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

[kidz_rn]

Coka -- Did I read correctly that this was your 32nd cruise (21st on NCL!), but 1st to Bermuda? And you live in the Northeast U.S.?

[coka]

Kidz, I know! I live on Vermont's beautiful Lake Champlain...why would I leave that in the summer? Now I know better and now I know just what all of you have been raving about! I had to see for myself!

coka

[*Wink*]

Coka, Coka!! Another exciting read.. Thank you, dear! I've re-read your posts trying to find out your cabin category and location.. did I miss it??

[Philly Steve]

Love a juicy cliff hanger! :D

[jdarch]

Just a silly question. What island tour did you take? It sounds like something I'd like to try.:) Thanks

[coka]

(Awinkler, I was in the boiler room! Actually, is was 4073, one of the few left...it was great for one person).

 

(Tuesday: Bermuda: part 2A of 2A/B…sorry!)

 

REALLY! There sat my Knight in shining armor! Okay, so he was not 6’3” and he was not Romanian, but he really was a Knight christened by Queen Elizabeth herself. He wore the tie and the jacket and the coat of arms to prove it. At 76 years young, he was a God-of-Travel-and-Adventure. A member of two secret travel societies (the ones where you have to prove visiting over 100 countries), he shared fascinating stories of intrigue.

 

We were soon joined by one of the married couples I had breakfast with two days earlier. My Knight from St. Thomas could not get a bite in edgewise as we kept asking for more. Eyes wide open; the three of us listened to his work with Mother Theresa, how the Majesty was his 233rd cruise, how on Saturday he was heading to Venice for back-to-back-to-back Windstar cruises, then head to a 35 day world cruise after that. My knight was knowledgeable in history and current on world affairs. He enjoyed writing about his travels and so did I, just in different ways.

 

My follow up question was, “So what are your goals and aspirations?” He wants to visit all countries ending with the letters s-t-a-n. I wondered if he ever experienced heartbreak and he did as his first wife died while on a North Pole expedition together. I felt bad for not feeling too bad as I kept thinking what a way to go…what a way to go! Currently married to a beautiful 46 year old Norwegian gal with a beautiful daughter, he taught me that the second stage of a two part life is not something to fear but something to embrace.

 

We realized our knight needed to eat so we agreed to not ask any him any more questions. A quiet moment, the married couple and I gave each other a look of what the hell can we contribute. Married man said, “And here I was going to talk about the Crystal Caves this evening.” We all laughed together and I sat up straighter, raised my eyebrows, tilted my head and said to my knight, “Well, have you ever had the chance to christen a cruise ship?” He had not, so he got to finish his meal while I told a fascinating story.

 

My knight and I agreed to share some future meals together. He rescued me from solo dining and solo formal photos. I took my knight out on a date to the VIP party later in the week as NCL did not have records of him cruising with them prior to 1997. By the week’s end, he promised to allow me to live vicariously through his adventures. A knight never goes back on his word and I received a fantastic email today at work as he is enjoying his cruise with his family while currently visiting the beautiful island of Korcula.

 

coka

[coka]

Just a silly question. What island tour did you take? It sounds like something I'd like to try.:) Thanks

 

Not silly at all. The Bermuda Island Tour (5 Hours) booked through NCL's excursions. Totally worth it!

 

coka

[jimswims]

Wow coka, you really know how to enjoy yourself. When are we cruising together again?

 

I am really enjoying your adventure. It sure beats packing for our upcoming cruise. We leave tomorrow for NYC and will board the Miracle on Wed.

 

I hope to read more of your adventure soon.

[coka]

Wow coka, you really know how to enjoy yourself. When are we cruising together again?

 

I am really enjoying your adventure. It sure beats packing for our upcoming cruise. We leave tomorrow for NYC and will board the Miracle on Wed.

 

I hope to read more of your adventure soon.

 

Jim, my colleague (the one you met on the Dream with me) talked today about your 8/7/09 Bermuda trip. If I am not on the Spirit then, I 90% will be in Bermuda on one of the NCL ships so we can meet up! Have an awesome time on your cruise...can not wait to hear about it! Happy Birthday to your lovely bride Liz. A cruise is a great way to end the summer before the school year starts, eh?! hehee

coka

P.S. Let me know if freaky Freddy is still the Carnival mascot...

[coka]

Tuesday: Bermuda (Part 2B end for real...I have to work tomorrow)

 

I walked the promenade after dinner and observed the huge party in the town square. A giant crowd was involved with the electric slide. Normally, I would have gone down and joined but the Showtime Tonight on the Majesty with Chantz Powell won out. Feeling bad this 21 year old had to compete with St. George Harbor Night Festival, I was surprised to find standing-room-only when I entered the Palace Theater. After one show only, Harbor Night is now in competition with HIM! Chantz was absolutely fantastic. A singer/musician/tap-dancer, he blended the songs of the greats, such as Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Van Morrison with new sounds and vibes of today. I was brought back to new Bourbon Street, New Orleans mixed with new Norwegian style entertainment.

