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From the top - no need to guess - I loved the cruise! This is long - sorry about that - but I hope you find things you'll enjoy hearing about.  If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. 

It's now one week, almost, since we returned home. I'm here on my computer finally committing my thoughts to cyber paper while looking at the live cam of the Centennial Bridge (

Is it true? Did I really, finally experience that dream trip I had been thinking of for so many years? The answer undoubtedly is "yes!" And did the trip live up to all of my expectations? The answer again is "yes…and more so!"

Background: we are still new to this cruising thing of ours and therefore felt far more comfortable purchasing the whole magilla from NCL: airfare, transfers, etc. Fears of being routed through the midwest, back to the southeast and then finally reaching LA from JFK with 15 minutes to spare were all unfounded. There is another website where the rule of thumb is "don't ever ever purchase airfare from the cruise line…you will live to regret it...undoubtedly you will get the bubonic plague and regret your foolish decision." Another dark side myth busted. The flights were perfect, first flight out of JFK at 645 am and leaving MIA at 1230. No problems…with the fights. However….

Life isn't perfect…cannot be. There were 3 things I was not happy about this cruise, not all NCL's doing, but (and here's the most important part of this sentence) the existence of these 3 did not, I repeat, DID NOT, ruin my vacation, nor make me want to run up to the front desk and demand a 5 million dollar OBC and 50% off my next cruise.

First issue of concern: we arrived at LAX on time, 945 am and right there in baggage claim, as promised, were two lovely young ladies from NCL. They were very polite, crossed our names off a long list and asked us to wait in one area while we waited for the buses to arrive. After 2.5 hours a (as in ONE) bus arrived. By this time there were many people waiting…we got on line outside (one of the NCL folks did her best to keep order but, as always, there are cutters and line jumpers - grow up already folks!!!) We saw our luggage get loaded onto the ONE bus that arrived but, alas, there was no room for us. We were asked to go back to the terminal and wait as another bus would be arriving.

There is a look  my DH has come to know after 36 years of marriage…it's not a good look …it's best to avoid me when I get that "look."   I said something akin to "cab now."   We're from NY and taxi's in the city are a way of life…it was to become our way here in LAX as well.

You know how when things are going lousy an angel somehow appears ? Well our very enjoyable taxi driver was such…even though he had never driven down to San Pedro, he got us there. And he even went down the 4^th lane to speed up our trip near the pier when we hit into a huge traffic jam (3 ships were leaving that day). "4^th Lane", you ask, "what is that WaWW?" Well that's the lane that some of you folks might call the "shoulder." Sometimes a guy has to do what he's gotta do . He got us there safe and sound with time to spare.

NCL please do something to help those nice gals at LAX…they tried to maintain order, kept us advised of the ongoing delay and were apologetic. But there were just too many people arriving and they needed to get moved out more quickly.

The two remaining "issues of concern" will be entered in this review as they occurred.

Once we were out of the cab things changed dramatically. There were many NCL staffers there just waiting to help us…it was as if they could not do enough. There were 3 lines set up: suites (hardly anyone waiting), Latitudes (maybe 20 or so folks waiting…our line!!!) and the other passengers where there were long lines. But this long line is exactly what we saw last year when we left NY on our first NCL trip - it's the nature of the beast for first time passengers I guess.

Anyway, it took maybe 20 minutes to get us processed and there we were…entering HEAVEN…we boarded the Beautiful Pearl.

It was around 1 so we went upstairs and dropped off our carry-on's. We were in an AF mini on the starboard side (look at me?? I finally know the difference!!! Although for some reason, perhaps the fact that I'm lefthanded, I've always believed that our side should be called Port.) I digress.

Our cabin was gorgeous. DH is 6'3", I'm 12" shorter. His need for space is different than mine. We made one modification to the cabin set up. Took the "cocktail table" in front of the couch and moved it right next to the balcony doors to get it out of the way. There is ample room for storage - we were on a 15 nighter, brought way too many clothes and yet we didn't fill up all the drawers. Very nice sized balcony…the bathroom, as many of you already know, had a bathtub separated by a sliding door from the sink area and then another sliding door separating the commode.

