Thoughts on the Majestic?

[palolake]

We’re thinking of booking a cruise on the Majestic. We’ve never been on her but we have been on other royal class ships. I know it’s a little different than the other ships with a covered pool and the noodles restaurant. Does that ship have bidets like the Diamond? What are your thoughts?

[LACruiser88]

3 minutes ago, palolake said:

Does that ship have bidets like the Diamond? What are your thoughts?

No bidets.  We have sailed on the Majestic several times and will be onboard next April for 33 days, Sydney to Seattle.  My biggest complaint about the Majestic is the fact that the ship does not have a Sanctuary.  There are many that like the Hollywood Conservatory that is in its place.  We are not fans.

[Jeter02]

I like the majestic. I enjoyed the noodle.bar on the open deck. She's definitely unique compared to her royal class sister ships.

[Steelers36]

6 minutes ago, LACruiser88 said:

No bidets.  We have sailed on the Majestic several times and will be onboard next April for 33 days, Sydney to Seattle.  My biggest complaint about the Majestic is the fact that the ship does not have a Sanctuary.  There are many that like the Hollywood Conservatory that is in its place.  We are not fans.

For the itinerary we were, lack of Sanctuary didn't matter.  Used the Conservatory space a couple of times for cards, but that space can get quite hot on a sunny day.

[LACruiser88]

3 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Used the Conservatory space a couple of times for cards, but that space can get quite hot on a sunny day.

Did you experience the strong chlorine smell from the pool?  Every time we have been to the Conservatory, the chlorine smell chases us right out.

[Steelers36]

6 minutes ago, LACruiser88 said:

Did you experience the strong chlorine smell from the pool?  Every time we have been to the Conservatory, the chlorine smell chases us right out.

No.  The pool is behind the Conservatory and you walk via a relatively narrow corridor on port or starboard side, so I did not notice chlorine in the middle area of the Conservatory.  This was four years ago, however.  I would smell if of course in the Hollywood Pool section and never stayed there.

[moodyb1]

My husband and I love the Majestic Princess, especially the Hollywood Pool. We have never been bothered by any chlorine smell. It's a nice place to hang out, especially on sea days when the weather is inclement. We usually book inside cabins because we take many cruises and they have the very nice sideways inside cabins on the upper decks. 

 

No complaints here!

 

Arlene

 

[DiRonT]

We like the Majestic but also not fans of the Conservatory or Hollywood club, whatever it is called.  Yes. We did notice a very heavy chlorine smell at the indoor pool.  So much so it was uncomfortable to stay in there for very long.

[CruzeQueen2]

@palolake My two cents worth - I am also not a fan of the Hollywood Conservatory. When you walk into that area, it reminded me of my local rec centre that I go to for pool exercises. I could see how people would stake out an area and stay for the day, for glacial viewing for example, then it would hard to get a spot if one didn't arrive early and "stake it out". Personally, I would rather view the glaciers from the outer decks. I also miss the Sanctuary - and being able to reserve a spot for half days, with afternoon tea. 

 

Other areas that are unique to the Majestic...Harmony restaurant, Chopsticks the Noodle Bar, The Catch (new on May 5th, 2023).

 

We tried out the Noodle Bar - only once. In Alaska, hot soup sounded like a great idea after a morning of touring...NOT so, and to be fair to the staff member - he was overwhelmed by the long line up and no one to assist him. Concept is good, flavours ok, not entirely authentic. The server proceeded to add the condiments of pickled ginger AND chili oil to the bowl of wonton soup and would not listen to a request to omit these two choices, as per our preference. As a lifetime consumer of wonton soup, these two condiments do not automatically go into this dish! OMHO The poor guy was preparing the bowls of soup on his own and it was very clear that the counter was completely understaffed. Not going to blame the cook here. We waited far too long for a bowl of very pedestrian tasting soup with dumplings that were lacklustre in flavour. No green onions sprinkled on top!

 

Did not try out Harmony Restaurant. The original Chinese dishes created by Richard Chen, are no longer offered, but have been replaced instead with Chop .Suey style dishes that can be found in most North American malls and take out joints.

 

Did enjoy The Catch, immensely! This now occupies the space formerly presented as Sur le Mer. Request a table away from the rails, too close to the Piazza. Ask for a table by the window.

 

No wrap around promenade deck on this ship and the walk-about deck aft deck 17 or so, does not give you a full lap for walking. Being so high up as well, it can become quite blustery and cold while cruising in Alaska.

 

I will add - I did enjoy sailing on this ship. Always nice to try out something new. Staff as always, were great in most areas.

That's enough from me, for now! Hope this helps you.

Edited May 19, 2023 by CruzeQueen2
adding info

[Captain k]

The Majestic is a great ship.  Loved, loved the noodle bar in Alaska.  Conservatory is great.  Recent cruises on other ships we had a difficult  time getting Sanctuary reservations.  In Alaska a neat place to actually swim who it was freezing out.  

[cruisingrob21]

My opinion is that the Majestic is better than the Royal.  But the Discovery is better than the Majestic.

 

However, given the choice of Majestic or a grand class vessel (Sapphire, Grand, Crown, Ruby, Emerald etc), I'd go with a grand class ship.

[mtnesterz]

We too are interested in a cruise on the Majestic. Reports we've read are similar about the food.

Please, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the Gong-Cha Boba bar is gone. Boba, if you havent had it, is a fun drink with the tapioca pearls and huge straw. Also gone are the private Karaoke rooms. Some things just didn't catcht on in the west. Too bad.

