Farewell, Majesty (31 May to Bermuda--long review)

[NoVaCruiser60]

Since the Majesty will shortly be leaving NCL service, I’ll dispense with the traditional day-by-day itinerary and simply cover the cruise in three aspects: Port of Baltimore, Ship experience, Bermuda. In each case I’ll discuss what we liked, what we didn’t, and make some suggestions. Oh, and I’ll pass along some great tips others gave to us and we confirmed!

 

Port of Baltimore:

Very easy access off I-95; literally roll down the exit ramp, drive straight ahead two blocks and enter the port complex. We arrived around 1030 while Majesty was still disembarking the last cruise, so there was a small crowd. The port had at least a hundred people directing traffic and making sure you know where to go to (1) drop off luggage or passengers, (2) pay in advance for parking, which is $15 a day (credit cards accepted), and (3) park. They also had a shuttle bus from the parking lot to the in-processing building; it wasn’t very far to walk, but on a sunny morning, why sweat it?

The in-processing was pretty similar to Miami, where we normally cruise. If you have your paperwork in order, register on-line, use the Latitudes line, and fill out the forms properly, it is pretty quick. We did have a new employee conducting her first in-processing, but got through in about 15 minutes, followed by a 45 minute wait to begin boarding around 1130.

We used the express (do-it-all-yourself) disembarkation at the end of the cruise, and it worked great. The plus is you are first off the cruise and you don’t have to pack out the night before, but you have to carry everything off yourself. We were off the ship and back on the road home by 0756, 09 minutes after the ship was cleared to begin disembarking. We thought the parking per day cost was high, but you do get a secured parking area next to the ship. We felt pretty good about the Port and the processing; no complaints. TIP: just because you choose express disembarkation, it doesn’t mean you HAVE to be first off the ship. It is still Freestyle, so if you want to have a leisurely breakfast and walk off later, that’s your option.

 

Majesty Experience:

This was our first small ship since we discovered Freestyle dining 4 years back. We had some reservations about it, because we really like a large spa area, large gym, and multiple restaurant options. Majesty is clearly showing her age (some faded paint here, some old signage there), but she is pretty well maintained. Unlike the larger ships we’ve cruised on (Jewel, Pearl), we never got that “lost in the mob” sense. On the other hand, everything is downsized. Examples: there is no discernible “spa.” There is a place to get spa treatments, and there are small men’s and women’s saunas, but there is no separate spa area to simply relax and enjoy the hot tub/pool/loungers. The gym is only slightly larger than your average hotel gym, and the nearby disco doubles as a stretching area. The “theater” is about the size of the lounges on the bigger ships; the lounges are the size of the small bars on the same. Given the smaller number of passengers, it mostly works.

 

TIP: when we embarked, we were offered a wine deal consisting of 6 bottles (your choice from a limited selection) for 10% off the bar list price; the good deal is you don’t pay any gratuity on top, so the discount is better than advertised. We ended up bringing one bottle home. We normally only eat in specialty restaurants, but Majesty has only one-and-a-half. Le Bistro is exactly like its counterparts on the big ships (great French food, great service, $15 pp cover charge); Pasta Cafe is a part-time Italian restaurant (no cover, limited menu which changes daily) in the Royal Observatory. TIP: if you get breakfast in the Café Royale, it can be difficult to find a table, so head down the stairs into the Royal Observatory/Pasta Cafe. They have additional seating there, along with coffee service. We ate in the Seven Seas dining room (the less formal one) for dinner three times and for lunch on the first day. We found the service was very good and food above average. We didn’t have to wait more than a minute for a table for two, even at peak seating times. Both the service and quality were pleasant surprises, and we’ll make it a point to visit the regular dining rooms on future cruises. We ate dinner in the Pasta Café and the fish was the best dish my wife has ever had in the Italian restaurants on NCL. TIP: whichever restaurant you choose, don’t forget to ask for an espresso or cappuccino with your dessert. You must pay for these drinks at the coffee bar, but they are included with your meal (just not on the menu).

 

I don’t know whether the crew is more experienced, there is a better crew-to-passenger ratio, or they are just better, but we had the best service ever. Special shout-outs to Charles, our cabin steward, who seemed to know us better than we knew ourselves, and Iwanan, our waiter in the dining room, who was charming and attentive and a real treat. Hope you got those STYLE notes we left!

