Dying to Hear How Bad the Majesty Trip Back Was

Hope everyone fared well on the voyage back to Bermuda. I thought it would be bad when I heard Saturday morning that there 18 ft. seas off of Nantucket. I'm a big chicken of high seas. I think I would have given myself enough Dramamine to sleep the entire way back :)

Take this for what it's worth. We were on the Crown and the Majesty pulled out behind us from St George's on its way home yesterday. We were in the outer edges of the storm and had 25' seas and 50 kt winds. Majesty went through the middle of it and the last I heard were down to a cruise speed of 8 kts, 12 hours behind schedule. One of the Crown's officers said the Majesty was a "Caribbean ship" with a flat bottom. Oh boy!

We had it bad but certainly not as bad as the Majesty must have had it.

JamesOne

We were on the Horizon and left a day early to skirt most of the storm. Even so, we had 8-16 foot waves and I can tell you, not much fun!

We were on board, and although there were some rather high seas (25 to 30 feet) and horrendous wind, the staff did an amazing job. Saturday evening a piece of the gangway broke loose, and flew through the windows in the Royal Fireworks lounge on Deck 5. One gentleman was injured from flying glass, and quite a lot of water was taken on. The crew alarm was sounded, but was misinterpreted by most of the crew and passengers. People began to panic, and headed for their lifejackets and muster stations. Calm was finally restored when the Captain came on and gave the order to "Stand Down." The entire forward area of deck five remained closed for the remainder of the trip, including all the shops, and the internet cafe. Repairs required the ship to turn away from the wind, so we traveled south for quite a while, taking us further off course. Eventually we returned to a northerly course, and finally docked this morning, Monday 10/25, at about 5:00 AM. All in all it was quite an adventure, but the crew did all they could to make everyone comfortable, and we were well fed and content, despite the inconvenience. We filmed quite a bit of the sea, and I hope it comes out ok, because anyone who wasn't on board would have a hard time imagining how amazing it was! We're glad to be home, and can't wait to go back again next year!

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. It is nice to hear such positive comments considering what you went through. I was on the Majesty years ago when it was Royal Majesty and also went through a very bad storm and had huge seas. We made the best of it but there were plenty of other people on board that did nothing but complain. No matter what the staff and crew tried to do for them just wasn't enough. It certainly wasn't any picnic for them either. I am glad you made it home safe and sound and even happier to see that you are willing to go again.

We were also on the 10/17 Majesty sailing to Bermuda. WaldosPepper gives a fair assessment of the situation on our return journey. It was incredibly rocky beginning in the early morning hours Saturday. The scary part was the incident that night with the window smashing in the Fireworks Loungs. We were in the casino and heard an announcement which I heard as 'Code Rebel'. Could have been a different word. A few minutes later some passengers started to pass through the casino in life vests. Everyone continued gambling for another minute or so and soon people were running through the casino in life vests. The casino manager came over and told everyone to cash in and close up. We got our chips and went into the hallway where a crew member was telling people to go to the back of the ship. Just as panic was about to settle in, the announcement to 'Stand Down' was made. Several minutes later, the Captain explained the situation with the window and that we were not, nor were we ever in, any danger (well, except for the guy that got cut by the glass and had to have stitches!)

The rough seas continued through Sunday afternoon. We made the most of our extra day on board, losing more money at the casino, enjoying some entertainment we missed during the week and imbibing in the free wine they served that night at dinner as a thanks for all we had to endure. I would also say that the Majesty staff was very impressive in both the smooth and rough traveling circumstances!

I should point out that from the sailway the previous Sunday through Friday night, we had absolutely gorgeous weather. Bermuda was perfect!

she's scheduled for a retro fit/drydock anyway! With things like broken windows, I can't imagine it's serious long term, right? They won't base any early retirement issues on something like that I'd assume...

I think things like that are thrilling... but don't want to tempt fate with something that could be potentially devastating, so don't "wish" for storms at sea ;)

Ok I just need to say I was also on the Ncl Majesty and I could not wait to be off that ship !! Rough seas ? I have cruised 20 + times and never have I seen what I encountered on 10/23. Deck 10 was closed as the waves were crashing over deck 10. IN MY Opinion someone made the wrong call to sail on friday that ship should NEVER have left port knowing that that storm was out there.

