The Magic of Majesty. August 19, 2019 5 Nights, Bahamas

[Ourusualbeach]

8 minutes ago, twangster said:

Not a bad break room.

 

 

For all you complaining about smelling smoke on your balconies that looks like an ashtray to me.

[Sherri914]

On 8/21/2019 at 12:03 PM, twangster said:

No outlets by the bed, no USB ports, and no Euro 220v power port either, just two North American 110v outlets to the right of the desk.

With no outlets close to the bed, what does one do if they require a CPAP?  I imagine the attendant would provide an extension cord perhaps?

[Ourusualbeach]

1 minute ago, Sherri914 said:

With no outlets close to the bed, what does one do if they require a CPAP?  I imagine the attendant would provide an extension cord perhaps?

Yes, just ask your cabin steward for an extension cord.

Edited August 22, 2019 by Ourusualbeach

[phillychick]

1 hour ago, twangster said:

On my way to my cabin after taking the stargazing pictures I came in off of deck 7 and saw...

 

So which way is the exit?  Maybe it's just me in my happy hour induced state that found this humorous.

 

Speaking of drinking, they're multiplying.  Jorge the GSM who followed me over from Empress sent me a bottle of wine.  Combined with the two from Crown and Anchor I've got a lot of drinking to do starting tomorrow, day 4 of a 5 night cruise.  

 

Wow, I’ve never gotten wine from the C&A.  Is it for a certain level?  I just got to D+ On my Alaska cruise. 

[Biker19]

5 minutes ago, phillychick said:

  Is it for a certain level?  

Yes, D+ - you have to call to choose the perk.

Edited August 22, 2019 by Biker19

[twangster]

10 minutes ago, phillychick said:

Wow, I’ve never gotten wine from the C&A.  Is it for a certain level?  I just got to D+ On my Alaska cruise. 

 

D+ is the magic level to start them.  Normally they don't always offer multiple CAS bonus on sailings less than 7 days so I was surprised to get two for being over 340.  

 

https://dlxffu6hwewxp.cloudfront.net/cas/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/18063159_CAS_MemberBonus_Amenity_List_v3.pdf

 

 

Edited August 22, 2019 by twangster

[phillychick]

12 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Yes, D+ - you have to call to choose the perk.

Call RCCL?

[Biker19]

Just now, phillychick said:

Call RCCL?

C&A.

[twangster]

13 minutes ago, phillychick said:

Call RCCL?

 

C&A (800) 526-9723‬

 

crownandanchor@rccl.com

 

[twangster]

On 8/21/2019 at 5:24 PM, Tree_skier said:

...you have sold me trying out one of these two ships in 2021 when the new itineraries come out.  So far do you prefer Majesty or Empress?

 

Getting back to your question.

 

Majesty has a lot going for it, but...  I ran into another D+ who has roughly the same points as me so cruise resume is pretty equal.  I met her on Empress while we both were doing B2Bs.  Despite O3b Voom, a proper Diamond event, bigger ship, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, etc.  we both agreed we miss Empress.  We both have more Majesty sailings in our future but I know if Royal gave me the chance to swap at zero cost I'd probably go to Empress and I suspect she would do the same.  

 

Despite all the wonderful things about Majesty and her being a bigger ship with more on paper, Empress has a bigger heart.  We both found it easier to connect with other cruisers on Empress and we both feel like Majesty suffers in this regard, a side effect that comes with being bigger even if it isn't a mega ship.  

 

If connecting with other cruisers isn't your thing this changes the equation.  Empress is definitely smaller but that makes her easy to navigate as well.  

 

The smokey casino is a big turn off on Majesty but that's a personal thing.  

 

I'll probably book Majesty in NOLA simply because I enjoy sailing from NOLA so I'm not writing Majesty off by any stretch but there's something about Empress that is really attractive to me.  Her NE and Canada 2020 itineraries are better in my opinion.

