Review of majesty/ july 2013

[Little Nell]

Thanks Little Nell, yes we really enjoyed it and although we wernt thrilled with the layout we did get used to it.

Our cabin was quite big it was L shape with the double bed in the resess so maybe gave us a bit more room that way , not sure .

Would be straight back aboard now if we could afford it !! Shame we cant :(

 

I know, Dreamgirl, what I wouldn't do for another cruise right now ;)

[shot2bits]

Hope this works. My dress!

 

http://www.wallis.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=12557&catalogId=33058&productId=9984264&categoryId=209224&parent_category_rn=209222

 

It's so 'you' Jackie! Think I might get one, just for weekends you understand!:D

[Amerryscot]

I know, Dreamgirl, what I wouldn't do for another cruise right now ;)

 

jak are those bunks big/sturdy enough for an adult (tall 18 yo) in your opinion?.....if i can get eldest into the bunk then problem solved, mil and dd 2 can have the twins

 

thanks for help guys:cool:

 

My 16yo DD had the top bunk and there was plenty of space for her.

 

It's the same size as the lower bunks.

[mrs_byrom]

Hi there

 

Thank you for the review, we go on The Majesty in September for 2 weeks, I should be looking forward to it but am so aprehensive. We went on The Spirit in April (absolutely awful-never again)! We've been on The Dream and Celebration and had fabulous times so was hugely disappointed with the Spirit.

 

Is it possible to have a table for two in the waiter service restaurant?

What is the nationality of the cabin stewards and waiters/waitresses. The staff on the Spirit were appalling!!

 

We're not difficult to please at all but found The Spirit has taken away any faith I had in Thomson Cruises and the letter we sent to Thomson to share our concerns was greeted with apathy, taken our money and couldn't be bothered!!! Sorry I'm rambling, your thoughts would be so appreciated. I could ask a million questions but will leave it at that.

 

Thanks a million

 

Mrs_Byrom

[geomagot]

The staff on the Spirit were appalling!!

 

sorry that you were disappointed.....but this is a little worrying, in what way were the spirit staff appalling?

[joeholiday2]

Mrs_byrom.

 

There are some newer reviews on the Majesty that may put your mind at rest including mine:

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1885085

 

The staff in most cases are great and will have a good laugh with you. They are a mix of nationalities, our Eastern European stewards were lovely girls, always time for a quick chat.

 

The trick to evening dining is not leave it too late, go before 7:45pm, go and make friends with Frank on the door of the four seasons, he will more than likely find you a table for two, he asked us every night but we prefer to sit with others to discuss the days events.

[mrs_byrom]

Hi Geo. You asked about the appalling staff on the spirit........

The bar staff in the main were so miserable, did not take time to get to know your name or drink, (on The Dream, Lusie knew our names & drinks within minutes, as did Raine on The Celebration)! On Captains evening, none of the bar staff or waiters changed their uniform (as on other Thomson ships, they always had much smarter uniforms). One of the waitresses had jeans on!!!

My husbands food was tampered with because we wouldn't share a table, we bought this to the attention of the maitre 'd who was so dismissive & rude!! Everything was just too much trouble for most of them. On our first night, in the buffet restaurant, we were not offered a drink throughout the meal!!!

It was not a good holiday for lots of reasons but in my opinion the staff need better training in customer service!!

[mrs_byrom]

Hi joe. Thank you for your reply. I was slightly encouraged after reading a more recent review, however also a little disappointed there isn't the mix of nationalities, we so love the Phillipino people & after the transatlantic cruise last year on The Dream we were truly spoiled with our waiters Kruga & Gambie, wine waiter Carlito & bar waitress Lusie, they made our holiday the best we've ever had!!

We will go with an open mind & enjoy the lovely places we will see & hope for a better experience than The Spirit!!!!

[Jakanne1]

jak are those bunks big/sturdy enough for an adult (tall 18 yo) in your opinion?.....if i can get eldest into the bunk then problem solved, mil and dd 2 can have the twins

 

was that L shape (double & single) on majesty? dreamgirl, which deck/category was that? did you think that there was enough room for 3?... I could prebook one of those

 

thanks for help guys:cool:

 

The bunk beds are sturdier enough but when lying down the ceiling was quite close. Just depends on your daughter. I see no problem though. If there is then you can ask for a fold up bed like we did.

