Home from Majesty 4/12-19 (LONG!!)

[xsnowman99]

We are home from our trip aboard the Majesty--Charleston to Cayman, Cozumel and Key West. I thought I would just give some details of our adventure.

 

Background- I am 53, DH is 70. This is our 8th cruise--6 aboard Windstar Line and 1 aboard Holland America Maasdam.

 

Embarkation was reasonably painful. We drove to Charleston and spent Friday night at the Marriott. It was lovely and they kept our car for the week. The cost for room was $169 +tax which seemed reasonable since we would have had to get a room anyway and pay to park the car at the dock. We took a taxi to the port and back afterwards. The line was long to get to the dock, but pleasant enough. Security was not so much an issue; although, I did take on 4 bottles of wine (I KNEW and was planning on paying the $15 corkage fee). I thought security was going to shoot me in spite of my explaining 4 times I was prepared to pay for it (they were actually quite rude). Once we got that straight, things went much better. Certainly there were lines for everything, i.e. room keys, pictures, etc. but they seemed to move rather quickly.

 

Once onboard we were given a piece of paper stating that lunch was available either at the buffet on deck 10 or the pizzaria on deck 10 or in the Seven Seas dining room. I thought we were good to go...but, as we arrived at the doorway of Seven Seas the hostess stand was blocked by someone telling us that there was a lovely buffet on deck 10. I thanked him politely and asked if we could just eat at the dining room...which we did. There were approximately 8 people in there! (Thanks to CC for all of that information).

 

Our room....we were in room 722 (CC category) on the Promenade deck. The deck was really not an issue and was quite convenient. People 'viewing' inside did not seem to be a problem and we just closed the curtains at night. The room, however, was space wise entirely to small. While there was adequate space for clothes, etc. I had to step over the corner of the bed every night (and morning) as it was wedged against a cabinet and there was nowhere to move it. The shower situation is interesting at best. There is a slight rise on the floor that I guess is supposed to be a 'lip' to keep water in the shower. That is not the case, so the bath rug is always soaking after a shower. The did offer on the first night to do someironing for $1 per item to be returned by the next night. I took them up onthis for several items.

 

Our room was not particularly clean when we arrived. The bedspread had some kind of stain which we do not even want to discuss. The mirrored closet had some kind of streaks that were definitely not fingerprints. Our cabin attendant came by and asked if everything was ok, I mentioned the couple of concerns and she took care of them.

 

Dining...where do I start? We went to the lunch buffet one time. Not really our thing. We had difficulty finding a table and then had to eat in shifts to retain the table while we waited in line for a special order, or to get tea, etc. There were no trays and no one that I could find to help with carrying our plates. Some days we ended up getting a salad and pizza and just eating outside on deck when we could find a table. Most days, though, we went to Seven Seas for lunch. The same was true for breakfast.

 

Restaurants....while the above are just observatons and did not ruin my cruise, this was a huge pet peeve for DH and myself. I understand the 'freestyle' cruising thing; however, surely there must be a happy medium for all people. I was insulted one morning when I had breakfast in the dining room looking directly at a gentleman who was wearing a spaghetti strap t-back muscle shirt. My child was not allowed to come to the table for any meal dressed that way, and I took exception with viewing someone's 'parts' while I had my breakfast. I mentioned it to a waitress who said they didn't like to hurt anyone's feelings by not letting them come into the dining room. DH and I had most meals at the Pasta House, because we could make reservations (FYI...for Pasta House, you can make reservations on Monday for Tuesday evening (for example) as opposed to the day of). The Four Seasons was no jeans...the only reservations you could make here (and, I think, for Seven Seas) was for 5:30 or 8:30 (first or last of the night). Otherwise, first come, first serve. They started lining up at 5 for dinner. Prepare to wait anywhere from 30-40 minutes--more if you are not willing to dine with others. We went here only for lobster night. Food was ok...nothing great as was the service. Seven Seas for dinner was adequate. The service was spotty and the food was moderate in taste and temperature. We did enjoy our meals at Pasta House...the staff and the setting were great for us. There was not a huge choice for menu items; however, even being a fussy eater I found a plenty to have and be happy with (I was not happy, however, with dining with others who had on jeans, shorts and sweats). IMHO (which won't even buy a cup of coffee) 'freestyle' should be not only choice of dining, but dress that would accommodate different tastes as well. For instance, no jeans or shorts or sweats in restaurants that you make reservations in (Le Bistro and Pasta House), the same in Four Seasons and whatever in Seven Seas and buffets. That way everyone could make a choice that best suited them and their tastes.

