The Tour of Two Ships

I recently took advantage of an offer by Norwegian Cruise Lines to do ship inspections for the newest ship in their fleet, the “Pearl”, and another that was refurbished in 2006, the “Star”. Both ships are spending the summer in the Northwest taking passengers up the coastline from Seattle to Alaska. It was a fantastic opportunity and I am so glad I did it.

These ships are really floating cities and NCL has gone all out to make cruisers, both experienced and novice, want to come back for more. Our tour started out with a look at the various suites and staterooms. From the opulent Garden Villa’s ranging from 4390 sq. feet on the Star, to an impressive 5750 sq. feet on the Pearl, to the inside cabins that will make any destination a deal with both comfort and value. All the cabins are decorated with bold colors, rich dark wood and handsome design details. In fact design detail seemed to be the focal point for the entire ship. Everywhere you turn colors, furnishing, the artwork is all stunning, eclectic and eye-catching. The use of space has been well thought out so there will be plenty of elbow room when the ships are at capacity. Both ships are designed to carry over 2200 guests (double occupancy).

Dining and entertainment choices should be able to satisfy even the most discriminating guest. Both ships literally offer a dozen different restaurant types to choose from. Choices range from Tapas to Tepanyaki, Italian and French to the all American Hamburger and French Fries. Since the advent of Norwegians freestyle dining some of the restaurants requires a $10 - $20 supplement per person, although this does allow the passenger to eat whenever or wherever, and with whomever, they desire. The group I toured with was served a fabulous lunch in one of the two main dining rooms on the ships. The meal was superb starting with the sliced Tuna Loin with a creamy Gazpacho, then Lobster Bisque with a Watermelon salad with Fried Feta Cheese and mint vinaigrette. My entrée was sautéed Tiger Shrimp, arugula and creamy Saffron Risotto, and if that wasn’t enough a frozen Raspberry soufflé for dessert. I will never be satisfied with a Lean Cuisine again! Both the Pearl and the Star have impressive theatres with plush and comfortable seating for Broadway or Vegas-style shows. Night life can be as relaxed or as crazy as you can imagine. The style of the bars, pubs, clubs and lounges can suit any mood. The Pearl even has the first bowling alley at sea.

In between all the eating and revelry, the ships have plenty of activities to work off that Lobster Bisque. Relax in the Health Spa, try aerobics or yoga in the fitness centers, curl up with a good book in the library or splash around with the kids in one of the pools. I don’t care how old I get, I will always love those big slides by the pool, and on a sunny afternoon out at sea there is no better way to cool off.

One thing I need to mention is the sense of hospitality shown by the staff at every level. They are friendly, helpful and eager to please. For any guest, no matter what their needs are, these men and women will do their absolute best to provide it.

I’m afraid the limited space available to describe these two beautiful ships is not doing them justice, so you’ll just have to book a cruise to your favorite destination and see for yourself. I guarantee you will be as impressed and enthusiastic to do it again as I am.