Picking the Best Cabins on the Norwegian Pearl

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Norwegian Pearl's best and worst cabins.

Looking for the best cabins on the Norwegian Pearl? Want to find the cabin with a little larger balcony than most? And what about staying away from undesirable cabins on the Norwegian Pearl? How do you avoid the worst cabins on the Norwegian Pearl?

Help us improve this guide! Have you stayed in a great cabin on the Norwegian Pearl that we missed? Let us know! Is there better advice that we can give -- we would love to hear from you. Use the form at the bottom of the page to let us know your thoughts. Your input will help other travelers.

Norwegian Pearl Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary
 

Best Cabins on the Norwegian Pearl are on Decks 9, 10, 14, and 15.
Cabins to be wary of on the Norwegian Pearl are on Decks 5, 8, and 11.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins on the Norwegian Pearl

Deck 4

Most of the cabins on the Norwegian Pearl's Deck 4 have cabins above them that buffer noise from public areas. However, it's important to note that the ship's engine rooms and propellers are beneath this deck. Because cabins on Deck 4 are not in the aft section of the Norwegian Pearl, propeller vibration issues are not much of an issue. However, we cannot rule out engine drone in these cabins.

• Forward on Deck 4 of the Norwegian Pearl, exterior cabins 4500, 4502, and 4504 and inside staterooms 4501, 4503, and 4505 are underneath the most aft portion of the stage. There could be some noise heard overhead from these staterooms during performances, as well as before and after when staff are preparing for or cleaning after a show.
• On Deck 4 of the Norwegian Pearl, the roomiest exterior staterooms are 4500- 4510. Check when booking, as some of these have obstructed views.
• Except for the most forward exterior and interior staterooms (4500- 4505), the rest of the staterooms on this deck have cabins above, and are consequently going to be more quiet.
• Aft, interior cabin 4604 is twice the size of other inside staterooms on Deck 4 of the Norwegian Pearl.

Deck 5

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Several cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Deck 5 is right beneath several major public areas on the Norwegian Pearl, including the casino, the smaller main dining room, restaurants, bars, and the ship's galley. All of these venues generate noise. We do not, consequently, recommend the accommodations on this deck for light sleepers.

• Forward on Deck 5 of the Norwegian Pearl, Oceanview Staterooms 5000 and 5500 are closest to the stage area, but have been arranged so that conference areas, and not the theater are directly above. There are likely no major issues with noise, and the cabins are also a bit oddly shaped and more spacious than average.
• On Deck 5, exterior cabins 5522- 5546 port side and 5022- 5046 starboard are under the casino. Inside cabins in that area, 5021, 5039, and 5521- 5543 will likely be most affected. Noise issues from this area can occur after hours when many travelers are in their cabins on the Norwegian Pearl. If you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on the ship, bring earplugs, or invest in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds).
• Port side on the Norwegian Pearl's Deck 5, inside cabins 5049- 5071 and Oceanview Staterooms 5048- 5070 are generally under bar areas. Again, we suggest looking for a stateroom elsewhere, bringing along ear plugs, or investing in a wave machine for light sleepers.
• Aft on Deck 5 of the Norwegian Pearl, Oceanview Staterooms 5580- 5588 port side and 5086- 5094 starboard, and interior cabin 5581 are under the general area of the smaller main dining room. Noise could be a concern in any of these cabins.
• Aft, Ocean View Staterooms 5590- 5610 port side and 5090- 5110 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 5599- 5609 and 5099- 5107 are beneath the ship's galley. Noise from early in the morning until late at night could be an issue in any of these cabins.
• Some of the worst cabins on the Norwegian Pearl are on Deck 5. While we are not suggesting that this deck be avoided, you will find more quiet cabin areas on higher decks!

Deck 8

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Along this entire deck, you should be aware that the main drag of the Norwegian Pearl is right beneath the cabins. Most of the public venues on Deck 7 are not going to present appreciable noise issues. However, there is a popular night club beneath the aft section of cabins, and staterooms most forward may have some noise concerns from the theater below.

