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Norwegian Pearl wows with upgrades
Cruise line’s revamped ship makes cruises premium sailing experiences
 Keeler / Zuma Press file Last year, Norwegian Cruise Line launched Freestyle 2.0 — a $50 million fleetwide initiative to further improve the guest experience. Cruise columnist Anita Dunham-Potter set sail on the Pearl, and says “mission accomplished.” |
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Three years ago I sailed on Norwegian Pearl’s inaugural sailing and back then it exceeded expectations. A recent sailing onboard the same ship proved to be significantly better than my previous cruise.
How is it better? Last year, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) launched Freestyle 2.0 a fleetwide initiative to further improve the guest experience. And, wow have they succeeded.
50 million reasons
NCL pledged some $50 million towards the Freestyle 2.0 enhancements that include major investments in the total dining experience, upgraded staterooms and new wide-ranging onboard activities for guests of all ages. All this, along with additional recognition and service and amenities for balcony, suite and villa guests.
One of the first changes passengers will encounter is during boarding where crew members greet guests with a “bubbly welcome” — trays with flutes of champagne or orange juice. Additionally, passengers staying in balcony staterooms, mini-suites and suites are then escorted to their accommodations. These are just little changes that improve the guest experience; however, changes to menus and stateroom amenities have taken this cruise to a whole new level.
Lobster galore
Food is the major focus on any cruise and NCL’s Freestyle Cruising provides guests with the widest variety of dining choices of any cruise line. Dining choices include the ship’s two main dining rooms, Summer Palace and Indigo, which offer traditional and contemporary menus, respectively. There are also the Garden Café buffet area and the Blue Lagoon for comfort food. For a cover charge of $10 to $25 per person, dine at the following premium venues: La Cucina (Italian fare), Mambos (Mexican), Le Bistro (gourmet French cuisine), Lotus Garden (sushi, teppanyaki and Pacific fusion) and Cagney’s Steakhouse (steak and seafood). Still hungry? There’s an on-deck grill, a coffee shop, an ice cream bar and 24-hour room service.
Freestyle 2.0 has improved both the quality and quantity of food in all dining venues. When it comes to food lobster is king and when it comes to lobster, Freestyle 2.0 is pouring it on. The line touts “Lobster Galore” featuring lobster served twice a week in the main dining room. Plus, lobster dishes are on all specialty restaurant menus from lobster ravioli in La Cucina to lobster brioche for breakfast.
In addition, all specialty restaurants have upgraded their offerings. For example, Le Bistro features Cote de Boeuf, a 32-ounce, premium-gold Angus rib-eye steak, braised Maine lobster and Plateau de Fruits de Mer, a cold seafood plate with mussels, lobster tail, shrimp, and raw oysters. Cagney’s steak house has added a 32-ounce porterhouse and Alaska king crab legs.
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The Pearl’s Garden Café buffet area offers action stations where guests can select different foods at different stations without having to stand in a long line and pass unwanted choices before getting to desired dishes. Garden Café upgrades also include table clothes and candlelight to enhance the ambiance for those dining at night.
Room service has been upgraded for guests in all staterooms, and even broader choices are available for suite guests. Minibar options have been expanded, and guests are encouraged to ask their room steward to customize their selections.
Expanded entertainment
Entertainment upgrades include two new party experiences to enhance the nightlife. Monte Carlo Night provides singing, dancing, games and prizes in the casino, while White Hot Party features white costumes and hot music. The cruise staff, including waiters and cabin stewards, wear T-shirts promoting the parties during the days they were scheduled. On Monte Carlo Night they wear black T-shirts designed to look like tuxedos.
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Entertainment provided by an improv comedy troupe from Chicago’s famed Second City is a favorite among passengers. The group performs a regular show and a late-night show.
An improved Pool Deck experience has been added. Relaxing music is played and there is a designated quiet zone. Drink flags have been placed on lounge chairs to make it even easier to attract a waiter. Cold towels and Evian mists are also provided.
Sports and kids’ programs have been expanded, with a more flexible Kids Crew program and increased Xbox and Wii availability. Foosball, billiards and air hockey have been added as well.
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