Just back from Majesty 9-17 Bos -Ber

[sierratango]

The day had arrived.... I could just smell the coffee brewing as we filled our mugs and head off to Black Falcon Pier, Boston. Only 45 min. away. All went very smooth and we (DM, DD and I) were up on deck 10 having Foo Foo drinks and a lunch buffet by 12:30. ( Drinks comparable to Boston or NYC club prices) Well, here we are Music was crankin and "we were off."

(please don't mind my spelling) (got bumped out twice..not checking this time around)

Anyway..............

None of us had a clue what to expect. We never took a cruise nor had we ever gone to Bermuda. The BB reviews we had read were mixed so here is what we experienced........................Going to be..a novel Folks...Sorry!!

 

We booked an inside cabin stateroom on deck 6 #6041. Was wicked small for 3 women with tons of cloths. But we made due seeing there is so much to do on board. We only spent time in there for the Three S's and sleep.

The steward kept our cabin spotless ,ice buckets filled and he turned beds down nightly with towel animals they created (loved them) . Plus, he placed a chocolate and our daily news on the bed pillow . Nightly we highlighted the Daily for the next day events that we intended to do. LOL came with this rm. and us getting ready to go..need I say more. We brought wayyy to much stuff..pack lighter as Shoreguy says. It was very embarrassing to ourselves.

 

The Food was very good ...but not exceptional as something you didn't have before. We never expected the "Ritz" to begin with, so it was pretty good. The main restaurants presented all their dishes in a very attractive way. We tryed all the different dishes you don't normally get at home and most were pretty good. Nothing we ordered was ever dryed or tasteless. They should have had different option menu's in the two main resturants . We ate at Four Seasons for dinner while out at sea. That's only because the sea was choppy and its in the middle of the ship. We had celebrated my moms Birthday one night and she had all the crew members in the dinning room sing to her and presented her with a cake . She just loved that. They did a nice job with it. They really fussed over her.

On port days we had dinner at Seven Seas. Breakfast everyday was on deck 10 as well as lunch. The buffets there were really good. Plentiful and constant. We had omlets , waffles , crepes, fruits and all the meats and fish to go with along with all the pastries. "CAN"T BELIEVE I ATE SO MUCH" this week.:eek: Oh! by the way . I did have the Macaroni and Cheese that was such a fuss talk on the boards. Its made with a topping of meat sauce and not the all American Mac-Cheese. Was very good and "Yes" they offer many other Main Courses on that menu as well...Geesh! what was the fuss I wonder.

 

The crew is wonderful, fast and professional (they never sleep, I think). Was mentioned by the Cruise Director that 60 countries are working within this crew on the Majesty. We certainly got an education from them as they are a very personable group and love to chat about their countries and their familys, too. They all have fun together working and get along as a big team. Theres a Lot to learn here and we found it sad to leave or new found friends that waited on us hand and foot all week. Yeah! 10 to 12 hours or more a day. Much appreciated Vacation we had because of them all. Everyone always approached you with a smile and upbeat. Many even remember you by name. Talk about being catered too. They also had a fabulous Crew talent show for us. These folks are something else. Same one's working all day and night and you get up ...same ones saying good morning. Amazing..and in every department.

 

Bermuda..even though we had to leave the evening before we were scheduled to . We managed to squeeze in a lot of stuff..wish we had more time . It is a beautiful Island. The landscape was disrupted a bit from the hurricane the week before . Almost gave the appearence of our NE fall in some places. Guess all the salt from the winds they had stripped the color from the leaves and killed the foliage . Sadly they will now die and fall off like here. Was really a pretty contrast in any event. Didn't notice much more damage except a few roofs ruffled and palm leaves along the sides of the roads. We got a three day bus/ ferrie pass for $28. and took the 1 1/2 hr ferrie to Hamilton the first day. Got nice photos of the coast and did a quik look see in the shops and town of Hamilton. Stopped for lunch and took a bus back to St. George. Of course. stopping along the way at the Swizzle Inn. Yup! got the famous pitcher of Swizzle Rum and was glad to get a ride back to the Majesty. The bus was like a death ride thru the winding little streets..felt like 100mph between the little cars and mopeds but we made it back..half smashed from the swizzles....was a good day. At 7:30 St. George at the pier had a festival with craft vendors, local dancers , etc. Continued on the ship the rest of the night with shows, casino (lost) and dancing...Oh! did I mention "eating!!!

 

Bermuda day #2..Mom stayed on board to take a tour of the bridge of the ship. .My daughter and I ventured out to explore the caves..do not miss this excursion. It was such and eduacation ..the extent of these caves on Bermuda is incredible. There are hundreds of them and alot of them set on private property. Its risky walking but worth it and we got to swim inside one of these huge caves. It was a wonderful experiece. Wish we had seen more of them. Took some great Photo's . National Geografic is presently doing a study there for research on global warming and cave inhabitants as well as earth aging data. . We then went swiming and snorkeling at Tabacco Bay Beach..a bit crowded but managible. We rented an umbrella for $14. and a beach chair for $5. Took a mini bus back to the ship for $3.00 . No, bus passes can not be used for mini buses. Its a Big hill 1/2 hr. walk and was like 90 degrees..Thank you .. we took the ride .By now it was 5-ish. Did ship activities the rest of the evening. Oh! did I mention EAT!!!

