Detailed Review of Majesty 4-Night Cruise

[abrow098]

I'm really enjoying your review! I have a question regarding the People to People program. The website states that the program is free, but is it common to tip your ambassador? Thank you.

[EmpressofPurple]

I'm really enjoying your review! I have a question regarding the People to People program. The website states that the program is free, but is it common to tip your ambassador? Thank you.

 

No, I think that's not encouraged... I offered to treat my hosts to lunch, which I felt was a nice way to acknowledge their generosity to me with their time and attention.

 

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[Susie51]

Thank you for continuing to post I especially like your beach and the anchored ships pictures.

[EmpressofPurple]

Thank you for continuing to post I especially like your beach and the anchored ships pictures.

 

Thanks Susie, I want to wrap up with key west, but that will be the longest part... I did the self guided walking tour and took photos at every point of interest!

 

This was a great cruise, I'm glad toffee enjoying reading along.:)

 

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[Susie51]

I'm looking forward to your review of Key West. I've been there twice and I'd like to go back again.

 

Sharing your experiences and photos will bring back fond memories and wet my appetite to go back to Key West soon.

[BillOh]

Hi Cruise Critic Friends! I’m going to share the details of my recent 4-night cruise on the lovely Majesty of the Seas (probably even more lovely now; I was onboard for the last sailing before her recent drydock refreshening).

 

I'll start by saying thanks. I've done the 4 day twice and the 3 day once, and welcome the opportunity to look at it again, I don't see myself going back on her again, but will be watching to see what replaces her.

[BillOh]

I will miss Majesty when it’s gone. (Its final sailing departs on my birthday, I’d love to be on it, but prices have surged due to all the “last time” fans of the ship driving up demand.)

 

You aren't kidding about that. Just FYI, there was semi informed speculation about when that trip was going to be and I followed the roll call for awhile. I was caught off guard and the day the last sailing was announced, I called Royal and the price went up $300 per person while I was on the phone being indecisive.

[BillOh]

People to People

 

For those who don’t know: People to People is a program sponsored by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism… http://www.bahamas.com/people-to-people... Where you can get matched with a host guide who will take you around to see the Bahamas you might not get to see on a commercial tour. My experience was very positive, and I really enjoyed going around with my “ambassadors”. I HIGHLY recommend this as a way to get to know the real Bahamas, and to see where and how people live, beyond the Atlantis--bus/taxi tours--cable beach--port shopping--etc. etc.

 

Mind you, I think there are DOZENS of things to do in Nassau, and I'm always stunned by people who decide to miss this port stop to stay onboard! I'll re-post my list of favorite things to do there over the years... and I'd be perfectly happy to repeat any or all of them several times, they're all great things to do. You're on a cruise, get out there and enjoy this wonderful port!! Make some friends, try some local food, enjoy the beautiful water.

 

 

I read so many reviews, even of cruises I don't currently plan on doing and I usually learn something. Been to Nassau 5 times and have probably said this myself and did stay on the ship back in 2011.

[EmpressofPurple]

You aren't kidding about that. Just FYI, there was semi informed speculation about when that trip was going to be and I followed the roll call for awhile. I was caught off guard and the day the last sailing was announced, I called Royal and the price went up $300 per person while I was on the phone being indecisive.

 

Yep, same thing happened to me! :eek: Sorry to be missing my birthday sailing, but the prices are just nutso for a 3-day/4-day cruise...

[EmpressofPurple]

I'm looking forward to your review of Key West. I've been there twice and I'd like to go back again.

 

Sharing your experiences and photos will bring back fond memories and wet my appetite to go back to Key West soon.

 

Key West was a GREAT day, you're going to love the review and the photos!!

 

There's so much to see and do there... I can't wait to get back on a land trip and enjoy the sunset scene... but even just walking around for one day on a cruise, such easy on-off the ship, you get to really enjoy the town. I hope to get this posted in the next day or two.

 

Just to whet that appetite:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...And so much more!!!

[CRUISEBOY305]

Great review. Been on majesty a million times but never done the 4 nighter.

[laedw]

My family and I were thinking of doing a Thanksgiving cruise on the Majesty but I just checked the prices and the cabin price for a solo traveler is way too high right now! When does the Majesty go out of commission?

[Votocel]

Do you have a copy of the last night's dinner menu? Which theme was it?

[EmpressofPurple]

My family and I were thinking of doing a Thanksgiving cruise on the Majesty but I just checked the prices and the cabin price for a solo traveler is way too high right now! When does the Majesty go out of commission?

 

Separate cabins for each family member?

 

Interesting, thanksgiving cruises are usually pretty affordable...

 

I believe right now the last sailing is scheduled for April 29, 2016

 

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[EmpressofPurple]

Do you have a copy of the last night's dinner menu? Which theme was it?

 

I don't recall offhand but will post when I get there... hopefully later today... Sorry for the delays in this review...

 

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[laedw]

Separate cabins for each family member?

 

Interesting, thanksgiving cruises are usually pretty affordable...

