We are taking our very first cruise this fall. We'll be on the Norwegian Pearl and we're wondering if anyone can give us some information on what to expect, what is included, what additional fees to expect, etc? Also, are your recommendation for excursions in the eastern caribbean?
Pearl Nov 2010
- Thread starter speed90
- Start date
Cruizer
Staff Captain
The biggest difference between NCL and the other cruise lines is the Freestyle Dining. I've been on two of the Pearl's sisters. The Pearl will have at least four free restaurants:
Two main dining rooms, the buffet and Blue Lagoon, which I describe as sit down fast food (hamburgers, hot dogs ...).
There will be several extra cost restaurants. The food an service is better in these restaurants, but then you would expect that. Nobody is going to pay extra for the same quality food and service.
Check the Freestyle Daily (the ship's newspaper) to see if any of the restaurants are offering half price deals. On the Star (Mexican Riviera) the first hour was half price. On the Jade (Panama Canal) the last hour was half price.
There is no assigned table or time. So if you try to eat at the same time as everyone else (usually the middle of the dinner time) then you might find a wait to eat. You can make reservation at some of the restaurants.
Basically it is a system that takes a little practice to make it work for you. I did and had a great time on the Jade (that was my second NCL cruise). I had a good time on the Star, but was not as practiced at making the system work in my favor.
Two main dining rooms, the buffet and Blue Lagoon, which I describe as sit down fast food (hamburgers, hot dogs ...).
There will be several extra cost restaurants. The food an service is better in these restaurants, but then you would expect that. Nobody is going to pay extra for the same quality food and service.
Check the Freestyle Daily (the ship's newspaper) to see if any of the restaurants are offering half price deals. On the Star (Mexican Riviera) the first hour was half price. On the Jade (Panama Canal) the last hour was half price.
There is no assigned table or time. So if you try to eat at the same time as everyone else (usually the middle of the dinner time) then you might find a wait to eat. You can make reservation at some of the restaurants.
Basically it is a system that takes a little practice to make it work for you. I did and had a great time on the Jade (that was my second NCL cruise). I had a good time on the Star, but was not as practiced at making the system work in my favor.