We sleep on a memory foam mattress at home...arthritis has deemed this necessary.  I was prepared to ask for the eggcrate topper but it wasn't necessary.  The bed was extremely comfortable.  Slept like a baby for 15 nights.

By now it was 5 pm EST, we had been up since 2 am EST and we were hungry. Up one flight of stairs to the ACTION STATIONS. I've read about the set up at the Garden Café but seeing is believing. Very nice NCL, good job. Once you get the hang of it (read that: no trays) you can move along quite nicely getting what you need. Hint: get your plate and silverware in one hand and start walking the line. The marinara sauce was EXCELLENT. I'm from NY, extremely jaded when it comes to Italian food, and was wary when I said "rigatoni with marinara please." My first new friend on the Pearl, the lovely chef who made me my first delightful pasta plate on the Beautiful Pearl.

Once we had our food we found a table. I am NOT shy and have NO PROBLEM asking "may we sit with you?" Therefore there was no problem finding a seat. Once settled, I then went and got our beverages. There are beverage stations located throughout the Garden Café. Avoid that first one right by the food…it's almost always crowded. There's another one towards the back (aft?) that was almost always empty.

And if some of you need help, there are many NCL staff there who will help you. Not having trays allows for an uncrowded feel at the tables and I don't feel like I'm in a cafeteria. This was not a problem - just adjust and accept - NO TRAYS - ask for help if you need it.

Went through the obligatory drill and it was back to the cabin and time to sail away (luggage made it!)….I have some terrific pics that I'll post once they're minimized…this huge Princess ship left first (Golden Princess I think. Do any of you know what that big thing is in the back of the ship, looks like an inverted C? Is that a restaurant or cabins?), then the NCL Star, and then us. We had to back out of the pier, turn around and then head out to sea. It was a lovely experience - no it's not leaving NY and sailing down the Hudson (that will always be my first love - always). But it was quite lovely - folks waving and cheering from the shore. It was yet another beautiful day in LA.

And now another highlight - time to meet La and Cha, a/k/a Flyingpirate/Aviating Privateer and DH. I had only spoken to La on the message boards, through emails and one telephone call before we left. And where else did we (or could we) connect but out on the deck, right in front of Cagney's. We went to the Star Bar, where Sinatra is played 24/7, and off we went. We sailed passed Catalina Island at sunset. This was akin to sailing out of NY harbor, passing Lady Liberty, seeing the island of Manhattan and going under the Verranzano. This was just perfect. Meeting new friends, watching the sunset over Catalina and hearing Frank sing whatever in the background.

Sunday was a sea day and our CTC/others Meet and Greet. First, thanks to Mr. Bogman from Jersey, Southampton, the one without the beach, for doing a terrific job of pulling this together and making the best nametags going.  We're keeping ours. It was wonderful meeting new folks…several wondering what happened to me as I just "fell off" the darkside's roll call. I answered honestly and told them all about this message board. Enough said about that.

As we were cruising towards Cabo that day, while enjoying the views from our balcony, we saw whales…no breeching, but spraying some water and coming out just a bit, enough so we could see them. HINT: bring binoculars on every cruise.

Pulled into Cabo on Monday morning…first thing I notice is the heat…and the humidity. This was to be the way of the world for the entire cruise…a lot of heat and a lot of humidity. La gave me a very good piece of advice, always bring a washcloth from your cabin…they are great for drying yourself down or wetting and then cooling yourself off.

Cabo was the only stop where we had to tender in. We had priority tickets supplied by Karen the concierge (we have Gold status because we bought into the cruise rewards program last year) but we didn't need them. Our tour left early so we just got up early and got on line. Went smoothly…and what a lovely place to tender in…Cabo is truly beautiful.

