Norwegian Pearl unveiled

Posted by Sue Bryant Dec 3, 2006

I was lucky enough to attend the inaugural celebrations in the UK this weekend for NCL's latest 'Freestyle Cruising' ship, Norwegian Pearl. The ship is spectacular, and a genuinely positive sign that cruise lines really are waking up to what younger cruisers want.

The decor is lighthearted and funky - my mini-suite was in bright pinks and turquoises - and there's a huge choice of restaurants and bars. I sampled the fantastic teppanyaki room in the Lotus Garden Asian Restaurant, complete with knife-throwing and egg-juggling chefs, and later, Cagney's Steakhouse, where my dining companions tucked into huge steaks. There's also a tapas restaurant, a French bistro, the modern European Indigo, burgers and fast-wok dishes... no wonder cruisers pile on the pounds. I loved the high-tech gym and the fitness studio is of a decent size and offers classes either free or at token prices. The spa is gorgeous, with fantastic thermal suites for men and women which you can use for $15 a day. Bliss Ultra Lounge is by far the best nightclub I've seen on a cruise ship - really stylish, with huge, decadent day beds draped in gauze and plush velvet lounging areas, not to mention four ten-pin bowling lanes.

I'd certainly recommend this ship to families, couples and groups of friends who like to do their own thing, aren't bothered about a formal, regimented lifestyle and enjoy eating somewhere different every night. It's a big ship, but not so big you feel lost and there's so much to do on board that getting bored isn't an option!