With the ship ready, guests seated, and godmother
Rosie O'Donnell at hand, Veitch introduced Reverend Kevin Johnson
("the most high-energy Freestyle holy man in the
country") to offer an invocation. O'Donnell took the podium to
promise that as godmother, she would raise the ship as well as her
four children and, in typical "Rosie" fashion, added that
she loves Freestyle Cruising because, "for a woman like me
there is nothing better than food at my beck and call." She
also confided that she practiced for her duties as Godmother—pulling
the lever to send a champagne bottle crashing into the ship's bow—by
spending time in the casino the previous night. We hope she was more
successful in the casino, since it took a couple tries before the
pesky bottle let loose.
An
innovative state-of-the-art restaurant reservation system allows
passengers to make reservations for a single night or every night of
their cruise. Screens strategically placed in public rooms
show each restaurant's availability status, the size tables
available, and estimated waiting time. If a restaurant is full,
pagers are issued and passengers are invited to enjoy other
activities until their table is ready.
While there is a charge for some of the alternative
restaurants, no one is pressured to dine in them. Colin Veitch,
President & CEO of NCL, explains the dining fees are levied for
capacity control, not exclusivity.
Freestyle Cruising means passengers can
choose resort casual attire every night or dress up for a special
dinner. Formal attire during one evening is optional with one or
more restaurants set aside for those who don't want to forgo this
shipboard tradition. The only "dress code" caveat is that
no jeans, t-shirts, shorts, cut-offs, tank tops are allowed in any
of the restaurants at dinner. Most of my fellow passengers opted for
an array of "country club casual" outfits, ranging from
pant-and-top ensembles to cocktail dresses. Pack light and think mix
'n match with various accessories. Without assigned dinner partners,
it's unlikely that anyone will notice a "repeated"
garment.
The flexibility of dining when you wish and with
whom you choose is another aspect of Freestyle
Cruising. What a concept... eating when you're actually
hungry! However, cruise traditionalists who prefer the same table
and waiter every night at a certain time can simply inform the
Maitre d' and those arrangements will be made. For parents who
wish to share a romantic dinner for two, the Kid's Crew program and
group babysitting solves the problem of child care.
Staterooms
While there are a dizzying array of fare categories listed in the
brochures, Norwegian Pearl's accommodations range from Standard
Inside and Oceanview Staterooms to Oceanview staterooms with
Balconies, Mini-Suites, Penthouses, Owner's suites, and the
fantastic Courtyard Villas and Garden Villas. More than 70% of all
staterooms are outside. (Follow this link to representative Stateroom
Photos.)
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Owner's Suite Living Room |
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Owner's Suite
Bedroom |
All
accommodations have gleaming cherry wood cabinetry and paneling
accents, a small refrigerator and personal safe for valuables, as
well as in-cabin coffee service to heat water for tea or coffee. A professional-style hairdryer with real power is provided
at each dressing table. Bathroom amenities include shampoo and soap
dispensers and hold your hats... most bathrooms are split into
sections. Yes, the toilet is separated from the sink area by a wall
and sliding glass door. The shower is roomy and also has a sliding
glass door. No more clinging shower curtain or problem retrieving
dropped soap.
At
approximately 172 square feet, the standard Oceanview Staterooms are
generous. Even Inside Staterooms are cheery and the clever use
of primary colors and strategically placed mirrors achieves an open
feeling. One of the most desirable of all stateroom amenities is a
balcony and more than half of Norwegian Pearl's outside staterooms
have them. Book yours fast—Oceanview Staterooms with Balconies are
a hot seller. Mini-Suites with a balcony are even more desirable
with additional square footage, generous storage, and bathtubs.
Stepping up to more space, Penthouses and Owner's Suites are some of
the chicest digs at sea. We were particularly fond of the decor in
the aft-facing Romance Suites on Deck 10.
The
pièce de résistance are the two Garden Villas. High atop the
Norwegian Pearl, they are the ultimate in opulence. At 4,390 square
feet, with living room, dining room, three bedrooms with luxury
baths, and more toys than I could count, they are fantasies afloat.
Occupants need only step outside to enjoy a relaxing soak in their
hot tub or al fresco dining in their private garden. Have the butler
serve cocktails while I slip into my specially-designed robe.
Okay... I'm through daydreaming, but it is a lovely wish. Mr. Veitch
confided they are not at a loss for occupants, even at rates that
make my gold card shudder.
As on her earlier Jewel-class sister ships,
Norwegian Pearl has ten Courtyard Villas. At 572 square feet,
they are essentially identical to the Penthouse categories (eight
have "children's bedrooms" and sleep up to five; two do not). All share
a private courtyard with pool, whirlpool, and gym. Balinese-style
sunbeds, lounge chairs, hammocks, and ocean views are found on
private rooftop sun spaces one deck above. They are ideal for
families or groups traveling together; however, the possibility of a problem
exists if a group doesn't book them all, though. Couples who
anticipate a serene atmosphere could find their relaxation disturbed
by such a group (including small children, although Colin Veitch
feels they will be more attracted to the waterslide at the Lido pool
than the smaller Courtyard pool.)
With theses deluxe digs comes the services of a
butler and concierge. The private amenities and ability to order
meals from any restaurant onboard create almost a "ship within
a ship" for those who can afford the best.
For
large families, interconnecting standard staterooms and suites can
create a two to five bedroom area and passengers with disabilities
haven't been overlooked—twenty-seven cabins of various types have
been designed for their special needs.
Continued -->
Norwegian
Pearl Preview (Part 2)
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© Linda Coffman
Norwegian
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