick out of hearing his "colourful" announcements! :D

 

Great review though, I'm glad the pit boass and the cat pee didn't ruin the trip for you, as these two things would have to some people.

 

 

While Captain Lars was amusing, he was dripping with didsain for AMerica, the Coast Guard and our immigration policies. his funny announcements abouts sunblock are okay, but he has no business making statements that are very offensive to those who have loved ones serving in our military, and the CG is the military. He needs to , as a foreign- national Captain of a ship that is stopping in American ports ( check Matritime law) refrain from such statements.

This is what offended us. A lot.

 

Th epit boss and cat pee- well, we used the kids bathroom instead !

[ketzelacruising]

First question. Did you book your shore excursions ahead of time? Was there a line even if you did book them ahead? What is CV? What is GSK? :confused:

Glad you had a good time :)

 

One more ? What kind of food did the buffet have? thank you :)

 

 

We booked our excursions ahead as I am a chicken about taking non- cruiseline excursions ( don't wanna miss the boat!)

A CV is a Courtyard Villa on deck 14- very cool!

 

We had no lines for shore excurcsions.

 

Oh- GSk should have read GSC- Great stirrup Cay (i think) , their private Island

 

The buffet had all types of food for lunch and dinner- pastas, chicken, salads, various meats, lots of vegies and fruits, - sandwiches, ice cream, desserts. Thety also have a special kids area with tiny tables and good ol' kid food- nuggets, hotdogs, amac and cheese...

 

Sorry my typing is worse than usual. Like my friend Terry i get vertigo after leaving a cruise ship. Not htat tis has stopped me yet! On top of my Christmas Eve concussion, I can't type so well!

 

Ketzela

[ketzelacruising]

and, another question. Is there access to water to drink on the ship? I don't want to carry on any more than I have to, I'll already have a carryon and backpack that will be full :) And, I also don't want to pay $4.00/bottle. Thank you :)

 

This is cool that you asked this, so we can ask directly from someone who's been on it!

 

 

We did two things-

 

1. buy bottled water in ports- much cheaper.

2. In the buffet, bring your water bottle. Leave it at your table. Get a bunch of coffeee mugs full of water and fill it. In the Courtyard we had bifg urns of cold water. You should never hold your own water bottle to the spigots, however, for sanitatry reasons. A couple times we had to buy water on board- it still feels weird paying 10.08 for 2 big bottles of evian!

 

Have a super duper cruise! The bingo guy is very nice, too!

 

Ketzela

[peach2320]

Ketzela,

Thanks for offering to answer questions on the Pearl!

 

My question is I understand the Blue Lagoon is open 24/7. Is it counter service or sit down? Also, can shorts be worn there?

 

Thanks

[3seass]

Embarkation- 15 minutes, tops. A breeze at 11:30 am. Debarkation- 5 minutes from ship to curbside.

 

Did you get to port at 11:30am and you were on at 11:45am? We were planning on arriving around 11:00am. What time did you get off? We don't have a flight until 2:45pm out of FLL so we are not in a rush. Do you know the latest we can stay in our cabin?

 

Thanks,

Lisa

[Traveller20074]

Wow, that leads me to my next question....you are rocking from your cruise? You know....feeling like you're still on the boat? Is it that extensive? I might have a real problem with this. Last time I was on a boat, and got off (fishing boat) I was almost sick from the motion. Thank you for your replies :)

 

 

We booked our excursions ahead as I am a chicken about taking non- cruiseline excursions ( don't wanna miss the boat!)

A CV is a Courtyard Villa on deck 14- very cool!

 

We had no lines for shore excurcsions.

 

Oh- GSk should have read GSC- Great stirrup Cay (i think) , their private Island

 

The buffet had all types of food for lunch and dinner- pastas, chicken, salads, various meats, lots of vegies and fruits, - sandwiches, ice cream, desserts. Thety also have a special kids area with tiny tables and good ol' kid food- nuggets, hotdogs, amac and cheese...

 

Sorry my typing is worse than usual. Like my friend Terry i get vertigo after leaving a cruise ship. Not htat tis has stopped me yet! On top of my Christmas Eve concussion, I can't type so well!