 

I believe right now the last sailing is scheduled for April 29, 2016

 

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No, other family members are couples with children. I'm the only one that is traveling solo with them. I was hoping to score an $88 cabin like you!:D

[Herfnerd]

Really enjoyed your review and especially the pictures! We decided that we will be cruising on Majesty (and RCCL for the first time) on our anniversary this coming September - looking forward to it!

[WomanRN]

Anxiously awaiting the Key West review as we leave in 2 weeks :D

Excellent review up to this point!!

[Bird in Jersey]

Here's a re-post of my list of favorite activities in Nassau... plus the text from the Bahamas website about the people-to-people program FYI:

 

NASSAU, BAHAMAS

The Graycliff Hotel chocolate tour was fabulous... but I have to say, I have NEVER felt there's "nothing to do" in Nassau! There's SO MUCH to do! I have done all of the "touristy" things over the years, on land and sea trips... but they're all good, and I'd happily do any of them again:

 

1) Ardastra gardens and zoo (beautiful, with the amazing dancing flamingos)

 

2) Aquarium -- basically a building built in the water, so YOU'RE in the aquarium and the fish look in at you! (Wow, it's been so long since I was there, I just googled it and discovered it was closed in 1999 due to hurricane damage! People don't even know what the building is anymore... such a shame... http://www.abandonedplaygrounds.com/underwater-abandoned-aquarium-of-silver-cay/)

 

3) Semi-submarine - just what it sounds like, you're in a partially submerged boat and get to see great undersea life. (Do they still have this? I haven't seen it advertised for a while... oh well, the glass-bottom boat is fun, too.)

 

4) Pedal and Paddle (was this on Nassau or Freeport?) -- A great tour where we rode bikes part of the way, then kayaked part of the way... I think we went snorkeling too... I remember seeing a barracuda! eek!! (Freeport has a nifty perfume factory, too...)

 

5) The Pirate Museum is fun, with live-action characters (sort of like the Haunted Mansion at Disneyworld) as well as displays and dioramas, and a cool gift shop.

 

6) The Pompey Museum of Slavery -- I saw that one when it first opened and try to stop in on every trip, always happy to support historical museums.

 

7) Atlantis (of course) -- casino, restaurants, high-end shopping, the Dig... and yeah, you can get overpriced entry tickets... or share a room at the next-door Comfort Suites for up to 6 people (make a deal with folks on your Roll Call!) and get wristbands and full access to the Atlantis pools, beaches and waterslides!!

 

8) Wander the side streets around downtown Nassau... shop for discount perfumes and cosmetics (and, I guess, alcohol and tobacco, not for me)... plus the famous straw market, of course... have a bite to eat in a local restaurant, don't just go to the chain locations...

 

9) Wander a block or two farther afield and look at the local architecture, churches, gardens, etc.

 

10) Get a day pass at the Colonial Hilton, which includes drinks, lunch, and a beach lounger.

 

11) Or walk half a block further on and lay your towel out on free Junkanoo Beach. This used to be just for locals, but is now MUCH more tourist-facing, with food and drink vendors, places to get a massage on the beach, hair braiding, jewelry and pareos, etc. You can also find some places for cheap wifi, even a computer cafe if you don't have your laptop, tablet, or smartphone with you (what are you, in the 1990s??)

 

12) Walk a bit further (or take the #10 bus to its first stop) to the "Fish Fry," a collection of brightly colored huts and get some local food. This, too, is mostly for locals but has been "discovered" by tourists... frozen drinks, conch fritters, and my favorite, FRESH FRESH FRESH conch salad made right in front of you! (If you're there on a land trip, go at night for music and entertainment as well as great food.)

 

13) Stay on the #10 and head out to beautiful Cable beach for a great beach day.

 

14) Other planned tourist outings: Blue Lagoon Island, where you can swim with Dolphins (which you can also do at Atlantis for a few more $$), or with Stingrays, or just enjoy a great beach day and a relaxing hammock under some palm trees.

 

15) How about a catamaran snorkel trip? Enjoy a boat ride and the undersea beauties of the Bahamas that you can't see from snorkeling onshore. This was my go-to trip for years (or a kayak-snorkel trip).

 

16) Or just walk off the ship and negotiate a local tour with a cab driver. You might even get to see some parts of the island that you wouldn't with a "prepackaged" tour -- ask them to show you how the local people live. You'll see livestock, houses, churches, and more.

 

17) Stop at a local grocery and buy packaged goods you can't find in the states, at prices cheaper than the tourist outlets: hot sauce, jerk seasoning, caribbean coffee and tea, Ting grapefruit soda, Goombay fruit punch soda, and more.

 

I had planned to walk and see Graycliff Hotel just because I had read about it as a historic location, one of the oldest buildings on the island, built as a private residence for a pirate over 300 years ago! I didn't even know about the chocolate factory and tour until I started researching Graycliff (it's relatively new, too, less than 2 years old in that location). Their restaurant has won dozens of food and wine awards if you want to spend some money on a fancy meal. There's a cigar factory there, too, for those who might want to do that tour... and there's a rum distillery a bit farther up the hill and over a couple more blocks that offers a tour, too.