 

Decks/Drinks...As previously stated on CC, chairs on deck 11 where at a premium unless you got up at 6 and 'saved them". I really only tried to go up a couple of times...one time, I went early and found a chair. However, I was at the rear of the ship and it would seem that this is where the exhaust from cooking is directed. The smell was too much for me, so I left. I easily found a chair on rear deck 8 (where pool table is). Usually, if there was not a chair available, you could wait 5 or 10 minutes and someone would leave.

 

The chairs/tables on deck 10 around the pool were difficult to come by unless you started out right before lunch and didn't vacate. The bartenders were annoying at best. They were constantly hawking drinks...and, if you bought one, that wasn't enough then they wanted you to buy a bucket of beers, or, in DH's case a bottle of Jim Beam (they tried to convince him to do this everytime he got a drink). This was only going to cost him $110 for the bottle (they figured 22 shots per bottle x's what they charged for a drink). Needless to say, he wasn't interested. The moral to that story is that a setup in your room is a much cheaper way to go! While I realize that this is how they make extra money, after a couple of days they should know who does/does not want what extras they have to sell. It became quite annoying. The trio at the pool was quite good and we enjoyed listening to them when they played.

 

I was greeted with a lot of attitude when I took my prepaid wine bottle with me for before dinner drinks or at dinner (except Pasta House). Most of the time, the server just plopped a wine glass on the table and I was left to pour myself. This was in very poor taste in my opinion. Do not get me wrong, DH and I 'donated' $400 for paid for drinks on the trip, so, they definitely made some money off of us.

 

Room service---we generally like breakfast room service. However, the first morning we left our doorknob card for coffee and sweet rolls for 8 a.m. At 7:30 they called to check that we wanted 8 am room service. They then called again at 7:40 to say room service was being delivered. Needless to say, we did not do this again!

 

I cannot comment on any of the shows as we did not go to any. The casino seemed active, including the 2 'games' on the pool level. There were plenty of announcements each and every day for bingo, art acutions, specials in the shops, etc. from Jay-Jay.

 

Ports..we were not able to tender into Cayman due to rough seas and the port would not send out the tenders. This brought all sorts of 'discussion' about the need to have our port fees reimbursed to us. Not sure of the rule regarding this. I did learn, however, that it is tricky to arrange tours yourself in the case of this happening.

 

Cozumel...DH and I went on the submarine adventure. It went down 100 feet and was interesting. I am not so sure it was worth $95/person, but interesting nonetheless. Otherwise, we had a drink at Carlos n Charlie's (including the offer of shots at 10:30 am), and a drink at Hard Rock. They had bicycle rickshaws when you came off the ship which will take you to the end of the pier. The only cost is tips. We did this and it was just something different to do!

 

Key West...we docked at 4...DH and I were in Hog's Breath at 5:30. It was a little chaotic for customs, but it moves quickly and then they just usher you out to the transportation that takes you into the square. I was actually impressed with just how easy this was. We love Key West, so we had a burger and drinks, went to Slopppy Joe's for a drink, did a little walking, then back to ship.

 

We had several days of chilly weather as well as rough seas. Fortunately, it didn't make us sick..only cold..brrrr. Made me wish I had brought some warmer clothes! There was a wine tasting which was fun. I think it was $15/person in Le Bistro by the wine stewards. There was also a martini tasting one day.

