Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Pearl is the second-ever Jewel-Class ship, and pretty much a copy-paste of Norwegian Jewel. Is that a bad thing? Definitely not, especially when you consider that Norwegian Jewel is one of the best ships in the entire fleet, often taking the gold medal when websites rank all the best ships in order. The Pearl also offers some pretty good prices, and even has some new entertainment options compared to the jewel. Is it better, though? Let’s check it out.

What we like about Norwegian Pearl

One of the first things you’ll notice is that Norwegian Pearl offers some very good prices for its itineraries. For example, you can take a 4-day Caribbean cruise for about $330 per guest, which is a great way to explore some of the best beaches in the world and stop at the private island of Great Stirrup Cay. While the Pearl also sails longer itineraries, especially in Europe, it’s the short 3- and 4-day Caribbean getaways that are the real stars, letting you visit Nassau and Puerto Plata for less than $400.

Norwegian Pearl continues the tradition set by Norwegian Jewel that still exists today, with the introduction of the beautiful and spacious Haven Suites. As with the Jewel, the Pearl offers several cabin types, including solo inside staterooms that are well-priced and a solid option for solo travelers. Since this ship has plenty of entertainment geared toward adults and isn’t the best fit for children, the solo cabins are perfect for those traveling alone who want a quick trip to the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, or Europe… and also the chance to meet new people!

Nightlife is also pretty good for adults. Norwegian Pearl has Fusión, a venue that celebrates Latin music and even lets you try out some salsa steps. There are also shows inspired by Broadway musicals, the Vinyl Jukebox with classics from ABBA, Billy Joel and more, plus game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Deal or No Deal. As you can see, most of the entertainment is geared toward adults, and if you’re after something quieter, you’ll even find a library onboard where you can sit back and relax. Karaoke is another big highlight here, often going on for hours in the main lounges.

Itineraries are also a big plus of the Norwegian Pearl, making this a great ship for anyone wanting to get to know Norwegian Cruise Line. Not only does it have a solid lineup of shows and good prices, but it also features some interesting routes. You’ll find short 3- and 4-day cruises to the Caribbean, as well as longer 11-day Caribbean sailings starting at around $700. On top of that, the Pearl offers 11-day Panama Canal cruises (starting at about $720) and even a 15-day transatlantic from Barcelona to Miami (starting at $660). In short, there are plenty of options to fit different tastes and budgets.

What we don’t like about Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Pearl is a 2006 ship, so there are definitely some outdated elements and design choices. For one, it’s mostly aimed at adults, since it lacks waterparks and a wide variety of entertainment options for kids. It does have an arcade, a Kids Club, and a climbing wall, but that’s about it. The design also shows its age in some indoor spaces, with narrow corridors and low ceilings in certain lounges. The main dining room and buffet aren’t much to write home about either, offering a fairly limited range of food choices, especially compared to the newest ships.

This is also not a ship designed with children in mind. While you do get a climbing wall, an arcade, and a Kids Club, there’s no waterpark or even a waterslide. Considering the Pearl’s strong presence in the Caribbean, a waterpark - or at least a splash zone - would be a big plus for families, but as of now, there’s nothing like that. The night shows are also geared toward adults, so once the sun goes down, families with kids will need to come up with their own activities.

Conclusion

Norwegian Pearl is a solid option for adults who don’t want to spend a ton on a cruise. It offers good entertainment and plenty of interesting itineraries that won’t break the bank. Sure, it’s outdated in some aspects, and I wouldn’t recommend the longer itineraries for families with children, but overall it’s a strong choice for anyone who wants to experience sailing with Norwegian.