From Beantown to Bermuda: Exploring Paradise on the Norwegian Pearl

​I am thrilled to share my positive experience of a Boston to Bermuda cruise with a stop at Bar Harbor Maine onboard the magnificent Norwegian Pearl. I was fortunate enough to embark on the first cruise of the season departing Boston, and that season runs from April through August, which made it an even more special endeavor. 

The Norwegian Pearl is a beautiful ship with plenty of amenities and activities for all ages. From the minute we boarded the ship, we were greeted by friendly and attentive staff who were always eager to assist us with any requests we had. We were impressed by the cleanliness and overall condition of the ship, which was a testament to the hardworking crew. Our room steward Dexter was friendly and always smiling, and was very helpful with answering questions or opening the room door if our hands were full. 

ACCOMMODATIONS ONBOARD NORWEGIAN PEARL: COMFORTABLE AND AFFORDABLE
During my recent cruise on the Norwegian Pearl, I had the pleasure of staying in an inside cabin. Although it had no window or balcony, it provided a cozy and comfortable space that met all my needs.

Inside Cabin
The inside cabin is the most affordable option and is perfect for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship and its destinations. The room was equipped with a comfortable queen-sized bed or two single beds if preferred, a TV, a closet, and a private bathroom with a shower.
Despite the lack of a window, the cabin didn't feel cramped or stuffy and I was able to get a good night's sleep after a long day of adventure.

Other Accommodation Options
Of course, the Norwegian Pearl offers a range of other accommodation options to cater to various budgets and preferences including balcony staterooms with ocean views, spacious suites with luxury amenities, and more.

Accommodation Summary
Overall, the inside cabin on the Norwegian Pearl provides an affordable and comfortable option for those on a budget. Despite the lack of a window, the room is cozy and well-equipped, making it a great choice for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship and its destinations.

ITINERARY
The Boston to Bermuda cruise itinerary with stops at Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda and Bar Harbor, Maine, offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Starting in Boston, you'll embark on a voyage that takes you to the historic port of call at Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, where you can explore the island's rich history, swim with dolphins, or simply relax on beautiful beaches. 

Afterward, you'll visit Bar Harbor, Maine, where you can indulge in a traditional Maine lobster bake or enjoy a scenic hike in Acadia National Park. Finally, you will sail back to Boston, concluding your adventure on a high note. With a perfect mix of scenic views, cultural experiences, and relaxation, the Boston to Bermuda cruise with stops at Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda and Bar Harbor is a journey that should not be missed.

It's worth noting that not all Boston to Bermuda cruises offer a stop in Bar Harbor. Some itineraries may only have stops in Bermuda and Boston, with no additional ports of call. If you're interested in visiting Bar Harbor or other ports of call, it's essential to research cruise itineraries carefully and choose the one that suits your preferences and interests.

It's important to note that Bar Harbor is a tender port, meaning that the ship anchors offshore, and guests are transported to the port via smaller boats called tenders. Guests with mobility issues may find getting on and off the tender boat challenging and should consider this before planning any shore excursions in Bar Harbor. However, once ashore, there are a variety of activities that cater to all abilities, including scenic drives, museums, and restaurants. Regardless of your mobility needs, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty and charm of this historic town.

For guests with mobility concerns, wheeled walkers and collapsible wheelchairs can be brought on the tender boat to reach the shore at Bar Harbor. However, it is important to note that passengers must carry these items themselves, as the ship's crew is not able to assist. It's also worth mentioning that those with mobility scooters will not be able to bring them on the tender boats, and may need to make alternative arrangements to explore the town. 
 
Our first port of call was Bermuda, which was absolutely stunning. We docked at Royal Naval Dockyard. We spent three full days on the island, and during that time, we had the opportunity to explore the many beaches, visit historic landmarks, and learn about the local culture. 
Onboard the ship, there were plenty of activities to keep us entertained. From live music and shows to trivia and game shows, there was always something going on. We also appreciated the variety of dining options, which included everything from casual buffet-style meals to upscale specialty restaurants. The food was consistently delicious, and we appreciated the variety of options available to us.