 

Disembarkation was a breeze. One note, however, you should get your 'colored luggage tags' early. Apparently there are only a certain number of each color and if yours is gone, then oh well! We were on our own, so we had the last tags (orange). We had a leisurely breakfast in Seven Seas and waited for our color. We disembarked, collected our luggage and proceeded through customs. The only issue here was there were a LOT of people so theline was long. But, it moved along. We had a baggage attendant who took us out to where the taxi's were and we were on our way to the Marriott for $10. We were off the ship at 9:20 and at our car at 10:10.

 

The ship itself is easy to get around. It is certainly not one of those new, glitzy ones; but for DH and I that was a plus. I have not desire to vacation on a floating 'small city'. The public areas were well laid out and, although maybe a little worn, nothing that I thought was really an eye sore. I guess if you compare it to the new ships with bowling alleys, water slides, ice skating rinks, etc. then the Majesty would be quite boring. The age group was about 30-70 (give or take a few on each end) with no particular age group being prominent. There were a lot of passengers from NC, SC and GA because it was convenient for them to drive the morning of.

 

We enjoyed our trip. Most of the above was meant as information and not necessarily reflective of a ruined vacation. It certainly was not. Even when I go to my favorite places, there is always room for improvement and/or things that are not right. The ship was probably the right size for us (or at least we would not enjoy one larger). There are certainly things for them to work out. I heard that this ship was difficult for 'freestyle cruising' while others had 10 restaurants, etc. For some of us, that is not a plus but rather a detriment! I do have issue with paying for passage which is supposed to include my food and then have to pay a 'service charge' for a restaurant aboard. Again, that is personal opinion. DH and I have discussed joining this cruise again only to Bermuda. It served what it was supposed to be for us...a rest and respite after a very difficult winter.

 

I apologize for the length of this, but I am an avid CC information gatherer, and everyone was generous with information before we went that was very helpful! I was trying to return the favor! If I have offended anyone with my recollections, I apologize in advance. What is here is my opinion only!!

 

I would be glad to answer anything else I could.

 

Lynn

[*Wink*]

Thanks for your review. It's amazing to me how people can have a completely different cruise than my own experience. I've been on the Majesty twice, and both times were fantastic in regards to service. I've taken on 7 bottles of wine before and never once felt there was a negative attitude about that. I happen to like lively bar staff, but I never felt pressured. However, I've heard others comment negatively on their enthusiasm to serve.

 

I'm thinking you two were put in the smaller of the 2 cabins. I must agree, that is one small cabin. Too bad you didn't get the bigger one because the size is perfect.

 

As far as the jeans go in the dining areas, that is no secret, and perhaps Four Seasons would have suited you both more. However, on my cruises, most everyone dressed respectfully for dinner. Once again, a different experience.

 

I'll stop there, but I just wanted to let people know who read these boards, that my times on the Majesty have been incredible, especially when it came to the service.

 

Thanks again for your review, and cruise her soon if you can, she won't be with us much longer I'm afraid.

[greywillow]

I heard that this ship was difficult for 'freestyle cruising' while others had 10 restaurants, etc. For some of us, that is not a plus but rather a detriment! I do have issue with paying for passage which is supposed to include my food and then have to pay a 'service charge' for a restaurant aboard.

Sorry, but I just don't understand this "issue." Majesty has an extra-charge restaurant, Le Bistro. No one forces you to eat there, so you can simply choose to eat in the ship's two main dining rooms, the Pasta Cafe, or the buffet, and there is no "service charge." So, in fact, your food is "included."

 

On NCL's newer ships, yes, there are many "service charge" restaurants that you may choose to eat in, but, again, no one is forcing you to do so. You still have the two main dining rooms, the buffet, the Blue Lagoon, and, still, on most of the newer ships, a no-extra-charge Tex-Mex restaurant--in all of which your food is "included." Why is it a problem to be offered a wider choice of "service charge" restaurants when there are still the same number of no-extra-charge venues--where your food is "included"--on these larger ships?