 

Bermuda day #3...We scheduled the "Bermuda Triagle Tour" This was a catamaran that did the harbor and outer parts of the Island . Gave history and a who's who' of who owned these Gazillion $$ homes on the island etc. Upon leaving the Majesty that am we were told to be back at 5pm with a possibility to have to leave because of ocean surge and problems getting out of the cut.

Then we were delayed by a 1/2 hr for because of rain and then we got the all clear. Was a great sail past the two cruise ships and a really nice photo spot for an up close of the Majesty from a sea point. Even got a shot of one of the crew painting the outside bow of the Majesty from a scaffling. Looking at the photo now seems funny. Theres this huge ship and this guy painting the huge outside bow and he only has a 6 inch roller..Funny..talk about overtime Huh!! Anyway.. we ,in the Catamaran were heading for the cut and this giant wave came out of no where and the tour guy had to whip us around and out of harms way as we hugged the harbor shore.. He said that he only once before ever seen that happen pre-hurricane while he was sailing. So we just continued in the harbor and got an earfull of history about Bermuda and island politics. When this black storm cloud came up and it got windy. It was getting ready to down poor so he turned back to the docks . We got re-imbursed. Went to the shops the rest of the afternoon in St George and the ship left Bermuda around 6:30. AND ATE!!!

 

The extra sea day was fine with us. Although we wished we saw more of Bermuda . We will return and we will do the Majesty if she still is around in a few years. Met lots of people from Ma, and Canada. Of course, all my pals from Cruise Critics was the big plus. I got some great photo's to remember this quality time with DM and DD. Along with great sunrises and sunsets at sea and Bermuda. I also won a gift basket from the NCL. It was presented at a bingo game I think as a gift to be given away. A name (mine) from those who participate in commenting on cards at the dinning rooms and a survey that we all filled out about our cruise. Well I got the prize..minus the basket. It came in a NCL beach bag and it included a Map from the bridge of the route the Majesty took to Bermuda from Boston. Three photos of the Majesty before and after her extention of the ship. Post cards, playing cards. thermos bottle, water bottle, beach ball, waterproof container, T-shirt and a bottle of Red Wine. They called my name before departure back in Boston. Loved it!!!

 

We all thought this Cruise was well worth the price. Food was good. Entertainment good. Crew exceptional, destination perfect. People we met, perfect...Ship really nice ..No plane fare..no parking, no hastle..all for $602. pp. Just had to pay extra for tips, Drinks and Bermuda excursions and of course gambling. We'll be back!!! Had a ball.

Bye now...Deb in Ma.

[Maryfrei]

Enjoyed reading your review, thanks!

[macdays1]

Great review, Deb. Thanks I really enjoyed it. Can't wait for Sunday now.

[sierratango]

On Monday we went to the Cruise Critic Party which was held in the board room. Writeratsea, had prepared giftbags and Congratulation signs for those that had Anniversarys and Birthday Banners for those with birthdays. What a great job . We had a decent turn out. It was a pleasure to meet everyone that I had written to on these boards prior to this trip. Mostly it was so fun running into everyone all week in our own little city called Majesty. I miss seeing you folks already. Again thanks for all the info you all gave on stuff to do in Bermuda . And mostly the nice conversations shared.

Deb:cool:

[weary traveler]

:) Very well done Deb..... 3 days without you know what... climbing the walls.. think i need a cruise... :o it was my pleasure to sit with you and mom and daughter up on deck (mustve been one of the few times you ate... :rolleyes: ) the GOAL is underway.. lol (except for the corona withdrawals..) thank goodness i have the recipe for those pitchers of swizzlers you mentioned.. although i cant see having them out on the deck in snow in December..lol ... have a great weekend!

 

Weary

[sierratango]

Ok Paul...Fess up. Really that libation was delish !!! Whats in it?

I think it would be a wonderful warming agent this up and coming cold winter. I'd even go out on my deck. We have a huge one 44' x 14' and it overlooks a railtrail at the back of our property. We have lg bird feeders about and ton of birds to watch all winter. Yup! swizzle would be good to relax and watch the view and the hubby like's rum too. He'd just love that potion. Would be a great warmer-upper after all the shoveling and plowing we have to do all season. Don't you think? OK.... "The Goal"...Starting Saturday.. I'm on my last pack of smokes I had left from the cruise and got my patches ready step #1 and 2# . Really giving it a good whirl..(for the umteenth time) Hope I can do it. The Fam would be really happy thats for sure. . Started with "the exercise" I'm not real good at walking miles. But got myself this new video called "Core Rythms" It's sort of sulsa arobics. Tryed it over the past few days. Its a killer , very fast and exausting. The folks in the video are like 20-ish..Needless to say I landed in a heep in about 10 min trying to keep up. I'm determined to get rid of the middle aged (gut, pouch etc). I'll keep on pluggin. Back to reality and yes, I could use another cruise already. too. I could actually stand some buffet action too...and Hot tubs.:rolleyes:

Oh well ...back to reality!!!

