How I Spent My Week on Majesty's 8/2/08 Sailing!

[coka]

How I Spent My Week on Majesty’s 8/2/08 Sailing!

 

 

Prologue:

 

If age 50 is the new 40 and 40 is the new 30, then is 45 the new 35? I was not sure as I drove the interstate to the airport on August 1st morning while forgetting I had to put in a full day’s work on a different route. The mistake surely was a direct result of being excited about sailing another NCL cruise as opposed to it being a natural progression of aging.

 

I decided to book the Norwegian Majesty to Bermuda only three days prior to sailing out of Baltimore. Hubby was surprised at my announcement. “How come you do not want to stay home during your vacation?” he asked. I found out he had plans on making me work. “What about your appointments?” he continued. Hey, mammograms, eye exams and colonoscopy exams can all be rescheduled. “How shall you pay for it?” I federal expressed the NCL credit card’s 500 dollar voucher I found earlier in my drawer that made final cost easier. At 44 years, 50 weeks and six days old, I received the blessing when he realized my birthday was around the corner and I was not making him go.

 

 

Getting There:

 

The Baltimore airport is surprisingly pleasant to fly in and out of. Although the locals will tell you baggage claim takes a long time, I did not notice as a 5 year old engaged me in a game of who-could-scare-who-around-the-giant-pillar. The Holiday Inn BWI, my last minute hotel, was excellent for spending the night. A cab or train could take me to Baltimore’s inner harbor, home to restaurants, bars, historical sites and water taxis. Instead of dining at Ruth’s Chris, drinking at Howling At The Moon, and strolling the harbor-walk under the stars, I decided to re-arrange my suitcases that evening. Much to my dismay, I forgot pajamas and my snorkel fins. Ten pairs of shoes however did find their way in. Overall, the last minute planning went off rather well.

 

As I put on a pajama substitute, I confirmed that flying into embarkation port one day before is always a better choice and less stress. I then thought about the Majesty. How come I could only remember one thing about her after sailing twice many years ago pre-stretched and immediately thereafter? I could only remember her disco.

Was memory failing or did I just spend all my time in Studio 52 back then? Falling further into dreamland and closer to a week of unknown adventure, I wondered how much truth there was to all current reports on Majesty’s secret charm…the charm that causes many passengers to sail her year after year…the charm that causes some to sail multiple months during the same year...Was the Majesty’s secret charm Bermuda...her crew...or a combination of both?

 

Coka

 

Disclaimer: I will not finish my account in one day. I will add sections to this thread as I best remember the week. If you have questions along the way, then I will do my best to answer them! For now, I need sleep! I will start with day one tomorrow. I only began this for some of you Saturday night owls out there!

[mbisson]

Good start--although I was worried about those PJs

[dontstayathome]

I am cracking up....can't wait to read your installments! (My husband and I did this cruise 3 weeks ago during Hurricane Bertha and we have friends who were on the same sailing as you! Hope it was a good one!)

[Maryfrei]

What a wonderful Sunday morning surprise, an unexpected Coka review. In case I forget to tell you later, I had a great time reading it!:D

[CC Help Michell]

What a wonderful Sunday morning surprise, an unexpected Coka review. In case I forget to tell you later, I had a great time reading it!:D

 

You took the words right out of my mouth! I can't wait to enjoy the rest of it -- it will ease the shock that tomorrow's already the first day back to school for the kids here (we teachers have been back for a week already!)

[jimswims]

Welcome Back coka!

 

I hope that it was a great cruise for you. Happy Birthday.

 

I want more!!! Please finish this review today. We leave Tuesday morning and I have to hear all the details about your latest NCL adventure.

[sarahvch]

Love the way you write and I'm pretty picky. I live with a theatre reviewer and published playwright and am made to read reviews all the time. Yours felt as if I was beginning a good book. I could easily pick up your review snuggle up with a soft blanket and a good cup of coffee and become lost. I only wish that I could read it all together. I was left wanting more for sure.

Sarah

[rebeljohn]

Now you have us................waiting for more......................

