Summary
The Norwegian Pearl is perfect for the “freestyle cruising” concept. The Norwegian Pearl is a beautiful ship, adorned with contemporary decor. This cruise ship features multiple restaurants offering diverse cuisines, vibrant bars and lounges, engaging activities ranging from serene corners to the first bowling alley at sea, and family-friendly cabins of various sizes and price ranges.
We attended the naming ceremony for the Norwegian Pearl in December 2006 and enjoyed a two-night cruise to “nowhere”.
Here are a few facts about the Norwegian Pearl:
- Length: 965 feet
- Width: 125 feet
- Draft: 28 feet
- Speed: 25 knots
- Tonnage: 93,530 GRT
- Decks: 15
- Passenger Capacity: 2394 (double occupancy)
- Cabins: 1197
- Number of Restaurants: 12, with 24-hour room service for all cabins. Suites and penthouse guests also enjoy butler and concierge service.
- Number of Bars and Lounges: 14
- Other Facilities: Atrium, Stardust Theater (1042 seats), fitness center, rock climbing wall, bowling alley, Mandara spa and salon, casino, swimming pools, sports deck, teen center, video arcade, kids club, retail boutiques, art gallery, Internet lounge, meeting rooms, library, card room, lifestyle room, chapel, medical center.
Let’s take a detailed look at the Norwegian Pearl.
Varied Dining and Cuisine
The Norwegian Pearl cruise ship boasts 12 diverse dining venues, allowing passengers to dine whenever and wherever they prefer. The option to explore a different restaurant each night is available. Each dining venue features tables with open seating accommodating two to ten guests, and the two main restaurants operate from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
The Restaurant Reservation and Management System assists guests in identifying the most popular dining venues and their expected wait times. This system utilizes flat-screen TVs located in high-traffic areas showing each restaurant’s occupancy status. Indicator bars visually represent when each restaurant is “full,” “short wait,” “filling up,” or “empty.” Additionally, screens provide an estimated waiting time at each restaurant and the table sizes available. Should a guest desire a certain type of cuisine, and the restaurant is occupied, the hostess offers a wait time and a pager that works throughout the ship, allowing guests to relax in a bar until a table is free.
Freestyle cruising attire is the norm on the Norwegian Pearl, with resort casual being the standard. Passengers are always encouraged to dress up if they prefer.
The 12 restaurants on the Norwegian Pearl include:
- Summer Palace: Main restaurant with 558 seats
- Indigo: Second main restaurant with 304 seats
- Mambo’s Latin/Tapas: Tex/Mex cuisine with 96 seats
- La Cucina: Italian dining with 92 seats
- Blue Lagoon: 24-hour food court with 94 seats
- Garden Cafe: Action station casual restaurant with 390 seats
- Great Outdoors: Outdoor dining
- Teppanyaki: Asian Japanese grill restaurant with 32 seats, $20 pp surcharge
- Cagney’s: Steakhouse with 160 seats, $15 pp surcharge
- Le Bistro: French dining with 129 seats, $10 pp surcharge
- Lotus Garden: Asian cuisine option with 100 seats, $10 pp surcharge
- Sushi Bar: Offering sushi, sashimi, and Shabu-Shabu with a $12.50 pp surcharge
Bars and Lounges Around the Ship
Passengers on the Norwegian Pearl will always find a bar or lounge nearby. The bars feature a variety of concoctions and distinctive decor. For instance, Bar Central on deck 6 includes a beer and whiskey bar, a martini bar, and a champagne and wine bar. The Bliss Ultra-Lounge transforms from a sports bar during the day, complete with the first bowling alleys at sea and multiple flat-screen TVs showcasing sports, to a vibrant disco with lively music and a dance floor at night. Seating in Bliss is both velvety and comfortable.
The Spinnaker Observation Lounge on deck 13 offers breathtaking views, a dance floor, unique seating arrangements, and a stage for entertainment. The Sky High Bar and Topsiders Bar situated next to the pool boast views of the pool and deck areas, while Mambo’s Bar overlooks the Crystal Atrium.
For specialty coffee, the Java Cafe in the Atrium is a provide, and gamblers can easily access the Casino Bar located adjacent to the spacious casino.
Cabins, Suites, and Villas
The Norwegian Pearl offers a wide range of cabin options, incorporating a unique concept termed a “ship within a ship.” Upscale travelers seeking large, luxurious suites may book one of the stunning garden villas, courtyard villas, or deluxe owner’s suites. Guests in these accommodations receive keycard access to private decks and benefit from dedicated butler and concierge services. They can enjoy meals in the comfort of their suites, as well as access exclusive pools, while still having the option to experience the ship’s shows, lounges, casino, or other amenities.
Additionally, the Norwegian Pearl features traditional cabin categories, including inside cabins, ocean views, and balcony suites. There are also many connecting cabins across various grades, ideal for family groups.
Onboard Activities – Bowling, Swimming, and More
Starting with the industry’s first bowling alley at sea, this four-lane, 10-pin setup is guaranteed to delight passengers. Located in the Bliss Ultra-Lounge—also equipped with numerous screens for casual sports viewing during the day—bowling becomes a multi-generational experience, allowing travelers of all skill levels to compete in fun-filled games. During our cruise, the seas were calm, but it remains to be seen how wave action could impact bowlers.