 

I don't think there is a cabin with a double and a single except for a junior suite.

Hope that helps. :)

[Jakanne1]

It's so 'you' Jackie! Think I might get one, just for weekends you understand!:D

 

Ha, ha!! It shouldn't show the red wine stains when I fall over and bruise myself! Seems to be out of stock now so too late for you! :D

 

Have you had your cruise on the competition?

[Jakanne1]

Hi there

 

Thank you for the review, we go on The Majesty in September for 2 weeks, I should be looking forward to it but am so aprehensive. We went on The Spirit in April (absolutely awful-never again)! We've been on The Dream and Celebration and had fabulous times so was hugely disappointed with the Spirit.

 

Is it possible to have a table for two in the waiter service restaurant?

What is the nationality of the cabin stewards and waiters/waitresses. The staff on the Spirit were appalling!!

 

We're not difficult to please at all but found The Spirit has taken away any faith I had in Thomson Cruises and the letter we sent to Thomson to share our concerns was greeted with apathy, taken our money and couldn't be bothered!!! Sorry I'm rambling, your thoughts would be so appreciated. I could ask a million questions but will leave it at that.

 

Thanks a million

 

Mrs_Byrom

 

Which dates in September? We are on the Adriatic one in September, followed by a weeks stay on Corfu. It is possible to have a table for two but you may have to go early or if you go after 7.30 you will have to wait for a table for 2 to become available. As Joe said, Frank or Franco (short for Francisco) is extremely obliging and very charming and will endeavour to give you a table you prefer if one is available. In fact 90% of the staff were very helpful and cheerful. I am really looking forward to going back.

[geomagot]

Hi Geo. You asked about the appalling staff on the spirit........

The bar staff in the main were so miserable, did not take time to get to know your name or drink, (on The Dream, Lusie knew our names & drinks within minutes, as did Raine on The Celebration)! On Captains evening, none of the bar staff or waiters changed their uniform (as on other Thomson ships, they always had much smarter uniforms). One of the waitresses had jeans on!!!

My husbands food was tampered with because we wouldn't share a table, we bought this to the attention of the maitre 'd who was so dismissive & rude!! Everything was just too much trouble for most of them. On our first night, in the buffet restaurant, we were not offered a drink throughout the meal!!!

It was not a good holiday for lots of reasons but in my opinion the staff need better training in customer service!!

 

very interesting to read that the quality of bar/waiter service on spirit seems to have gone downhill? compared to your experience on the dream transatlantic

 

was that the december or april transatlantic?

 

we were on the dream transatlantic last december, I did note at the time that I thought bar service on dream wasnt up to (its usual excellent) parr, only one waiter on sun deck, causing big queues at the poolside bar, also queues at the very small bar in medusa in the evenings, never once was offered drinks service in the buffets nor the casino, waiters seemed stretched?

 

it did appear that staff levels were being re organized?

 

cabin stewards also seemed stretched

 

however we did notice an improvement when we returned in march, and no probs recently (service wise) on celebration

 

I wonder if there has been some staff reorganization trials??

[Dreamgirl1957]

Hi there

 

Thank you for the review, we go on The Majesty in September for 2 weeks, I should be looking forward to it but am so aprehensive. We went on The Spirit in April (absolutely awful-never again)! We've been on The Dream and Celebration and had fabulous times so was hugely disappointed with the Spirit.

 

Is it possible to have a table for two in the waiter service restaurant?

What is the nationality of the cabin stewards and waiters/waitresses. The staff on the Spirit were appalling!!

 

We're not difficult to please at all but found The Spirit has taken away any faith I had in Thomson Cruises and the letter we sent to Thomson to share our concerns was greeted with apathy, taken our money and couldn't be bothered!!! Sorry I'm rambling, your thoughts would be so appreciated. I could ask a million questions but will leave it at that.