I have a question though, that perhaps some of you can address. Why do people insist on bringing fruit and food off the ship when they're told, over and over, not to? At Cabo there was a garbage can filled with fruit and other assorted food stuffs that were taken from passengers and thrown out.

We did the highlights of Cabo tour - stopped off at a glass factory - no it's not Murano glass, but artisans none the less. We then did a coastal tour…loved all of it. When we returned to the ship, we had lunch at the Great Outdoors…what a view! Right next to the arch…unbelievable.  The only other time I've felt like this was during my very first cruise, when I had lunch right after boarding and the whole NY skyline was before me. Just beautiful!

Nice touch at the Cabo pier…lots of cold water for passengers to drink before boarding the tenders back to the ship.

Next day we came to Puerto Vallarta…to my surprise a modern feel…4 lane highway right outside of the port area…we docked directly across from a Walmart…yes Walmart folks. Our tour guide was wonderful…he actually sang to us "Besa me mucho" during the trip. Had a huge Iguana pose on my neck at the beach overlook where "Night of the Iguana" was filmed. PV was absolutely lovely…I could see myself returning there some day. The town is quite lovely, quaint…the people very nice. 

Acapulco was next - we took the advice of some fellow posters and went to the cliff divers at night. When we arrived late afternoon it was raining. By the time we reached the cliff divers all that was left of the storm was some spectacular lightning off in the distance. What a backdrop for the divers indeed. The night tour started with a stop off at Fort San Diego where we received a very interesting, albeit short, history lesson. The fort is located directly across from the dock - I saw a bridge indicating to me that one could have probably visited the fort on their own - all they had to do was walk across the bridge.

Next up were several sea days (Thursday afternoon to Sunday morning) where we reached the Pacific side of the canal. And now, my second issue of concern.

A few days before we reached the Canal, there were announcements being made that Panama Canal stuff would be on sale FOR ONE DAY only…that day being the day we reached the Canal. So I got up at 5 and was at the pool deck by 6. La met DH and I and already the line was long. Whoever thought this was a bright idea missed the point COMPLETELY. I did not pay my fare to be waiting on line while we approached the Canal…the Canal, NCL, was the destination. Having the guests wait on line when we should have been out on the decks taking pictures was ridiculous…downright dumb. You had a captive audience the day before…I probably would have spent even more money if I didn't feel the pressure to buy the stuff and get out because I was MISSING THE VERY REASON I BOOKED THE CRUISE. This was a disappoinment - NCL learn from this and never do it again. And yes, this went on our comments card at the end of the cruise (as did the issue of not enough buses in LAX).

After waiting on line and buying my stuff, around 715 or so we started to enjoy the transit. I don't think I can adequately describe the experience…I had done my reading before so I was prepared. There were some lectures given on the ship, pre-transit, which were OK - but a bit taxing for me as I had already done my own research. NCL had a guest speaker board the ship at the Canal and he came on the overhead speakers, explaining what we were seeing throughout the transit. After so many days of seeing nothing but ocean, it felt strange to be cruising through two pieces of land, covered with trees and vegetation, passing by small villages, not to mention seeing wildlife - vultures, crocodiles, hawks (bring binoculars!). We had lunch with La and Cha in Cagney's that day and all of the sudden a huge container ship passed us going the other way…too close for my comfort but then again I'm not a ship pilot either.

The long transit gives one time to reflect, as well, on the many lives that were lost building this engineering wonder. This was built almost 100 years ago. It was with much American pride  that I took it all in and yet wondered what TR would have to say knowing that the Canal is no longer under American control. OK…I'm off my soapbox - I enter that information here because I distinctly remember pondering those thoughts during our transit.

What is it about being on a ship that changes you? We all seemed so happy to see others - whether they be on ships next to us or folks along the Canal. Everyone always waved and had a smile. The folks at the Miraflores visitor center were all waving and yelling out to us…it was a nice feeling. And there we were, so many miles away from home, taking pictures of eachother.  Wonderful experience...wonderful memories.

