Last November we were booked onboard the NCL Pearl in a mini-suite. We were given the opportunity to purchase an upgrade at a reduced cost for a courtyard villa or a deluxe owners suite. The pressure was on to make an immediate decision, so I went online to look at both cabins. Both offered various upgrades and amenities, but the deluxe owners suite was exclusive…there were only 2 available on the entire ship. What to do?  I showed my husband who saw the name of the suite “Black Pearl” and he was hooked.  I think he pictured himself as “Jack Sparrow” from the Pirates of the Caribbean.

The minute we arrived onboard, we had a special area for check in. It was a nice lounge with just suite guests offering refreshment as opposed to the long line at the port. In minutes we were checked in and personally escorted to the ship.

The cabin was beautiful.  Very typical lively NCL colors but quite spacious, and the view was amazing. We could see the entire pool deck area from our balcony, and speaking of balcony, it was huge. We had a private Jacuzzi as well as a table, several lounge chairs and an oversized couch for lounging that was covered if you didn’t want the sun but enjoyed the ocean breeze. There was a lap top for our use although there was a charge, as well as a complimentary mini-bar stocked with bottled  water and sodas and an espresso/cappuccino machine. All were refilled daily as needed.

Service on the ship was great…we were treated like VIP’s. Even if restaurants were completely booked up, when they asked what cabin we were in, somehow a table opened right up. Obvsiously onboard they thought we paid full price for the suite! The concierge will make restaurant & shore excursion reservations, and help you with just about anything you need. During show, there is a special section blocked off for suites and villas which was very nice as there was no need to arrive early to get a good seat.

Overall our cruise experience was very nice… the cabin service was wonderful and we loved the various dining choices every night. The Bistro, Steakhouse were excellent and do charge a cover charge, however the Italian and Tex Mex which have no charge, were also very good. Embarkation was very smooth.

If you can afford it, or are lucky enough to get offered a reduced rate to upgrade, booking a courtyard villa or above offers lots of onboard benefits, but there are a few things to consider about the “Black or Golden Pearl” cabins.

#1.  Private Jacuzzi yes, heated – no, so the water was warm at best.

#2.  Entertainment by the pool is wonderful when you are in the mood, but in those two suites, you constantly hear the reggae music - not great if you want to take a nap to recharge for the evening activities. Also don’t forget to close the shades, as the suite offers a great view to the pool, but the view also allows people to look back into your cabin…no flashing please! 

#3.  The huge balcony is wonderful, but days at sea the cushions are put away and everything is tied down so it does not become dive wreckage in the Atlantic ocean, so you cannot use them.

#4.  The private stairway is steep!  No one with trouble walking due to health reasons (or drinking) can get up those stairs. All villas and suites do offer access to the private courtyard area which has a pool, hot tub and Balinese-style lounge chairs under a retractable glass roof.  You cannot go wrong with any of these cabins. 

#5.  When seas are rough, there is a lot of motion since the cabin is  so high up.

All villas and suites do offer access to the private courtyard area which
has a pool, hot tub and Balinese-style lounge chairs under a retractable
glass roof.  You cannot go wrong with any of these cabins.

For more pictures of the Norwegian Pearl visit my Flickr account
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