 

Thanks a million

 

Mrs_Byrom

 

Hi Mrs Byrom, regarding the dining room. We always used 4 seasons, on the first night we asked Franko if we could have a table for two, he said no problem but it may be 10 mins and would we like to sit and wait (there are some very comfy chairs right outside the resturant looking out of large windows) we sat and finished the wine we had with us that we had carried through from one of the bars. Within seconds Franko apperared and topped us up with wine, when i went to give him my card he refused so didnt know we were all inc etc, every few mins he or James asked if we were ok and apologised for the wait with the wine waiter being sent over to us after another short while to top up our glasses again. We only waited about 10-15 mins and then were showed to a lovely table which was quite quiet. Franko then asked if we would like the table every night and if so we could have it saved for either 6.30/45 or 8.30 etc... we said yes please ! We had the table for 4 nights as used Bistro on two nights ( we lethim know when we wouldnt need it ) and we dined at about 7.30 one night when they still offered to find us a table for 2 with a little wait but we said we were fine. I know the reason behind all this is for tips lets be honest but we tip for good service anyway and he wasnt actually inconveiniencing any one else as he only offered it to us at the quieter times etc so was very nice.

We liked the food much better than when we were on the Spirit and the Bistro was very good too.

Our cabin lads were phillipino's and were fab, towel animals EVERY DAY unlike most people, everything kept spotless and a lovely cabin (prom deck outside plus).

Hope this helps. :):):)

[joeholiday2]

Mrs Byrom.

 

There are still loads of Philipino and Balinese staff onboard, Bar waitresses Diana and Grace will have you curled up laughing, they are lovely.

 

Don't forget to go to the crew show, JD's act is brill.

 

if you enjoyed the Dream you will like the Majesty, we weren't so sure if we liked the ship at first but after a couple of days we settled in and grew to like it.

[Jim The Scot]

Hi Mrs Byrom, regarding the dining room. We always used 4 seasons, on the first night we asked Franko if we could have a table for two, he said no problem but it may be 10 mins and would we like to sit and wait (there are some very comfy chairs right outside the resturant looking out of large windows) we sat and finished the wine we had with us that we had carried through from one of the bars. Within seconds Franko apperared and topped us up with wine, when i went to give him my card he refused so didnt know we were all inc etc, every few mins he or James asked if we were ok and apologised for the wait with the wine waiter being sent over to us after another short while to top up our glasses again. We only waited about 10-15 mins and then were showed to a lovely table which was quite quiet. Franko then asked if we would like the table every night and if so we could have it saved for either 6.30/45 or 8.30 etc... we said yes please ! We had the table for 4 nights as used Bistro on two nights ( we lethim know when we wouldnt need it ) and we dined at about 7.30 one night when they still offered to find us a table for 2 with a little wait but we said we were fine. I know the reason behind all this is for tips lets be honest but we tip for good service anyway and he wasnt actually inconveiniencing any one else as he only offered it to us at the quieter times etc so was very nice.

We liked the food much better than when we were on the Spirit and the Bistro was very good too.

Our cabin lads were phillipino's and were fab, towel animals EVERY DAY unlike most people, everything kept spotless and a lovely cabin (prom deck outside plus).

Hope this helps. :):):)

 

Hi Dreamgirl,

 

I think this is where the issue comes regards keeping tables for guests

 

Now I can understand why some like to have the same waiter every night and understand why some waiters want the same diners/guests every night(as you have already alluded to).Its what frank would have done if another couple requested a table for two at the quieter time and there was only one table for two available which he was holding/keeping for his regular couple.Now,does he give it away and upset the regulars or keep it an upset the couple who dont have a regular table.My opinion,frank would probably choose the latter and therein lies the problem.Its almost becoming set dining.The holding/keeping of tables appears to becoming more prevalent on all Thomson ships reading reviews and on my experience this year on the Dream

 

Please dont take offence Dreamgirl as its not aimed at you but more a generalisation

[Jakanne1]

Hi Dreamgirl,

 

I think this is where the issue comes regards keeping tables for guests

 

Now I can understand why some like to have the same waiter every night and understand why some waiters want the same diners/guests every night(as you have already alluded to).Its what frank would have done if another couple requested a table for two at the quieter time and there was only one table for two available which he was holding/keeping for his regular couple.Now,does he give it away and upset the regulars or keep it an upset the couple who dont have a regular table.My opinion,frank would probably choose the latter and therein lies the problem.Its almost becoming set dining.The holding/keeping of tables appears to becoming more prevalent on all Thomson ships reading reviews and on my experience this year on the Dream

 

Please dont take offence Dreamgirl as its not aimed at you but more a generalisation

 

I prefer to think that Head Waiter, Franco had an excellent memory of what his diners preferred and tried his best to accommodate them. :).