[Bunkie103]

More, more, I need more. Sailing the Majesty on 10/18 first timers on NCL and I need lots of info. Heading out for the day, so I'll hope there is another installment tonight.:confused:

[Philly Steve]

All packed and ready to go! ;)

[coka]

Embarkation:

 

A cab ride from the airport area (Lithicum) to the port is about 27 dollars. My driver was a local who knew all the back road routes instead of taking the interstate. I found out on my return trip he was not just taking me for a ride to get a higher fare. The interstate route is about the same cost. The port of Baltimore is by far the easiest. You need documents out before they let into the area. Sometimes they will just flag you in without looking. We drove right in. I noticed parking was a one level area about the size of a football field next to the building entrance. No elevators, long walks, or parking blocks away…just a flat piece of land where you roll your luggage just yards to the embarkation building. Parking for the week is 91 dollars.

 

Inside the building you go through security first so keep your cruise ticket and identification out. They give a questionnaire about your health to help reduce the risk of any noro-virus outbreaks on board. A guy behind me asked his wife the ship’s name to put on the form (as there a question on the form asking for it). He must have been told he was going on a cruise by his spouse or he too was in the second half of his life and just could not remember.

 

One of the best perks of latitudes platinum status is V.I.P. priority check-in. I learned a few cruises ago to not just follow the people standing in line…ask someone where to go as they will have your name on a list. Passengers in suites also get this perk. Concierge Bruce van Der Boon, a lad from South Africa, warmly greeted me with a glass of champagne and I got to drink it as the computer guy took my information. Check-in took 2 minutes…the same time it took to chug the second glass offered. I am a classy gal.

 

Bruce introduced me to my ship escorts Raquel and Veronica (who work the reception desk on board). The entire process was relaxing, pleasurable, and all three had a genuine interest in my well-being as they gave me a very welcome home. As I left to walk with Veronica and Raquel to board the ship, Bruce said if I needed anything to just let him know. I asked if he could provide a 6’3” Romanian God for me to dine with. Wouldn’t that be nice of NCL to hire them for that purpose? They could dine/dance with passengers during the evening and give massages in the spa during the day.

 

All staterooms were ready by 1:00pm but I boarded earlier around noon. I used my secret method to drop off my carry-on and I went to lunch at the buffet. I could cut-and-paste from other reviews what I ate because I always end up sinking my teeth into their deliciously prepared chicken, roast beef and potato salad. During lunch I spotted a cruisecritic and her family as they all wore t-shirts announcing their baby girl’s first cruise. Only three posters for on the roll call boards, an official meet-and- greet was not planned. I chatted briefly with them and baby Izzy is a cutie-patutie!

 

The sky was overcast and not conducive to lying in the sun that afternoon so I explored the ship using my pocket guide they give you. If you lose yours, each stairwell has a ship layout picture along with signs of what is on each deck. I found a secret spot. Although not labeled on the stairwell pictures, it is labeled on the pocket guide. Deck 8 aft has a small, intimate quiet sunning area adjacent to a small seating area in the shade starboard side. I spent my first 2 days mostly there as it was a great spot to think and to gaze out upon the ocean. It also had a metal ash-tray attached to the wall. Well, I hope it was an ashtray…

 

The lifeboat drill was run very well. Most passengers had theirs on promenade deck 7. Mine was in studio 52 disco (located deck 7 aft). A newbie cruiser was not so thrilled to be inside. A frightened teenager, she questioned her parents why they had to be in a disco so far from the life boats where everyone else was. She did not want to die in a dance bar. I could not think of a better place in which to see my Father…

 

Sailing out of Baltimore with the ocean breeze and the skyline view shared amongst passengers was memorable. I was fortunate to score a spot forward ship. The sail away was enhanced tremendously by two 8th grade and 2nd grade brothers. They were fun to talk with because of their inquisitiveness and of their interest in what I had to say about maritime matters and Baltimore history. The only thing I felt bad about is that I never saw their parents. How come they were not enjoying a special moment with their children? Where were they? Any time I saw those two kids they were always on their own. What if I was some creepy freaky person?

 

On a side note, I did see many parents who were with their kids at all times.

 

coka

[lyndyb]

Very enjoyable review, Coka! More story, please?

[coka]

Before sail away ended, I cashed in my champagne coupon at the Rendezvous Bar. The Majesty has most Freestyle 2.0 implementations and the free cocktail was one of them. Others included upgraded menus, new forms of entertainment and shipboard experiences/offerings such as NCL-U and Wii. On this ship, the new bedding and more tangible amenities were not included. This makes sense because when they turn the ship over next year to the new owners, those types of things go with it. Even so, my bedding was still comfy!