[perfect match]

Twangster, I love your comparison between Empress & Majesty. I’ve read a lot of reviews comparing ships and cruise lines, but I have not seen a comparison of these two ships. I have to say that I’m far more impressed by both of these beautiful ships than I expected I would be.

 

We have yet to sail on any ship that could even remotely be considered small. We were scheduled to sail on Brilliance next year. She’s not really a small ship, but would have been our smallest ship to date. However, our sailing was cancelled to accommodate a charter and we ended up switching to Harmony. So much for a smaller ship! 

 

I’m going to have to make it a priority to sail on one or these small ships while we still have the chance. The new ships being built seem to be getting bigger and bigger all the time.

[twangster]

On top of $212 in OBC for this being a cancelled Cuba cruise I discovered another $50 in OBC on my account that must be from my TA.  I'm actually having trouble spending it all.

 

On CocoCay I bought a shirt at a Royal Shop kiosk where they take SeaPass cards (the straw market is cash).  On CocoCay they don't apply the logo shop C&A discount plus since it is the Bahamas there is a 12% VAT on any purchase.  

 

Last night I ate more Ben & Jerry's and had an iced coffee to burn up some OBC.  

 

I asked at guest services and they tell me my non-refundable TA OBC should be consumed first and any of the refundable OBC left over should be applied to my credit card as a credit after the cruise.

[Clarea]

5 minutes ago, twangster said:

On top of $212 in OBC for this being a cancelled Cuba cruise I discovered another $50 in OBC on my account that must be from my TA.  I'm actually having trouble spending it all....

 

If you don't use up all your non-refundable OBC, you could go to the casino and ask for a cash advance.  They would charge 5%, but it's better than losing it all.

[superduper123]

9 hours ago, twangster said:

 

Getting back to your question.

 

Majesty has a lot going for it, but...  I ran into another D+ who has roughly the same points as me so cruise resume is pretty equal.  I met her on Empress while we both were doing B2Bs.  Despite O3b Voom, a proper Diamond event, bigger ship, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, etc.  we both agreed we miss Empress.  We both have more Majesty sailings in our future but I know if Royal gave me the chance to swap at zero cost I'd probably go to Empress and I suspect she would do the same.  

 

Despite all the wonderful things about Majesty and her being a bigger ship with more on paper, Empress has a bigger heart.  We both found it easier to connect with other cruisers on Empress and we both feel like Majesty suffers in this regard, a side effect that comes with being bigger even if it isn't a mega ship.  

 

If connecting with other cruisers isn't your thing this changes the equation.  Empress is definitely smaller but that makes her easy to navigate as well.  

 

The smokey casino is a big turn off on Majesty but that's a personal thing.  

 

I'll probably book Majesty in NOLA simply because I enjoy sailing from NOLA so I'm not writing Majesty off by any stretch but there's something about Empress that is really attractive to me.  Her NE and Canada 2020 itineraries are better in my opinion.

Thanks for this great comparison. I am sailing Empress for the first time in May.  I was very reluctant to book it because Majesty is probably my least favorite ship. But I couldn't pass up the fabulous Bermuda itinerary. I am also sailing Majesty again next month. ( Because I couldn't pass up the great price!)  🙂 

[twangster]

Day 4 continued...

 

Majesty has the old style TV's and map displays.  Our progress...

 

 

Getting my steps in before...

 

 

... heading up to the VCL for the Diamond event.

 

 

Like most Diamond events there are finger foods every night.

 

 

The bridge crew did their best to avoid the downpours as day turned into night.

 

 

[twangster]

Day 5 - Key West

 

An early start to the day to watch as the Starship Majesty came in for a landing in Key West.  Just kidding, the channel markers strobe every few seconds so I did a 30 second exposure as we made our way through the channel.

 

 

Today we'll be at the NAS pier.

 

 

 

 

Looks like the Carnival Sensation snagged the better spot closer to Mallory Square.  

 

[twangster]

I had a hot date this morning that was a not to be missed... with CBP.  

 

The Spectrum lounge was a staging area while we waited for our turn.  Muster station 9 was called first and eventually muster station 10 was called.  We were led in a procession out of the lounge, down the stairs, around the Centrum and down one more flight, back around the Centrum, through the Schooner Bar and into the theater where our cards were scanned and CBP officers were there to inspect our documents.   

 

With that complete I was cleared so my day could proceed. 

[Merion_Mom]

9 hours ago, Host Clarea said:

 

If you don't use up all your non-refundable OBC, you could go to the casino and ask for a cash advance.  They would charge 5%, but it's better than losing it all.

 

And this is the reason that I make my account a cash account.  No 5% fee in the casino.

[twangster]

Drat.  I knew this was going to happen.  It's after 5pm on my last night on board and I have yet to pack.  How could I let this happen?  

Edited August 23, 2019 by twangster

[Jimbo]

6 minutes ago, twangster said:

Drat.  I knew this going to happen.  It's after 5pm on my last night on board and I have yet to pack.  How could I let this happen?  

 

 

Sounds like you need more cruises to work on that? when is the next one?

[bobmacliberty]

8 hours ago, twangster said:

Looks like the Carnival Sensation snagged the better spot closer to Mallory Square.  

 

 

Looks like the Captain just needed to "floor it" and you could have slid into Mallory Square before the Sensation.  😄

 

Like others, I continue to be very impressed with you photos.  You have skills.  I'm tempted to do a solo cruise just to focus on photography.  I never seem to have enough camera time when cruising with family.  They don't understand.  Sorry to get technical, but you mentioned your gear before and I don't remember your lenses...what focal length are you using for your wide shots?  The widest that I have is 18mm but with a 1.6 crop factor (Canon 7D).  I might need to buy a new lens...or maybe switch to a Sony full frame mirrorless.  😀

[twangster]

9 minutes ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

Looks like the Captain just needed to "floor it" and you could have slid into Mallory Square before the Sensation.  😄

 

Like others, I continue to be very impressed with you photos.  You have skills.  I'm tempted to do a solo cruise just to focus on photography.  I never seem to have enough camera time when cruising with family.  They don't understand.  Sorry to get technical, but you mentioned your gear before and I don't remember your lenses...what focal length are you using for your wide shots?  The widest that I have is 18mm but with a 1.6 crop factor (Canon 7D).  I might need to buy a new lens...or maybe switch to a Sony full frame mirrorless.  😀

 

Totally understand.  When I cruise with family I have no time for this. It’s one of many things I enjoy about solo cruising.  Sometimes before bed I just wander out to see what I might get. 

 

My kit is a Sony A7III with Sony FE 12-24 lens.  Some photos from my Sony RX100VI.   The A7III has great low light capabilities which really opens up creativity.  Built in stabilization helps a lot so a cheap mini tripod goes a long way.  Handheld 1/2 second photos are no problem.  Unheard of not long ago.  

 

Once you shoot full frame with an ultra wide angle you get hooked.  On a ship with tight spaces it’s a game changer. For astrophotographers full frame really helps.  Not so good for wildlife or sports but there is always more gear to buy no matter what you own.  

[Virtopia]

Majesty was my second cruise and first solo cruise so it will always have a special place in my heart - those shots of the aft at night are making me want to go back!

 

Absolutely amazing pictures.

[brillohead]

2 hours ago, Virtopia said:

Majesty was my second cruise and first solo cruise so it will always have a special place in my heart - those shots of the aft at night are making me want to go back!

 

Absolutely amazing pictures.

I get on her next week for ten days... I will have a drink for you on the pool deck!

[emeraldcity]

Thank you for the time and effort that went into this series of posts. Your photos are amazing. I have sailed the Majesty twice and wouldn't hesitate to do so again. Although so many consider her to be small, she is the sister ship of the Sovereign (which was my first cruise ship) and that brings back great memories for me.