Majesty Review 6-28 to 7-5

[cchrisee]

Beginning:

After reading so many negative reviews about the Majesty I was a little reserved to book the trip and considered booking the Dawn. The price for the Majesty was so cheap that we had to book it and hoped for the best. I have realized people will complain just about anything, but I have really no complaints! We were a group of 7 and had a blast, it is what you make of it!

Embarkation:

Cruise day finally came. W e parked in the lot, dropped our bags with the porter and made our way to check-in. Check-in was a breeze and were on the ship after 20 min. I do want to know is that half of our group had wine bottle and they found those very easily and we paid the corkage fee, but the other half of our group had liquor in a water bottle and walked on the ship no problem. No one blinked an eye. This saved a ton on our bar bills.

The cabin:

We went to lunch at the buffet which is so so, they do have a pasta bar and Chinese station which is really good, we ate lunch at the buffet everyday and never really had to wait in line. At around 2 they made an announcement that our cabin was ready. We had a 3 person room on the bottom deck and were surprised with the size. It was a decent size for 3 people and have no real complaints, except that since we were in the front we did feel the rocking of the boat and waves crashing. We brought an over the door shoe rack and it helped with the space.

The seas were rough going to and coming from, I had the sea bands on and they worked, a ton of people had the ear patch, so if you are going on the Majesty be prepared for some movement.

Sea Days/Shows:

The first sea day we laid by the pool and listened to the band. The pool and hot tubes do get crowded but it did not bother us. The games they had for kids were the same everyday not to much variety. You do have to get chairs early as they fill up. I would also recommend getting seats in the rear of the ship, less windy and both sea days the front of the ship was closed due to strong winds.

Our group did the pub crawl and we had a blast. 5 bars in 55 min and 5 drinks. The crew staff on this crawl was great. The Bosnian, I cannot remember his name sayid or something was full of energy and got everyone pumped. There were games at each stop, and part of the visit was to quickly drink the drink. Coupling fast drinking with running from bar to bar, especially with the stairs, made some crawlers feel the drinks pretty quick. It was a fun time and would recommend it.

We saw three shows, the first one, the Broadway review, the comedy and the crew talent show. Again the crew talent show was my favorite; the Bosnian crew member was the star of this show. I recommend meeting him the first day and he will go out of his way to ensure you are having a great time. We did not see any shows while it port as we explored the island and missed the shows by the time we were done dinner. The shows were not bad and kept my attention and would recommend seeing them.

We also hit up the karaoke and had a blast. The Disco was empty the entire week until the white hot party. We just choose on sea days to play cards on the deck and drink our bucket of beers. The white hot party was fun for the first hour and then it emptied out. They have great drinks with fresh fruit at this party so do try one.

Fourth of July was great. The captain made a little detour and we were able to see fireworks up and down the coast. The crew sang and danced and was overall a nice way to spend the 4th of July.

Food:

We ate in every restaurant but Le Bistro. The pasta bar was my favorite and service was fast. We had no problem getting reservations for our group of 7, we did have to split up but it did not matter. This restaurant had the fastest service and best waiters.

4 Seasons and 7 Seasons have the same menu, 7 seasons was slower and we had to wait 5 min. If you do not mind dressing up in nice pants (no jeans) go to 4 season as less of a wait and better service. The food was good here and our party had no complaints.

We did the buffet one night only b/c we were in a hurry but it was just ok, thank goodness for the pasta station as that is what we all ate. We missed the midnight buffet as we were sitting at the Whitehorse in Bermuda we could see the line up begin at 11pm. We did not feel the need to wait it that line, but I am sure it was great.

Excursions:

The first day we went to tobacco bay, St. Catherine’s beach and Achilles. Not too many people know about Achilles and St. Catherine’s so we had it to our self. All three are awesome beaches about 200 yard walk to each, and about a mile uphill from boat or $3 cab ride. There is also a fort which is $7 and is pretty cool to see. At night we went to the white horse, Tuesday night is the night to go there, as Shona the cruise director was also there and there was a dance party.