Be well...Deb

[bubbletoes]

Hi Deb! Eddie and I actually printed the recipe from The Swizzle Inn website, so here it is....

juice of 2 lemons

5 oz pineapple juice

5 oz orange juice

2 oz Bermuda Falurnum or simple sugar syrup

4 dashes of Angostura bitters

Mix in a pitcher with cracked ice and shake vigorously until frothing appears (I think they mean until you're frothing at the mouth)

Strain into cocktail glasses and let the fun begin!

serves 6

I'm not proud to say 4 of us enjoyed 6 pitchers, but RESPONSIBLY because thank goodness for that bus stop is 5 steps from the door!

[Welove2cruise2]

and who remembered to buy some falernum while they were in Bermuda??

 

I did!!:D

 

Thought we'd wait for a warm day to mix up a pitcher, but it doesn't look like we're going to get one -- until maybe JUNE!!:eek:

[sierratango]

Hi Deb! Eddie and I actually printed the recipe from The Swizzle Inn website, so here it is....

juice of 2 lemons

5 oz pineapple juice

5 oz orange juice

2 oz Bermuda Falurnum or simple sugar syrup

4 dashes of Angostura bitters

Mix in a pitcher with cracked ice and shake vigorously until frothing appears (I think they mean until you're frothing at the mouth)

Strain into cocktail glasses and let the fun begin!

serves 6

I'm not proud to say 4 of us enjoyed 6 pitchers, but RESPONSIBLY because thank goodness for that bus stop is 5 steps from the door!

 

Hi, how are you guys doing?:)

Thanks so much for the recipe..it makes my mouth water just reading the ingredients....That sure will be warming these bones come winter. No kidding ..on needing the ride back to the ship. We too, were thrilled that the bus stop was only a few steps from the Inn. We sure were glad we had a few swizzle's in us for that whoopin bus ride we encountered ..Yike's !! Think we would have had a coronary otherwise. :eek: So Worth it!!! ..Ok..it's in my book now ready to go.

[sierratango]

and who remembered to buy some falernum while they were in Bermuda??

 

I did!!:D

 

Thought we'd wait for a warm day to mix up a pitcher, but it doesn't look like we're going to get one -- until maybe JUNE!!:eek:

 

Can't I get falernum in Ma.? What is it exactly? :confused:

[Welove2cruise2]

I haven't been able to find it anywhere in the states -- in fact, I hadn't been able to find it in BDA until this trip in September -- there was none to be found in June (unless I was just looking in the wrong places...).

 

Falernum is a simple syrup, but it's more than that -- it's got some kind of spices in it that cannot be described (and of course the ingredients aren't listed on the bottle). It's made by Gosling's, which is where I found it.

 

If you do a google search, you can find a recipe for falernum. The gal at Gosling's told me we probably have enough to last us for years (it's a one liter bottle) -- guess she doesn't know how many rum swizzles we and our friends can drink!! ;)

[Writeratsea]

I haven't been able to find it anywhere in the states -- in fact, I hadn't been able to find it in BDA until this trip in September -- there was none to be found in June (unless I was just looking in the wrong places...).

 

Falernum is a simple syrup, but it's more than that -- it's got some kind of spices in it that cannot be described (and of course the ingredients aren't listed on the bottle). It's made by Gosling's, which is where I found it.

 

If you do a google search, you can find a recipe for falernum. The gal at Gosling's told me we probably have enough to last us for years (it's a one liter bottle) -- guess she doesn't know how many rum swizzles we and our friends can drink!! ;)

Falernum is made of sugar syrup, almond, ginger and/or cloves and lime. Sometimes vanilla or allspice. The recipe calls for 2 oz of Falernum. As the one liter bottle contains 33.8 oz, the bottle will be good for 16-17 pitchers of rum swizzles. Hopefully not all at one time. It is not years supply but it will last a little bit. We bought two bottles, smart but forgot to get any Bermuda Gold, dumb. LOL A friend of mine owns a convenience store with a liquor license and I will ask her to see if I can get Falernum and Bermuda Gold.:) I am nice, I will share if I can get some.

[sierratango]

Hi Ed, (Writeratsea)

Thanks for the detailed info on this stuff.. your OK!!! Hi, to Bubbletoes too .:) The trip was so fun ...Glad to know ya both !!!

Deb