 

After sail away, I listened to the pool band Xcite who played music throughout the week. All the bartenders and servers were very personable throughout the week. None were pushy with cocktails and their efficient service never left anyone waiting long for their fix. One in particular went out of their way for me. Bartender Courtney from Jamaica not only made a stiff tanguerey and tonic, but he delivered a missed thank-you tip for a Dream bar manager. The Dream was docking next to the Majesty and the manager set up a champagne cruise critic party when I sailed her a few months ago. I was fortunate Courtney did this for me as I felt bad I had not thanked the manager appropriately.

 

The color pink was highly visible on the first day. Whether it was Bermuda pink dresses, shirts, shorts, toenails and fingernails, everyone seemed happy to be there. Well, almost everyone. I met a solo passenger as we commented on each others pink outfits. She was not happy with just about everything and I do not think she was happy with my response about making such declarations only after a few hours on board.

 

I went for a free hair consultation in the salon because in my last minute planning, I did not have time to get rid of my reverse colored skunk look…the one with blonde hair ends with grey/black roots going down the middle. Lisa, the stylist on board fixed all that. My first time coloring my hair on a ship, I was pleased with the results. From South Africa, we talked non-stop the entire two hours. She even offered to show me Bermuda along with her friends during her time off. She did not know any 6’3” Romanian Gods but I thought it nice of her to include me.

 

Sober and not ready to dine alone, my evening meal poolside from the pasta/oriental station hit the spot. Joel Padalina and his counterparts always ensured a freshly prepared, tasty, hot and steamy pasta dishes or oriental dishes all week long. Joel was a godsend because I never knew what I wanted. All I had to say was surprise me with his specialty mixtures. He took great pride in his creations and I had great pleasure eating them. I thoughtfully planned my dining moments at the pasta station to ensure I was not standing in a long line. Regardless, if you find yourself in a line, the wait is worth it. Besides, where are you going?

 

Although the Majesty pool layout is different from the bigger ships, I enjoyed the fact there were no lounge chairs set up to get in the way of the abound tables and chairs . The pools have a built-in lounging area if you want to spread out. Plenty of room existed to sit in the sun or shade at a table. The long loungers are spread throughout the entire deck above. I never had a hard time finding a vacant one which is a perk sailing solo.

 

Having reached my 21st NCL cruise and having not attending many of the shows in the past few years, I decided to start all over again as if I was a newbie. The welcome aboard show gives an overview of the evening entertainment options on board. There seemed to be a lot of options for live entertainment. This included the piano player and vocals, the showband, the singing duo, and the folk/blues/rock guitarist and karaoke from fellow passengers. I knew I would have the opportunity to see and hear all of them but I did make a note not to miss magician Scott Alexander nor comic Mark Bevill’s shows.

 

I went to bed at 9pm. Wondering if the second half of my life was to become this, I got up three hours later and went to the disco to ensure that it did not. Not too many people were there as most are usually tired embarkation night. I had the opportunity to meet two female teachers, one retired, who were an inspiration to what I do. They allowed me to hang out with them throughout the week and it was great to walk solo anywhere and meet up with them. I thank the two of them along with the young people I met on board for getting my head straight when I return to work. Dancing for the next 3.5 hours until the disco closed also helped. I did not dance non-stop as I used to during the first half of my life. I needed bathroom breaks to ensure the sweat was not noticeably soaking through my clothes. I have been doing that ever since my Hurricane Wilma cruise when the Sun overnighted in Cozumel and everyone danced non-stop all night long at Senor Frogs...

 

coka

[*Wink*]

Sure am enjoying your review, Coka! Keep it coming. I hope the 6’3” Romanian Gods show up!

[coka]

Sunday, First Day At Sea:

 

I awoke four hours later to Sunday morning and jumped out of bed to not miss Father Gordon’s Catholic mass. Sixty passengers had the same idea yet about 15 more of us were traditionally late. Held in the Palace Theater, an altar and podium were set up along with fake candles. Having missed the multiplying of bread and fish liturgy, I was able to hear the sermon. Knowing many were inspired, I wondered what my private message would be. Everyone went to communion to receive the Eucharist. Among the 20 left, I noticed a pause with Father Gordon’s host administration. I could tell he was counting. Being fourth from the end, I received a 1/15 wafer speck of Jesus. Having multiplied the last remaining wafer, Father fed all of us. Who says you can not find modern day miracles? Jesus remained in my upper right back molar the entire week.

