PHOTO: After years of delays, the 210-passenger Pearl Mist departed June 25 on its first-ever cruise. (Courtesy of Pearl Seas Cruises)
After several years of delays, Pearl Seas Cruises has finally departed on its first-ever passenger voyage.
The 210-passenger Pearl Mist sailed June 25 from Baltimore on an 11-night cruise to Halifax, the first of a series of Canadian Maritimes and Great Lakes voyages through November. The ship then will operate seven-, 10- and 11-night Caribbean cruises from February to May 2015, including round-trips from St. Martin and San Juan.
Pearl Seas is the sister company to American Cruise Lines, a popular operator of four small ships and two river vessels, with more on the way. While American operates in the U.S., the Pearl Mist is registered in the Marshall Islands and so offers international itineraries.
Pearl Seas originally expected to begin operations in late 2010, but postponed the start-up due to litigation with the Halifax shipyard originally contracted to build the ship. Pearl Seas said the ship did not meet regulatory requirements. The vessel then was moved to Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md., where it underwent final outfitting. Chesapeake Shipbuilding is owned by Charles Robertson, who also owns both cruise lines.
The Pearl Mist is a six-deck ship with 108 staterooms and suites measuring 300 to 580 square feet, all with private balconies, full-size bathrooms and flat-screen satellite TVs. The ship has a glass-enclosed dining room, several lounges, a library, a spa, a fitness area, elevators to all decks and Internet access throughout.
Fares start at $4,150 for a seven-night New England/Canada cruise and $3,955 for seven nights in the Caribbean. Cruise fares include complimentary cocktail parties daily and entertainment aboard the ship. Fares do not include shore tours, port charges and fees or gratuities, which average about $125 per person for a weeklong cruise.
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