Review: Majesty March 2 - 6 Four night

[hmsdos]

Majesty Officers and Crew deliver the "WOW"

We are seasoned cruisers and have sailed on the Majesty since 1992 when she was launched. We have also cruised many other lines as well as ships much smaller than the Majesty, which by the way, is as tall as the Statue of Liberty, to the immense Freedom Class ships.

Around noon we drove to the Port of Miami without incident, quickly arriving at the Terminal, dropping our luggage off with a friendly porter, parked the car and entered the Terminal smoothly and quickly. There we presented our passports and on-line documents we had prepared on-line and printed out. Then up the escalators, through the scanners, shoes left on belts with buckles off, and right to the check in counter to make arrangements for how you will be paying, credit card for us and then were presented our SeaPass card. This is used for your entire cruise for payments for all on-board purchases. Next up more escalators a walk down a hallway, pictures taken (if you want, and you can buy later) then the “official” picture taken and inserted in your SeaPass, this one you don’t see, but all the ships Security can. Now you are ready to board! This was all done in about 20 minutes, with no stops during the process.

We have cruised the Majesty several times, the first time when she was doing 7 night cruises back in 1992. We also cruised just after a major refurbishment she had in January/February, 2007 and every few months since that time. So we will point out any changes we noticed since our last cruise for those who might have cruised on this ship recently. This is also a ship that has a very large number of “first time cruisers”. With the four/three night itinerary it is an excellent way to have an introduction to cruising without too much commitment.

Our first change noticed was that instead of being able to pick up the Compass, a daily paper printed by the ship showing all the activities of the day, now it is on a large poster on deck four, near the Guest Relations desk, later we did find another on deck 11 near the Windjammer. However if you can read Spanish there were hundreds of the paper available at the Guest Services counter as well as an abbreviated version in a number of other languages. This seemed rather strange since probably a couple of thousand of the approximately 2,300 guests read English, who are expected to read the poster while the “rest” can pick up their own individual Compass. Once you can enter your cabin there is a Compass available there.

The room/cabin/suite is available at 1 PM so we headed off to the Windjammer for lunch. This is located on deck 11, the same deck you will find the pools, the teen disco, the sports deck, and the Pool Bar. The Windjammer has a pasta section, Oriental section, two hot stations, salads, dessert station and drinks which include coffee, tea, lemonade, etc. There are employees walking around selling cokes, beer, wine and liquor. Our group had a variety of the various offerings including the honey stung chicken, delicious, the pasta… today they had spaghetti with meat sauce, which was great, also the fried plantains (bananas) were great, the vegetables were al dente and delicious. There are several very comfortable booths and lots of tables. The Windjammer covers the entire front section of the ship, both sides, so lots of windows. During the very crowded times all sections and you can go up the stairs to deck 12 where there is lots of additional seating available. The management and staff in the Windjammer are excellent, offering drinks, help in finding a table and just providing a “welcome”.

You can take stairs from the elevator lobby or the stairs within the Windjammer leading up to deck 12 where you will find Johnny Rockets, which has a $4.95 cover charge plus a charge for drinks, Sorrento’s (Pizza) and the Compass Deli (sandwiches, salads, etc), there is a charge for drinks here. On deck 12 you will also find the rock climbing wall and sports deck.

After lunch we headed to our Cabin. The Superior Ocean View has 157 square feet. The “View” means we had a very nice porthole type window and the life rafts did not block the view. There is also a little shelf under the window that you can sit and look out. You can have your bed made up as twins or together. We chose to have the beds together. This gave us a walk space around both sides and the end of the bed. We had a couch, 4 drawers and a large number of shelves, also a refrigerator. Even though it is small we had no problems finding places for everything. There was a safe in the closet and about six feet of space with hanging space top and bottom in ½ of the area.

Our luggage arrived around 3:30. We had plenty of space to put everything away and put both of our suitcases in the closet.

Another “point of interest” for some... The ship did check for liquor. After the Muster Drill, or Lifeboat drill, many people were called to deck one to claim their luggage. There any liquor in their luggage had to be removed and retained by Security. We don’t know exactly what happened but the rumor mill was that it was poured out…. Just a note of caution if anyone thinks the Company never checks.

We found the ship to be in very good shape, there were always people visible cleaning and we never found the public areas, including the restrooms unclean.