Once we arrived at the Gatun locks, we could see a huge rainstorm had been following us all along…and boy did we ever get hit with it…monsoon rains a good description. If not for these downfalls of rainwater, the Canal would not exist. Yet it was this very rain that caused so many problems when the Canal was being built. The workers would dig, the rain would come and create a slide, creating a need to clear before digging could begin again. It really had to be hell to build this Canal…pure hell.

Too soon for me, it was all over. Our final pictures are of the three locks at Gatun, all closed. We have a terrific movie of traffic crossing from one side of the lock to the other, on a roadway that is at the base of the lock closest to the Atlantic side. Unbelievable…I will treasure these memories forever.  I think that movie might be my first You Tube posting. 

Next morning we arrived in Cartegena, Columbia. This city of extremes, severe poverty and excessive wealth, is well worth the trip. Again, our terrific tour guide made all the difference in the world. He explained the history of his city and commented on the social issues as well. The walled colonial city is gorgeous…balconies abound with beautiful flowers everywhere. The city reminded me of New Orleans. I did not buy emeralds but the next best thing…Columbian Coffee!!!!

One thing I did notice that was different is that there were a lot of military with rifles in lookouts about 20 feet or so above the roads. I noticed them mostly as we were returning to the pier. And one more thing…was it just me or did anyone else who has visited this city think that their policewomen were all gorgeous?

Cartegena is a beautiful city - well worth getting off and exploring. I only wish we had more time to explore.

Puerto Limon was next up. We did the bus/boat/train tour. We were very lucky on our boat tour…we saw (and heard!) monkeys, beautiful birds, one sloth, a croc and bats. The train ride through banana plantations was very nice…the people waving to us along the way, Moms, Dads, abuelas, abuelos, kids. The visit to the banana plantation was interesting…I will never again feel the same when I eat a banana, nor will I complain about my job (well I will, but you get the point!) The port has a very nice market right next to the ship - I could have spent a lot more time there…but I thought I was going to melt and the air conditioned Pearl was calling me back.

Our final stop was Key West. What a unique place…we had lunch at Jimmy Buffet's place, key lime pie and stopped at Mel Fisher's museum. It was, thankfully, cloudy so the weather was bearable.

Key West was nice because we had a full day there…and it was relaxing…no rushing. (I found that many of the tours pack a lot in and then you have to leave. Maybe I need to reassess the types of tours I'm booking.) And do consider stopping off at the Cemetary in Key West. La and I met a gentlemen there who directed us to the epitaph of a friend which said "I always wanted to own a small piece of Key West." He commented that he wanted to take a picture of the plaque and send it to the deceased's partner. La and WaWW to the rescue…we both took pictures and will be emailing them to him.

Coming into Miami is well worth setting the clock early. Get up and experience this beautiful experience…to approach in the early morning is almost indescribable. Reminded me of seeing the lights of lower Manhattan at night.

Now my third issue of concern. We had signed up for the BAGS program. For $15 each, we received our boarding passes for our flight home and special tags to be affixed to our luggage. We were delayed in getting off the ship in Miami - we waited with the other VIP members with Karen the concierge from 740 until almost 930. For some reason we were not cleared quickly. We did get off first, found our BAG-tagged luggage and brought it over to the truck around 935. We then were advised by the person loading the luggage that they could not take ours. What? We were then advised that BAGS needs at least 3 hours lead time, before your flight, to guarantee the luggage will get on your plane. Well...this was news to us…no one mentioned that to us…as my head wanted to explode (and, yes, the "look" again made it's presence ), yet realizing there was no time for that, we dragged our bags over to one of the buses and off we went to Miami airport.

Anyone here a fan of Miami airport? We saw two other ships in port when we arrived and I would imagine many of these folks were in MIA trying to get onto their planes. We now were running short of time…getting to MIA at around 1030. No one there to give us any advice or direction…but I found someone …I asked for assistance and American Airlines came through…their staff helped us out tremendously and we, along with our luggage made the flight home.  Thank you AA!