 

An inter-denominational service was held by Revered Brandon Palmer immediately afterwards but I chose to eat breakfast in the Seven Seas Dining room instead. The wait-staff was wonderful and I had a beautiful view of the ocean, Majesty’s wake and a yummy ham/cheese omelet. The Seven Seas is the largest dining venue yet the Majesty also has the Four Seasons which has the same menu. Other options include the breakfast/lunch/dinner buffet in Café Royale, a pasta restaurant in the royal observatory, French specialty dining in the Le Bistro, and 24 hour hamburgers/hotdogs/fries/pizza on deck 10 aft. Of course, room service is always available and you can find late snacks in the casino.

 

Captain Goran Blomqvist made his morning announcement along with his thought for the day: “Everyone should have someone to love, something to do and something to hope for. I had the first and the third already so my something to do became get sun lying out at my quiet secret spot most of the day. Taking the advice from other cruise critics, I brought a mini igloo water container which was helpful to have at the beaches, on excursions and in my cabin. My first time ever bringing one, I was not yet ready to be seen filling it at the juice/water/ice tea stations. Instead, the melted ice from my cabin ice bucket did the trick all week long. This kept my final Evian water bill down.

 

Non sun-seekers had plenty of options every morning and afternoon. Today included excursions talk, destination Bermuda talk, golf putting, bingo, spa seminars, gem seminars, casino tournaments, exercise seminars, smoothie/beer/wine tasting, sudoku/trivia challenges, ping pong and pool volleyball tournaments, completed by the infamous NCL Pub Crawl or yoga or a Wii challenge all before dinner! After completing my sunshine-to-do, I napped and went to the seminar on the Atlantic Ocean. I really appreciated this new freestyle 2.0 option. In my opinion, they are educational for the entire family. I might be wrong, but there seemed to be a lot more offerings on the Majesty than the ones I viewed from some of the freestyle daily postings displayed in some of the cruise critic links. I am on two newer ships in the next six months so I make my final conclusions if indeed more was offered on the Majesty.

 

I met my cabin attendants because I needed a corkscrew to crack open the free wine also known as my liquid encouragement. Wine and fruit were in the cabin delivered at embarkation as a platinum member. They were great guys as putting the two beds together also was also not a problem. Throughout the week, Steward Dave Lewis and his assistant Felix always greeted me with a smile and asked how everything was going. Having fresh and immediate towels/linens/ice/ashtray/bedding/condiment replacements, they always accomplished it with a special touch or a kind word. Not only did they make towel animals at night during turndown, but made them in the morning too!

 

Ready by 9pm, I escorted myself to the Four Seasons. Having read the menu earlier (displayed outside the restaurants and at the reception desk), I already knew I wanted the asparagus and scallops appetizer followed by the lobster tail and grouper entrée. The photographers were set up as I walked through the main areas. Regarding dress, you really can dress up or not on any night with freestyle dress codes. There really are not any with exception to not wearing shorts to the dining rooms at night. Likewise, you can have a professional picture taken no matter what you wear.

 

With freestyle dining, you can also eat with your own party number or you can eat with other passengers who wish to share their table. Let the staff know if you want to share as you go in. Upon my entrance I asked if there was possibly a 6’3” Romanian God in there who requested someone to share a table with. “No Madame, I am sorry nobody made such a request.” The restaurant was pretty much full so I made no request to sit at any particular corner by myself. I laughed when I was seated in the spotlight table…the one in direct view as you enter or exit the restaurant. I ordered more wine.

 

I teased everyone as they efficiently cleared the three other place settings leaving a lone setting amongst a sea of white. I turned my hand into a Capital L gesture for loser and held it against my forehead to be funny. The Asst. Maitre D Anton Sebayang was mortified. “Let me put you at another table,” he stated. “No, no, no,” I replied that I was only joking. I liked the table because I could see everyone walk in and everyone walk out. I could see them all work and I wanted something to look at. The location was perfect. My meal was surprisingly perfect as well. When it arrived, I thought I was going to have to create my own miracle of multiplying the lobster tail. Could I too cut it up into 15 tiny pieces as Father Gordon did with the Eucharist? No need as my server immediately stated I could order more at any time. So, if you want more…all you have to do is ask. By the time I ate everything on my plate, in-between conversations with passengers and employees, the portion ended up being absolutely perfect and more was not necessary.