All public areas are closed at 4 PM for the Lifeboat drill. Everyone is expected to participate and roll is taken. For the first time our station was in Bolero’s which was a treat. This procedure goes quickly and by 4:35 we were headed back to put our vests away and head out for sail-a-way partying.

Live music is all over the ship, and we felt it was fun, varied and the artists were talented.

Our “favorite” places for “Happy hour” were the Schooner on deck five and the Pool Bar on deck 11. This in large part because we located bartenders we had met before and it was fun talking with them. We also found former bartenders in Boleros, on deck 7. Unfortunately we could not spend any time in the “signature” lounge on deck 14. The Viking lounge is now a Cigar lounge. Even though the smoking is only allowed on one side the lounge is open so the smell is everywhere, we had someone in our party who is very allergic to cigar smoking so were prohibited from that venue. We have noticed some increase in pricing but still in line with costs “back home”. Be aware there are local taxes added to any order placed while in a US Port, for our trip this meant Miami and Key West.

Dinner: We were on second seating. Our table was on deck 4 in the Starlight Dining Room. The service was fantastic. We found the Head Waiters were so attentive, both at dinner and at breakfast. We were so impressed with the Maitre’D, the Food and Beverage Manager… we met both and were impressed with how dedicated they are to making sure everyone was being served and satisfied. The food has been discussed in every review and we feel is very subjective. We will just say we were very happy, and never left hungry! And yes, they do offer “My Time Dining”, also referred to as anytime dining.

Shows and entertainment: We love all the “live” music available on the ship. Even on this “smaller” ship there are so many venues, so many choices, from the piano, Karaoke, 70’s music, Latin music, Ballroom dancing, a live orchestra, so many choices from early to late. The Headliner shows are very good. The Production shows are wonderful. If you sail often you will see a repeat, but the cast changes, so we always enjoy. On this cruise we had the comedy of Steve Bruner and Rick Novel. The two production shows were Boogie Wonderland and Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

Activities: There is so much to do. I can’t believe it when I read “we got bored”???? Anyway the Activities Staff were excellent and had more activities available than we have seen before. Some have commented that there is only one activity at a time… that is true, but if they had several at the same time someone would be unhappy that they could not get to all events. The events included many, many trivia sessions, Sudoku, many, many pool activities, Wii challenges and much more. So much to do in so little time!

Ports: Nassau was our first port of call. We have visited this port since the 70’s and think Nassau is an excellent port. For any first time cruiser we recommend a visit to Atlantis for the water activates, which are great, not the Casino unless you are on a ship that is there at night, it really loses a lot in the daylight. The straw market is great for souvenirs and straw products. It is large, crowded and has anything/everything…. Just don’t “believe” that you are getting a name-brand for $40!!! On Baystreet you will find lots of places to shop for jewelry, fragrances, linens, etc. The ship will give you a map of suggested shop choices. You will also find the Hardrock within walking distance. During the day this isn’t as much fun as the nearby Senor Frogs which is on the water and visible from the ship. This generally is very active especially if there are a couple of ships in Port. There are also a number of tours that you can take. You can book from the ship (which we always recommend just in case something goes wrong… the ship will leave at the posted time!) additionally when you leave the ship you will find a number of taxi drivers offering their services. Also there are a number of vendors selling a horse and carriage ride.

Coco Cay: This is RCCL’s private island. You can see the entire island from the ship and the water is beautiful. There are hammocks, lounges, drinks, food, spa, games, swimming areas, beaches, rental “toys” etc. We had a beautiful day, a great lunch and a super drink at one of the many bars. There is a small shopping area for the locals to sell their products. You will need cash here if you wish to buy. Your SeaPass card is used for any drinks you want to buy on the island. The food/lunch is free.

Key West: One of our favorite ports. Be sure to pick up one of the Maps from the Shopping Guide or as you leave the ship. Another “new” thing on this cruise. In the past we have had to clear Immigration at this port, not this time. Non-US citizens had to “check in” with Immigration as well as those holding ARC cards and those who boarded in Nassau, the rest were cleared without doing anything. We were off the ship just after 10 AM. The weather was beautiful! There is so much to do. Right as you exit there are stores, then two Museums… don’t miss the statues on your left just before you get to the street. Mel Fisher’s is right across the street, with many treasures found on sunken ships. There are bars everywhere and you can carry an “open container” on the street, which isn’t allowed in many US towns/cities. There are lots of shops for T-shirts and other souvenirs, and many places to eat. One of the local items is Key Lime which is done in pies, on sticks, etc. We do suggest you try, at least once. If you are able this is a great city to just walk, also one tourist attraction is to check out where US highway 1 starts or stops, depending on your perspective. Also check out the marker indicating you have reached the Southernmost spot in the United States.

