Where does the cruise go?

On what ship will we be sailing?

What does the price of the cruise include?

What are the different types of cabins ?

What type of citizenship documents are required for the cruise?

What time is dinner?

Is there a dress code on the ship?

What about smoking and drinking on the ship?

What is the policy regarding use of illegal substances in international waters?

Are babysitters available?

Do children cruise for free?

Are there activities for children?

Do cruise ships pollute the ocean?

How do I book the cruise?

 
Where does the cruise go? ^Top of Page

We are sailing to the Western Caribbean on Sunday January 18th, 2009. For all itinerary information click here.

 
On what ship will we be sailing?   ^Top of Page

The Norwegian Pearl


You will love everything about Norwegian Pearl. She's brand new and full of exciting options, making your vacation just that - yours. Onboard, you'll find 12 unique places to eat and 11 exciting bars and lounges where you can just hang. There's even a bowling alley (a cruise industry first!) and rock climbing wall onboard. Choose from an impressive array of accommodations from the ultra luxurious Garden and Courtyard Villas to family-friendly connecting staterooms and suites. This giant floating luxury resort features swimming pools, hot tubs, a health club, casino and tons of things to do.

Norwegian Pearl Highlights

• Check out the hip new Bliss Ultra Lounge, a bowling alley/sports bar/night club complex where you'll want to hang out.
• Choose from Asian dishes at Lotus Garden , tapas at Mambos, French at Le Bistro, steak at Cagney's and so much more.
• Courtyard Villas, located on exclusive Deck 14, share a private-access courtyard with pool, hot tub, exercise room, sundeck, cabanas, and more.
• Two Garden Villas, each containing up to 5,000 sq ft of space, may entice you with three separate bedrooms, private garden with hot tub, and access to a private courtyard with pool.
• Click Here to experience the luxury.
• Pictures of the Norwegian Pearl are here

 
What does the price of the cruise include?  [Top of Page]

Your cruise fare entitles you to accommodations, meals in any of seven dining rooms and most ship-board activities.   Items of a personal nature are not included, such as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks and bottled water, spa treatments, certain specialty exercise classes, laundry, photographs, casino, ship-to-shore phone, e-mail, Internet, faxes, tips and shore excursions.


What are the different types of cabins ? [Top of Page]

All cabins on the Norwegian Pearl have a minimum of: 24-hour room service, a telephone, refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, private bathroom with shower, sitting area, a safe, and two beds that can convert to a queen-size bed.  The cost of a cabin is determined by the location and type of the cabin.  In general, the higher the deck and the larger the cabin, the more costly.   Cabin choices are based on availability at the time of your reservation.

Inside Cabins are approximately 138-143 square feet (including the bathroom). They are in the interior portion of the ship and do not look out to the ocean. 

Ocean View Cabins are approximately 161 square feet (including the bathroom). They have a rectangular window or round porthole which looks out to the ocean, but does not open.

Balcony Cabins are approximately 167 square feet (including the bathroom).  They have floor to ceiling windows and doors that open to a private 38 square foot private balcony on the ocean.

Mini Suites are approximately 231 square feet (including the bathroom). They have floor to ceiling windows and doors that open to a private 54 square private balcony. They feature a luxury bath and shower and have the services of a Concierge available.

Suites offer the ultimate in cruising. They feature a CD /DVD library, a luxury bath and shower, as well as butler and concierge services.   Some even have a whirlpool tub, outdoor hot tub and separate living room!

For pictures of the cabins, suites, and deck plans click here.

What type of citizenship documents are required? [Top of Page]

We personally believe that the best way to travel abroad is with a passport. The Department of Homeland Security has changed its mind several times!

Presently, there are different rules regarding travel to the Caribbean depending on your mode of travel. The policy that passports are not required only applies to people traveling by sea. There are two important reasons to have a passport for the Duhks cruise.

• If for any reason you would need to leave the ship before the end of the cruise, you would need a valid passport to get back to the US from a foreign port. In addition NCL recommends that passports be valid for at least six months from the return date of travel.
  
• If for any reason your travel to Miami is delayed and you have to meet the ship at the first port (Roatan, Honduras) you would need a passport for this unplanned flight.

Please refer to the U. S. State Department for further information at http://travel.state.gov/index.html

Or, for Canadians: http://www.ppt.gc.ca

All other nationalities must check with their respective authorities.