I was in the Rendevoux lounge at the time the window broke in the Fire works lounge and a passenger ran in to assist not the crew . The electric piano was sparking as the water was pouring in and it was a passenger that grabbed the fire extinguisher and prevented a fire, it was a passenger that was calling out if anyone needed help, it was a passenger giving orders to call someone for help , not the crew in that part of the ship. The crew in the lounges were all waitresses and bar help and the first reaction was to revert to their native language so you had Phillipenos yellling at romanians and no one could understand them. Not one crew member for the first 5 minutes went into that lounge to help the injured man, It took almost a full 5 minutes for actual assistance from a higher rank who then evacuated the lounges. I think what sent people running in panic is when crew members did come running was the fact they all had on their life vests and they were in sheer panic also.

People were sick and in the cabins for 2 days . If they tried to get room service either it was busy or no one answered .Even the staff was sea sick so rooms did not get made up, very few wait staff so trying to get a drink or any kind of assistance was difficult.

Most of the cabins on deck 4 below the Fireworks lounge were water damaged and those people were given pillows and blankets and slept in common areas on couches on sat night. I did see a man at the pursers desk yelling as he was with his wife and infant and had no room and no one came to to try to make up their room as everything was soaked. this was 9 pm on sunday evening.

The only positive thing I can comment on was Pedro the cruise director, Who did try to make the best of things by adding some activities and tried to keep moral up with jokes and laughter.

As for NCL I wasn't thrilled about them the first time I sailed them in Alaska they were mediorcre at best , but this time was terrible even before the storm, and all I can say to anyone sailing on any cruise line is listen closely during the muster drill and don't think it can't happen to you because I have never been so scared in my life !

We were on board, and although there were some rather high seas (25 to 30 feet) and horrendous wind, the staff did an amazing job. Saturday evening a piece of the gangway broke loose, and flew through the windows in the Royal Fireworks lounge on Deck 5. One gentleman was injured from flying glass, and quite a lot of water was taken on. The crew alarm was sounded, but was misinterpreted by most of the crew and passengers. People began to panic, and headed for their lifejackets and muster stations. Calm was finally restored when the Captain came on and gave the order to "Stand Down." The entire forward area of deck five remained closed for the remainder of the trip, including all the shops, and the internet cafe. Repairs required the ship to turn away from the wind, so we traveled south for quite a while, taking us further off course. year!

Looks like they quoted you almost word for word on cruisejunkie!

I was on the Norwegian Dawn and we heard about the Majesty's difficulties.

I'm glad everyone is safe and sound, geez, what an EXPERIENCE!

Wow what a cruise!! :eek:

I was hoping to take an October cruise on the Majesty this year, prices are so reasonable, now I am glad I didnt....

Patty

First cruise, last cruise, 'nuff said.

I don't think I would have handled those seas that well. I also think I might have been one of those people who would have slept with her life jacket on.

Glad no one was seriously hurt. I agree, if they knew the seas were supposed to be that bad, they should have stayed in port. But, according to the local NE weather people, they weren't anticipating the storm to stall off the coast like it did. The weather up here was supposed to clear for Sunday but the ocean storm did stall and no one predicted that.

I feel sorry for those on board missing a day in Bermuda. At least it isn't Canada in the fall (seas can get mighty rough up there this time of year).

Ok I just need to say I was also on the Ncl Majesty and I could not wait to be off that ship !! Rough seas ? I have cruised 20 + times and never have I seen what I encountered on 10/23. Deck 10 was closed as the waves were crashing over deck 10. IN MY Opinion someone made the wrong call to sail on friday that ship should NEVER have left port knowing that that storm was out there.

