In a cruising first, Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship Norwegian Pearl has four ten-pin bowling alleys where passengers can pass time at sea.
They are not, as you might imagine, in a faceless area at the bottom of the ship, but either side of the Bliss Ultra Lounge – a sports bar-cum-nightclub complete with flat-screen TVs to show sporting events and plush upholstered loungers and beds for relaxing.
The 2,374-passenger ship also has NCL’s first rock-climbing wall and two new owners’ suites, with access to a private courtyard area located above the garden villas at the top of the ship.
In keeping with NCL’s Freestyle design, the ship has 12 places to eat, including a French bistro, a farmhouse-style Italian trattoria, a steakhouse and Asian restaurant, offering teppanyaki, sushi and sashimi.
Five restaurants carry surcharges, ranging from $10 per person in the Lotus Garden to $20 in the steakhouse, to cover the cost of the food and gratuities.
Norwegian Pearl vox pops
“It’s bright, brash, good for families and excellent for first-timers. It shows cruising is not old and stuffy or all about the ‘gin and tonic’ set.”
Gary Toon, Direct Holidays, Nottingham
“I like the colours and décor and love the artwork. This is great for anyone who wants a relaxed cruise, probably younger people. I will sell more by recommending this to clients.”
Jason Veal, Midlands Co-op Travel, Solihull
“I’ve never booked an NCL cruise, but I will now. The ship is beautiful and the food is great. My boyfriend has never been on a ship but having seen this he wants to book a cruise for next year.”
Vicky Young, Co-op Travel, St Helens
“Being in Sussex we don’t sell much NCL but I am really keen to push this and communicate to clients the American way of cruising. It’s brilliant.”
Marion Dewar, Direct Travel Services, West Sussex
“I would sell this to people who would normally take land-based holidays in a bed and breakfast or villa; people who like their freedom. It’s brilliant for families and young people, but not for traditional cruisers.”
Marion Owen, Marion Owen Travel, Hull
“I am genuinely impressed. The bowling alley is not just another area, it’s a fun place to be. I would like to sell more NCL but there is stiff competition. It’s a case of getting the brand across.”
Jenny West, Planet Cruise, Petersfield