Only one "suggestion".... if you are "sensitive" you might want to take your own toilet paper and facial tissue.... now both one ply, and rather "rough":eek:

Will be happy to answer questions.

[alicam]

Thanks for the review....we sail on the 16th of this month on the Majesty

[hmsdos]

Thanks for the review....we sail on the 16th of this month on the Majesty

 

Thanks. Hope you have as great a time as we did! You should have great weather. Enjoy!

[AF-1]

Thanks for the review. Majesty was our first cruise. I like the smaller ships; there is still a lot to do.

[Momto3chicks]

Thank you so much for that detailed report, I really appreciate it. We (my hubby and another couple) are headed out May 1st on the Majesty. We are all first timers so are reading the reviews as much as possible..LOL. We are also on deck 9, I am in the accessible cabin and our friends next door.

 

Thanks again,

 

Kelley

[My2Kitties]

My DD and I were on her a week before and found the service on this ship was superb! thank you for your review as I have not had time yet to write...glad you also enjoyed her...

[phabric]

hmsdos

 

Enjoyed reading your review.

 

We will be on the Majesty for Easter - 3 days.

 

I have not seen the "My Time Dining" mentioned in any other review. Can you explain it, we are presently on the first seating.

[hmsdos]

hmsdos

 

Enjoyed reading your review.

 

We will be on the Majesty for Easter - 3 days.

 

I have not seen the "My Time Dining" mentioned in any other review. Can you explain it, we are presently on the first seating.

 

Hey.... That is the program where you do not committ to a first or second seating. You can go to dinner anytime 6 - 9:30 however they still do suggest a reservation, especially if you want to go at certain time each evening. You are required to pre-pay your gratuities. Also, you can request the same table/waiter. On the Majesty you can make the arrangements once you board. You would need to go to see a Head Waiter once you board on the third deck, just outside the dining room. The area that is set aside for this type of dining is in the dining room on deck four on the Port side, at least that is where it was when we were on board.... hope this helps :)

[phabric]

Hey.... That is the program where you do not committ to a first or second seating. You can go to dinner anytime 6 - 9:30 however they still do suggest a reservation, especially if you want to go at certain time each evening. You are required to pre-pay your gratuities. Also, you can request the same table/waiter. On the Majesty you can make the arrangements once you board. You would need to go to see a Head Waiter once you board on the third deck, just outside the dining room. The area that is set aside for this type of dining is in the dining room on deck four on the Port side, at least that is where it was when we were on board.... hope this helps :)

 

We have been on Princess that have Personal Choice dining which is the same except that you tell Princess when you book what type of dining you want Traditional or Personal Choice. They have a whole dining room for each type of dining. You go to the dining room at what time you want (between certain times), tell the maitre if you want a table for 2,4,6, or want to share and if the table is not ready he would give you a beeper or you can call and make a reservation for a certain time.

 

Is this the same on the Majesty? Do you just tell the Head Waiter, you want to switch sittings. Can you go at different times each night or when you see the Head Waiter you have to say what time you want each night. We have already paid the gratuities.

 

We prefer to eat when we are hungry and sometimes feel rushed after a day in port.

 

I am wondering why no one has mentioned My Time Dining before in any of the reviews. Is this new to the Majesty?

[hmsdos]

We have been on Princess that have Personal Choice dining which is the same except that you tell Princess when you book what type of dining you want Traditional or Personal Choice. They have a whole dining room for each type of dining. You go to the dining room at what time you want (between certain times), tell the maitre if you want a table for 2,4,6, or want to share and if the table is not ready he would give you a beeper or you can call and make a reservation for a certain time.

 

Is this the same on the Majesty? Do you just tell the Head Waiter, you want to switch sittings. Can you go at different times each night or when you see the Head Waiter you have to say what time you want each night. We have already paid the gratuities.

 

We prefer to eat when we are hungry and sometimes feel rushed after a day in port.

 

I am wondering why no one has mentioned My Time Dining before in any of the reviews. Is this new to the Majesty?

