Refurbishing of Majesty of the Seas

[joyus]

I understand this ship will be refurbished in the Jan-Feb time frame. Where can I find more information about what will be done? We are planning a group cruise in June 2007 and as the group leader, I would like to know what may be in store and share it with the group.

[RDeagazio]

The ship will get a comprehensive overhaul-- All public rooms will get new furnishings. The Windjammer will get the new "island" concept and be totally redone. They may add Johnny Rockets or Sorrento's pizza like the Sovereign did. Cabins will get new bedding and a bit of a sprucing up in general.

 

If you want to know what to expect, I have pics of the Sovereign after her refurb:

 

http://community.webshots.com/user/rdeagazio

[mommabean]

I emailed RCI on 8/24/06 asking for the details of the dry dock refurbishment of Majesty of the Seas and this is the detailed reply that I received.

 

"Below is a list of the new additions to the Majesty of the Seas when it enters dry dock for revitalization in January 2007.

 

Johnny Rockets and Sorrento’s – Deck 12

 

A new Johnny Rockets venue will be located on the starboard side of the forward section in what is currently the Windjammer overflow on Deck 12. This 50’s themed diner will offer typical Johnny Rockets fare, made to order hamburgers, shakes and fries. Sorrento’s will be located on port side forward offering expanded pizza service. Late night service will be available. Additional seating will be provided on the open deck.

 

Windjammer Marketplace – Deck 11 & 12

The existing Windjammer will be totally refurbished and a new an “island” concept market place will be introduced. A new market place menu, offering a variety of international foods will be introduced to the vessel.

 

Open Deck – Deck 11 & 12

The existing Pool Deck will be refurbished including the re-sitting of the existing Jacuzzis from the aft end to the area between the pools. A new awning will be installed over the Jacuzzis and the deck coverings will be replaced on both 11 and 12 decks.

 

Fuel/The Living Room/The Back Deck- Deck 11

Refurbishment of the existing Teen Disco, will be accomplished to create Fuel and The Living Room. A new computer room, exclusively for the teens, will be created as part of The Living Room. Part of the existing basketball court will become the back deck.

 

Adventure Ocean (3 age groups)

 

A new area for kids for three separate age groups, will be constructed in what is currently the Spa on Deck 10. Aquanauts for 3 to 5 year olds, Explorers for 6 to 8 year olds and Voyagers for 9 to 11 year olds will have bright, colorful and playful rooms themed with design elements from Crayola.

 

Sovereign Day Spa – Deck 9

 

A new Spa will be constructed in what is currently the Disco, including a Beauty Salon, Treatment Rooms, Steam Rooms, Gymnasium and Aerobics area. Two of the treatment rooms will open up to form a couples room. The décor will be serene and calming. The gym and aerobic area will be expanded to accommodate state of the art equipment.

 

Secondary Lounge – Deck 8

 

The existing seating arrangement will remain as existing, but with a totally new design scheme including new carpet, new upholstery, new window treatments and new artwork.

 

Theater – Decks 7 and 5

A new seating configuration, with improved sight lines, will be arranged on deck 5. A fresh new look will be given to the Theatre, with upgraded soft furnishings, including new carpet, upholsteries and window treatment.

 

Midship Lounge – Deck 7

The Midship Lounge will be refurbished and will receive the new Bolero’s name and a fresh Latin flare. A new sunken bar will be constructed at the forward end, and the lounge will receive upgraded soft furnishings, including new carpet, upholsteries and window treatment. New chairs will be provided.

 

Conference Center –Deck 7

 

A conference Center will be constructed in what is currently the existing Conference Room, Champagne Bar and Library. State of the art audio/visual equipment will be incorporated, permitting special interest groups to conduct ship board conferences. A Business Services area and Future Cruise Sales will be arranged at the aft end of the Conference Center.

 

Casino Royale – Deck 5

Gaming equipment layout will be rearranged to add some new tables and slot banks. New décor will be contemporary and elegant. Cash cage will be expanded and a new façade created and the existing bar will be redesigned. New ceiling will be installed over the gaming tables and all soft furnishings will be upgraded, including new carpet, upholsteries and window treatment.

 

Schooner Bar – Deck 5

The lounge will receive upgraded soft furnishings, including new carpet, upholsteries and window treatment.

 

Latte’-tudes (Seattle’s Best Coffee / Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream) – Deck 5

 

A new coffee shop and ice cream parlor will be constructed in what is currently the Beauty Salon which is being incorporated in the new Spa.

 

Shops – Deck 5

 

The fine jewelry shop will be refurbished including the re-arrangement of display cabinets, new lighting and new carpets.

 

Dining Rooms – Deck 4 & Deck 3

Both Dining Rooms will be refurbished to include improved waiter’s stations, new fresh theme décor, new decorative lighting and new furnishings.