 

Watching from afar, nobody left. More than tap-dancing and moon-walking…he danced something unique. More than old songs with new melodies…he sang something unique…more than trumpet playing and making music with his throat …his sounds were unique. He truly combined the new with the old and the old with the new. A fantastic show for ALL ages that ALL appreciated. He received a standing ovation for that very first performance on an NCL ship. I stood and clapped the loudest as he also complemented my theme for the week.

 

The 50’s/60’s sock hop took place at 10:30 on the pool deck. Although an old NCL party theme, it was new to hold more parties on the pool deck. Just wait until the F3 ships come out in 2010 as more bars/entertainment will be designed for even more outdoor parties under the stars. Just to correct my review, this was actually the night the little tyke pretended to be dead in the pool. I was at the bar also drinking tangueray and tonics so I had enough courage to dance at the Whitehorse Tavern regardless of who was there or not.

 

So I searched my cabin closet for something I could get hot in. No, not hot as in slinky, but hot as in something to sweat in. I needed something that could absorb perspiration without looking wet. A pair of loose shorts and a tank top with summer dancing shoes would do the trick. Not sure if I looked like a tramp or if I looked good, I thought at my age I was not supposed to care. I did not by the time I finished the cabin wine.

 

After midnight, the night security guys who swipe key cards said there was a good crowd at the tavern. No care about the crowd and more care about the music and room on the dance floor, I told security I was gonna get down, I was gonna get funky and I was gonna get smelly working every muscle in my body. I was gonna dance my arse off to celebrate the first half of my life on its last remaining day. And that I did. My brick house self shook it all down down. Trancing the joint, I faked a bit of hip-hop as well. I did a little freek dancing on my own. Some fast Jordanian belly dance moves blended well with some of the beats. I rocked that white horse until the tavern walls came down. Well, until the lights came on. Looking around in daylight I realized I was not alone. A lot of passengers and staff from the Dream and the Majesty were there too. A great time was had by all!

 

coka

 

coka

[Bunkie103]

Can you tell me about the room safes on the Majesty? Do they use a number combination or a card with a magnetic strip? Thanks in advance for your help. Totally enjoying "your" trip on the Majesty although we are heading the opposite direction on her in October.

[coka]

Can you tell me about the room safes on the Majesty? Do they use a number combination or a card with a magnetic strip? Thanks in advance for your help. Totally enjoying "your" trip on the Majesty although we are heading the opposite direction on her in October.

 

My cabin (4073) safe required a card with magnetic strip. I laughed once I locked everything up and wondered what to do next with my credit card!

 

Since the ship is older, there may be different safes in each room. There were different phones in each room probably collected and replaced over the years. My telephone appeared Dutch. As I peeked into open door cabins at debarkation, I saw a wide range of styles and colors.

 

Since the Majesty is older, I am not sure if there is range of safes too. Either way, both types are very easy.

 

coka

[Bunkie103]

My cabin (4073) safe required a card with magnetic strip. I laughed once I locked everything up and wondered what to do next with my credit card!

 

Since the ship is older, there may be different safes in each room. There were different phones in each room probably collected and replaced over the years. My telephone appeared Dutch. As I peeked into open door cabins at debarkation, I saw a wide range of styles and colors.

 

Since the Majesty is older, I am not sure if there is range of safes too. Either way, both types are very easy.

 

coka

 

Thanks for your quick response. We've always had the type where you need a card with a magnetic strip on Carnival and we have a special card we use for this. I think Cunard was a number combination. I'll throw the card into the "to go" bag.

[ute_fan]

I'm so glad someone else posted a link to this thread. We'd been in Yellowstone this weekend and I totally missed it! As usual, reading a review by Coka is one of my favorite things about cruise critic.

 

Hope you had fun celebrating our shared birthday!

[FIRELT5]

Quick ???? Any charge for the Pasta Cafe ???? TNX :)

[Bunkie103]

Quick ???? Any charge for the Pasta Cafe ???? TNX :)

You beat me to that question.:p

[Tideone]

As usual you are keeping me glued to my computer waiting for the next installment of your cruise review.

I told you AirTran was a lot better than US Scare and just think you can take it all the way to Atlanta when you come visit us.

Now that you are back I will begin to post my review of Coka's FreeStyle Resort, located on the shores of Lake Champlain.

I didn't want to start posting it while you were gone but wanted you to be able to read it as I posted.

Just so everyone else knows, my wife and I spent a fantastic week with Coka upon our return from our Bermuda cruise on the Dawn in July.

She had been telling us how nice her part of the country is since we met her on the Jewel several years ago.