 

Ketzela

[knjfaith]

how on earth were u able 2 do it w/ a concussion...my head hurts just thinking about it:(

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Welcome back guys!!

[bakerintn]

Ketzela,

Thanks for offering to answer questions on the Pearl!

 

My question is I understand the Blue Lagoon is open 24/7. Is it counter service or sit down? Also, can shorts be worn there?

 

Thanks

 

Blue Lagoon is actually 23/7 -- they close down around 3-4 am. Shorts are always ok there. It is sit down service.

[odblnt]

While Captain Lars was amusing, he was dripping with didsain for AMerica, the Coast Guard and our immigration policies. his funny announcements abouts sunblock are okay, but he has no business making statements that are very offensive to those who have loved ones serving in our military, and the CG is the military. He needs to , as a foreign- national Captain of a ship that is stopping in American ports ( check Matritime law) refrain from such statements.

This is what offended us. A lot.!

 

Was your captain Lars? I know he was leaving the ship after our cruise in October. I thought it was going to be for more than 3 months.

[elruth]

Quote..." Is there access to water to drink on the ship? I don't want to carry on any more than I have to, I'll already have a carryon and backpack that will be full "

 

I was on the Pearl Dec 7-14th. I am very picky re: water and we have filtered water at home and I also drink bottled water. I have to say the water on the ship is great! Tastes wonderful even when you use the drinking glasses in the cabin, add ice and use the water from the bathroom sink tap. We had an AE cabin so did get a large bottle of free water but later on we used the tap water and added ice.

[terrymtex01]

Ketzela I am SO GLAD to hear you had a great cruise. I have to tell you that pit boss thing would have sent me into a tail spin. I am sure I would have met security that night..LOL..

 

I'm also glad you like the ribs. I'm sorry you are having that motion sickness I get when I get back from a cruise. It is MISERABLE for me.

 

Welcome back home, although I am sure you probably wanted to just stay aboard the beautiful Pearl.

[Us2inFL]

Was the sushi bar open during the day for lunch any day/on sea days?

[ketzelacruising]

how cold was the air conditioning in the restaurants? & how windy was it?

 

 

Mambos, Blue

Lagoon and Cagneys wee always chilly- bring a sweater!

We had several windy evenings and our last day at sea was quite windy as well. But you will be quite comfortable in the restaurants in long sleeves or a light sweater.

 

I think a lot depends on where you live! When we lived in phoenix, we laughed at everyone in the pools if it was below 85 degrees. Now we live in PA- our kids were turning blue and still loving that water slide!!

 

Ketzela

[ketzelacruising]

Was the sushi bar open during the day for lunch any day/on sea days?

 

 

Twice I noticed it open early on sea days. Sadly we didn't get a chance to partake- but after 7:30 or eight there always seemed to be open seats!

 

I have to say, for a full, Holiday cruise the re never seemed to be congstion anywhere!

The only crowds we encountered were if you werer returning close to the 'all aboard " time from a day in Port- the elevators would get quite busy- but hey- who cares? We are on vacation,MOn!

 

Ketzela

[ketzelacruising]

Ketzela I am SO GLAD to hear you had a great cruise. I have to tell you that pit boss thing would have sent me into a tail spin. I am sure I would have met security that night..LOL..

 

I'm also glad you like the ribs. I'm sorry you are having that motion sickness I get when I get back from a cruise. It is MISERABLE for me.

 

Welcome back home, although I am sure you probably wanted to just stay aboard the beautiful Pearl.

 

 

Oh, my dear friend- they pulled a number on me and DH, unbeknownst to each other at the time... we met with the head of the casino, John Rhodes, who needs to take customer Service 101- dresses like some wanna- be mobster thug, threatening tone, SOOOOO beyond inappropriate. There was a meeting with the NEW hotel director the next day- his name is Dallas and one on one, behind closed doors- well, he has all the personal ineraction skills of alife time prison inmate...and

warmth of an Eskimo in December.

 

It was a BIg turnoff- we never gambled after FRiday. we both refused.

 

I will relate the whole story at sometime- soooo unreal! I thought Mike was gonna have a stroke. And he is the most mellow guy in town!

 

ketzela