I was in the Rendevoux lounge at the time the window broke in the Fire works lounge and a passenger ran in to assist not the crew . The electric piano was sparking as the water was pouring in and it was a passenger that grabbed the fire extinguisher and prevented a fire, it was a passenger that was calling out if anyone needed help, it was a passenger giving orders to call someone for help , not the crew in that part of the ship. The crew in the lounges were all waitresses and bar help and the first reaction was to revert to their native language so you had Phillipenos yellling at romanians and no one could understand them. Not one crew member for the first 5 minutes went into that lounge to help the injured man, It took almost a full 5 minutes for actual assistance from a higher rank who then evacuated the lounges. I think what sent people running in panic is when crew members did come running was the fact they all had on their life vests and they were in sheer panic also.

People were sick and in the cabins for 2 days . If they tried to get room service either it was busy or no one answered .Even the staff was sea sick so rooms did not get made up, very few wait staff so trying to get a drink or any kind of assistance was difficult.

Most of the cabins on deck 4 below the Fireworks lounge were water damaged and those people were given pillows and blankets and slept in common areas on couches on sat night. I did see a man at the pursers desk yelling as he was with his wife and infant and had no room and no one came to to try to make up their room as everything was soaked. this was 9 pm on sunday evening.

The only positive thing I can comment on was Pedro the cruise director, Who did try to make the best of things by adding some activities and tried to keep moral up with jokes and laughter.

As for NCL I wasn't thrilled about them the first time I sailed them in Alaska they were mediorcre at best , but this time was terrible even before the storm, and all I can say to anyone sailing on any cruise line is listen closely during the muster drill and don't think it can't happen to you because I have never been so scared in my life !

With regard to the reaction of the staff at the moment the incident occurred, I doubt anyone but a seasoned professional like a Fire Fighter or Police Officer would have reacted any differently. An event such as that would cause nearly anyone to revert to their native tongue! Apparently, however, someone was able to relay information to the appropriate level, as assistance did arrive - and five minutes seems a fairly short time considering they arrived from their various duties, and were wearing life jackets when they arrived! Sounds to me like the staff did precicely what they've been trained to do. In the meantime, passengers came to the aid of one another, which Praise the Lord restores my faith in human nature! Lets offer our thanks to those unsung heroes who came to the aid of their fellow passengers during such a confusing and harrowing moment!!!

With regard to our having sailed when we did - the weather reports provided to our Captain did not indicate the storm would be anywhere near as severe as it was, and he did everything possible to keep us as safe as possible. Unfortunately, the seas can be very unpredictable during this time of year, and our ship, along with FOUR OTHERS was caught in a situation which continually evolved, and which baffled any attempt to avert. I felt the Captain did an outstanding job of keeping us all very well informed, and maintaining our ship in a course which kept us out of the worst of the storm.

With regard to sick passengers - Meclizine is available free of charge at the pursers desk. I personally have a severe problem with motion sickness, and never sail without a prescription for Meclizine. This way I can be prepared in advance. The chewable tablets available at the purser's desk are the exact same strength as those provided to me by the doctor. I find they work extremely well, and had no problem with sickness on this or any other cruise. It is indeed the personal responsibility of each passenger to be prepared for the possibility of rough seas, and anyone sailing at any time of year should keep in mind the potential for seasickness. I'm not saying that some efforts may not always prevail, simply that passengers who are not prepared must be willing to accept the consequence of seasickness.

With regard to the Cabin Stewards and Stewardesses not servicing rooms on Saturday, this had nothing to do with seasickness of the staff! Initially the staff was told to hold off on servicing rooms, due to the number of passengers who were remaining in their rooms, and the extremely high seas. After the window incident, most of the housekeeping staff was dispatched to the affected areas to begin the necessary cleanup. This is certainly understandable. I did not mind having the room go unserviced for a day - it certainly did not ruin my mood or cause any problems. I do feel sympathy for the gentleman who's cabin sustained damage, and his inablility to acquire assistance. I'm certain the staff was stretched to it's limits trying to rectify all the problems, and there were bound to be some unhappy guests. This is a most unfortunate byproduct of the accident.