The second day it was raining, we bought a bus pass for 2 days $20 hoped on the bus to the caves and paid $28 to see both caves which is cheaper than the NCL shore excursion. We then took a quick walk to Swizzle Inn and had lunch and swizzles of course. The food was awesome, I highly recommend it. We then took the bus to Warwick bay in the rain and did the walk from Warwick bay to Horseshoe. There were a few brave souls who did this but it was awesome, we had every beach to our self and our pictures came out great. I recommend starting at Warwick and walking to horseshoe, those beaches are some of the best I have ever seen.

Last full day, we chartered a sail boat from sail Bermuda .com. We had the sailboat just for us and the captain took us around Bermuda, took us to some wonderful beaches, and let us off to snorkel and swim. This was a great way to end our trip in Bermuda. Watching the sun set on a sail boat was such a peaceful thing. I love Bermuda and can not wait to go back!

Disembarkation:

Very easy, when they called our floor, we walked right off the boat, no wait and were home in 2 hours.

The ship:

The ship was relatively clean. The ship is also showing signs of age. They were constantly fixing the boat and painting it. You could not tell she was being sold. Yes, the rooms are small but how much time do you really spend in them?

 

Lastly:

Even with some bad weather, we had a blast. The ship did its “job”, the food and drinks were great, and the NCL crew was awesome! Cruising to Bermuda on the Majesty for that price is well worth it! I am ready to book my next cruise!

[heather_b]

Beginning:

After reading so many negative reviews about the Majesty I was a little reserved to book the trip and considered booking the Dawn. The price for the Majesty was so cheap that we had to book it and hoped for the best. I have realized people will complain just about anything, but I have really no complaints! We were a group of 7 and had a blast, it is what you make of it!

 

Embarkation:

Cruise day finally came. W e parked in the lot, dropped our bags with the porter and made our way to check-in. Check-in was a breeze and were on the ship after 20 min. I do want to know is that half of our group had wine bottle and they found those very easily and we paid the corkage fee, but the other half of our group had liquor in a water bottle and walked on the ship no problem. No one blinked an eye. This saved a ton on our bar bills.

 

The cabin:

We went to lunch at the buffet which is so so, they do have a pasta bar and Chinese station which is really good, we ate lunch at the buffet everyday and never really had to wait in line. At around 2 they made an announcement that our cabin was ready. We had a 3 person room on the bottom deck and were surprised with the size. It was a decent size for 3 people and have no real complaints, except that since we were in the front we did feel the rocking of the boat and waves crashing. We brought an over the door shoe rack and it helped with the space.

The seas were rough going to and coming from, I had the sea bands on and they worked, a ton of people had the ear patch, so if you are going on the Majesty be prepared for some movement.

 

Sea Days/Shows:

The first sea day we laid by the pool and listened to the band. The pool and hot tubes do get crowded but it did not bother us. The games they had for kids were the same everyday not to much variety. You do have to get chairs early as they fill up. I would also recommend getting seats in the rear of the ship, less windy and both sea days the front of the ship was closed due to strong winds.

Our group did the pub crawl and we had a blast. 5 bars in 55 min and 5 drinks. The crew staff on this crawl was great. The Bosnian, I cannot remember his name sayid or something was full of energy and got everyone pumped. There were games at each stop, and part of the visit was to quickly drink the drink. Coupling fast drinking with running from bar to bar, especially with the stairs, made some crawlers feel the drinks pretty quick. It was a fun time and would recommend it.

We saw three shows, the first one, the Broadway review, the comedy and the crew talent show. Again the crew talent show was my favorite; the Bosnian crew member was the star of this show. I recommend meeting him the first day and he will go out of his way to ensure you are having a great time. We did not see any shows while it port as we explored the island and missed the shows by the time we were done dinner. The shows were not bad and kept my attention and would recommend seeing them.