 

Suggestion for NCL: Information just wants to be free. Do a better job getting useful information out through as many media aboard ship as possible. It helps the passengers make informed decisions, adjust their expectations, and have a better experience. Example: Why is it so hard to compare the menus for dinner? At the very least, I have to visit one dining room and the restaurant reservation desk. Why not post the menus on one of the internal TV channels? Or put the entrees list in the Freestyle daily? Since the menus change for some restaurants, why not make future menus available in advance? You can put the proviso on that “this menu may change.” It would help the passengers determine when and where they want to eat. Another example: if you need to close an area for scheduled maintenance, make an announcement or better yet, place it on the TV or in the daily. Shipboard maintenance is a must, but if you let the passengers know when and where, they can adjust. I don’t see a reason for not providing more information on these matters. We had an unannounced closure of a portion of the jogging track that led to people (1) running in the hallway (2) doubling back and running into each other (3) in confusion. It could have been easily avoided.

 

All-in-all, Majesty was a little too small for our taste, but I can see why she has so many devoted fans. NCL should consider how to develop a smaller class of new Freestyle ships to complement the EPIC approach.

 

Bermuda:

This was our first trip to Bermuda, and the real focus of our vacation. We really liked the notion of three nights in St George, with the Majesty functioning as a floating hotel. As a small ship, Majesty can fit through “the cut” into St George, meaning you (and just you, no other cruise ships) disembark directly into this quaint 17th century town. It is only a half-mile walk past the picturesque unfinished Church (and over a hill) to Tobacco Bay beach, with great rocks and friendly fish for beginning snorkelers. The Bermuda Perfumery, on Queen St, provides a guided tour and short video on the history and process of perfume making in Bermuda. The tour concludes with sampling the perfumes. They were too flowery and sweet for my wife – she preferred Bermuda Blue, which is available throughout the island. One evening we wandered into the cemetery at St. Peters which was serene and had interesting headstones to read. We used St George as a base to explore locally, then to Hamilton, and finally across the isle to the Dockyard/King’s Wharf. TIP: unless you are proficient in left-side driving AND mopeds, you are a danger to yourself and others in Bermuda. Like us, get a bus/ferry ($20pp unlimited two day bus/ferry pass at the VIC or post office. NOTE: cash only – no credit cards accepted for passes!!!) Research the schedules and buy either the tokens or a multi-day pass. The buses are inexpensive, frequent, pretty timely, and mostly air conditioned. Oh, and please, please, give the bus driver and passengers a friendly greeting BEFORE you start into “does this bus go…?” It’s the Bermuda way (to be friendly, that is), you’ll make a good impression as a tourist, and yes, the driver will tell you if it’s the right bus and will drop you off wherever you tell then you need to go. Remember that locals use the bus to get to work and school, so please don’t make the elderly or infirm stand. And you will be amazed at the courteous local school children, who unfailingly give up their seats for their elders (although that means they probably never get a bus seat!).

Some less well-known sites we can recommend:

Spittal Pond, A nature preserve off bus route #1 in Smith’s Parish. It has great vistas off the south side of the island, and a chance to see local flora and fauna. It takes about an hour to walk all the way around, which coincides with the next bus (if you are timely and lucky). The path has some hills and rough spots (especially the side paths) so one needs to be in decent shape and wearing walking sandals/shoes (flip flops not recommended – the rocks are sharp and the terrain uneven.) Several local birds were quite accommodating by posing for photographs and the views are amazing. If you’re into photography – we highly recommend this stop.

Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) on the east side of Hamilton, has a $10 pp admission, with many fascinating exhibits and kid friendly activities. The adjoining Harbourfront restaurant has a nice waterfront seating area and an excellent sushi bar. We found the sushi prices quite reasonable and comparable to the Washington, DC area.)

Fort Hamilton, again on the hill east and overlooking the city of Hamilton. FYI: follow the road to the right of the sign. If you go left towards the parking lot, you circle around and find yourself at a dead end. Incredible views, and the fort’s moat has been turned into a walking path/nursery. At noon on a sunny day, it was cool and shady as we strolled the moat.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, near Horseshoe Bay beach on bus route #7. Gibbs Hill has a commanding 360 degree view. The Lighthouse costs $2.50 pp, and the climb up the 180+ spiral stairs is broken into flights with landings containing historical placards, so you catch your breath and learn a little something along the way. TIP: the former tea room at the base is gone, replaced last month by a very nice Italian restaurant owned by the same owners as Rustico’s. Very good food, but pricey (we spent $70 for lunch comprising an appetizer, bottled water, two entrees and two cappuccinos) but well worth it for authenticity, service and views.

TIP: Bermuda has a series of tourist events in its ports. St George has “Heritage Nights” on Tuesdays, Hamilton has “Harbour Nights” on Wednesday, and Dockyard/King’s Wharf has “Destination Dockyard” on Tuesday. It is worth your while to see one, but they are quite similar: Small market stalls selling local merchandise, and a Gombey Dance exhibition followed by group/line dancing.