Room service facilities were stretched to their absolute limit as well, and it is certainly understandable that phones were busy and orders took extended lenghts of time to be filled. I cannot imagine how they could have possibly managed to do a job any better than they did, under the circumstances. I chose to dine in the Seven Seas for each meal during the passage back to Boston, and found the staff doing an amazing job - all while dishes and glasses were smashing all over the kitchen and dining room! Please understand, this trip was no picnic for anyone, ESPECIALLY the staff! Under the circumstances, I felt they all did an extraordinary job, and went above and beyond the call of duty in many situations!

Lastly, if you felt NCL's services were mediocre on your first cruise with them, why on earth did you book another journey with them? Just curious. Personally, I've sailed the Majesty on four separate occassions, and have never had a bad experience, and will continue to book with them on future cruises. I do not work for them, have no friends or family who work for them, I am simply a very satisfied customer. For the price, you simply cannot complain about anything - I find their prices to be an amazing bargian, and their service to be good.

Just my humble opinion. Yours may differ, and that's OK! ;)

I Was Also On The Majesty 10/17 Burmuda Trip. This Was Mine And My Husbands 1st Time On A Cruise.we Heard Many Stories On Ship Of People Who Where Hurt. We Ride A Boat Alot. We Live On Marthas Vineyard. We've Been Though Some Rough Rides. I Feel This Captin Had No Right To Put Us (everyone On Board) Through That Storm!! I Felt Many Times Like Hmm... Is This Us Getting Lost In The Triangle?? Or A New Titanic ??? I Feel Horrable For Those Who Where Hurt .the Sick Crue Andthe Yelling They Got From Passengers It Wasn't There Fault!the Man Who Was Cut. The People Who's Rooms Where Not Fit For Sleeping.the Old Couple I Heard Didn't Get Food For Almost25 Hr. Because They Couldn't Get Out Of There Room And Room Survice Never Came. I Feel The Cruise Line Should Refund All Or Part Of Our Money. And I Meen Money Not Anouther Cruise!!!! They Should Have Done More For Us Onboard. Free Drinks For The Extra Time We Were Onboard.more Calls Out For Those People Who Needed Them For What Ever Reasons They My Have.or Something To Help Calm Those Of Us Who Really Thought We Were Going To Sink.everytime We Asked A Crue Member Have They Been Out At Sea This Bad Before? They All Replyed This Was The Worst Trip They Had Ever Been On.at Least They Were Honest. The Captin I Feel Wasn't! Our Departure Off The Majesty I Felt As If I Was Walking Through A Desaster Zone.we Will Never Sail Onboard A Ncl Line Again.at Least With A Honeymoon As We Had. I Know We Can Make It Though Anything.

I was in cabin 943 for this cruise and I have to agree with WaldoPepper that the crew did the best job as they could under the circumstances.

This was my 6th cruise with NCL and have had nothing but positive experiences across the board with them.

However, I never experienced rough seas like we did on this voyage. It was extremely uncomfortable with everything in our cabin including the TV flying all over the place. I only ventured out of my cabin to get food and beverages for my companion and have a look around a few times in the 2 and a half days. We didn't venture out to a dining hall together until lunch on Sunday. The rest was spent pacing the cabin trying to stay loose. The body tends to get really crampy just lying in bed that long. I also did have a few packets of sea-calm from the purser's desk. It helped me fall asleep sometime after the window smashing emergency alarm ringng incident.

I'll never in my life forget the view from the windows on deck 9 forward lounge where the pasta cafe is for dinner. Looking out that window at the front of the ship pounding through those 30 foot bangers was the most breathtaking sight I have ever seen in my life.

I do inderstand how the previous poster can be angry with the way things panned out. I share some of that frustration. We should never have been out in the ocean that day. But we were all dealt a certain hand and I think the staff and passengers came through with flying colors.

This experience gave new meaning to the cliche "we're all on the same boat".

And hey, we got an extra meal of Prime Rib with complimentary wine which really was a nice touch. :p

Mike

Just throwing my two cents in...last time I checked the cruise lines did not control the weather. The crew was proably doing the best they could with what they had. Remember they are people too and were probably just as nervous as any of the passengers. To demand money back is crazy. The storm was not NCL's fault.

I was in cabin 943 for this cruise and I have to agree with WaldoPepper that the crew did the best job as they could under the circumstances.