 

We also hit up the karaoke and had a blast. The Disco was empty the entire week until the white hot party. We just choose on sea days to play cards on the deck and drink our bucket of beers. The white hot party was fun for the first hour and then it emptied out. They have great drinks with fresh fruit at this party so do try one.

 

Fourth of July was great. The captain made a little detour and we were able to see fireworks up and down the coast. The crew sang and danced and was overall a nice way to spend the 4th of July.

 

Food:

We ate in every restaurant but Le Bistro. The pasta bar was my favorite and service was fast. We had no problem getting reservations for our group of 7, we did have to split up but it did not matter. This restaurant had the fastest service and best waiters.

 

4 Seasons and 7 Seasons have the same menu, 7 seasons was slower and we had to wait 5 min. If you do not mind dressing up in nice pants (no jeans) go to 4 season as less of a wait and better service. The food was good here and our party had no complaints.

 

We did the buffet one night only b/c we were in a hurry but it was just ok, thank goodness for the pasta station as that is what we all ate. We missed the midnight buffet as we were sitting at the Whitehorse in Bermuda we could see the line up begin at 11pm. We did not feel the need to wait it that line, but I am sure it was great.

 

Excursions:

The first day we went to tobacco bay, St. Catherine’s beach and Achilles. Not too many people know about Achilles and St. Catherine’s so we had it to our self. All three are awesome beaches about 200 yard walk to each, and about a mile uphill from boat or $3 cab ride. There is also a fort which is $7 and is pretty cool to see. At night we went to the white horse, Tuesday night is the night to go there, as Shona the cruise director was also there and there was a dance party.

The second day it was raining, we bought a bus pass for 2 days $20 hoped on the bus to the caves and paid $28 to see both caves which is cheaper than the NCL shore excursion. We then took a quick walk to Swizzle Inn and had lunch and swizzles of course. The food was awesome, I highly recommend it. We then took the bus to Warwick bay in the rain and did the walk from Warwick bay to Horseshoe. There were a few brave souls who did this but it was awesome, we had every beach to our self and our pictures came out great. I recommend starting at Warwick and walking to horseshoe, those beaches are some of the best I have ever seen.

 

Last full day, we chartered a sail boat from sail Bermuda .com. We had the sailboat just for us and the captain took us around Bermuda, took us to some wonderful beaches, and let us off to snorkel and swim. This was a great way to end our trip in Bermuda. Watching the sun set on a sail boat was such a peaceful thing. I love Bermuda and can not wait to go back!

 

Disembarkation:

Very easy, when they called our floor, we walked right off the boat, no wait and were home in 2 hours.

 

The ship:

The ship was relatively clean. The ship is also showing signs of age. They were constantly fixing the boat and painting it. You could not tell she was being sold. Yes, the rooms are small but how much time do you really spend in them?

 

Lastly:

Even with some bad weather, we had a blast. The ship did its “job”, the food and drinks were great, and the NCL crew was awesome! Cruising to Bermuda on the Majesty for that price is well worth it! I am ready to book my next cruise!

 

 

Thanks for the review - I'll be on her this coming sunday :D You said you were in the front of the boat - I'm a little nervous about the movement I do have the patch but just a little nervous (first cruise) I'm almost mid ship but a little closer to the front - just wondering where you were located and I'm on deck 6. A few questions for you (I hope you don't mind):

 

So some of your group just put alcohol in water bottles and carried it on?

 

How far is the walk from Warwick to Horseshoe - I have a 7 year old and 11 year old - do you think its "doable" for them?

 

If you don't mind me asking how much was it to charter the sailboat; and how long where you out for - we are a group of 18 not sure we would all fit on one sailboat?

 

Thanks again for the review.

[jjtt]

Thanks for your review of the Majesty cchrisee. We are looking to book in the next day of two, still deciding. Did you see amy sea glass and if so where? Was there anything that you wished you would have brought but forgot? :confused:

Glad you had a great time. I also read CG's review and between you both it seems like this is Bermuda's rainy season. I should add ponchos to my list of things to bring. :rolleyes:

[jjtt]

One more question if you don't mind....