 

Some people are content to drink iced tea. Others choose to pay a "service charge" for wine or champagne or mixed drinks or even...yuck...carbonated sugar water. Is this a problem, too? Seems to me it's no different with the fee restaurants. For those who want to try something different for dinner and are willing to pay for it, they can choose to do so--just like those who choose to have a pricey bottle of wine with their dinner...and pay extra for it. For those who don't, there are the same number of free options as on most other mass-market cruise lines, and more than on at least one: Celebrity. Why should this be viewed as an "issue?"

[xsnowman99]

In regards to greywillow's comments, I agree that there is a choice to be made regarding 'service charge' for restaurants. I was merely giving MY 'report' of MY trip and sharing MY thoughts. You are correct that there is a decision to be made to go, or not go. And, we made that decision. With lectures like you decided to give regarding my trip report, it is the very reason that I choose to not participate in many of these forums. Seems like someone is always to ready to jump on the poster and who needs that.

 

Again, I gleemed a lot of information from this board regarding the Majesty, and was trying to repay the favor by reporting MY adventure and feelings of the trip. No more and no less.

 

As I stated, we enjoyed our trip in spite of a few of the difficulties we encountered. AND, as I stated, no vacation is perfect.

 

Thanks for the information on the 2 sizes of the CC rooms. We will know to inquire about that the next time.

[rjhunter]

I would love to hear more about your room. We are considering cruising on the Majesty, and have looked at rooms in the 700s (733 in particular). Was there easy access to the track and/or other decks. What about noise from people using the track? Was there a lot of traffic in that area? If so, when did you most notice it?

I don't imagine we will be spending much time in our room. What's the point? We could stay at home and stare at each other! :) But I'm just curious as most people seem to be trying to steer us away from that deck and for some crazy reason I appear to have my heart set on it. :confused:

Thanks for any additional info and for your clear recounting of your experience.

[salty dingo]

Excellent review! It is very timely for us, as our Majesty cruise is just days away. Most of what I heard sounded very good, and we are looking forward to the cruise very much!

[xsnowman99]

The Promenade deck was fine. We heard no noise at any time. People tend to walk around the 'track' deck in the morning. However, truly unless we had opened the curtains, we would have never known it. The closeness to an outside door is dependent on where your room is located. But, none of the rooms are very far away from any door out to the deck or to an elevator.

 

It is convenient to activities...buffet and pool on deck 10....restaurants (3 of the 4) on deck 5 as well as reception. Pasta House on deck 9. My favorite sunlaying deck was Deck 8 rear (where the ping pong table is) That makes it easy to use stairs (if you are able to)

 

I would suggest that you check on if the room is 'superior' or not. Apparently, there is a difference and we had a smaller one and not a superior one. That was what the stepping over the end of the bed to get in/out was all about. But, even though I was extremely nervous about this deck, Iwas pleased with the location.

 

Enjoy your vacation. If you meet Theresa in the dining room, tell her the 'winelady' says HI!!

[xsnowman99]

Salty: all in all it was a good cruise. Anytime you experience something new, you have to find your own niche'. I would sail Majesty again and just use the knowledge I now have to make things a little better for us personally. As the convenience of the larger ships, there is something that suits everyone which is what it is all about!!

 

Enjoy your trip and I wish you smooth sailing and calm seas~!!

[iheartbda]

We spend very little time in the cabin but after having one of the smaller cabins, I went for the superior this time. The small is certainly doable but when you're both moving around getting dressed, it is tight. I have pictures of the small cabin if anyone is interested and one in particular shows how small.:)

 

salty dingo

Don't drink ALL the rum swizzles or the dark and stormies...leave some for the rest of us who are headed to Bermuda.:D

 

xsnowman99

Nice review:)

[uvawise87]

"Thanks again for your review, and cruise her soon if you can, she won't be with us much longer I'm afraid."

 

 

Just found this reading another thread on these boards...seems Majesty and Dawn have been sold....

 

 

 

Negotiations have been completed...