 

Royal Suite

The Royal Suite will be totally refurbished to include cabin soft goods with a new sophisticated look.

 

Owner's Suites

Owner's Suites will be totally refurbished including new ceilings, wall coverings, carpets, decorative lighting and custom built furniture. They will also receive new-framed artwork and decorative lighting. Soft goods will be replaces with fresh new look separately.

 

Deluxe Balcony Staterooms

Soft goods in Deluxe Balcony Staterooms will be refurbished separately. They will also receive new-framed artwork and decorative lighting. Bathrooms to receive new vanity units with decorative shell design tile accents.

 

Standard Staterooms

Soft goods in Standard Staterooms will be refurbished separately. They will also receive new-framed artwork and decorative lighting. Bathrooms to receive new vanity units with decorative shell design tile accents.

 

There are not going to be any additional balconies installed on Majesty because the vessel, unlike Sovereign, already has balconies on Deck 10.

 

In addition to the scope described above, there will be additional guest and crew cabins constructed where the Cinema used to be. The bedding is being replaced including new bed bases, mattresses and bedspreads etc.

 

Thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International."

[realtorron]

We will be sailing on her again Feb. 12th and are looking forward to the upgrades.

[joyus]

Wow! Thanks Rdeagazio, those are beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. Mommabean, what an extensive list of renovations. I just have a couple of questions: Is there an additional charge to eat at Johnny Rockets & Seattle's Best or any of the other new dining areas?

[shirleygr]

Mommabean, thank you posting that email. I think the renovations sound great EXCEPT for the loss of the champagne bar. That was my favorite place to hang out on Majesty. Now I am sad. :(

joyus, Johnny Rockets has a $3.95 cover charge. Seattle's Best charges for coffee and Ben and Jerry's charges for ice cream. Not sure about Sorrento's.

[RDeagazio]

No charge for Sorrento's

[joyus]

$3.95 is extremely reasonable. Is the food worth it?

[Cruising89143]

$3.95 is extremely reasonable. Is the food worth it?

 

 

You will find that some on here such as myself enjoy JR's and think that the surcharge is very reasonable. Others will say it is not worth the price for one reason or another. I guess RCI is doing well enough with JR's or they would not be adding it to this ship along with the Liberty and her sister.

[Peggy13]

We are cruising on her Feb. 16th (college girlfriends reunion cruise) and can't wait!!

[mommabean]

Mommabean, thank you posting that email. I think the renovations sound great EXCEPT for the loss of the champagne bar. That was my favorite place to hang out on Majesty. Now I am sad. :(

These were my thoughts exactly. I was so surprised that they would eliminate the champagne bar and not mention putting a new one in somewhere else. That was a great location for it, wasn't it? I did notice that it seemed mostly under utilized though as was the library. But that may have just been on my 2 majesty cruises. Althought I sort of doubt it since they are doing away with it. It must have been like that on most cruises. It was so nice, quiet and convenient for a relaxing before dinner martini...or champagne. Boo Hoo. :(

 

Everything else sounds really nice though.

[LizC]

They did not mention if they are going to make changes to the Royal family suite. We are booked in that suite for May. Also they did not mention adding a Congiere Lounge. I really thought they would.:(

[mommabean]

They did not mention if they are going to make changes to the Royal family suite. We are booked in that suite for May. Also they did not mention adding a Congiere Lounge. I really thought they would.:(

The part about the concierge lounge is what I specifically wrote and asked them. The list of changes was their reply to me so I think that made it clear that their answer to my real question was, "No, there will be no concierge lounge."

 

The Royal family suite will at least get what all the rest of the suites will be getting. New soft goods, bedding and pictures along with a bathroom update I would think.

 

It would be nice if they would surprise us with a Concierge lounge after all, wouldn't it?

[shirleygr]

Hi, Mommabean.

Actually, when I was on Majesty in July, the first night I went to the champagne bar it was packed. I was so surprised since on previous cruises it was always easy to find a place to sit. Busy, but never packed. And you're so right, it was a great quiet place to grab a drink-bellini for me, martini for my dh-before or after dinner. I guess we'll have to find a new place to relax in February. Have to check out Bolero's.

I was hoping for a CL as well, since we are making diamond after our cruise to Bermuda in just 17 days! (Wee) I think, since the Majesty attracts so many newbie cruisers, RC doesn't want to dedicate space to a CL that will be underutilized. It would be nice if they did what Merion Mom suggested on another thread and offered us free drinks for a few hours in the evening at any bar especially on these ships that don't have a CL. Are you reading this, RC?