 

If not for Anton and his hostess little Aleli, I would not have had as good a time as I did. Any time they were free for a second, they would come over and talk to me. Although I enjoyed the character building while smiling and conversing with passengers walking by, the interactions with those two were enjoyed much more. I am not commending them for only being nice to me as everyone else was on the Majesty. I commend them for their hard work, their interaction with all passengers, their genuine and sincere concern for the well-being of everyone’s dining experience. There is something very special about those two. Anton should be Maitre D or jump that step to the next management level. He certainly has all the characteristics and skills. Little Aleli’s energy, smiles, interactions, and waves-from-afar always brought a smile to my face. She has an aura about that makes everyone happy. If I ever had a daughter, I would want her to have the presence and grace that Aleli has. Both were shining stars as they brightly demonstrated all week long. As I get older and begin to tell the same stories over and over again, you can be sure to always hear about Anton and Aleli.

 

I finished dinner and headed over to the casino for the big billed entertainment: Monte Carlo Night. A fun event, the dance staff shows up to entertain. The gals wear the sexy outfits with big feathers and the guys wear YMCA outfits all showing hot bodies. Cruise Director Ered was an excellent host and got the passengers involved. Stand near the CD when you go because they give out prizes including the Monte Carlo t-shirts all crew wear that day. Included in this event is a pinnacle arrangement of champagne glasses. Passengers take turns pouring the bubbly from the top until all glasses are full. Photographers stand by for photo ops. A highlight for me was watching the bartenders spin bottles and throw them around without spilling a drop as they make cocktails. Finally, all this is done to pulsating music. Afterwards, passengers could dance in the casino and a crowd did. I stood and watched from afar as I realized after two days that I could smoke cigarettes in there.

 

Afterwards, a late night entertainment option was karaoke, which had a steady following amongst the passengers all week. The other option was dancing in the disco. I selected the disco and had a good time dancing. Good thing I wore different shoes this night because nothing touched my blisters from the night before. I discovered our St. Lucian safety drill instructor, Charlyne, also known as “Dumpling” could shake her booty. She helped get passengers out dancing. Not as crowded as some had hoped, I enjoyed my workout there until 2:30am. I think a dance floor is much more interesting and more fun than a treadmill.

 

coka

[*Wink*]

Fabulous, Coka! I can tell you're a special lady, but so did your cabin stewards! Two towel animals a day?? How wonderful! Love, love, love Sunday's recap.. looking forward to your next. Thanks!

[retiredAF]

Very enjoyable review! Thanks!

[maryln]

Thanks, Coka. I'm enjoying reading this while I'm at work & looking forward to the rest. You seem to be a very fun person. :D

[coka]

(Thanks for the replies everyone! Awinkler, no, not every morning. Even so, it was a first)!

 

Monday: Morning At Sea/Arriving to Bermuda

 

I awoke to something new offered by NCL although I did not attend: A live music jazz brunch in the Four Seasons dining room. The master chefs prepare and serve a brunch while passengers listen to live music. This was from 11:00-1:00pm. A 15 dollar cover charge applied and I chose not to check it out. If anyone went and would like to tell, then feel free to add to this thread. I ate earlier with two couples traveling separately so five of us had breakfast together. My free eggs benedict were awesome! The conversation was interesting and by the end, the six-degrees-of-separation rule applied. One’s immediate family all lived in Donegal, Ireland where one half of my ancestors are from.

 

As mentioned earlier, various activities were offered throughout the day. New ones I noticed on this morning were art seminars, a Latin dance class, a scavenger hunt and fitball along with the others. Having read a great review of CD Ered’s seminar on ocean liners, I was glad I chose that venue. Not only is Ered a brilliant CD, but master in the knowledge of ocean liners and ships in general. An engaging seminar, I learned a lot. He gave another one later in the week on the Norway and the report from passengers was another masterful seminar.

 

While worshipping the sun from 11:30-1:30, Bermuda slowly entered the horizon. The excitement built as more passengers arrived on the outside decks. Anticipation grew as the Majesty approached the famous cut leaving what appeared to be inches of space between her and Bermudan shoreline. A single cannon shot blasted and the town greeter bellowed out. The Majesty was supposed to arrive around 3pm but she was early. While standing on the forward middle sun deck I cherished taking part of a memorable experience I had only read about. I found irony in the fact that had I stayed home…at that very moment…I would have been in the middle of taking part in a colonoscopy exam, something too I had only read about. I clearly made a better choice for the moment. My thoughts switched quickly as the Majesty prepared to dock in St. George. Although never seeing Bermuda, I knew enough after 32 cruises overall to get down to the pasta station for lunch before everyone else did.