 

 

Quote:

Louis plc announced it has reached an agreement with Star Cruises for the purchase of two of its cruise ships, namely the “Norwegian Dream” and the “Norwegian Majesty” for a total amount of 380 mln US dollar (Euro 240 mln).

 

According to the terms of the agreement, the two cruise ships will be chartered back to Star Cruises until November 2008 for the “Norwegian Dream” and December 2009 for the “Norwegian Majesty”. The funding has been undertaken by DVB Bank, the global specialist transportation finance bank.

 

''The purchase of these two cruise ships constitutes the most important renewal and upgrading of the Louis Cruise Lines fleet in its twenty-two year old history and at the same time it further enhances the company’s leading position in the Eastern Mediterranean cruise market,'' Louis says in a press release.

 

The 51.000 tons Norwegian Dream is 230 meters long and was built in France in 1992; in 1998, it underwent a lengthening operation. It can accommodate 2.156 passengers in its 875 spacious cabins and suites, 695 of which are outside and 48 with private balcony. The cruise ship features ten decks, six restaurants, eleven lifts, two swimming pools, Spa & Fitness facilities, a two-tiered show lounge, casino, library as well as an array of bars and other public areas.

 

The 41.000 tons Norwegian Majesty is 207 meters long and it was built in Finland in 1992. In 1999, the vessel underwent an extensive rebuilding, lengthening and refurbishment and now it is a new generation cruise ship, which can accommodate 1.790 passengers in its 731 spacious cabins and suites, 481 of which are outside. The cruise ship features nine decks, five restaurants, six lifts, three swimming pools, Spa & Fitness facilities, an amphitheatrical show lounge, casino, library as well as a large number of other public areas.

 

''This strategically important agreement implements the previously announced company policy for upgrading its fleet by adding new generation cruise vessels of higher capacity which fit the company’s profile of services,'' Louis concludes.

 

 

Tracy

[uvawise87]

OOPS, I meant Dream, not Dawn...guess I was dayDreaming.... ;-)

 

 

Just found this reading another thread on these boards...seems Majesty and Dawn have been sold....

 

 

 

Negotiations have been completed...

 

 

Quote:

Louis plc announced it has reached an agreement with Star Cruises for the purchase of two of its cruise ships, namely the “Norwegian Dream” and the “Norwegian Majesty” for a total amount of 380 mln US dollar (Euro 240 mln).

 

According to the terms of the agreement, the two cruise ships will be chartered back to Star Cruises until November 2008 for the “Norwegian Dream” and December 2009 for the “Norwegian Majesty”. The funding has been undertaken by DVB Bank, the global specialist transportation finance bank.

 

''The purchase of these two cruise ships constitutes the most important renewal and upgrading of the Louis Cruise Lines fleet in its twenty-two year old history and at the same time it further enhances the company’s leading position in the Eastern Mediterranean cruise market,'' Louis says in a press release.

 

The 51.000 tons Norwegian Dream is 230 meters long and was built in France in 1992; in 1998, it underwent a lengthening operation. It can accommodate 2.156 passengers in its 875 spacious cabins and suites, 695 of which are outside and 48 with private balcony. The cruise ship features ten decks, six restaurants, eleven lifts, two swimming pools, Spa & Fitness facilities, a two-tiered show lounge, casino, library as well as an array of bars and other public areas.

 

The 41.000 tons Norwegian Majesty is 207 meters long and it was built in Finland in 1992. In 1999, the vessel underwent an extensive rebuilding, lengthening and refurbishment and now it is a new generation cruise ship, which can accommodate 1.790 passengers in its 731 spacious cabins and suites, 481 of which are outside. The cruise ship features nine decks, five restaurants, six lifts, three swimming pools, Spa & Fitness facilities, an amphitheatrical show lounge, casino, library as well as a large number of other public areas.

 

''This strategically important agreement implements the previously announced company policy for upgrading its fleet by adding new generation cruise vessels of higher capacity which fit the company’s profile of services,'' Louis concludes.

 

 

Tracy