When we got to our gate in MIA, I collected my thoughts and made the decision that this mess we had just encountered was not going to flavor my remembrances of this wonderful cruise. Sh*t happens…that's life.

Closing thoughts:  Most of the time for breakfast, DH would go up to the Garden Café and bring some wonderful fruit and other assorted stuff down for us to have on our balcony. I am not a fan of NCL's coffee…it's too strong for my taste. So I made coffee in our room. Our wonderful room steward kept me supplied with more than enough Folger's and half and half.  DH cannot have caffeine so I brought along a thermos cup (that can be covered) that I filled with my SPIKED coffee and it stayed nice and hot while I made DH's unspiked brew. 

We took lunch and dinner in the Garden Café several times…I am not a buffet person, but found the food to be very good. And what could be better than taking any type of meal in the Great Outdoors? What a view no matter where you sat or where the ship would be - in port or out at sea.

The Summer Palace was very nice…beautiful room. But Indigo was our favorite - same food as Summer Palace but we preferred Indigo's atmosphere.

Le Bistro…excellent food - chocolate souffle to die for (thanks La & Cha!!!). Cagney's for my birthday! A little birthday cake was delivered to our table and the staff sang Happy Birthday!  La and Cha and DH and I closed out the place…actually we did that several times during this cruise - that's what happens when the food is good and the company is great!

We also enjoyed dinner at Mambo's and Shabu Shabu.

I found that a lot of the "reservation only" restaurants were empty - with the exception of Shabu Shabu and Mambo's. I'm not quite sure why and hesitate to venture a guess.

The issue of sharing tables was never a problem during dinner…we were asked before being seated if we would be open to sharing and we always agreed. We met some terrific folks from all over the world - I love hearing stories of previous cruises - there is so much we can all learn from one another.

Our stateroom was always immaculate - our steward was such a sweetheart. I was walking/running down the hall while transiting the canal, someone made a sharp turn, at least it felt that way - I could be overdramatizing perhaps, with the ship and I went flying into the wall. Our steward came running after me to make sure I was OK…of course I was but it was still nice to have him take the extra step.  And although he's included in the tip pool, we felt he deserved an additional gratuity for going the extra mile...and never being asked twice to do anything.  Ice in our room always, half and half, lots of extra coffee in the room....bar, yes I said, bar soap.  Somehow our room was always perfect...and of course, our steward was the reason (and, yes, that was mentioned on our comment card as well!)

Regarding the crew…they were all wonderful and helpful…the young man in Bliss could not have been more helpful when we were being set up for bowling…ahhhhh…how many cruisers out there can say they actually went bowling while out in the high seas???? Going on a long cruise, you get to know the staff...by the second week of Trivia, the waitress knew what we wanted to drink, knew who our team was...it was a very comfortable relaxing atmosphere. 

And finally, La, Cha, DH and I came in second place in the Cruise Director's Trivia Challenge…and we've got official certificates too! Flying Pirates, Coast to Coast rule!!!

We have again taken advantage of the Cruise Rewards program..looks like the Jade for us next August, Southampton to Barcelona.

We had a wonderful time, I loved loved loved the Pearl. The food was very good, the company terrific, the tours informative. Every goal I had for this magnificent trip was met.

I would recommend that you take this cruise if you can - its the opportunity of a lifetime.

Wait…one more thing…while we were going through the Canal, La had her laptop on. Shoreguy posted a picture of us going through, I believe, the Miraflores locks. Look at how the world has changed…we're on a ship thousands of miles away and one of our own here at CTC is taking pictures of us while we're one a cruise. As my CTC identifier says "what a wonderful world!"



 

Last edited on Sat Oct 20th, 2007 10:00 pm by whatawonderfulworld

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Last edited on Sun Oct 21st, 2007 02:17 am by scrappy

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NO CUTS ! 

Last edited on Wed Nov 14th, 2007 02:52 am by Isle Be Back

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