Round-up of NCL Pearl Reviews

After scouring through countless reviews from around the internet, I’ve curated a comprehensive round-up of what travelers really think about the NCL Pearl. In this post, I’ll not only share these insights but also walk you through the exciting upcoming itineraries for the Norwegian Pearl. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on a virtual journey that’ll whet your appetite for adventure.

Upcoming Itinerary for Pearl

The Norwegian Pearl is setting sail to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. From the sun-kissed coasts of the Caribbean to the historically rich shores of the Greek Isles, here’s a peek at where this majestic ship will be cruising in the near future:

• Barcelona to Miami – November 2025
• Caribbean from Miami – Winter 2025
• Transatlantic Voyage – May 2026
• Greek Isles with stays in Athens and Venice – Spring Summer 2026

Dining reviews for Pearl

Dining on the NCL Pearl has garnered a mix of reviews, focusing mainly on the individual restaurants’ offerings and ambiance. One traveler highly commended the Summer Palace, which they considered their favorite spot on the ship. Here, they were particularly impressed by the exceptional service, delightful food, and stunning views, finding that a dress code adds to the upscale yet relaxed atmosphere. The same reviewer appreciated various selections at the Asian restaurant, though they were not as enamored with O’Sheehan’s, particularly the fish and chips, which they deemed could use some improvement. Despite not indulging in many drinks, they noted that enjoying a glass of wine with dinner was pleasant source.

Meanwhile, another reviewer had mixed feelings about the ship’s dining experiences, indicating that the main dining room was a bit hit-and-miss, with a noticeable dip in food quality. They held the Lotus Garden in high regard, eating there three times throughout their cruise, labeling it as the best meal onboard. While breakfast buffets seemed monotonous, the lunch and dinner buffets provided a changing menu, adding some variety. The Brazilian Rodizio also received commendations for its quality. Across the many bars on the vessel, they praised the whiskey and martini bars, with kudos for the excellent bartenders contributing positively to the overall dining experience source.

Entertainment on board NCL Pearl

Entertainment on the NCL Pearl offers a diverse array of performances and activities, aimed at engaging a broad audience, but also provides room for improvement. One reviewer highlighted the enjoyment found in the variety of shows, including an impressive “Legends” performance featuring talented singers and dancers. The intimate setting of the Spinnaker Lounge added a unique charm to the 1969 music retrospective and Broadway-style shows they attended. Additionally, the Irish singer’s show and the comedian provided memorable moments, especially the lively “sock hop” with a live 1950s and 1960s band, culminating in a genuinely fun experience source.

However, entertainment offerings have not been inclusive for all guests. Another reviewer, celebrating a wedding anniversary, expressed disappointment with a lack of diverse programming. Particularly disheartening was the 80’s theme party, which lacked music representing Black artists of the era, leaving many African American passengers feeling excluded. While there was a Motown band performance, its late start time posed a challenge for those wanting to partake. This reviewer ultimately suggested that Royal Caribbean or Carnival might provide a more welcoming entertainment atmosphere for Black travelers, a sentiment shared by others onboard source.

The Pearl is one of the midsize ships and has a bit of a Vegas decor.

Cabin Reviews for Pearl

Cabin experiences on the NCL Pearl offer a mix of convenience and a few hiccups. One reviewer described their mid-ship room on deck 5 as having undergone a comprehensive overhaul, featuring new darker wood surfaces that set it apart from other staterooms. However, challenges included an initially malfunctioning air conditioning system that left the room uncomfortably cold. This issue, along with a flickering bathroom light, was promptly rectified by the crew, indicating an attentive support system to cater to guests’ needs. Despite these setbacks, the cabin was mostly functional, although certain amenities, like viewing the shipboard folio on TV, were less convenient, pushing guests to rely on the NCL app.

Another guest noted the convenience of their sideways handicapped ocean view room on deck 8, positioned between key locations and near the aft elevators. Noise was not an issue, and practical design ensured that showers didn’t leave water pooled across the bathroom floor. Although the room had an obstructed view, the obstruction did not significantly impact their overall enjoyment. This seems in line with the Pearl’s design, balancing functionality and comfort, especially given its recent refurbishment efforts.