CULINARY DELIGHTS ABOARD NORWEGIAN PEARL: A journey of flavor and cuisine
If you're a food lover and you're planning a trip onboard the Norwegian Pearl, then you are in for an unforgettable culinary experience. The dining options onboard this ship are diverse, innovative and delicious. Whether you're looking for a casual, laid-back meal or an upscale fine dining experience, the Norwegian Pearl has something to suit every palate. The dining options onboard the Norwegian Pearl are plentiful, and each restaurant offers its own unique atmosphere and cuisine:

The Summer Palace is the ship's main dining room, with a grand, elegant setting that's perfect for formal dinners and special occasions. The menu offers a range of international flavors, from classic French dishes to hearty American favorites.

Indulge in a taste of the Far East at Lotus Garden, which features delicious Chinese and Japanese specialties prepared to perfection.

For those looking to savor a taste of Italy, La Cucina serves up authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy and intimate setting.

If you're a meat lover, then Cagney's Steakhouse is a must-visit. This upscale restaurant specializes in juicy and tender steaks, perfectly grilled to your preference.

For a more casual night out, The Garden Cafe buffet provides an endless selection of international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As soon as we arrived, the friendly employees offered us hand sanitizer, singing a fun and catchy tune called "Happy Happy, Washy Washy." It was not only a fun moment, but also gave us peace of mind about the cleanliness of the dining area.

Other dining options include Moderno Churrascaria, serving Brazilian-style grilled meats, Tex-Mex at the lively Teppanyaki, and signature French cuisine at Le Bistro.

The onboard dining experience is not just about the food, but also the remarkable attention to detail and exceptional service offered by the professional and friendly staff. Wherever you choose to dine on the Norwegian Pearl, the staff go above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is of the highest quality.

The dining aboard the Norwegian Pearl is a culinary journey of flavors that will surely exceed your expectations. From upscale dining experiences to casual buffets, the Norwegian Pearl has something for every taste and craving. I highly recommend experiencing this ship's impressive dining.

SHORE EXCURSIONS
The shore excursions offered were well organized, and we were impressed by the professionalism of the local tour guides. 

Insider's Tour of Norwegian Pearl: A Unique and Memorable Experience
If you’re looking for a unique and immersive tour of a cruise ship, you can learn all about the inner workings and behind-the-scenes operations with the Insider's Tour of the Norwegian Pearl. 
I recently had the pleasure of going on this tour and I must say it was a fascinating experience. The tour provided a glimpse into the life of the crew members and all the hard work that goes into maintaining a cruise ship. Here are some of the highlights of my Insider's Tour:

Learning about the Ship's Operations
We got to see the inner workings of the ship, including the many kitchens needed to run a large cruise ship, the provisions area where fresh and frozen food is stored, backstage in the theater, including a live performance practice and the dressing rooms, the laundry area, the engine room and the bridge. It was amazing to see the sophisticated technology and systems that keep the ship running smoothly.

Meeting the Captain
The tour ended with meeting the captain of the ship, who gave us a warm welcome and introduced us to his daily routine and responsibilities.

Overall, the Insider's Tour of the Norwegian Pearl was a fantastic experience that gave me a whole new appreciation for all the hard work that goes into making a cruise ship operate. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in learning more about the cruise industry. 

Catamaran Cruise and Snorkel
We booked a catamaran cruise and snorkel experience with Restless Native Cruises, which was a fantastic way to explore the breathtaking beauty of Bermuda's coastline. The crew was knowledgeable and friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. If you're ever in Bermuda, a catamaran and snorkeling adventure with Restless Native Cruises is a must-do activity!

Walking Tours
One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to St. George's, a UNESCO world heritage site. The ship provided a free round trip ferry ride to St. George’s. The town's rich history was evident in the architecture, and we enjoyed wandering around the narrow streets and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding water. We also visited Tobacco Bay Beach, which was a beautiful spot for swimming and snorkeling. 

Another highlight of the trip was the visit to Bar Harbor, Maine. The town was incredibly picturesque, with charming shops and restaurants nestled against the backdrop of Acadia National Park and very walkable.  It should be noted that those I enjoyed a delicious lobster and clam chowder in Northeast Harbor, before heading out to explore the stunning landscape of the park. We had a local friend who gave us a private tour. There are tours of Acadia Park offered through the cruise line.
 
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the Norwegian Pearl Boston to Bermuda cruise. The ship was beautiful, the crew was friendly and attentive, and the itinerary was well planned. I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone looking for a relaxing and exciting vacation.