 

 

RCCL is has been implementing this for some time, ship by ship. It is now fleetwide. Majesty is now included. If you want this type of service you should make arrangements before you sail with your Travel Agent or RCCL if you booked direct. If you wait until you are on board go directly to the Head Waiter, on the Majesty he will be on deck 3, on boarding day and make arrangements. You cannot switch back and forth. You make your decision, pre-pay your gratuities and then participate in the program.

[Pumbaamd]

Great review. Reminds us of all the fun we had on Majesty two years ago!

Rick and Deirdra

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Great review. I am always happy when someone likes Majesty as much as Hubby and I do. In fact, I am hankering for another quick trip on Majesty soon, a four-nighter so we can go to Key West too. The weather is perfect now for such a trip.

[SailingDeanna]

Thanks for your fabulous review! You answered many of my questions. I will be sailing on her in June.

 

Which production show is your favorite?

 

Does the Majesty have a self serve icecream machine? Or is there somewhere to get icecream without a cover charge?

[pam_1024]

Thanks for your fabulous review! You answered many of my questions. I will be sailing on her in June.

 

Which production show is your favorite?

 

Does the Majesty have a self serve icecream machine? Or is there somewhere to get icecream without a cover charge?

 

Deanna, we were on the Majesty last April. At that time, they had the soft serve ice cream machine at the entrance to the pool area. My 12 yo made many trips there. :D My favorite production show was Signed, Sealed, Delivered. But Boogie Wonderland was good too. Both had songs from the 70's and 80's that this 40 something chick enjoyed, lol.

[hmsdos]

Thanks for your fabulous review! You answered many of my questions. I will be sailing on her in June.

 

Which production show is your favorite?

 

Does the Majesty have a self serve icecream machine? Or is there somewhere to get icecream without a cover charge?

 

Yes, free "soft" ice cream... outside the door as you head towards the pool from the elevators on deck 11. They are changing the "Freeze" ice cream they sell on deck 5 to "Gelato"... the bins were empty when we sailed getting ready.

 

Favorite? We enjoy each one.

 

Enjoy your June trip!

[hmsdos]

Great review. Reminds us of all the fun we had on Majesty two years ago!

Rick and Deirdra

 

 

Yes! Isn't it time for a "reunion" cruise :D Oh... the Freedom/Liberty picture is posted on the other thread.

[TexCruise371]

I'm so glad to hear you had a great time on Majesty! ;) She's a great ship and we love to sail on her!

[Pumbaamd]

Next for us is Oasis on 12/1, unless we are able to sneak in a Majesty shortie!

Rick and Deirdra

[eliflower]

Hmsdos, thank you for posting your experience on Majesty!!! I`m glad you had a great time on your cruise!!! I and my hubby are going to travel on Majesty (May 8-11)->our first cruise ever and your review helped us a lot! Thank you again! :0)

[bthom70]

Doesn't sound much different than Oct 2008 when we were on there with you guys on our B2B. Gotta say I like B2B more than regular cruises, but a longer Transatlantic beats everything.

I love Key West and love taking a scooter to ride around, or parasailing and you have to grab a chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick from Kermits or Blond Giraffe, (Kermits is better)

 

I was looking at a 5nighter on Memorial Day on the Majesty to indoctrinate my best friend from NC who has never cruised before.

My coworkers are always asking me when my next cruise is, we rarely go anywhere else any more.

 

Say hi to Harry

 

 

Brian & Kevin

[hmsdos]

Doesn't sound much different than Oct 2008 when we were on there with you guys on our B2B. Gotta say I like B2B more than regular cruises, but a longer Transatlantic beats everything. sooo true... if you have the time :o

I love Key West and love taking a scooter to ride around, or parasailing and you have to grab a chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick from Kermits or Blond Giraffe, (Kermits is better) makes me hungry!

 

I was looking at a 5nighter on Memorial Day on the Majesty to indoctrinate my best friend from NC who has never cruised before. great idea...

My coworkers are always asking me when my next cruise is, we rarely go anywhere else any more.

 

Say hi to Harry done :D

 

 

Brian & Kevin

 

Hey... great to hear from you two.... yes.... we love the b2b!!!! But can't do that too often :rolleyes:

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eliflower: Your first cruise.... awesome!!! Wish we could be on the same cruise... we love to see the cruse through the eyes of a "first timer" :)

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Thanks to all who posted comments....