 

Not in a hurry with no tours booked, I waited for most to debark after I ate. A quiet moment on the ship, I got a few French fries, broke them into tiny pieces, and fed a couple sparrows who lined up to see who would get close enough to my feet. I quit when they too multiplied and I got the heck out of there before I was caught. Back in my cabin, I found a blend of white and dark chocolate strawberries delivered as part of my repeat passenger reward. I ate them all. Having eaten my share of goodies over the past few years, these were definitely the most succulent. I wanted to chirp loudly in gratitude to whoever delivered them.

 

Totally content and happy to remain on the Majesty, I figured I better get my cula off the ship and explore St. George as indeed it was Bermuda I was supposed to experience. I skimmed through scratch notes taken from cruise critic that I found important during my last minute planning: Visitor Center at Caffe Latte…get 3 day bus/ferry pass there…only 28 dollars…also cheaper internet…Bermuda is safe all over…Glass bottom boat…casual dress…do not eat on land…very expensive…cabs are too…shopping in Hamilton…sunset cruise…dolphin encounter at Dockyard…3 dollar mini-bus to St. Catherine’s beach or Tobacco Bay (good for snorkeling)…strenuous walk up hill to either beach…3 hour reef fishing excursion...late night dance club at White Horse Tavern after 10pm…museums…unfinished church…St. Peter’s church…perfumery…Bus #7 to Horseshoe Beach…Bus #7 to Church Bay…best snorkeling there…take bus to Crystal caves…Fantasy cave is better…less lines at either before 9am…Kings Wharf and Dockyard are the same thing...Harbor nights festival St. George Tuesday night…Harbor nights festival Hamilton Wednesday night.

 

Exhausted from reviewing the Bermuda-to-do list, I recuperated on the secret deck by watching all the people below and stared at St. George’s landscape. I remained until it was time to do something really important such as eat again. Beginning to take a liking to this new old me, I was finally relaxed when I really did get off the ship after eating the dinner buffet once they opened it up. Being an “early bird” at the dinner buffet is something worth mentioning. I got to see all the new menu items beautifully presented, steaming hot, and fresh out of the oven. The only one there at its 5:30pm opening, I also had free reign over the multiple servings of jumbo shrimp cocktail. Yes, I wrote jumbo shrimp cocktail! They are served every night. Chirp chirp chirp!

 

I strolled casually through the quaint streets of St. Georges peeking into store front windows while noticing various restaurants about. One with high reviews commonly heard about is The Carriage House. I did not eat there but those that did gave me favorable responses. My stroll lasted long enough to see overall the location of everything. The one thing I could not find was a book titled “The Sea Venture.” An historical account of the 150 people and one dog that survived after crashing into Bermuda’s reefs, she was one of the ships heading over to Jamestown, Virginia. Many survived the island, built two boats and successfully landed in Jamestown 10 months later only to find most of their counterparts dead. The Sea Venture survivors ended up rescuing the Jamestown survivors and sailed back to Europe. The Water Street’s bookstore owner told me the book is no longer in print. Maybe the internet power will help me find one because the story is indeed intriguing.

 

I made it back in time for comic Mark Bevill’s show. Great jokes and funny stories, his show was enjoyable and I laughed out loud a lot. I wanted to go back for the later show as most of the night-time ones are offered twice the same evening. This definitely helps with planning your dinner times and not missing out on something good. Not making it, I instead had a nice conversation with the singing duo Timeline found in the Royal Fireworks Lounge. This lounge is forward ship deck 5. Their vocals were beautiful together. If you are with your sweetheart and want to dance or just listen as opposed to the boom boom boom sounds in the disco, then this is a place to go. Other options included guitarist Shawn Hebb who usually appeared at the Polo Lounge or Wayne Usselman who usually played in either the Royal Observatory or Polo Lounge. All three entertainment venues are great options to choose from as you sip cocktails while visiting friends and other loved ones.

