The Norwegian Pearl

That title sounds like this page should describe a gemstone, doesn’t it? I hope you’re not disappointed to learn that the Pearl is just one of those overly large cruise ships operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines. Jan Cordell, travel expert extraordinaire, had recommended this line and their itinerary to us for a number of reasons, and we were delighted with it.

Judy and I had been on only one other cruise ship, a relatively small craft in the Mediterranean, operated by a Greek cruise line. This was a whole different experience, and one we really enjoyed a lot. You can make some choices below to see photos of the ship. That should give you a good idea of what our accommodations were like.

But don’t think that’s all we did-play around on the ship. This was a destination cruise, after all, so the other pages will give you a much better look at some of the fun we had in Alaska.Before you scroll down to the photos, have a couple of pages from Judy’s journal. That will give you a boost!

Judy’s Journal: Saturday

After weeks of anticipation, anxiety and some apprehension, the house was cleaned, Ms. Lucille moved to Wynn’s and clothes were in the suitcase.  We went to bed Friday night not expecting to sleep because of excitement but awoke Saturday rested and more or less ready. Last minute chores and adding clothes to my bulging suitcase, I passed the time until Mark & KC arrived just before 9:00. After a struggle to arrange four suitcases, two carry-ons, backpacks and bags in Mark’s car, we left for the drive to Atlanta, hoping nothing would delay our arrival at Atlanta Airport, where we would meet Sara and check in.

We parked the car in Parking Spot 2 and were taken to our gate, where Sara was waiting to distribute miniatures of vodka, scotch and bourbon among the suitcases where we hoped ship security would not confiscate them. After checking in curbside we made our way to the Crown Room only to find domestic First Class flights did not qualify us! Back among the hoi poloi, we ate lunch and waited for our flight to be called. Finally we settled into the comfortable (relatively speaking) seats and proceeded to eat and drink our way across the continent to Seattle. The ride set the pace for our next ten days: indulgence.

Taking a Gray Line shuttle across the city, we arrived at the Sheraton downtown, only blocks away from the pier where the Norwegian Pearl would be waiting for us on Sunday. Having stretched our stomachs during the flight, we were somewhat peckish, so we set out later to find food. Across the street we spotted the Taproom Grill. They claimed to serve 160 beers on tap, and did–but not all to us. JC had a sampler: four beers and Sara had something that came with a tiny plastic Monkey; we all had supper. I had tortilla soup–very good but different from the usual. It was thick, almost a bean soup and had seafood and cheese in it. I also had a lettuce wedge with blue cheese. All good. KC and Sara had salmon burgers and Mark & Jim had jerk barbecue sandwiches. Back to the Sheraton and a hilarious elevator escapade reminiscent of Hogwarts.

Judy’s Journal: Sunday

The Norwegian Pearl

We had until noon, when we were to board the Pearl, so we walked six blocks to Pike Place Market. Fresh seafood on ice, flowers, fruit and vegetables, just a fascinating market where we plan to spend time next week-end when we return. Jim had arranged for us to travel in a van rather than two cabs, so at 11:00 we and our luggage were delivered to the pier and the city-sized ship that was to be home for the next seven days.

Within an hour we boarded, were checked in and having to wait until 2:00 to get into our cabins. We began the eating orgy at the “complimentary” buffet after downing our “Complimentary” welcome aboard glass of champagne. We sat at the outdoor Garden Cafe and watched the harbor and boats, parasailers, and our fellow passengers–an ongoing amusement. Finally into our cabins, both on deck 11 but opposite sides of the ship and each with a balcony. While a bit tight for three, the cabin met expectations and should be comfortable for the week. Unpacking our carry-ons, we waited for our big bags, which were to be delivered by 4:00. At 3:30 we had the obligatory life boat drill. Wearing our flotation vests we made our way to our assigned stations amidst laughter and jokes, but knowing the activity had a serious purpose that we all hoped would never be put to use.

Back at the cabin we unpacked as the suitcases arrived one by one (liquor intact). Before long, a beautiful cheese tray arrived. Six cheeses, vegetable sticks, olive tapenade, gingered apricots and crackers. It was a combined Father’s Day/Birthday gift from the girls. Later, a wine and fruit tray arrived, also from them as a thank-you for the cruise. Since we have a mini-fridge, the cheeses will be enjoyed for several days in our room. Of course, with four “free” restaurants, and several other specialty restaurants aboard, food will never be a problem.

Exploring the ship, snacking, watching the beautiful Puget Sound fall behind us, our eyes worked overtime the next few hours. Finishing our “final” meal of the day, we began to realize what a full day we’d had and made our way to the cabin just at sunset, a little after 9:00 ship time, but 11:00 body time for us. “Our” stewards had “made” Sara’s bed, and after calling for a few more pillows, we settled down for the evening, I turned off my reading light just after 10:30 and to the gentle rock of the shi, finally let myself fall asleep.

Judy’s Journal: Monday

Today we travel. After breakfast (Sara brought a plate of bagels, cream cheese and smoked salmon to me) we dressed for the day, went to the buffet and had more breakfast. It is overcast and the wind is cool–no, make that cold. I’m sitting in the library in front of a wall of windows as I write. We’ve spotted something in the distance like blow spouts, perhaps whales ? but have yet to see the actual whales. It’s been about two hours since I ate, and emulating Catherine, I need a little snack to keep my energy up.