Do they serve cappuccino and is there a cost?

Thank you again for your review.

[cchrisee]

Thanks for the review - I'll be on her this coming sunday :D You said you were in the front of the boat - I'm a little nervous about the movement I do have the patch but just a little nervous (first cruise) I'm almost mid ship but a little closer to the front - just wondering where you were located and I'm on deck 6. A few questions for you (I hope you don't mind):

 

So some of your group just put alcohol in water bottles and carried it on?

 

How far is the walk from Warwick to Horseshoe - I have a 7 year old and 11 year old - do you think its "doable" for them?

 

If you don't mind me asking how much was it to charter the sailboat; and how long where you out for - we are a group of 18 not sure we would all fit on one sailboat?

 

Thanks again for the review.

 

 

Yes, our group put a handle of captain morgan silver in a wawa waterbottle brought it on our carryon no problem. We also checked a bag in with a case of water and cases of soda and received it later in the day. A few others on the ship alos brought their own stuff on, just easier to do it on your carryon.

 

The walk from Warwick to horseshoe was about a mile, kids can do it, it is ver scenic and there are rocks and cliffs on the side, just make sure they do not get too close to the edge. It is a marked path and many people do the walk. we did this in the rain, and had ponchos on and it did not bother us and our pictures turned out great and no one was there!

 

Our charter was $575 for 7 people, they charge $25 for each extra person. About 6 or 8 can fit in the front, there is a middle and back. The boat has a bottom section where there is a kitchen, more seats, and a bathroom, you can email sailbermuda.com for further information and tell them Chrissy sent you. Calieb is great, we had bad weather the first day and he was able to reschedule our charter.

 

We did see sea glass at achilles and st catherines. There is a beach called Alexandra battery park which is know for sea glass we just did not have time to go there, it is right near st george.

 

There is also a coffee bar on board and I do not think you have to pay for any cappicinos

 

I would recommend the cruise if the price is right. We got a great deal and used it as a means to get to Bermuda as Bermuda is very expensive.

 

Anything else let me know, I will be happy to help.

[*Wink*]

Enjoyed your Majesty review.. been on her 3 times and enjoyed her very much.

 

Just to add to your cappuccino comment. You can get espresso or cappuccino in the dining rooms at no cost. This also includes breakfast time. Anywhere else, and you'll have to pay.

[rxlowry]

We were on the Majesty 2 weeks ago and told cappuccino is now a charge in the dining room. We did get it at no charge in Pasta Cafe. It is a charge for sure at the coffee bar.

[*Wink*]

We were on the Majesty 2 weeks ago and told cappuccino is now a charge in the dining room. We did get it at no charge in Pasta Cafe. It is a charge for sure at the coffee bar.

I'm just curious who told you that. No offense, but I find it hard to believe that, b/c they've always offered it, it was offered in May of this year, and now they've changed it?? I know stranger things have happened, tho.

[rxlowry]

I find it hard to believe as well but that is what the waiter told us. Actually, the first time the assistant matri D (who we are quite friendly with from our 3 cruises in 2008) told us it was broken. We asked at another meal in the dining room and the waiter told us there was a charge. We did get it twice at the Pasta Cafe though with no charge. So I am not sure what the real deal is. We are going back in 3 weeks though so I'll try again as I love my cappuccino after dinner.

I did make a post about this when I got back as well as the increased price of the fill a bag laundry special and the missing shrimp canapes. We figured it might be a cutback since we noticed these changed as well.

And hey..they had free drinks in the casino July of last year and they changed that when we sailed in August.

[*Wink*]

I find it hard to believe as well but that is what the waiter told us. Actually, the first time the assistant matri D (who we are quite friendly with from our 3 cruises in 2008) told us it was broken. We asked at another meal in the dining room and the waiter told us there was a charge. We did get it twice at the Pasta Cafe though with no charge. So I am not sure what the real deal is. We are going back in 3 weeks though so I'll try again as I love my cappuccino after dinner.