 

This was my 6th cruise with NCL and have had nothing but positive experiences across the board with them.

 

However, I never experienced rough seas like we did on this voyage. It was extremely uncomfortable with everything in our cabin including the TV flying all over the place. I only ventured out of my cabin to get food and beverages for my companion and have a look around a few times in the 2 and a half days. We didn't venture out to a dining hall together until lunch on Sunday. The rest was spent pacing the cabin trying to stay loose. The body tends to get really crampy just lying in bed that long. I also did have a few packets of sea-calm from the purser's desk. It helped me fall asleep sometime after the window smashing emergency alarm ringng incident.

 

I'll never in my life forget the view from the windows on deck 9 forward lounge where the pasta cafe is for dinner. Looking out that window at the front of the ship pounding through those 30 foot bangers was the most breathtaking sight I have ever seen in my life.

 

I do inderstand how the previous poster can be angry with the way things panned out. I share some of that frustration. We should never have been out in the ocean that day. But we were all dealt a certain hand and I think the staff and passengers came through with flying colors.

 

This experience gave new meaning to the cliche "we're all on the same boat".

 

And hey, we got an extra meal of Prime Rib with complimentary wine which really was a nice touch. :p

 

Mike

Mike, we were neighbors! We were just down the hall in 959! Had I known somebody so nearby was "holing-up" in their cabin, I'd have knocked on your door and dragged the two of you out for some fun and adventure! The seas were amazing, and we took every possible opportunity to be out there checking out the action. Glad to see there was someone else on board who understands that there's only so much that could be done, and isn't ready to start pointing fingers and starting lawsuits.

Read your travel documents, folks! These things do happen, are sometimes unavoidable, and if you're afraid of high seas - don't cruise!!!!!!!!!! Especially in September and October in the Atlantic!!!!!!!!! I, for one, had a blast!

Mike, we were neighbors! We were just down the hall in 959! Had I known somebody so nearby was "holing-up" in their cabin, I'd have knocked on your door and dragged the two of you out for some fun and adventure! The seas were amazing, and we took every possible opportunity to be out there checking out the action. Glad to see there was someone else on board who understands that there's only so much that could be done, and isn't ready to start pointing fingers and starting lawsuits.

 

Read your travel documents, folks! These things do happen, are sometimes unavoidable, and if you're afraid of high seas - don't cruise!!!!!!!!!! Especially in September and October in the Atlantic!!!!!!!!! I, for one, had a blast!

Wow what a coincidence. I had far from a blast though. It was no fun at all.

Was a great vacation up until the ride home...

Glad you enjoyed it though!

Mike

I was on the Majesty the week before and had rough seas, but nothing like that. I do have to put my two cents in though. I understand being upset about going into that storm, however, I'm sure the Captain enjoyed it about as much as you did. Especially knowing that more than 1400 passengers and the staff's lives were all in his hands. The severity of that storm was totally unexpected.

It is nice to hear the positive stories about the trip too. Having been on the Majesty five times in the past couple of years, I have seen nothing but professionalism from the staff and crew. I'm sure they all handled it the best way they could. As a previous post said, they're people too, and I'm sure they were just as afraid.

I feel bad for all of you who were terrified by what you experienced, but I think rather than expect anything from NCL, I would just be happy I got out of it alive and well.

As for the guy who was hurt, I am truly sorry to hear about that. I hope everything turns out ok for all concerned. I will still travel in October, because the rates are lower, and I have faith in the staff.

do they have these kind of seas in November????

maureen

I thought we had a pretty rough ride the week before. That mudt of been so scarey. :eek:

marie

Hey Marie, nice to hear from you. You're right, we did have a pretty rough ride, but this one was a lot worse. I love the adventure though. :-)

Maureen

Peter - they sure did! After reading your post, I took a bit of time to check out the site you referenced. Talk about a lot of information, Wow! Some very interesting reading, indeed. Thanks so much for sharing it! It's in my "Favorites" list now!

It is possible, of course, but will depend quite a bit on what port you'll be departing from. When in November are you sailing, and from where?