I'm sure we'll enjoy our cruise nevertheless. My son and his girlfriend are really excited to try JR and Sorrento's. And I'm sure my daughters will love the updated AO area. I'm looking forward to new bedding and updated bathrooms. And I really like the Windjammer redesign on Enchantment so it's nice it'll be on the Majesty as well.

BTW, for those sailing in February, prices seem to have come down. I just saved $80 pp for my February 19 cruise. You might want to check it out if you are booked for Jan, Feb, March. I'm really happy those prices finally came down a bit. We have 6 on this cruise, so that savings really adds up! :D

[RDeagazio]

RCI plans to add Concierge Lounges to all the ships, except the ones that do the 3/4 night cruises-- Majesty, Monarch and Sovereign.

[shirleygr]

RCI plans to add Concierge Lounges to all the ships, except the ones that do the 3/4 night cruises-- Majesty, Monarch and Sovereign.

:( That makes me sad.

[LizC]

RCI plans to add Concierge Lounges to all the ships, except the ones that do the 3/4 night cruises-- Majesty, Monarch and Sovereign.

 

Many people(newbies) try a cruise out on a 3 or 4 day. But many people like myself and my husband just can not get away from work for longer than that. That does not mean we want to sacrifice luxury. I am sad we booked the RFS on Majesty. Maybe we need to look at a 5 day.

[shirleygr]

Many people(newbies) try a cruise out on a 3 or 4 day. But many people like myself and my husband just can not get away from work for longer than that. That does not mean we want to sacrifice luxury. I am sad we booked the RFS on Majesty. Maybe we need to look at a 5 day.

Or maybe the 4 day on the Enchantment? She's a beautiful ship and has a CL. :)

[mommabean]

BTW, for those sailing in February, prices seem to have come down. I just saved $80 pp for my February 19 cruise. You might want to check it out if you are booked for Jan, Feb, March. I'm really happy those prices finally came down a bit. We have 6 on this cruise, so that savings really adds up! :D

 

Hi Shirley,

 

Well, thank you for that price update. I have the Feb 16th three night Majesty cruise reserved and the JS we booked is $30 less per person. I called and got the new price and also had them give me my $100 C&A member discount. You helped me save $160 today. Thanks! :)

[shirleygr]

Hi Shirley,

 

Well, thank you for that price update. I have the Feb 16th three night Majesty cruise reserved and the JS we booked is $30 less per person. I called and got the new price and also had them give me my $100 C&A member discount. You helped me save $160 today. Thanks! :)

Ah, yes, saving money is my calling. My work here is done! ;)

Just realized you will be leaving as we are coming on. I'll look for you and wave hello! :D Don't forget to leave us some booze. ;)

[mommabean]

Just realized you will be leaving as we are coming on. I'll look for you and wave hello! :D Don't forget to leave us some booze. ;)

 

Where do you want us to leave it? ;)

 

Last cruise we left our partial bottle with the room steward. If I could think of a good hiding place, I'd leave it for you there. :p But with the refurbishment, who knows where to leave anything. We do know we can't hide it behind a cushion in the champagne lounge. :(

 

What room are you staying in...or a rough idea if you don't want to say. Category and deck will do for starters. We are getting a JS...oh I think I said that. You can get our cabin and we'll leave a bottle under the mattress in the middle.

 

I know, I know, you meant don't buy it all up on board. With no concierge lounge, there will be plenty left behind.

 

Oh and guess what. I have a Spring Break cruise booked on the Enchantment and checked that price and it has gone up. My Jan '08 Panama Canal cruise is the same. So, only the one you told me about has gone down in price. Thanks again for checking that out for me and keeping me informed.

[shirleygr]

We're on deck 8. We have three rooms together, 2 are connecting. DH and I are in one, my girls (6 and 4) are in the connecting cabin and my ds and his gf are on the other side of the girls. I like the obstructed OV cabins. I think it's a good location at a great price and I don't mind a lifeboat outside my window.

I read an article saying prices for the first quarter '07 cruises had gone down due to lower bookings. Of course, I immediately went and checked our February cruise. None of my other bookings have dropped either.

I hope the refurb goes smoothly and there aren't any serious issues for either of our cruises on the Majesty. Having been on the Majesty 4 times now, it will be interesting to see what she looks like with all the changes.

[mommabean]

I was tempted to go on the Majesty of the Seas one more time in October before the refurb. I couldn't get my husband to commit though.

 

I am also a little concerned about being booked so soon after the scheduled completion of the refurbishment. I do hope nothing is delayed. That would be a disappointment to have to reschedule. We are just doing this one because our only child at home will be gone on a school trip. So, this was a chance to go off alone for a quick weekend get away on a fresh ship. And the port is an easy drive from home. There would be no point in rescheduling for us. It's this particular weekend or forget it. Let's keep our fingers crossed.