Norwegian Pearl first set sail in 2006 and carries a modest 2,394 guests. Although the line’s ships have gotten vastly bigger and infinitely more elaborate, Norwegian Pearl and her Jewel-class sisters continue to be popular, thanks to their vibrant public areas and manageable size that strikes the right balance between megaship amenities and a small-ship atmosphere. Wintering in the Caribbean, Norwegian Pearl crosses the Atlantic to Europe for the summer season, at least through late 2025.
Views from the Spa: Norwegian Pearl’s forward-facing Mandara Spa has floor-to-ceiling windows that provide guests with the same view that the captain and officers would be seeing just one deck below. The beautiful common area has a hydrotherapy pool, heated thermal loungers, and relaxing loungers positioned overlooking the ship’s bow.
Garden Villas: If you like your suites on the elaborate side (and who doesn't?), Norwegian Pearl’s 4,252-square-foot 3-Bedroom Garden Villas are the accommodations to book should your pocketbook allow. Situated in The Haven complex, these are spaces bigger than most people’s condos and are the opposite of tight shipboard quarters.
Bowling at Sea: When she was launched back in 2006, Norwegian Pearl was most notable for her bowling alley in the aft-located Bliss Ultra Lounge. While she’s not the first ship to ever feature a bowling alley at sea, she was the first modern cruise ship to do so.
Families and Couples: Norwegian Pearl offers 13 dining options and 16 bars and lounges, plus a host of activities and nightly shows, musical performances, and Deal or No Deal and Wheel of Fortune game shows that are more than enough to keep family members of all ages busy for at least one week or more.
But It Depends on the Itinerary: This ship sails everything from three-night Bahamas getaways from Miami to 12-night itineraries through the Caribbean and Europe — so some cruises are better suited to couples and others to families with kids who won’t feel disappointed that there are no waterslides and other thrilling amenities.
There’s No Covered Pool: This isn’t a deal breaker since most Norwegian ships don’t have one. It’s mainly an issue during shoulder season and transatlantic crossings.
Entertainment Is Not as Dazzling as Newer Norwegian Ships: Shows may seem toned down compared to the razzle-dazzle spectaculars of Breakaway-, Breakaway Plus- and Prima-class ships.
Expect Additional Charges: Factor in a budget for specialty restaurant charges, drinks, shore excursions, and other onboard extras; you'd be surprised at how much they can add up.