The Norwegian Pearl features the cruise line’s first rock climbing wall, positioned at the rear of the ship. Standing 30 feet high and 19 feet wide, this wall offers five vertical courses of varying difficulty levels for climbers. For those preferring indoor workout options, the fitness center on deck 12 boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a variety of cutting-edge exercise machines, enabling passengers to work out while enjoying stunning seascapes. The ship also hosts exercise classes and offers a Sports Deck accommodating a basketball, volleyball, and paddle tennis court along with life-sized outdoor chess boards, golf driving nets, and various deck games.
After a workout, guests may explore the numerous boutiques across deck 7 or try their luck in the casino on deck 6. Alternatively, passengers may unwind in the hot tubs, swim in the pool, or lounge on sunbeds situated around the pool deck. On the Norwegian Pearl, there truly is no shortage of activities—guests can choose to engage as they wish.
Mandara Spa and South Pacific Salon
After a day filled with various activities, passengers may seek respite at the Norwegian Pearl’s South Pacific Spa and Beauty Salon offering rejuvenating treatments or massages. Operated by Mandara, this spa features 20 treatment rooms, three of which cater specifically to couples. The spa provides all standard treatments and amenities. The unisex salon offers hair and nail services, alongside barbering amenities.
The spa also showcases Norwegian’s inaugural thalassotherapy pool, combining heat and saltwater for a wonderfully soothing soak. Separate sauna and steam rooms, as well as plunge baths and hot tubs, contribute to relaxation. Additionally, the unisex relaxation area includes a Hydro-bath and delightful heated thermal benches.
Use of Technology
The Norwegian Pearl is equipped with the majority of technological conveniences expected on a modern cruise ship. While the Wi-Fi connection was unavailable in the cabins during our stay, guests could use an Internet hookup (remember to bring a standard network cable), which functioned effectively. Though the hookup may be somewhat challenging to find, it is located in the cabinet next to the TV. Wi-Fi is available in many communal areas, albeit with slower speeds than the wired connection. Passengers without a laptop can rent devices onboard or utilize the Internet Cafe. Like many cruise ships, the Internet charges can be steep, ranging from 40 cents to 75 cents per minute, depending on the purchased plan.
Additionally, passengers can use their personal cell phones aboard the ship, incurring charges billed at the roaming rate set by their carriers.
For those passionate about digital photography, the Norwegian Pearl hosts a photo gallery with kiosks for instant printing, allowing guests to create keepsakes while onboard.
Onboard Entertainment
In addition to engaging activities, the Norwegian Pearl offers exceptional onboard entertainment. One highlight is the renowned improvisational comedy troupe, The Second City, which holds a performance on every sailing and organizes workshops for both children and adults, imparting key improvisation principles like teamwork and active listening.
Stage shows in the Stardust Theater are under the direction of Jean Ann Ryan Productions. During our cruise, we attended two spectacular shows. The first, “Tubez,” was a dynamic performance featuring skilled performers utilizing bikes, skateboards, and in-line skates with a pop and hip-hop soundtrack. While the musical choice may appeal more to a younger audience, the impressive stunts were captivating. The second show we attended was “Sea Legs,” a visually stunning revue featuring performers in elaborate costumes, reminiscent of productions seen in Las Vegas. This show also included two talented gymnasts delivering their incredible feats high above the stage.
The third Jean Ann Ryan show, “Garden of the Geisha,” melds martial arts, Tai Chi, and Kabuki artistry into an enchanting Oriental love story set to rhythmic drumming.
The expansive Spinnaker Observation Lounge offers live performances and dancing during the evening, featuring themed parties, including rock and roll, disco, or country and western—each promising fun and entertainment.
Kids and Teens
Beyond the extensive “freestyle” dining options, activities, and entertainment, the Norwegian Pearl provides ample features for families. For example, the spacious suites boast multiple bedrooms, ideal for family groups, with the largest suites encompassing nearly 4,400 square feet. The ship also features a significant number of connecting rooms across all categories, appealing to families traveling together.
A dedicated “Kid’s Crew” area known as the Aqua Kid’s Club on the Norwegian Pearl offers engaging educational and entertaining programs for children aged 2 to 17, available year-round on sea days and during evenings in port. Furthermore, a group sitting service is offered for ages 2 and up from 10 pm to 1 am, allowing parents some well-deserved time to relax.
Parents may consider purchasing a Kid’s Crew backpack package, which includes a cap, sunglasses, luggage tags, t-shirt, souvenir cup, and unlimited sodas throughout the cruise. A separate Kid’s Soda package, featuring a cup, telescopic straw, and unlimited soft drinks, is also available for an additional fee.
Teenagers eager for activities will adore the Teen Metro Center, an exclusive teen-themed club complete with a large TV, disco events, theme parties, and a video arcade. Teens can acquire a “teen passport,” providing a collection of coupons for non-alcoholic drinks, pizza parties, and a farewell celebration.
Families will undoubtedly appreciate the accommodations, activities, and programs available on the Norwegian Pearl.
Caribbean, Alaska, and Panama Canal Itineraries
During the fall, winter, and spring months, the Norwegian Pearl operates Caribbean itineraries, departing round trip from Miami.
In the summer, the Norwegian Pearl relocates to Alaska, where she offers a seven-day Inside Passage itinerary out of Seattle, including calls in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria. In both spring and fall, she operates repositioning cruises through the Panama Canal.
In summary, the Norwegian Pearl caters to a wide array of interests, combining numerous features such as thrilling activities, beautiful accommodations, and diverse culinary options alongside entertainment to create an exceptional cruise experience.
As is standard in the travel industry, the writer received complimentary cruise accommodations for review purposes. This assistance has not influenced the opinions expressed in this review; however, it is essential to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. For more details, please refer to our Ethics Policy.
