The Norwegian Pearl, operated by the American Norwegian Cruise Line, will sail from Barcelona to Miami in late November 2024. Currently, you can book this 14-night transatlantic crossing at a particularly affordable rate. An inside cabin is available for as low as €738, and you can even book outside cabins for only €855. Balcony cabins are quite a bit more expensive, costing €1,408 (per person based on double occupancy).
For solo travelers, this cruise is available in an inside cabin starting from €1,204, which reflects an approximate surcharge of 63% (not particularly attractive). By the way, all mentioned prices include all meals in the main and buffet restaurants, as well as coffee and tea during main meals.
Norwegian Cruise Line will charge your onboard account a crew gratuity of US$20 (~€17) per person per day. If you do not agree with this, you can request an adjustment or removal of this amount at the reception.
The Route
The cruise starts in the Mediterranean metropolis of Barcelona, Spain. After leaving the port, the Norwegian Pearl will head towards Cartagena and Málaga. The next stop is Gibraltar, where a notable attraction is the Rock of Gibraltar, home to Barbary macaques that the British imported from North Africa in the 18th century. On day 5, the ship docks in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, where the Hassan II Mosque is a major landmark.
Afterward, the Norwegian Pearl begins its transatlantic crossing, featuring six consecutive sea days. During this time, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the ship and enjoy its amenities. The next stop is the Bermuda Islands. If the weather is good, you can spend the day at one of the beautiful beaches. The final stop is Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas.
After 14 nights aboard the Norwegian Pearl, the cruise ends in Miami. Here’s the detailed itinerary:
| Date | Location | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 30 | Barcelona | 18:00 | |
| December 1 | Cartagena, Spain | 11:00 | 20:00 |
| December 2 | Málaga, Spain | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| December 3 | Gibraltar | 07:00 | 19:00 |
| December 4 | Casablanca, Morocco | 07:00 | 16:00 |
| December 5 – 10 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| December 11 | Royal Naval Dockyard on Ireland Island | 08:00 | 15:00 |
| December 12 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| December 13 | Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas | 10:00 | 18:00 |
| December 14 | Miami | 07:00 |
The Ship
The Norwegian Pearl was built in 2006 and last renovated in 2021. The ship is 294 meters long and 38 meters wide, with a maximum speed of 25 knots, although this speed is rarely needed in normal operation. The ship can accommodate a total of 2,394 passengers and 1,072 crew members. It was built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.
The bars and lounges on board ensure a lively atmosphere. A particular highlight is the Bliss Ultra Lounge, which also serves as a bowling center and nightclub. A show is performed every evening at the Stardust Theater. The ship has a fitness center and an outdoor sports court, so you can stay active whenever you wish. Passengers can find peace and relaxation in the spa area (for an additional fee).
The Norwegian Pearl offers a total of 16 different dining options. In addition to the main and buffet restaurants, there are also various specialty restaurants that require an additional fee, such as a steakhouse, Le Bistro with French delicacies, or the Brazilian-inspired Moderno. There is something for every taste.
The onboard language is English. The onboard currency is the US dollar, and the easiest way to settle your expenses at the end of the cruise is with a credit card.
Flights
Most readers will need a flight from the USA to Europe, be it Americans before the cruise or Europeans after the cruise. Here are some examples of what some (currently rather cheap) routes would cost you, including luggage:
Before the cruise:
- Miami – London Gatwick: $202 with Norse
- New York – Paris: $207 with Norse
- New York – London Gatwick: $232 with Norse
After the cruise:
- Baltimore – Reykjavik: €198 with PLAY
- Miami – London Gatwick: US$332 (~€283) with Norse
- Miami – Madrid: €353 with TAP
Feel free to use our search form to see how much a flight from/to your home city would cost:
Cover Picture: Photo by Malcolm Ketteridge on Unsplash