My family/friends and I (group of 6 – age 32-59) returned, on 9/17/2017, from a 7 day cruise to Alaska on the Norwegian Pearl. We chose the Pearl as the ship description stated that it was newly refurbished. We selected 3 ocean view balcony rooms at a very hefty expense. While I cannot say enough about the beauty of Alaska, I have a lot to report regarding the actual cruise itself. I have categorized the issues below:
1) Hidden Fees - We took advantage of 2 “FREE” specialty programs offered. The Adult Ultimate Beverage Package and the Specialty Dining Package. After booking those 2 selections, I was informed that an 18% tax was due on both packages, totaling $224 per person. Definitely not free, and does not include the sodas in the mini-fridge. Upon boarding the ship we learned that soda and water were only available upon request in a cup unless you purchased a Water Package for $15 - $45 per person or a Soda Package (includes large thermal cup) for $52.50 per person. We also learned that Room Service, which typically was a free service, is now $7.95 per order. Additionally, we were each charged a “service fee” of $13.99 per person per day (total of $200 per cabin) which was not previously disclosed and seems inappropriate based on the service received. Finally, our Spa Services were increased by an 18% gratuity, which was also unknown until after the service.
2) Food – The food was just plain terrible, even in the Specialty Restaurants. The buffet food was typically cold and over cooked and the desserts tasteless. It was also a zoo everyday with no attempt to bring order to the chaos. The dining room meals were substandard and the only restaurant which provided what I would call a “good” meal was the Teppenyaki restaurant. I stepped on the scale when we got home and I had actually lost weight.
The ship cabin was extremely small, in fact I've never been in such a small balcony room. In order to get from bed 2 to the bathroom, one had to crawl over bed 1. I will say that the bathroom shower was a good size and the room was clean, but that is expected regardless.
The skyline of Seattle was surprising. It's actually very pretty and the view of Mount Rainier from the ship was amazing.
We arrived in Victoria at 6pm and had to be back on board at 11:30pm. Needless to say it was dark and not much happens after 9pm. In addition, most of the souvenier shops were closed other than the ones on the dock.