Norwegian takes delivery of its newest ship

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is the proud owner of yet another megaship. The cruise line officially took possession of the Norwegian Pearl in Germany yesterday. The new ship is sister to the Norwegian Star, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel, and Pride of Hawaii, but she one-ups them with new features, such as a bowling alley, rock-climbing wall, and top-of-the-ship owner’s suites.

The Norwegian Pearl can carry 2,400 guests and features 10 Freestyle Dining restaurants and a number of theme lounges. Its highlight is the first-ever bowling alley at sea. The Bliss Ultra Lounge and Night Club is a sports bar and 10-pin bowling alley by day, and a nightclub with a dance floor and “disco bowling” in the evening.

The Pearl also takes a page out of Royal Caribbean’s book with Norwegian’s first rock-climbing wall. The wall is 30 feet high and offers five climbing routes.

NCL’s trademark Garden Villas and Courtyard Villas make an appearance on the Norwegian Pearl as well. But this ship boasts something new—535-square-foot Deluxe Owner’s Suites (named the Black Pearl and Golden Pearl) that sit above the other suites and offer amazing views of the ship and the ocean below.

The Norwegian Pearl will be sailing five- and nine-night western and southern Caribbean cruises this winter and spring. For the summer, the ship will reposition to Seattle and sail seven-night Alaska voyages.

Curious about this new NCL megaship? I’ll be spending two nights onboard in mid-December and will be happy to answer any questions you have. I’m even willing to climb a wall and bowl a few strikes in the name of research … and for a little fun as well. Please send any questions or comments to me at cruise@smartertravel.com.