What time is dinner? [Top of Page]

What time would you like it to be? NCL's exclusive Freestyle Cruising lets you choose. They offer open-seating dining in a variety of restaurants and cafés with individual menus, so it's your choice. You can have lunch or dinner with friends in one of the elegantly appointed restaurants. Reserve a table for two in an intimate restaurant. Order an omelet prepared just the way you like it from the breakfast-buffet chef. Indulge yourself with delectable selections from the Chocoholic Buffet.™ There are special menus for youngsters and special entrées from Cooking Light®. There's even a menu created by Henry Haller, former White House Executive Chef under five U.S. presidents. Special meals are available including low-calorie, vegetarian, no MSG, low/no sodium and low/no cholesterol meals, as well as sugar-free and fat-free desserts. All of the restaurants are non-smoking. Most specialty restaurants require a per person cover charge or offer a` la carte pricing. Reservations are required and can be made on board.

There are 12 restaurants on the Norwegian Pearl.  Dining in Summer Palace Main Dining, Indigo Main Dining Rooms, La Cucina Italian Restaurant, The Blue Lagoon, Mambos Latin/Tapas Restaurant, Sky High Grill and The Garden Café (24-hour casual buffet) is included in the cost of your cruise.  There are 5 restaurants that require a reservation and charge a nominal service fee. Check them out here.

Is there a dress code on the ship?  [Top of Page]

Freestyle Cruising gives guests the freedom to dress as they please. Resort casual attire is always appropriate morning, noon and night. However, NCL does not allow any blue jeans, t-shirts, shorts, cut-offs, tank tops, bare feet, etc. in any of our fine dining restaurants for dinner, including all main restaurants, alternative restaurants, and cover charge venues.

Guests are allowed to wear blue jeans, shorts and t-shirts, in the evenings at the buffets, outdoor barbeques, and 24-hour venues.


What about smoking and drinking on the ship?  [Top of Page]

Most public areas throughout all NCL ships are smoke free. If you smoke cigarettes, you can do so in your stateroom, on your balcony, in the casino or the cigar bar. If you prefer pipes or cigars, you can smoke in the Corona Cigar Bar. Also, you can smoke cigarettes, pipes and cigars outside on open decks (just not around food venues, sport decks, kids' pool areas and other designated non-smoking areas). Cabins on cruise ships are quite small compared to hotel rooms. “Inside cabins” have no windows and “oceanview” cabins have windows that do not open. With this in mind, we recommend taking a balcony cabin if you are a cigarette smoker.

What is the policy regarding use of illegal substances in international waters? [Top of Page]

Norwegian Cruise Line's policy is similar to that of most cruise lines. No illegal drugs or other illegal substances are allowed onboard. Illegal drugs or substances will be confiscated and appropriate action taken, which may include passenger removal from the ship and involvement of appropriate authorities. All passengers in a cabin in which illegal substances are found may be held accountable and may be subject to the same consequences as the person(s) responsible. In addition, foreign governments at ports of call have strict laws that address drug possession. Guests found in violation of such laws are subject to arrest and prosecution by the foreign jurisdiction (and perhaps U. S. or other authorities as well) and may be prevented from re-boarding the ship.

Are babysitters available? [Top of Page]

While NCL does not provide for private baby sitters, Group-Sitting for Kids is available. Specific details about this program can be found here .

Do children cruise for free? [Top of Page]

Children under two cruise free when staying in a stateroom with two or more full paying guests. However, port charges and government fees still apply. Reduced rates for children sharing a cabin with two adults are available.

Are there activities for children? [Top of Page]

Yes. To learn about Kid’s Crew click here.

Do cruise ships pollute the ocean? [Top of Page]

Everyone talks about saving the environment, but Norwegian Cruise Line is actually doing it. They have recently won a prestigious award for their efforts too—the Cruise Ship Environmental Award. Norwegian Cruise Line has earned top honors for air emission reductions, wastewater treatment and recycling and disposal programs for solid waste. NCL has advanced environmental systems in place on all ships in their fleet. They just completed a first-of-its-kind initiative where their used cooking oil is recycled into bio-diesel and other usable products. So now you can feel good knowing the cruise of your dreams is doing right by our planet.

How do I book the cruise? [Top of Page]

The reservation form is to be found at the bottom of the Policies and Procedures page.