Can confirm the post that Harmony menu changed and reports were disappointing. I've seen the old and new menu. The difference between eating in Chinatown, Los Angeles and Panda Express. Consider that many passengers that are well travelled and can distinguish real Chinese food from local takeout offerings. Best review I read opined the cooktops are electric and they can't get the flamethrower heat needed for the style. 

[CruzeQueen2]

@mtnesterz The Gong Cha place is now called Princess Live bar and is my place to get morning coffees. Sshh! Don't tell too many others...best kept secret. No lines.

[startedwithamouse]

7 hours ago, LACruiser88 said:

Did you experience the strong chlorine smell from the pool?  Every time we have been to the Conservatory, the chlorine smell chases us right out.

Ditto

[charliedalrymple]

We are on Majestic to New Zealand this December.  I understand that there is no Crooners and that The Catch occupies that space. I'm looking forward to The Catch, but I'm disappointed that Crooners is gone--it's typically our favorite place for a drink on Princess. 

 

I've also read that bar seating on Majestic is very limited due to the absence of Crooners.  Has anyone noticed that?

[gamja]

Strictly from a gamblers point of view.... the Majestic is the only cruise ship with an actual baccarat table! Albeit I'm sure you would have to gamble a decent amount for them to open it since it is in the other room seperate from the main casino. Not sure how low they would have the minimum but they did allow 5k max!

[robncruise]

Was on Majestic Feb/ Mar and while there is no Crooners the Double Down Bar adjacent to the casino is the comparable venue with the piano player every night til late. More seating than the Crooners location and was packed every night.

[Honolulu Blue]

3 hours ago, gamja said:

Strictly from a gamblers point of view.... the Majestic is the only cruise ship with an actual baccarat table! Albeit I'm sure you would have to gamble a decent amount for them to open it since it is in the other room seperate from the main casino. Not sure how low they would have the minimum but they did allow 5k max!

Interesting. Thanks for sharing. I'm assuming it's a full baccarat table, as opposed to a mini baccarat table? I haven't seen or heard of any of those in cruise ship casinos, but I never look very hard for them. 

[mtnesterz]

5 hours ago, gamja said:

.... the Majestic is the only cruise ship with an actual baccarat table! Albeit I'm sure you would have to gamble a decent amount for them to open it since it is in the other room seperate from the main casino. Not sure how low they would have the minimum but they did allow 5k max!

As of 2022, the Baccarat table minimium was $5 according to another CC thread. Everywhere casino I've seen, the table has been either a separate room or a roped off area. Don't know if there are times or just a request to open it. 

[charliedalrymple]

14 hours ago, robncruise said:

Was on Majestic Feb/ Mar and while there is no Crooners the Double Down Bar adjacent to the casino is the comparable venue with the piano player every night til late. More seating than the Crooners location and was packed every night.

 

Thanks for that information, robncruise.  Does the Double Down get smoky because of the casino?

[gamja]

18 hours ago, Honolulu Blue said:

Interesting. Thanks for sharing. I'm assuming it's a full baccarat table, as opposed to a mini baccarat table? I haven't seen or heard of any of those in cruise ship casinos, but I never look very hard for them. 

If you're talking about big bacc then no. It's a normal mini bacc table like you would find in any casino in vegas on the outside tables. They did open it up for me whenever I wanted though. I start at $200-$500 a hand and play progressively more

[sfaaa]

On 5/19/2023 at 4:15 PM, mtnesterz said:

Also gone are the private Karaoke rooms. Some things just didn't catcht on in the west. Too bad.

Majestic has karaoke every night in either Vista Lounge or Princess Live.  It was well attended. On my recent cruise, there were some really good karaoke singers including a former winner of The Voice of The Ocean. No song book. You tell the DJ what song you want to sing and he would search his computer to see if it is available.

[trinitygirl]

I have just put a hold on a club class mini suite on the Majestic, for a 14 day cruise Sydney-South Pacific in January - taking advantage of a $99 deposit, low price deal that is being advertised this week on the Princess website. The cabin I have a hold on is Marina deck, M107 which is at the front of the ship with a huge deck.  Given the lack of the sanctuary, I thought that this deck would be a good substitute.  However, I haven't been able to find any videos or photos of these mini suites on the Majestic and I am wondering what the deck furniture is like = do they have the hold teak loungers, or is it the new modern seats with ottomans.  Does anyone have any contemporary knowledge? 

[suekel]

6 hours ago, trinitygirl said:

I have just put a hold on a club class mini suite on the Majestic, for a 14 day cruise Sydney-South Pacific in January - taking advantage of a $99 deposit, low price deal that is being advertised this week on the Princess website. The cabin I have a hold on is Marina deck, M107 which is at the front of the ship with a huge deck.  Given the lack of the sanctuary, I thought that this deck would be a good substitute.  However, I haven't been able to find any videos or photos of these mini suites on the Majestic and I am wondering what the deck furniture is like = do they have the hold teak loungers, or is it the new modern seats with ottomans.  Does anyone have any contemporary knowledge? 

I don't know 100% but I've only ever seen teak furniture in a full suite

[LACruiser88]

44 minutes ago, suekel said:

I don't know 100% but I've only ever seen teak furniture in a full suite

Ditto here, we have never seen teak furniture in a mini-suite.

 

Hi there @suekel!