TIP: Every bus between St George and Hamilton goes past the original Swizzle Inn, so you simply must drop in for their famous Rum Swizzle and some pub grub. We can recommend the fish-n-chips and Baileys Bay fish sandwich.

 

The cruise rewards program where you put down a $250 down payment and get $100 expense credit just got better; the down payment lasts for 4 years (vice 18 months just this past January).

 

Finally one last shout out to our cruise critic friends. We enjoyed getting together on the first sea day, and running into you during the cruise!

 

 

Happy to take any questions!

[deltaqueen]

You don't know how much I enjoyed your review. I've been to Bermuda 3 times so that part I'm comfortable with and the whole reason we are doing this cruise. I've never cruised NCL and have been nervous w/the mixed reviews of the Majesty. I don't have high expectations for the ship itself but the service, food, crowds, etc. I have high expectations. Your review sounded honest, warm and from the heart. A joy to read and great ideas noted! Thanks!

[NoVaCruiser60]

If you're taking the Majesty primarily to get back to Bermuda, you have made a great choice. You will have 2 full and 2 half sea days, but there are plenty of ways to fill in the time.

I didn't mention the shipboard entertainment, which consisted of comedian Joe Yannety, singer Elvey Rose, and a juggler whose name I forgot.:rolleyes:

All three gave solid to good performances, and the smaller venue makes it a more personal experience.

Majesty does have some of the Freestyle 2.0 amenities, including a Jazz Brunch on the first sea day, but it does NOT have the improved bedding (no surprise on a ship being sold), so ask your cabin steward for the egg carton pad for your bed.

Enjoy!

[Ms belp]

What a wonderful review of the Majesty & Bermuda. Since we will be doing both this October for the first time, I was really impressed with your description.:)

[marelind]

Do they have the pillow menu?

[NoVaCruiser60]

NCL did have the welcome aboard champagne, and I couldn't tell if lobster was on the menu more frequently.

[Terpbacker]

Very helpful review, thanks.

 

It sounds like you had the same concerns and expectations that I had when we booked our Majesty cruise, we leave on 6/14. I think if you know what you are getting into those small things that are "not as nice as the big ships" are less of a distraction. Thanks for the tips.

 

One last thing, any suggestions for that short morning before departing Bermuda and heading for home? Thanks

[Philly Steve]

Thanks for the review! :)

 

I agree with you on NCL developing smaller ships that are "Freestyle" friendly. We will miss Majesty when she permanently departs Philadelphia this fall but will savor the good times we had aboard.

[live2dive45]

Thanks NoVaCruiser60

 

That was the best, most objective review I have read of the Majesty. Makes me look forward to our sailing in October. Just getting off the Freedom of the Seas in January, we were just a bit concerned about what Majesty has to offer...or not offer. But I can tell by the threads that she does have a fiecely loyal following and apparently for good reason. Know what to expect and then capitalize on that....great advice. And thanks for the tips on BDA itself. I will copy your review and bring it with me.

[cookingmomma]

For the great review...we are going next month on her. Thanks too for the embarking process including parking lot and that they do take credit cards. We are driving down to baltimore day before and then will head over to the ship on the sunday morning; we are staying at hotel in inner harbor and drive is about 20 minutes we are estimating; since boarding is around noon though they say; we plan on getting to the pier around 11 a.m. and figured by the time we park, unload our suitcases and get them checked in it will be at least 11:30; thanks for the great review on the ship too and the food. Did you sample the chocolate buffet? Worth the calories and the wait? Also, any particular drink that was good on the ship? Any particular sandwich or entree to have? We have a general idea of what we will do in bermuda -- including the unlimited bus/ferry pass; horsehoe bay and swizzle inn; also tues. night the heritage night; will do some local shopping and a glass bottom boat; was your cabin big enough? we have the superior ocean view -- i couldn't afford the suite and there are 4 of us in it and i figure we will get ready for dinner in shifts -- 2 at a time. we did that on carnival 2 years ago and it worked out great...

[NoVaCruiser60]

First, thanks again for the positive feedback; glad it helps. Now to specifics:

 

@Terpbacker: We went out the short morning and did a little shopping in St George. You have to be back at 1030, so it all depends on how early you are willing to get up. I know some cruisers who went back to Tobacco Bay for a quick snorkel. There are some simple shore excursions available in St George, although I think you would be better off ($) on your own.

 

@cookingmomma: didn't stay up for the chocolate buffet. My DW has gone in the past and been disappointed, but she developed a taste for Belgian chocolates a few years back and that ruins you for all other chocolate (imo). :cool:

 

We did the special wine deal, so the 8 bottles I ended up with was enough alcohol to keep me away from all the specialty drinks. I was concerned that the wines NCL offered on the wine deal might be lesser quality, but we liked all of them.