She is exactly right when she says she lives in paradise in the summer, although she could use some air conditioning for her guests on those really hot days. LOL.

While we were there she kept telling us how much we had to come back when the leaves begin to change.

Well, we have taken her up on it except we are not going to take of her hospitality but are going to stay in the mountains a short distance away.

We are looking forward to our next visit to Vermont and the Cabot Cheese Factory.

[coka]

Gulp! A charge for the pasta cafe? I can not recall and my Dailies are not with me. I want to say no. I only remember seeing a 15 dollar charge for Le Bistro. I always got my pasta at the action station. Even so, I will check tomorrow and report back before my work day starts as I am mostly out of office with training. I do know they want reservations though for that restaurant...which is actually the observatory room turned into specialty dining room with a great view and music!

 

Ute-Fan, now I know how you spent our shared birthday! I hope you had a great time in Yellowstone!

 

TideOne, you still have an onboard account to settle...haha. You will be happy to know the boat is STILL in the driveway and I am not ticked off anymore at hubby because I went on NCL's boat in place of it. I can not wait to see you and your bride again! Bad time to tell you I hate air conditioning, eh?! LOL

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Wednesday: Bermuda Again!

 

After last night, I understood why Wednesday has the least amount of planned activities in the Freestyle Daily. This worked just fine and I empathized for those who had to run them. My something-to-do was to hit the hill for Tobacco Bay and St. Catherine’s Beach. While observing the hill for so long, I still could not figure out if I walked straight up towards the unfinished church or if bared right further uphill. Signs present, still confused, I took what appeared the route of least resistance.

 

Staying straight at the unfinished church, I soon arrived to Tobacco Bay. I used the bar/facilities to change into my bathing suit and then walked a flat road to St. Catherine’s Beach which was indeed open. A nice beach with bar/facilities, volleyball area, and sea-doo rentals, I walked to the far end and rested near the cannons below the Fort. I did not know then the fort was open for public exploration. Content to swim, doze in the sun, gaze into the ocean water, I knew I could leave whenever I wanted; A first ever feeling to not fear missing the ship if I unintentionally fell asleep. I listened to the ocean surf; faint bar music; and the loud solo jackhammer in use at the uninhabited hotel on the opposite hill. Bermuda being the third wealthiest per capita country in the world, certainly could have rid the gargantuan structure in 20 minutes if they so wanted. The one guy working jackhammered for 3 hours. Still better than not having a beach at all as I hear it was closed in weeks past.

 

Upon ability to use my legs again after some stretches, I left as the sun seemed to set behind me. I took a new route and discovered an additional small beach in-between with a restaurant/bar above it. The tide was in with only 3 feet of beach left. I continued on to Tobacco Bay. Small but beautiful, I scoped the scenery of protruding rocks where daredevils jumped, snorkels searched, and swimmers splashed. Spotting a flat rock with private cove to enter water safely, I remained for the afternoon. Or was it early evening? I did not know and I did not care.

 

Body in transition on that lone rock, the breeze gently went through a transparent self. Robbie the Gem-It Mermaid came to mind as the setting sun dried my suit, hair and skin. I understand why she loves to sit on a rock all day watching the ships go by. Compiling the lessons from relatives gone by, along with those learned from 10 older siblings and from my Knight, I smoked a Virginia on that Tobacco Bay rock. When done, I was finally transformed into an Elder-It. A price can not be placed on such a loving and hopeful feeling.

 

Back in the cabin I rested until the Dutch 3-3 phone buttons awoke me 15 minutes prior to the Liar’s Club show. Thankful for the invention of water-proof mascara, I made it in time. Having seen, met, and laughed with the CD, the magician, the comic, and the art director, I knew the audience was in for a treat. Good thing for the invention of Depends because these guys did not disappoint. Total riots, the four gave an outstanding performance of a few scripted yet more unscripted answers. An interactive audience venue mixed perfectly with their interactive impromptu abilities. Very experienced with NCL, this was the first time the four did a show together. Having told them it was the best Liar’s Club performance ever seen, they agreed it was the best Liar’s Club they ever did.

 

Since it rained into the early hour of the next day, August 7, the night-owls and the smokers met up in the casino and in Studio 52. Make note that while in Bermuda, the casino and the ship’s shops remain closed the entire time in port. Nobody danced, nobody returned to the tavern, and everyone just enjoyed sitting around talking. Different age groups, different backgrounds, different vocations, all are best friends by that time of week…even though we could not remember all our first names. The die-hard crowd finished the evening dining on pizza, hot-dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, and French fries at the 24 hour deli. You just got to love a group who vows to only sleep when they are dead!

 

coka

[ute_fan]

I'm not where I can do last minute cruises -- except maybe on sailing around the Great Salt Lake which wouldn't be very interesting -- but you inspired me to see what last minute trip I could make happen. Yellowstone was great! It was a quick trip, from Friday through Sunday, but very nice to get away.