I did make a post about this when I got back as well as the increased price of the fill a bag laundry special and the missing shrimp canapes. We figured it might be a cutback since we noticed these changed as well.

And hey..they had free drinks in the casino July of last year and they changed that when we sailed in August.

Thanks! I appreciate that. Now I'll know not to make statements that it's free... Let us know what you find out and enjoy your cruise!

[jjtt]

Thanks for all of your replies about the cappuccino!! I guess we will have to find out for ourselves in a few weeks. :D

I see Majesty has a midnight buffet. Royal Caribbean use too and this was one of the items they cut back on. :o This will be our first cruise on NCL so all of this is new to us, like our first ever cruise. :eek: Yes, we do know that Majesty is the oldest ship in the fleet and is sold. We are going into this knowing that she doesn't have all the bells and whistles the newer ships have. ;) Oh ya, what about lobster, do they serve it one night in the main dining room? Thanks again for your patience and answers. :D

[njhorseman]

Thanks for all of your replies about the cappuccino!! I guess we will have to find out for ourselves in a few weeks. :D

I see Majesty has a midnight buffet. Royal Caribbean use too and this was one of the items they cut back on. :o This will be our first cruise on NCL so all of this is new to us, like our first ever cruise. :eek: Yes, we do know that Majesty is the oldest ship in the fleet and is sold. We are going into this knowing that she doesn't have all the bells and whistles the newer ships have. ;) Oh ya, what about lobster, do they serve it one night in the main dining room? Thanks again for your patience and answers. :D

 

 

I haven't yet cruised on the Majesty, but on every other NCL ship I've been on the midnight buffet was eliminated years and years ago. Perhaps the OP meant the "chocoholic's" buffet.

 

If standard NCL Freestyle 2.0 menus are in use on the Majesty there will be two nights when lobster is served, but both times as a half warm water lobster tail in combination with other seafood.

[jjtt]

I haven't yet cruised on the Majesty, but on every other NCL ship I've been on the midnight buffet was eliminated years and years ago. Perhaps the OP meant the "chocoholic's" buffet.

 

If standard NCL Freestyle 2.0 menus are in use on the Majesty there will be two nights when lobster is served, but both times as a half warm water lobster tail in combination with other seafood.

 

 

Thanks horseman. I was afraid of that. :o They have a chocoholic buffet, and two nights of lobster. WOW! Here I go again, what is "NCL Freestyle 2.0 menus"??

[njhorseman]

Thanks horseman. I was afraid of that. :o They have a chocoholic buffet, and two nights of lobster. WOW! Here I go again, what is "NCL Freestyle 2.0 menus"??

 

 

Freestyle 2.0 is just their corporate designation for the most recent round of improvements to menus, bedding, and other items. I don't believe the Majesty's bedding got the 2.0 upgrade because the ship is leaving the fleet.

[*Wink*]

Freestyle 2.0 is just their corporate designation for the most recent round of improvements to menus, bedding, and other items. I don't believe the Majesty's bedding got the 2.0 upgrade because the ship is leaving the fleet.

You're right. The bedding has not been upgraded. Get an egg-crate right away. They run out.

 

On Majesty in May, you could get Lobster every night in some capacity in one of the dining venues. That's part of the 2.0 upgrade. But it doesn't mean lobster tail which btw, is pretty good, and you can order as many as you want.

[chrisandsandy]

I am a big seafood fan, particularly lobster. Can you tell me how many nights lobster was on the menu?

[jjtt]

You're right. The bedding has not been upgraded. Get an egg-crate right away. They run out.

 

On Majesty in May, you could get Lobster every night in some capacity in one of the dining venues. That's part of the 2.0 upgrade. But it doesn't mean lobster tail which btw, is pretty good, and you can order as many as you want.

 

Thanks Wink for that advice on the egg crate! I wrote that one down on my list as well.

 

I really like lobster tail too. :D Hopefully they still offer it!!