 

The tropical deck party is a fun event for the entire family as the kids could still use the pool and hot-tubs while the Majesty cruise staff got people dancing on the stage. The staff held other fun surprises so you have to go to find out what they are. Be sure to par-take in this party as I never attended a bad one on NCL yet. I scored an up front chair and had an interesting conversation with a woman from Jordan whose daughter treated her to the cruise. During the conga line, someone grabbed me and pulled me in. I followed and grabbed others along the way. Staying with an elderly man I grabbed, I realized that yes one can still limbo through their early eighties. Returning to my seat, I found out the Jordanian mom could still do a fast-paced and exotic belly-dance.

 

As the action continued, I smoked a cigarette at the pool bar because it turned into a cigar bar in the evening. While all eyes were on the twisting couples on the stage, I gazed in the pool at a solo little kid swimming. Well, he was not swimming. He was floating. Face down. Motionless. Not moving. Nada. I scanned the crowd. Was I the only one seeing this? Questioning my eyesight, was I really seeing this for so long? How come nobody is doing anything? One second before I responded, the little tyke pops up, takes a deep breath and proceeds to laugh to himself about how funny he was. I laughed out loud by myself from afar as I surely can appreciate a sick joke, even if it did come from a 6 year old. He does not know it, but he also sharpened my brain for when I return to work.

 

Upon conclusion of the deck party, I went to the passenger-less studio 52 club. Wide awake, I left ship to check out the WhiteHorse Tavern directly across from the Majesty. I could hear great dance music yet the place was almost empty as well. I do not mind dancing on a ship alone, but I am not an idiot when out of town, let alone out of country, in an unfamiliar environment. Well, sometimes I am idiot, but I usually have my older Lt. Colonel sister with me should I need any rescuing.

 

I gave myself an A for effort in trying to find a dance venue the third consecutive night given my age and all. I classified the conga, limbo and dollar song earlier that evening as counting. Good thing I did not stay out as my angels must have been with me for I had scheduled a last minute tour before the excursion desk closed that night. As I walked across a passenger-less deck 5, I noticed an open door and an older than me gentleman working behind his desk. I lightly greeted him a hello and sympathetically asked, “How come NCL has you working so hard into the wee hours of the morning?”

 

I found he was the Hotel Director. HD Brian Walters from Jamaica has worked 39 years for NCL. Upon conclusion of our conversation, I understood more the secret of the Majesty. He loves his job, he loves the ship and he loves the crew he works with. The dedication, genuineness and sentimentality from his leadership flow through the entire ship. I left with such good feelings. A person can work forever as long as they are happy with what they do. One can stay active as they age because a positive healthy attitude can make all the difference in the world.

 

coka

[Maryfrei]

Reading your review once again makes me regret that I will not have a chance to experience the Majesty. I have always been impressed by the deep affection many passengers hold for her!

[bobsfamily]

We need more!

[*Wink*]

You chirp, chirp, chirp at jumbo shrimp.. I do the same for your ongoing review!! Thanks for another great installment, Coka!

[crew mom]

Eagerly awaiting further installments of your trip!

 

Isn't it fun going at the last minute? It's strange not having the anticipation / planning time but it seems like there are more fun surprises to enjoy!

 

Glad you had fun!

[Lancer525]

Monday: Morning At Sea/Arriving to Bermuda

 

While standing on the forward middle sun deck I cherished taking part of a memorable experience I had only read about. I found irony in the fact that had I stayed home…at that very moment…I would have been in the middle of taking part in a colonoscopy exam, something too I had only read about.

 

Hmmm... Let's see...

 

Examining the beautiful scenery while arriving in Bermuda...

 

or,

 

Examining the inside of someone's rear end...

 

What a difficult decision that must have been!! :D

 

I clearly made a better choice for the moment.

 

Who would have guessed? ;)

 

What a fantastic series of posts, Coka!!

[coka]

(Maryfrei, switch your plans! Crewmom, yes, it is also fun cruising during the summer! Who-da-thought? Lancer, there were so many ways to describe the irony of the Majesty going through the town cut. I just chose the safest description!)

 

 

Tuesday: Bermuda (part 1 of 2)!

 

I knew certain category suite passengers could eat an intimate breakfast and lunch in a select specialty restaurant on every NCL ship but always forget whether that applied to platinum and gold repeat latitude members. I was reminded by Concierge Bruce they were missing me at Le Bistro in the morning, so indeed it does. The evening French specialty restaurant, Le Bistro is the secret breakfast and lunch spot on the Majesty for such passengers. The inside is cozy and the outside area has tables-for-two next to windows with a beautiful view. These tables also come with passengers walking by the way to other destinations. I decided to eat my scrumptious steak and eggs outside with St. George abound. This became my morning ritual for the remaining cruise. So did the steak and eggs. You will never hear any argument from non-NCL cruisers that other mainstream cruise lines reward repeat passengers better.