 

There's ALWAYS something to do in Nassau!!!!

 

I've done all of the above, on either land trips or port stops in Nassau, and I would happily do any of them again (indeed, I've done several of them more than once, including Atlantis, Blue Lagoon Island, the museums, gardens, Junkanoo Beach, Cable Beach, the Fish Fry, and of course downtown shopping).

 

I was disturbed to read someone's post in this thread that if there are too many ships in port then Atlantis' waterpark gets overrun, and you have to wait to use the slides, get a tube, etc. -- that's a lot of money to spend to sit around waiting!! I'm not a slide person, but I had a great day touring the site and enjoying the not-lazy river through our access from Comfort Suites

 

We did the dolphin experience at Blue Lagoon island many, many years ago (and elsewhere, too, I think in Hawaii...) -- it's a great event, and yes the kids will remember it for a long time... as will your pocketbook, especially if you buy the photos, video, etc., etc....

 

Something I haven't done yet but have long planned to try: the "People to People" program, where you actually get matched with a local family and get to see how people live on the island! Here's the website for that:

 

http://www.bahamas.com/people-to-people

 

People-to-People Frequently Asked Questions

What is the People-to-People Program About?

In The Bahamas, we understand that many of our visitors are looking for a rich cultural experience off the beaten path. Our People-to-People hosting is designed to do just that; it gives you insight into the lives of Bahamians and a personal encounter with our culture.

 

Is there a cost to participate?

No, the program is free, thanks in part to the generosity of our ambassadors and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

 

How much advance notice is required?

Our goal is to find the best host for you, so we suggest that you register online at least two weeks prior to your trip. However, we can accommodate last-minute requests.

 

Who are the ambassadors and are they screened?

Our People-to-People ambassadors are knowledgeable and friendly volunteers who are screened and certified by the Ministry of Tourism to offer you the best hosting experience. There are more than 800 Bahamians who represent a cross –section of our communities. They are not employed by the Ministry of Tourism

 

How are hosts matched with visitors?

We match visitors with host ambassadors according to their age, occupation, hobbies, interests or religion.

 

Do visitors stay with their host ambassador?

No. The primary purpose of our program is to have a one-one cultural exchange between visitors and host ambassadors.

 

Can I contact my host ambassador before arriving in The Bahamas?

Of Course. You can communicate with each other via the web, phone or mail before your arrival. Your host contact information will be forwarded to your upon confirmation of your People-to-People experience.

 

Is the experience available on The Out Islands?

Absolutely. We can connect you with ambassadors on nine (9) of our beautiful islands; Abaco, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Exuma, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Harbour Island, Long Island and Nassau.

 

How do I register?

Register online at http://www.bahamas.com/people-to-people. You will be contacted by a People-to-People representative who will correspond with you via email on prospective hosts. If you have any questions, contact the People-to-People Office at (242) 356-0435/6/7 or speak to the concierge at your hotel upon arrival.

 

Tea Parties

If you are unable to take advantage of our People-to-People hosting, you may enjoy a delightful afternoon of tea at historic Government House-the state home of the Governor General of The Bahamas.

 

This complimentary tea party is hosted by the wife of the Governor General and features entertainment by local artists, which include story-telling, fashion show and a live band performance. You will also be treated to tasty Bahamian pastries, finger sandwiches and native “bush” teas.

 

Tea parties are held from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the last Friday of the month: January-May and October – November. Arrange for an invitation to the People-to-People Tea Party with your hotel concierge or contact the People-to-People Unit at (242) 356-0435/6/7

 

Thank you for posting a great review of the people-to-people program. I signed up for this program and am waiting to hear back from them. I will be cruising in April and can not wait. I heard about this program 2 years ago and signed up too late to take advantage of this program. I am excited because this is my 3rd trip to Nassau and love the idea of a cultural exchange and seeing Nassau from a native perspective.

[PathfinderEss]

Great photo's, great review. Thanks!

[Marylandteachergirl]

Love this review. We will be going on Enchantment, so I wanted to read all of your Bahamas and CoCo Cay. Thank you for all of your detail.

 

I have a coffee question. :D

 

HOW do you make your iced coffee? Do you pour it hot over ice or allow it to cool for awhile?

 

Thank you again for all of the time you dedicate to your reviews.

[We Be Floatin !]

Was there a Glow Party on the Majesty?

[playdatecrasher]

Thank you so much for a fabulous review! Very informative for a first-time cruiser like myself! We are cruising this exact itinerary in June!

 

I was so excited when you mentioned Ting on your Nassau day! I went to Jamaica in high school (mission trip) and drank Ting the whole 2 weeks we were there. Can't wait to get some on our trip!

[Justmekaren918]

Thank you for the great review! I am looking forward to being on her Majesty in February. I really enjoyed Vision and I think you will to! She is very easy to navigate and the Centrum is great and schooner is right off the centrum! The aft crn cabin balconies are great.