Norwegian Pearl Enters Drydock to Add Adults-Only Vibe Beach Club

Norwegian Pearl entered drydock in France on Nov. 4, 2025, for a package of onboard enhancements that Norwegian Cruise Line says is designed to expand guest options, including a new adults-only outdoor venue.

The 2006-built ship is at Chantiers Naval de Marseille, a Mediterranean ship-repair facility used by multiple cruise operators for refurbishment projects. Norwegian Pearl is the second Norwegian Cruise Line Jewel-class vessel to receive upgrades this fall, following a similar program completed on Norwegian Jewel, which spent nearly 20 days in drydock beginning in late September.

Drydock work in Marseille and what is being added

Norwegian Pearl, a Jewel-class ship with capacity for about 2,400 guests, is receiving additions centered on an adults-only Vibe Beach Club on Deck 14. Norwegian Cruise Line said the space will be separated from the ship’s main pool area, creating an additional option for guests looking for a quieter, outdoor setting.

Norwegian described the Vibe Beach Club as including the following elements:

• Additional hot tub: A new hot tub is planned as part of the venue’s expanded outdoor amenities.
• Premium loungers: The area is set to add 54 premium lounge chairs.
• Private cabanas: Seven new private cabanas are planned for guests seeking more secluded space.
• Bar and service touches: A full-service bar is planned, alongside service touches such as chilled towels, fruit skewers, and personalized service, paired with ocean views.

Beyond the Vibe Beach Club, Norwegian has not detailed every element of the Norwegian Pearl project in the available information, though the line has framed these drydock efforts as a way to expand onboard options and help guests tailor vacations with more flexibility.

Return to service and near-term deployment from Miami

Norwegian Pearl is scheduled to leave drydock by late November and sail a trans-Atlantic voyage to Miami. From there, the ship is set to operate cruises to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal.

Norwegian said upcoming itineraries are expected to feature calls at Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas, which is also set to receive updates later in 2025. In separate passenger discussions about recent itinerary adjustments, some travelers have speculated that construction delays at Great Stirrup Cay, where a new multi-ship pier is set to open later this year, could be a contributing factor, though Norwegian Cruise Line has not confirmed that theory.

Mediterranean plans for summer 2026

After its winter and spring sailing season in the Americas, Norwegian Pearl is scheduled to return to Europe for a Mediterranean deployment in summer 2026. The planned program includes itineraries between Greece, Spain, and Italy, with departures highlighted from Piraeus, Barcelona, and Ravenna.

No statements from named Norwegian Cruise Line executives or shipyard officials were included in the available information about the drydock work.

Itinerary changes draw criticism as schedule flexibility remains a flashpoint

While Norwegian Pearl’s refurbishment has focused attention on onboard enhancements, Norwegian Cruise Line has also faced criticism from passengers over recent itinerary changes affecting Caribbean-bound sailings for Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Pearl. In those adjustments, Norwegian prioritized visits to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, in place of the Bahamas.

Norwegian Cruise Line said the changes were made to “enhance the guest experience, diversify offerings, and strengthen partnerships with key destinations.” Some affected passengers have criticized what they described as last-minute shifts, noting that canceling can mean steep penalties.

The changes cited by passengers include Norwegian Getaway sailings on Nov. 3, Nov. 10, and Dec. 15, as well as other departures, along with one impacted December itinerary for Norwegian Pearl.

Industry watchers also point to Norwegian’s booking terms and conditions, which allow itinerary changes without compensation for various reasons, as a key factor in how such disputes play out.

Broader fleet schedule changes cited in 2026 and 2027

The itinerary controversy comes alongside other schedule adjustments across the Norwegian fleet. In September, Norwegian Cruise Line canceled multiple sailings for 2026 and 2027, citing redeployments for ships including Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Dawn, and Norwegian Joy.

For Norwegian Pearl, the next milestones are the ship’s late-November return to service, its Miami-based program to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Panama Canal, and its repositioning back to Europe for a Mediterranean season in summer 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Norwegian Pearl undergoing its drydock?

Norwegian Pearl is in drydock at Chantiers Naval de Marseille in France after arriving on Nov. 4, 2025.

What new venue is being added to Norwegian Pearl?

The ship is adding an adults-only Vibe Beach Club on Deck 14. Norwegian Cruise Line said it will be separated from the main pool area and include an additional hot tub, 54 premium lounge chairs, seven private cabanas, and a full-service bar, along with service touches such as chilled towels, fruit skewers, and personalized service.

When is Norwegian Pearl scheduled to return to service?

Norwegian Pearl is expected to complete the drydock by late November 2025 and then sail a trans-Atlantic voyage to Miami to begin its next sailing program.

Which itineraries were impacted by Norwegian Cruise Line’s recent changes?

Passengers reported changes affecting several late-2025 Norwegian Getaway sailings, including departures on Nov. 3, Nov. 10, and Dec. 15, with Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, prioritized in place of the Bahamas. One December itinerary for Norwegian Pearl was also impacted.

Where will Norwegian Pearl sail in summer 2026?

Norwegian Pearl is scheduled to return to Europe for a Mediterranean deployment in summer 2026, with itineraries between Greece, Spain, and Italy and departures highlighted from Piraeus, Barcelona, and Ravenna.