 

We really likes the 32 oz beef-for-two special in Le Bistro, all the appetizers there (escargots, grilled asparagus, foie gras, mushroom soup), and especially the chocolate Napoleon. We mentioned how much we liked the dessert, and our waiter provided us with "two more for the road," so we just HAD to eat them.:D My DW really liked the fish entree at Pasta Cafe, but we can't remember which dish it was. I think the waffles and omeletes are the best deal for breakfast.

 

Our oceanview cabin on deck three was tiny, 108 sq ft, I believe. We had to take turns moving around inside. But we see the cabin primarily as a place to sleep and change clothes, so it was adequate. Remember to pick up a blow dryer from the reception desk, bring extra wire hangers, and place your luggage under your bed.

 

If you're going to the beach/snorkelling, its good to bring along some plastic trash bags to line your beach bag and place water shoes or fins in, so everything doesn't get wet/sandy. Oh, and don't wear your beach attire anywhere but the beach--in Bermuda, its just not done.

[QuakerBoy]

Very informative review! We also took the Majesty to Bermuda in May from Charleston, and I second moct of the observations. The Pasta Cafe is a hidden gem that most people miss because you have to make a reservation (and also a great downstairs dining option for the daytime buffets, as mentioned). We also went for the "wine deal," and saved a few bucks, I guess, but ended up having even more wine and more fun. The Bistro, for a meager $15, is also well worth avoiding the crowds and just OK food at the two main dining rooms.

 

Whether you love or hate the Majesty, and we were fine with it, the real highlight of this journey is Bermuda! You can't fly and book a room there, with meals, for anywhere near the cost of this cruise. What a great island, with perfect weather, spectacular scenery, friendly people not looking for spare change, and a full range of dining from pub/casual to very upscale. If you've never been.....book now on any ship!

[cookingmomma]

Thanks again for the info; I don't think we'll do Le Bistro as we don't eat many of the items and then it would be an additional $60 since there are 4 of us with the two kids -- they are 12 and 10 and don't want to go to kids club--we are trying to talk them into it, hopefully they will go at least a couple of times to meet other kids that they can hang out with during the week...also at le bistro we won't each much that they offer (escargot, foie gras (spelling?) -- but we are going to try Pasta Cafe at least 2-3x if we can...all depends on the menu they offer -- my daughter eats pasta with red sauce only (no meat), my son eats it with garlic & oil, pesto and marinara but no meat also...wait and see. Cabin size ours is 145 sq. feet & plan on putting suitcases under bed if they fit, which I hope they do. Rooms are basically for showering and sleeping I agree -- don't spend all that money to sit in a room..i like to be out and about in the sun, at the casino, at a show, etc. etc. so too does my family; we will take turns getting ready -- 2 of us at a time in the cabin, works wonders. also am going to get one of those cheap over the door organizers -- between hair stuff, makeup, suncare products, etc. no room to store it all, not including the meds my DH is on etc. etc. Not sure if the shampoo they provide is good or not so I'll bring some travel sizes from home just in case. Some toiletries will keep in the toiletries bag...also i am on weight watchers so plan on bringing some ww snacks just in case so i stay away from too many of the sweets etc. We are really looking forward to the cruise and bermuda. We didn't book any excursions yet -- playing it by ear as not sure what day we want to do what -- first day there probably just get off and walk around st. george and if we can get on a glass bottom boat tour that afternoon we will, definitely one of the full days there we are going to horsehoe bay beach & swizzle inn; then possibly that carriage tour etc. Thanks again for the great review and all the info you provided.

[NextOne]

Hi guys!! What a great review - it captured our trip perfectly! DH & I enjoyed meeting you and hope we'll "run" into you again on future trips. Glad to know you got home safely!

Another tip to offer - at dinner on Saturday there was escargot as an appetizer in the Seven Seas - just as good as the escargot in Le Bistro. I had Two!! Over all, we thought the food was better in the main dining rooms than on our two previous Majesty trips.

I've got to echo the comment about the wonderful staff. We were thrilled to find that our favorite waiter from our last Majesty trip was still aboard -- Nelson, in the Seven Seas. He and his assistant Olivia treated us like royalty all week! Another tip -- if you find a waiter that you especially like, you can request to sit with him & they'll accommodate you, if at all possible. If you know you want to do that for multiple nights, they'll even make a reservation for you! We usually ate around 8 pm and rarely had to wait more than a few minutes.

We'll certainly miss the Majesty!