• Forward on Deck 8 of the Norwegian Pearl, noise from the theater could be a concern in Interior Staterooms 8007- 8507, 8517- 8537, and 8017- 8037. Exterior cabins in this area are 8508- 8540 port side and 8008- 8040 starboard. While this is likely not a late night problem, you could hear some noise during rehearsals and performances.
• Best staterooms to consider on Deck 8 are going to be mid ship, between the elevators most forward and aft. These include balcony staterooms 8542- 8548 port side and 8042- 8048 starboard. There are several exterior staterooms with obstructed views in this section of Deck 8 on the Norwegian Pearl (8550- 8594 and 8596- 8602 port side and 8050- 8094 and 8096- 8102 starboard). Interior cabins 8051- 8561 and 8069- 8587 are also in this area. These staterooms have relatively quiet public areas beneath, and will not have much in the way of noise issues during the day or late at night.
• Aft on Deck 8 the Norwegian Pearl, four Penthouse Suites (8630, 8632, 8132, 8130), each with 341 sq. ft. including balcony space, command the most beautiful (and least breezy) ocean view.
• Between the Penthouse Suites, two balcony staterooms (8634 and 8134) have highly sought aft views of the ocean! The balconies with these staterooms are smaller in comparison to those on Decks 9 and 10.
• Oceanview staterooms 8608- 8626 port side and 8108- 8126 starboard, as well as interior cabins 8609- 8627 and 8109- 8127 are all over the aft night club which does feature two bowling alleys. There is a possibility that noises could be heard very late at night. Again, if you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on the ship, bring earplugs, or invest in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds).
• Some of the worst cabins on the Norwegian Pearl are on Deck 8. While we are not suggesting that this deck be avoided, you will find more quiet cabin areas on higher decks!

Deck 9

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

In addition to Penthouse Suites, Deck 9 of the Norwegian Pearl adds luxurious Haven Owners Suites! There are also several balcony staterooms and inside cabins from which to choose. Deck 9 has the added advantage of cabin decks above and beneath that filter out noise public areas can generate! Some of the best cabins on the Norwegian Pearl are on Deck 9.

• Forward on the Norwegian Pearl, Haven Owners' Suites 9504 and 9004 offer the most spacious accommodations on Deck 9. (Each has up to 824 sq. ft. of space including the balcony.) However, unless there's a tailwind, balcony views from this vantage point are going to be breezy!
• Located between these two Owners' Suites, Penthouse Suites 9502, 9500, 9000, and 9002, each with up to 598 sq. ft. of space including the balcony, are quite elegant. Once again, ocean views from these balconies are likely to be windy.
• Deck 9 of the Norwegian Pearl features balcony staterooms port side (9506- 9668) and starboard (9006- 9168).
• If you are looking for an inside cabin, this is an excellent deck. There are several located on Deck 9 of the Norwegian Pearl, and those most forward (9505 & 9005) and most aft (9669 & 9169) are across the hall from suites on this deck, which is also where the best cabin stewards are assigned.
• Aft, there are four smaller Penthouse Suites (9670, 9672, 9172, and 9170). Each has 341 sq. ft. including the balcony, and that majestic (less breezy) view of the ocean.
• Balcony staterooms 9674 and 9174 are located between the aft Penthouse Suites and have highly sought views of the ocean! The balconies with these staterooms are larger in comparison to those on Decks 8 and 11.

Deck 10

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

The Norwegian Pearl's Deck 10 is also cushioned between two cabin decks, which helps to make this another, more quiet place for a stateroom or suite. Some of the best cabins on the Norwegian Pearl are on Deck 10!

• Forward on the Norwegian Pearl, Haven Owners' Suites 10504 and 10004 offer the most spacious accommodations on Deck 10. (Each has up to 824 sq. ft. of space including the balcony.) However, unless there's a tailwind, balcony views from this vantage point are going to be breezy!
• Located between these two Owners' Suites are Penthouse Suites 10502, 10500, 10000, and 10002. Each has up to 578 sq. ft. of space including the balcony. Once again, ocean views from these balconies are likely to be windy.
• There are numerous balcony staterooms port side (10506- 10662) and starboard (10006- 10162) on the Norwegian Pearl!
• Port side and starboard, there are over twenty Family Balcony Staterooms on Deck 10 of the Norwegian Pearl.
• Deck 10 of the Norwegian Pearl is also a great location to reserve an interior stateroom, if this is your preference, because this is one of the more quiet decks. Inside staterooms 10653 and 10153 are much more spacious than standard.
• Aft on the Norwegian Pearl's Deck 10, Penthouses with Large Balconies, 10664, 10666, 10166, and 10164, captivate hearts and that idyllic ocean views. Each of these suites has at least 341 sq. ft. of space including the balcony!
• Between the Penthouse Suites, Balcony Staterooms 10668 and 10168 also have that beautiful (less breezy) view of the ocean. The balconies with these staterooms are larger in comparison to those on Decks 8 and 11.

