Chefs in Teppanyaki, one of 12 restaurants aboard Norwegian Pearl, treat guests to both a culinary show and excellent fare. Photos by Michael Coleman
By Michael Coleman
The biggest culinary fan aboard Norwegian Pearl may also be the most disappointed passenger on disembarkation day.
With 12 restaurants and 11 bars and lounges to choose from, it’s next to impossible to sample all of the ship’s culinary venues on a typical, seven-day Caribbean voyage.
The 2,394-passenger ship features locales which run the gamut from complimentary (as part of your cruise fare) to reservations-only, nominal fee, specialty restaurants from among French inspired cuisine in Le Bistro, steak and seafood in Cagney’s, and even a Japanese/Thai/Chinese complex complete with a teppanyaki dining area.
Dining options are a big factor today within the cruise industry as more ships than ever before offer alternative onboard venues for their passengers to enjoy. At NCL, however, it’s the very premise of their “Freestyle Cruising’’ concept where one is offered a host of outstanding dining choices, relaxed dress codes, and the freedom to dine with whom you want, when you want at a locale that’s right for you on the evening of your choosing.
The 2,394-passenger Norwegian Pearl operates weekly Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami but with so many onboard events and activities to choose from, including some 12 restaurants and 11 bars/lounges, Pearl begs guests to return.
The ship, of course, still offers casual buffet fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner in both the Garden Café/The Great Outdoors venue on Deck 12. Look for omelets, waffles, fruit, soups, ethnic specialties, salads, pasta and carving stations.
The best meals occur nightly, however, primarily in four dining venues.
Le Bistro, on Deck 6, is a warm, art nouveau restaurant reflecting all things French. Wine displays surround the entrance and the artwork celebrates famous icons throughout French history. It’s also the scene for jazz brunch, hosted once each cruise.
The Lotus Garden Asian Restaurant, on Deck 7, is the ship’s Japanese/Thai/Chinese restaurant complex featuring sushi, sashimi and a Teppanyaki room where chefs treat passengers to both a culinary show and excellent fare.
Cagney’s Steakhouse on Deck 13, meanwhile, is a traditional steakhouse albeit with a 1930s ambiance. Look for a choice of beef, lobster, veal, lamb, seafood and grilled chicken.
La Cucina Italian Restaurant, on Deck 12, is Pearl’s casual Italian eatery reflecting a village Trattoria or traditional farmhouse kitchen.
Pearl features a central area, next to reception, for passengers to conveniently book their dining reservations. Look also for a number of electronic dining boards erected throughout the ship advising guests – in real time – as to how busy their favorite venue is expected to be later in the evening.
For your pre or post dining experience, look for any one of Pearl’s bars/lounges to help set the mood.
Bar Central, on Deck 6, may be the nicest way to start or end your evening as it features a martini bar, a champagne and wine bar, and a beer and whisky pub all within a few feet of each other.