 

Only staring at St. George since yesterday, I decided to book an island tour. Although armed with all sorts of information regarding taking the buses/ferries around the island, I took an air conditioned bus island tour since I was becoming an elder. I was too afraid to take the blue poled route when I was supposed to take the pink poled route. I was too afraid to stand by myself at a strange bus-stop in the burning hot sun waiting for #7 to show up. Even though everyone says Bermuda is safe, I was afraid I would hit the headline news when I disappeared never to be seen again. I was most afraid to not be near rest room facilities.

 

The island tour was the best 69 dollars ever spent. Totally worth every penny, I saw the entire south shore, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, Hamilton, King’s Wharf, the north shore and parts of middle road that runs through the island. Rose, our tour guide and driver was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to hear. Stopping at scenic areas, passengers could take pictures. I saw in person just about all the beaches cruise critic Radio showed pictures of (check out his review…it played an important role in my selecting the cruise). We had 5 bathroom stops. Most stops were 20 minutes with the longest being 45 at King’s Wharf. The tour lasted from 9:30-2:30. The bus tours do not accommodate wheelchairs and did not have lunch included. No need as you can purchase food/water along the way at various stops, I found taking my single igloo water cooler and fruit from my cabin worked perfect for conquering hunger pangs.

 

Some passengers and I concluded we were going to quit our jobs back home and move to Bermuda. Since every 5th building was a church, we saw an untapped market of giving church tours. There were many churches that I know passengers would pay to be brought to. Unique in architecture, all must have a fantastic story, no matter the denomination. Rose did take a special route to show us the smallest church in the western hemisphere still in operation even though we might be late to return. We all agreed to make up a traffic jam story. A more believable one would be a scooter accident story. Far too common in Bermuda, never rent one anywhere.

 

The Dream greeted us as she docked next to us in St. George. I immediately hit the leftover lunch buffet and ravished through pork ribs, terryaki chicken and lamb-something. Whatever the lamb dish was, I went back for seconds. Returning to cabin, I got ready for the repeat customer latitudes party. Billed as “resort casual,” I had to get ready. Get ready for some free drinking and some free prizes are what I mean by that!

 

There were over 200 latitudes members on board but about 90 showed up. The Captain and other staff members greeted and chatted with passengers as drinks and finger foods were served. I hooked up with an elderly female passenger whose children and grandchildren left her on board while they toured Bermuda. I told her to count her blessings. At least her family went on a cruise with her. Back in the day, she used to work the cruise ships as a nurse. Sherry McKeowen (sp?), the cruise consultant did a great job introducing the staff and giving out prizes. Nana and I had non-stop “elderly cocktails,” yellowbirds, all while the seemingly 88 prizes were awarded. They had perfume, t-shirts, champagne bottles, specialty restaurant certificates, spa treatment certificates, art, casino coupons and other cool stuff from the ship. By the time the party ended, neither of us won a prize, yet it did not matter. We both left high.

 

I had a tough decision to make regarding the evening entertainment. I narrowed it down to two choices: Go to St. George’s Harbor Nights Festival or go to one of NCL’s newest entertainment offerings. Some young artist was going to do something old and new, something like Sammy Davis Jr. meets Usher. Not making up my mind, I figured eating dinner would bide the time until making a final decision.

 

Returning to the Four Season’s, I knew the famous cold soup and yummy prime rib would ease my dilemma. Walking in, I hung my head and asked the new hostess in a low, defeated monotone voice, “I don’t suppose there is a 6’3” Romanian God who by chance wants someone to dine with tonight?” Not knowing how to take my request, she said there was a solo gentleman who offered his table for other diners to join him. In panic, due to the oddities of some solo travelers, I asked is if was weird. “Oh no, Madame,” she replied. No really, I clarified, “Is he some strange guy out cruising for some action?” “Oh NO, Madame!” she replied again. Then forget about it I jokingly responded. My third question was whether or not he was interesting to talk to. “Oh yes, Madame!” That answer sealed the deal for me. She escorted me over to the table and there he was…MY KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR…

 

coka