Deck 11

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Several cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Deck 11 of the Norwegian Pearl offers mini-suites, inside cabins, and ten Family Suites. Of the cabin decks, Deck 11 is most oriented for children! Travelers who enjoy Lido pools and casual dining may prefer a suite here. However, many accommodations on Deck 11 are under some of the busiest venues on the ship- such as the pools, the Lido buffet, the fitness center, and the youth centers. We do not recommend many of these cabins to light sleepers.

• Forward on Deck 11 of the Norwegian Pearl, there are ten Family Suites (11506, 11512, 11518, 11524, & 11530 port side and 11006, 11012, 11018, 11024, & 11030 starboard). Each of these has 544 sq. ft. including the balcony, and features a bedroom for children as well as a second bathroom with a shower. The Family cabins are in in short-supply and are very popular given their attractive sleeping arrangements. They sell out very quickly, so it is best to book early if this is your preference.
• 11500- 11510 port side and 11002- 11010 starboard are beneath the spa. This is going to be a more quiet location for a suite on Deck 11 of the Norwegian Pearl.
• Port side, suites 11512- 11526 and Interior Staterooms 11519, 11521, and 11523 are beneath the fitness center. Noise from early in the morning until the center closes at night could be a concern in any of these cabins.
• With the exception of the Family Suites and interior cabins, all of the accommodations port side and starboard are mini-suites. On average, each of these have 272 sq. ft. of space including the balcony on Deck 11 of the Norwegian Pearl.
• Exterior suites 11528- 11566 port side, 11028- 11066 starboard, and interior cabins 11537, 11037, 11053, 11055, and 11057 are underneath the pool section on Deck 12. It will be possible to hear some noise in this area, such as the scraping of deck chairs when staff are cleaning at night and early in the morning.
• Port side, 11564- 11598 are beneath the children's and teens' areas. Noise while these centers are open could be an issue in any of these staterooms.
• Heading through aft, 11600- 11656 port side, 11060- 11156 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 11639, 11643, 11647, 11629- 11645, 11649, 11129- 11145, 11139, 11147, and 11149 are beneath dining venues and galleys. Noise could be a concern in any of these staterooms as a result.
• There are seven mini-suites (11650- 11150) directly aft on Deck 11 which are also underneath the casual dining area. Travelers need to be aware of the fact that there could be noise as early as 7:00am, because this is a popular breakfast venue. After 11:00pm, there could be noise associated with staff cleaning. The balconies with these suites are smaller in comparison to the aft balcony staterooms on Decks 9 and 10.
• Interior cabins 11139 and 11147 are larger than standard.

Deck 14

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated luxury accommodations by our cruise experts!

Accommodations on Deck 14 of the Norwegian Pearl are without question the most exclusive and luxurious of all! This is where all of the Villas are located. Each has access to the private Concierge Lounge, and features The Haven, which includes a hot tub, pool, and sundeck!

• Forward on Deck 14, with up to 4252 total sq. ft. each, the Haven 3 Bedroom Garden Villas (14500 and 14000) are the most spacious to be found on the Norwegian Pearl!
• There are eight Haven 2 Bedroom Family Villas (14506- 14512 and 14006- 14012), each with 572 total sq. ft. of space including a children's bedroom.
• On Deck 14, two Haven Courtyard Penthouses with Balconies, 14514 and 14014 are aft the other cabins on Deck 14. Each of these has 440 total sq. ft. of living space in the most elegant neighborhood you can find aboard the Norwegian Pearl!

Deck 15

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated luxury accommodations by our cruise experts!

Accommodations on Deck 15 of the Norwegian Pearl are certainly exclusive! Including access to the Haven Courtyard, the two Haven Deluxe Owner's Suites with Large Balconies on Deck 15 are the ONLY cabins on this top tier deck!

• Mid ship, 15500 and 15000 are Haven Deluxe Owner's Suites with Large Balconies. Each will have 630 sq. ft. with a 567 sq. ft. balcony. Each is designed to accommodate up to four guests, and provides a dining room, a living room, a luxury bathroom, a king sized bed, and the services of a concierge and a butler!