[coka]

I'm not where I can do last minute cruises -- except maybe on sailing around the Great Salt Lake which wouldn't be very interesting -- but you inspired me to see what last minute trip I could make happen. Yellowstone was great! It was a quick trip, from Friday through Sunday, but very nice to get away.

 

Would you have gone if all you had to pay for was taxes, fuel and port charges and getting to Baltimore?

 

coka

[coka]

Thursday: ¼ Bermuda and Day At Sea (part 1 of 2)

 

I met my Knight at Le Bistro window view for breakfast and we watched the passengers on shore run back to the Majesty during a downpour. All were getting their last minute shopping in or returning from morning tours. Another V.I.P. gathering was held at 10:30am in the House of Lords room on the same deck. Something new, this second invitation did not really describe what it was for, only that they hoped we all would be there. The HD and the Cruise Consultant were host and hostess.

 

I still did not know what it was even after a short while. We talked and discussed our trip so far. The cool part was that champagne and mimosas and brunch finger foods were flowing heavily. It was a shame to let all that work of pouring them go to waste. Every time I looked down at my table a fresh glass was in front of me. I swear NCL is turning me into a lush! But I love it.

 

We were told that we are valued customers and they appreciate us coming back time and again. I brought up my observations regarding the special-ness of this particular crew/staff. The Majesty set sail and five minutes before reaching the cut, I announced today was my birthday and I wanted to quickly run upstairs to blow the ship’s horn. Startled, not sure how to respond, they began to discuss the possibility. I immediately clarified that if I had really wanted to blow the ship’s horn I certainly would have asked long before that. The response to my intentional curveball 2 seconds before the cut question was humorous enough for me.

 

We could next ask questions and they answered them. I questioned where all the 6’3” Romanian Gods were. They are hired yet once on board the female crew marry them and run away. I totally understood.

 

The next segment was that NCL truly values our opinions and if anything went wrong on board to please tell them so that they could fix it. The room went quiet. Nothing wrong for me! The what-went-wrong for one passenger piqued my interest. Before the HD responded, I thought “You have been on HOW many NCL cruises and you did not know THAT?!” The main issue was totally non NCL-related and clearly passenger error. Even so, I eagerly listened. There were only two options in my mind. Which one was Mr. Walters going to pick?

 

Mr. Walter’s response was neither of the two. Thinking completely outside the box, he came up with a masterful solution. A solution he certainly did not have to offer in my mind yet he did. Even so, I was totally impressed with his brilliant response because he genuinely and sincerely wanted the passenger to be happy. I know this because I talked to him afterward. I know the passenger was happy because I talked to him later that evening too. Clearly, HD Walters is the best kept secret to the Majesty’s success.

 

The next segment was to offer suggestions for improvement, whether it is for the Majesty or for NCL. At the time I could only think of having the spotlight more on Chantz Powell’s legs during his show so we could see the fantastic steps better. I told them I already suggested to the magician that he go around to tables in the lounges or restaurants and do some impromptu magic. I encouraged magician to just do it and see what the response is. By the end of the cruise, I also suggested that the White Hot Party T-shirts not only be for sale the day of party but sell them the day after as well. I do not buy t-shirts but I definitely would have afterwards. Lastly, offer a female fitted t-shirt with the same unisex logo…why just offer the male fitting? More sales of those t-shirts mean more advertising in public. The same goes for the Monte Carlo ones.

 

NCL also sends out a post-sailing passenger survey and I received mine in today’s email. I included the above suggestions (along with bringing back the married or not Romanian Gods and put them to work in the spa)! The only thing I forgot in both the meeting and in the survey was that some of the utensils in the buffet were difficult to pick up food with. Some were plastic tongs and did not squeeze together well. This may seem trivial yet I would hate to see a frustrated passenger use their fingers instead. Additionally, it did cause the selected item to drop thereby causing the passenger to try another causing the tray to get messy.

 

Some cruise critics prefer the immediate questionnaire to fill out before debarking. The post-sailing survey makes sense as you really do get more time to reflect.

 

My goodness, am I leaving anything out of this review?

 

coka

[ute_fan]

Would you have gone if all you had to pay for was taxes, fuel and port charges and getting to Baltimore?

 

coka

 

That would definitely be tempting -- but right now I wouldn't have been able to get the time off work. Starting a new job with less vacation time available is definitely cramping my style!

[lgfromdg]

I don't know how I didn't find this until tonight - thanks goodness I didn't miss out on one of Coka's fabulous reviews.

[coka]

You beat me to that question.:p

 

On this sailing, there was NO charge in the Pasta Cafe. The only cover charge restaurant was the Le Bistro.

 

coka

[Bunkie103]

Thanks for that info.:D