What’s the Crew Like on Board NCL Pearl

The crew on the NCL Pearl received praise for their exceptional attention, friendliness, and willingness to enhance the passenger experience. Some reviewers highlighted the remarkable service from specific crew members including Raymond the wine steward, Rudy at the Mojito Bar, and Andrew at the Whiskey Bar. While the service in dining areas like the buffet and dining rooms had some inconsistencies, these issues seemed more related to understaffing rather than individual performance. The crew’s diligent efforts to attend to passengers’ needs were especially noteworthy, with many guests genuinely appreciating the additional tips given to staff who were visibly working hard.

Another reviewer confirmed that while some logistical aspects of their experience weren’t ideal, the crew’s friendliness remained a standout feature. This sentiment was echoed in an anecdote about a dining room waiter’s extraordinary gesture of lending a personal tie when a passenger forgot theirs for a formal night, showcasing the commitment to going above and beyond merely providing service. Despite the challenges that accompany running a large cruise ship, the crew’s attentive attitudes leave many guests with positive and memorable interactions.

How Crowded is NCL Pearl

The NCL Pearl seems to grapple with crowd management, as highlighted by a few reviews. One review pointed out that the ship appeared “very short staffed,” resulting in lines of 10–15 people when waiting for drinks. Although the staff was noted to be hardworking, their efforts were overshadowed by the insufficient number of staff, making it a lengthy wait to get a drink at times. This observation about the crowded nature of service areas suggests that passengers might need to exercise patience when seeking refreshment on the ship review.

In another instance, the pool deck received critique for hosting only one pool area, which was densely packed and “overrun with kids.” This constricted setup seems to exacerbate the sense of overcrowding, particularly for travelers seeking relaxation by the water. The reviewer’s experience underlines the challenges faced in enjoying the pool amenities, especially on a cruise itinerary populated with families and children review.

As someone with celiac disease, I felt very safe while dining on board. Even the buffet has gluten-free options, such as a separate prep area and toaster for gluten-free bread.

Spa & Gym Reviews

The spa and gym facilities onboard the NCL Pearl evoke mixed feelings among travelers. One guest noted that, due to the weather, the pools and decks were rarely overcrowded. Particular emphasis was placed on the availability of multiple hot tubs and pools, including two adult-only spaces, though enforcement of the “adult only” policy seemed inconsistent at times. Despite this, the gym was commended for being well-equipped, catering effectively to those wanting a workout amidst their leisure activities review.

Contrasting experiences were shared regarding the thermal spa facilities, which did not meet the expectations of a seasoned cruiser. The steam room was described as “creepy,” with an “institutional feel,” and the presence of wheelchairs near the showers further added to this ambiance. Additionally, the sauna struggled to maintain heat levels, and while the hot tub was functional, the heavy chemical presence detracted from the experience. The option to use the spa was somewhat redeemed by inclement weather outside, but the overall spa environment was not favored compared to other cruise lines such as MSV Meraviglia review.

General Comments

The first reviewer, an experienced cruiser with 57 voyages under their belt, shared a detailed account of their recent trip on NCL’s Norwegian Pearl. This solo traveler had previously sailed on the Pearl’s sister ships and noticed several changes since their last voyage. They appreciated the efficient service, particularly in the main dining room and noted the improved cabin refurbishment with new darker wood surfaces, although some maintenance issues such as rust stains in the ceiling and a faulty air conditioning unit were evident. Entertainment offerings, however, were viewed less favorably, with the reviewer feeling underwhelmed by some shows, such as the Deal or No Deal and the lackluster 1970s Disco & 90s Party. Despite corporate-level disappointments with NCL, such as changes to the room cleaning schedule and adjustments to the beverage package, the dedication and service of the crew were praised, highlighting the valuable interactions with the general manager, bar manager, and guest services as key positive aspects of the cruise. Read more.

Meanwhile, the second review, written by a returning passenger on their third NCL cruise, shared their experience aboard the Pearl amidst challenging weather conditions. Despite poor weather, which included rain, fog, and cooler temperatures that led to sparse use of outdoor spaces, the reviewer had an overall positive impression, especially favoring the ship’s facilities over those on the NCL Epic. They appreciated the cleanliness of the ship and found the food to be superior compared to that on Royal Caribbean ships, especially enjoying specialties like Le Bistro and Cagney’s Steakhouse. The entertainment was described as very good, with special mention of the 1969 music retrospective and the Legends show, although they noted the enforcement of adult-only areas was lax. As guests of the NCL Casino at Seas program, they applauded the casino staff for ensuring an enjoyable experience despite the unpredictable odds of gaming. Read more.