 

He remembered I preferred not to sit in a particular area of 4 Seasons from when I was on Majesty with my husband and 5 weeks later when i was there with 2 friends he remembered this and he tried to find a table for us away from this area. It was obvious that he was not keeping a particular table because we sat on a different table nearly every night. However, a table was set and kept for a group of 14 people but I thought that was reasonable. They went at the same time each evening and it is after all what happens in a land based hotel.

 

I did, however, notice that some tables were not cleared very quickly after early diners left and wondered if this was on purpose to keep them for later diners. I will take more notice in September to see if the same people eat at the same tables each night!:rolleyes:;)

[Jim The Scot]

Franks excellent memory is not in question.;)

 

 

The issue is keeping/holding specifc tables for the same diners every night...For large groups thats understandable

 

You may or may not have read my review from the Dream.We requested a table for two only to be told by the maitre` d if we wanted a table for two we`d need to wait 20/30mins or eat earlier or later in future.I stood there gobsmacked by his attitude as he disappeared only to reappear a minute or so later and showed us to a table set for four and duly set it for two.Looking around there were a number of empty tables, for twos and fours which suggests to me these tables were being kept.

[geomagot]

strangely (I have noticed) on the dream, if we are travelling without the children (just the 2 of us) they hardly ever offer to save a table and we dine at a different table with different people every night (unless we meet friends and they save a space for us at their table) (tbh....that is how we like it)

 

if we are travelling with family (6 of us) the waiters will always offer (almost insist) that we dine at the same table, same time every night....even going so far as, if we do attempt to sit somewhere else they will come and fetch us? and (when we do sit at the same table) we often find the same couples sitting nearby us everynight

[Amerryscot]

We always sat as a family unit (five so us). The table we got depended on when we arrived at the restaurant. We typically arrived between 7 and 7.15 and were seated on the right hand side of the restaurant (Seven Seas).

 

I think we probably did stand out as a big family and American, but we would not have expected any better treatment that anyone else. The service we got, nevertheless, was excellent.

 

The only time we seated with others was when one or more child was absent, and these were very pleasant occasions.

[Jakanne1]

Franks excellent memory is not in question.;)

 

 

The issue is keeping/holding specifc tables for the same diners every night...For large groups thats understandable

 

You may or may not have read my review from the Dream.We requested a table for two only to be told by the maitre` d if we wanted a table for two we`d need to wait 20/30mins or eat earlier or later in future.I stood there gobsmacked by his attitude as he disappeared only to reappear a minute or so later and showed us to a table set for four and duly set it for two.Looking around there were a number of empty tables, for twos and fours which suggests to me these tables were being kept.

 

Me too Jim! Definitely.

[Dreamgirl1957]

jak are those bunks big/sturdy enough for an adult (tall 18 yo) in your opinion?.....if i can get eldest into the bunk then problem solved, mil and dd 2 can have the twins

 

was that L shape (double & single) on majesty? dreamgirl, which deck/category was that? did you think that there was enough room for 3?... I could prebook one of those

 

thanks for help guys:cool:

 

 

Sorry for delay replying, not often on here at the mo!

Yes was on the Majesty on Prom deck outside plus but only a two berth im afraid.

[Dreamgirl1957]

Hi Dreamgirl,

 

I think this is where the issue comes regards keeping tables for guests

 

Now I can understand why some like to have the same waiter every night and understand why some waiters want the same diners/guests every night(as you have already alluded to).Its what frank would have done if another couple requested a table for two at the quieter time and there was only one table for two available which he was holding/keeping for his regular couple.Now,does he give it away and upset the regulars or keep it an upset the couple who dont have a regular table.My opinion,frank would probably choose the latter and therein lies the problem.Its almost becoming set dining.The holding/keeping of tables appears to becoming more prevalent on all Thomson ships reading reviews and on my experience this year on the Dream

 

Please dont take offence Dreamgirl as its not aimed at you but more a generalisation

 

Hi Jim, no offence taken at all, agree with you it is getting like set dining. We only asked the first night for a table for 2 and that was it, we were offered it every night but it had to be early or later at specific times. We actually found it a bit restricting so by the end of the cruise we were going in at all different times so on a larger table but also quite happy.

Obviously makes you feel more like tipping for the extra special service, we did work that out but didn't mind, we tip for good service usually and they were really efficient and looked after us very well :cool: