Live Majestic Princess 3 Night Launch of California Coastal season

[Astro Flyer]

59 minutes ago, 3kidsncats said:

No idea, but they started using it before covid, as we went thru it on our January 2020 cruise out of San Pedro.

We regularly embark in our homeport of SP and at least since the larger Royal-class ships arrived in early 2019 they’ve had the tent for B92 security. B92 (18,000 sq.ft.) terminal is smaller than B93 (41,000 sq.ft.) and B92 gets the larger ships due to the longer pier. That leads me to believe they needed additional space & thus set up the security tent before entering the B92 terminal.

 

Thanks for sharing your insights as a preview of our Majestic cruise in less than 2 weeks. 😃

 

Edited October 10, 2021 by Astro Flyer

[3kidsncats]

32 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

We regularly embark in our homeport of SP and at least since the larger Royal-class ships arrived in early 2019 they’ve had the tent for B92 security. B92 (18,000 sq.ft.) terminal is smaller than B93 (41,000 sq.ft.) and B92 gets the larger ships due to the longer pier. That leads me to believe they needed additional space & thus set up the security tent before entering the B92 terminal.

 

Thanks for sharing your insights as a preview of our Majestic cruise in less than 2 weeks. 😃

 

SP is our home port as well — although most of our upcoming cruises are east coast departures.  Trying to branch out from the MR, lol.

[3kidsncats]

Sea View Bar

 

We liked this bar — Leo is one of the excellent bartenders there, and I recommend his Elderflower Paloma.  He suggested it due to the fact that they can’t get the ingredients for some of the drinks on the menu.  I particularly wanted to try the Cloudy Day (I’m an elderflower fan) and they don’t have the specific cucumber mint vodka the recipe uses.  Supplies are a real issue, and not just for Princess, so be prepared for that.  (I had ordered a bottle of bourbon for the cabin, and brought our own high end cherries and bitters.  We had some trouble getting the in cabin bourbon we paid for, because they didnt actually have it.  Ended up with whiskey, which worked well enough, but ended up being extra fees and a few phone calls to get the credit for the original purchase of bourbon.  Was glad I brought the cherries, as the bars also don’t have the Luxardo onboard, and are substituting with maraschino)

 

 

[3kidsncats]

Hollywood Club and Conservatory

 

Beautiful spaces, although we didn’t spend a lot of time in either.  As reported, the chlorine smell in the Club part is unpleasant.  We did use one of the little alcove lounge areas in the club for an hour one day —we both found the loungers to be uncomfortable.  We knew these were complimentary thanks to CC

 

The conservatory has the lovely little rooms with couches and some have TVs.  No idea if there is a charge for them, and could never find a crew member in the area to ask.  If the views in either port were even half way appealing, we would have just used one, until and unless told we had to book them.  (This is such a peeve of mine — this info should be very clear.  A small sign saying “complimentary” or “please dial xxx to book” would do it.). 

 

 

[3kidsncats]

Good Spirits Bar

 

We went here a few times — if you’re onboard soon look for Valerian, one of the bar staff.  He’s delightful and he takes great photos.  The special menu is only offered after 5pm, and the main bartender does a bit of a show going thru the menu and making each cocktail with instructions as he goes.  The bar top is on camera and shown on a tv as he’s working.  If you order one of the drinks he is making, they bring you a little recipe card.  This is another area where ingredients may not be available (no Azul Blanco this trip) but still a fun experience.  I ended up loving the Yucatán, pictured.

 

 

[3kidsncats]

Fitness Deck (18 if I remember correctly)

 

We always walk laps when we cruise.  And this is definitely one of the areas we did NOT like on the Majestic.  The Promenade deck is usually one option, but on Majestic most of it is crew only, and it is in no way an area to promenade.  And the other option is usually the pool deck, upper level.  On Majestic, the walking area is around the basketball court, no markings on the ground whatsoever, and only two little signs that you can easily miss indicating walking direction (and that 6.5 laps equals a mile).  Additionally, they have these cute photo op murals/pictures on the wall.  Whoever placed the little sign on the Monet was not paying attention 🤔

 

So the lack of markings means that people are going in different directions, causing jam ups at times. The cute little photo ops mean that people trying to do laps are constantly stopping for people trying to take pictures, and the people trying to take pictures are constantly interrupted by a stream of walkers.  One of those concepts that was great in theory, but problematic in reality.  I would suggest they move the laps down to the upper pool deck.  Or paint the backdrops somewhere else.  We were lucky to be out early the first morning, to get pics before others were there doing laps.  By the time we finished, and then the next morning, it was a bit hectic.

 

The next deck down has 3 or 4 table tennis areas, which we had a great time using.  We suck, but laughed a lot.  

 

 

Edited October 10, 2021 by 3kidsncats

[3kidsncats]

I think that’s it — something else may pop into my head to add later, but generally covered what we did.  Our sum up comments are….

 

Majestic is a lovely ship, and we enjoyed our time aboard.  The Piazza area is great, and we liked the pool deck set up.  Food was quite good, and service from wait staff and cabin attendants was excellent.  But we were both surprised that she is not up there as far as being a favorite.  We don’t do shows, so the Showroom, Live Studio and Vista Gaming Lounge were not of interest.  We don’t gamble (and didnt seem like others were either this trip) so the beautiful VIP gaming space, and main casino were kind of just in the way since the elevators at our end of the ship fed into it on that deck.  The layout in too many areas was a pain.  Getting to Allegro comes to mind.  Ahead of our sailing, I thought 2 days would not be long enough to enjoy the ship, but we both were actually fine with it being a short cruise.  If we found a great deal/itinerary, we would certainly be happy to sail on her again, we just wouldn’t actively look to do so specifically for the ship.

Edited October 10, 2021 by 3kidsncats

[hpeabody]

1 hour ago, Astro Flyer said:

We regularly embark in our homeport of SP and at least since the larger Royal-class ships arrived in early 2019 they’ve had the tent for B92 security. B92 (18,000 sq.ft.) terminal is smaller than B93 (41,000 sq.ft.) and B92 gets the larger ships due to the longer pier. That leads me to believe they needed additional space & thus set up the security tent before entering the B92 terminal.

 

Thanks for sharing your insights as a preview of our Majestic cruise in less than 2 weeks. 😃

 

 

LA Harbor/San Pedro is my homeport also.  Above post is a good explanation.  Pre Royal class ships visiting LA it was determined that Royal class ships could not properly fit and maneuver at Bert 93.  I was on the first arrival in LA of the Royal Princess (The epic FLL to LA Re-positioning cruise around South America) to Berth 92 with tents outside the terminal.  It was February, so heat not an issue.  My main issue was that I had to Schlep my multiple pieces of luggage from the long cruise to Berth 93 where they had the transportation options operating from.  That is just not fun.  I hope they have changed that situation, but I have no idea.

[Steelers36]

2 hours ago, 3kidsncats said:

Hollywood Club and Conservatory

 

Beautiful spaces, although we didn’t spend a lot of time in either.  As reported, the chlorine smell in the Club part is unpleasant.  We did use one of the little alcove lounge areas in the club for an hour one day —we both found the loungers to be uncomfortable.  We knew these were complimentary thanks to CC

 

The conservatory has the lovely little rooms with couches and some have TVs.  No idea if there is a charge for them, and could never find a crew member in the area to ask.  If the views in either port were even half way appealing, we would have just used one, until and unless told we had to book them.  (This is such a peeve of mine — this info should be very clear.  A small sign saying “complimentary” or “please dial xxx to book” would do it.). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above used to be a charge area - when we sailed on Majestic from SYD to NZ in Winter 2019.  The charge was pretty much similar to what they charge for a cabana in Sanctuary on ships that have it.  No one was using them at all.  They probably gave it up.  In 2019, there was a card explaining it was a charge and the amount (don't ask me the $$).

 

[CruiseVA]

"Ok, volume on for this one 😊. One of my favorite moments of the cruise.  We were watching the sea lions dodge the cables being released prior to departure and I just happened to start recording."

 

Nice catch - you mean he didn't recognize the theme? Wow, I thought that anyone alive from the US would have recognized it 😉

 

[manunia]

On 10/7/2021 at 4:52 PM, trbarton said:

I have my ID, COVID-19 vaccine results + the California QR code on my phone. I'm aware that Princess wants the original but I’m wondering if anyone tried showing the copy on there phone?

 

Tom😀

I tried for cruise on 09/25 but was asked to show paper version for test and a vaccination card. 

[CruiseVA]

35 minutes ago, manunia said:

I tried for cruise on 09/25 but was asked to show paper version for test and a vaccination card. 

It's pretty clear that they want to see the original document 

"Guests should be ready to show original proof of vaccination at cruise check-in."

 

https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/frequently-asked-questions/us-cruises/

Edited October 11, 2021 by CruiseVA
visual fix

[CruiseVA]

Then again (off the same webpage as above):

"The following formats are acceptable proofs of full vaccination: COVID-19 vaccination card (original card only; no photocopies accepted), digital COVID-19 certificate (QR code acceptable); or record of COVID-19 vaccination from a healthcare provider including original digital email notification, personal electronic health record, or government Immunization information system (IIS) record."

 

[manunia]

1 hour ago, CruiseVA said:

Then again (off the same webpage as above):

"The following formats are acceptable proofs of full vaccination: COVID-19 vaccination card (original card only; no photocopies accepted), digital COVID-19 certificate (QR code acceptable); or record of COVID-19 vaccination from a healthcare provider including original digital email notification, personal electronic health record, or government Immunization information system (IIS) record."

 

I had digital certificate and QR code for vaccination with my full name, vaccine name, dates of vaccination and QR code with testing result that also included my name, dob, etc. It was pretty clear for me that it should be accepted according to the document you referring to. Agent wanted to see original card and email with testing result. 

I just share my personal experience with  Port of San Pedro agent.

[trbarton]

1 hour ago, manunia said:

I tried for cruise on 09/25 but was asked to show paper version for test and a vaccination card. 

Thanks!….I have a copy of the QR Code from California & will try & see what happens. I also have the paper versions.

 

Tom😀

[3kidsncats]

3 hours ago, CruiseVA said:

"Ok, volume on for this one 😊. One of my favorite moments of the cruise.  We were watching the sea lions dodge the cables being released prior to departure and I just happened to start recording."

 

Nice catch - you mean he didn't recognize the theme? Wow, I thought that anyone alive from the US would have recognized it 😉

 

Nope, he didn’t recognize it 😂

[cr8tiv1]

8 hours ago, 3kidsncats said:

Ok, volume on for this one 😊. One of my favorite moments of the cruise.  We were watching the sea lions dodge the cables being released prior to departure and I just happened to start recording.

 

My husband is a decade older than I, so not a child of the 70s Saturday night tv viewing.  He didn’t recognize it, but I did, lol.  Loved it!

IMG_0192.MOV

 

Still can't watch the video on Chrome.

[Mary Ann 2]

6 hours ago, 3kidsncats said:

Hollywood Club and Conservatory

The conservatory has the lovely little rooms with couches and some have TVs.  No idea if there is a charge for them, and could never find a crew member in the area to ask.  If the views in either port were even half way appealing, we would have just used one, until and unless told we had to book them.  (This is such a peeve of mine — this info should be very clear.  A small sign saying “complimentary” or “please dial xxx to book” would do it.). 

There was no charge for any area in the Conservatory during the Alaska season so I am assuming that is still the case.  During the early evening, it was closed for the Platinum and Elite Lounge to serve appetizers.  On Glacier Bay days, it was used a lot as a warm place to watch the scenery and it was also where the National Parks set up displays.  At night, it was the night club.

[cr8tiv1]

1 hour ago, trbarton said:

Thanks!….I have a copy of the QR Code from California & will try & see what happens. I also have the paper versions.

 

Tom😀

 

I don't know about you, but I have lost trust in Princess's printed word.  I will also have all of my originals plus digitals.  I am determined to get on the ship!

[CalLuvsCrusingToo]

Guess I should post this here.  NIce of you to start a Live thread.  We were too lazy or too busy? lol

 

We arrived close to noon, and the person who handed me Elite card, then had us sit with

Plat & everybody else.  The lady sitting in front of us saw my card & said.... Oh they already

let Elite on... you should walk up over there.... Nice of her to let us know.

Picked up Medallions right there at checkin.  No probs.

Once onboard we wandered alittle, spotted Alfredos, and we were the first ones inside.

Pizza as good as ever.

 

Cruise worthwhile.  Liked Majestic very much.

 

Had a couple hiccups, but agree that staff was very happy we were there.

I wasn't sure if the ship was half full on purpose?  Or if Not alot of ppl booked?

But it was terrific having Not as many people.

 

We thought food was very good considering supply chains not great right now.

It is what it is.... we ate in MDR each night. Everything we got was good.  Service terrific.

Cancelled Harmony, just didn't see the point for this short of cruise. 

 

Absolutely Luved ordering drinks or food & sent to our cabin.

Used  TV channel to order. (you will figure it out onboard, super easy)

 

Couple times we ordered drinks from the App, on deck. Only once did the server have alittle trouble

finding us..... but they were great & seem to be working out the kinks.

 

Noodle bar, get 2 kinds of wonton soups!  We got 3 altogether & enjoyed trying them all.

No billing errors.  Did NOT have to go to Cust. Service.  Went pretty smooth.

 

Up late, then up too early cruise days.... our own fault. 

Late.... mostly due to casino, so if you have questions will try to answer.

 

We are going again on Majestic in a couple weeks, so I took this

mini cruise as a test run.  Were glad we did.

 

Will share more in the next couple days.....😉

 

[lilghallinsf]

11 hours ago, 3kidsncats said:

I so know how that goes (posts disappearing into the ether).

 

Someone asked for a live thread, then it was brought up in the roll call as well — but most seemed to want to do post cruise comments, so I went ahead and started (and hope more roll call members will join in).  Most 3/4 nighters would get kind of lost, but I think since this one was the start of the California Coastal season post covid, there was interest.  They are hard to do, primarily due to poor internet.  We don’t often get the internet package, but knew this time I would have at least some service each port.  Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

 

We are looking forward to Celebrity, especially since being docked next to the Edge.  Being brand flexible gives a lot more date/itinerary options if you are looking for something specific.

You will love celebrity

[donaldsc]

On 10/7/2021 at 11:45 AM, 3kidsncats said:

I'll try.  It's been challenging, and when I called about chef's table yesterday, the lady spent so much time lecturing me about how I needed to go down to the medallion area and get the app "properly" set up, that I 😬hung up.  My time is too short to waste  trying to get the app to show specialty dining 😜. But I will try to check on the Bistro

 

Her job is to help you and not to lecture you.  She should have been reported to management except that it probably would have taken more time than it was worth considering your limited time on the ship.  

 

DON

[CalLuvsCrusingToo]

11 hours ago, 3kidsncats said:

Tables are crammed together on the Majestic.  I said so in my review.  Often times we were seated next to people at a table with about 5 inches between tables.  It was very difficult to get to the bench seat having to shimmy thru the small space.  

 

Some tables, if there was access to the chairs on the other side, were about 4 inches from the table next to them.  If there was a bench/couch as part of the seating, then the space between tables was in the 5-6 inch range.

 

AGREE.   They need to make a better effort to Not cram all the tables for 2 directly NEXT to

each other. 

Perhaps limited staff?  But it appeared staff was Everywhere and they just wanted to corral us

in One area..... so its easier to serve.......for Them.

 

We were fine on the first night in MDR, there weren't as many guests.  More space.

 

But the following night at 7pm, we were ushered to the only Open table for 2 along the long

bench of 2 tops that were already full.   Felt Very Cramped!

Maybe scatter some of us Two's at table for 4, then leave us that way.  Better distancing!

 

 

 

[caribill]

13 hours ago, CineGraphic said:

 

Out of curiosity, why would spa staff need to be in the enclave?

 

Maybe to make sure only those who had paid for the experience use it.

[3kidsncats]

13 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

Still can't watch the video on Chrome.

No idea why not —maybe try a different browser?