Imperial Majesty 111/2/07

[leeanninfla]

WOW, that is all I can say.
I took my 3 daughters, ex husband, my best friend and her son, and my daughters 2 best friends on this ship for my daughters Sweet 16. We came home this morning, and I must say...
We had a WONDERFUL TIME. Yes Hurricane Noel went through the islands the day before our departure from Ft. Lauderdale, and the seas were a bit rough when we left on Friday, however, the ship was great, the food was good, and the drinks were flowing. There were a great many people that were ill due to the rough seas, but can't fault the cruise line for that.
We made the best of what we had, went expecting an old ship, and had a blast. There were not many out at the pool side entertainment Friday night, but there were enough to make it fun. My daughters 2 friends were sick, as was my oldest daughter. During dinner I started feeling it, and found Seabands in the gift shop, and within about 20 minutes I was ready to party yet again. The kids started feeling better also at this point.
Saturday in Nassau we had a wonderful time. We had "Hurry Murray" drive us around the island, same excursion that would have cost $49 from the ship, was $28 with him, and he made it an hour longer. There were 9 of us, and we had a 16 pax van to ourselves. We stopped for samples at a nice package store, pictures on Cable Beach, Exploring one of the Forts, and the Queens Staircase, as well as the straw market. After that we had a 45 minute stop at Atlantis, and the kids loved seeing the Aquarium, and just being on the property, and taking pictures with all the statues. The driver then dropped us off at the straw market where we walked through bought a few shirts, and then ended with lunch at Senor Frogs.
After lunch we reboarded the ship, and sat in the hot tub until it was time to leave port, once we were underway.
We had a chance to meet the captain, had a few pictures taken. I talked to him about the ship, and any plans coming up for it. He did confirm it is going into drydock in January for some upgrades, as well as only has 35 more months to sail. He did confirm that there is a plan in motion and another ship coming to replace the Regal Empress when S.O.L.A.S. takes effect. He asked me why I was asking so many questions, and I just simply said, I am a TA and have customers asking me about it, as well as the fact that I like to be an educated consumer. He was happy with that answer I guess, because that is when he said yes there are plans for another ship. I had hoped they would buy the Celebration from CCL however I have now read that CCL is starting a market in Spain, and sold the ship to them. OH WELL. Hmmm... wonder about the Holiday.
Anyway, we had a good time at the Formal Dinner, the food was good. The kids were all feeling much better tonight, and we were able to all have dinner together. The girls however after being busy ALL day, we exhausted quite early and went to bed about midnight, after a couple of hours in the disco of course.
We went to Kareoke and this was probably the only thing on the whole ship I did not enjoy. We had put in for songs to sing, however they kept calling the same people to sing over and over, and only 3 people did for the whole hour, we never got the chance, and then it was over. We then left, and had another drink.
As morning came, breakfast was being served, we pulled into Port Everglades right on time at 9am, we had an extra hour because of the time change, and we pulled in at 9am new time instead of the old. YAHOO. We took about 15 minutes getting off the ship and through customs and I was on my way to work.
We all enjoyed it, and as a nice weekend getaway without missing work, it really fits the bill. The kids want to go back and we are going to do it again in December. HEY, just having lunch at Senor Frogs once a month or so makes this trip worth it.
As many have said before, go into it with your knowledge that this is an OLD ship. Go on it for the history and fun, not the ship itself.
I will say, my room on this ship, deck A room 1 was bigger than the ocean view 8068 on the Majesty of the Seas that I had in September.
GO HAVE FUN, Don't expect the rock climbing walls, or the waterslides, and you will have a good time.

[mbisson]

Sounds like you enjoyed your cruise as we did. Seems most that sail IM do. That little 2 night getaway is what it is, and if you don't expect a megaship adventure a good time can be had.

I wish they would leak out just what ship they're considering buying/leasing/whatever. Of course, maybe they're still "kicking the tires" themselves.

[Bases5]

Glad you had a good time, We also love the old lady for what she is its a great trip.
I would love to find out what ship they are going to replace the Regal with if they do. I also love it if they had a 3 day cruise also. 2-3-2 each week. That would be fun.

[robsvacation]

Lee Ann

Welcome back and glad you had a good time! Glad to see some good recent reviews (to counter balance my own!) Were you able to take any pictures of the ship?

I have a feeling I should be careful next time I'm in Fort Lauderdale, if anyone for the Regal Empress somehow read my review they might be hunting me down!

[sagiv666]

WOW, that is all I can say.
I took my 3 daughters, ex husband, my best friend and her son, and my daughters 2 best friends on this ship for my daughters Sweet 16. We came home this morning, and I must say...
We had a WONDERFUL TIME. Yes Hurricane Noel went through the islands the day before our departure from Ft. Lauderdale, and the seas were a bit rough when we left on Friday, however, the ship was great, the food was good, and the drinks were flowing. There were a great many people that were ill due to the rough seas, but can't fault the cruise line for that.
We made the best of what we had, went expecting an old ship, and had a blast. There were not many out at the pool side entertainment Friday night, but there were enough to make it fun. My daughters 2 friends were sick, as was my oldest daughter. During dinner I started feeling it, and found Seabands in the gift shop, and within about 20 minutes I was ready to party yet again. The kids started feeling better also at this point.
Saturday in Nassau we had a wonderful time. We had "Hurry Murray" drive us around the island, same excursion that would have cost $49 from the ship, was $28 with him, and he made it an hour longer. There were 9 of us, and we had a 16 pax van to ourselves. We stopped for samples at a nice package store, pictures on Cable Beach, Exploring one of the Forts, and the Queens Staircase, as well as the straw market. After that we had a 45 minute stop at Atlantis, and the kids loved seeing the Aquarium, and just being on the property, and taking pictures with all the statues. The driver then dropped us off at the straw market where we walked through bought a few shirts, and then ended with lunch at Senor Frogs.
After lunch we reboarded the ship, and sat in the hot tub until it was time to leave port, once we were underway.
We had a chance to meet the captain, had a few pictures taken. I talked to him about the ship, and any plans coming up for it. He did confirm it is going into drydock in January for some upgrades, as well as only has 35 more months to sail. He did confirm that there is a plan in motion and another ship coming to replace the Regal Empress when S.O.L.A.S. takes effect. He asked me why I was asking so many questions, and I just simply said, I am a TA and have customers asking me about it, as well as the fact that I like to be an educated consumer. He was happy with that answer I guess, because that is when he said yes there are plans for another ship. I had hoped they would buy the Celebration from CCL however I have now read that CCL is starting a market in Spain, and sold the ship to them. OH WELL. Hmmm... wonder about the Holiday.
Anyway, we had a good time at the Formal Dinner, the food was good. The kids were all feeling much better tonight, and we were able to all have dinner together. The girls however after being busy ALL day, we exhausted quite early and went to bed about midnight, after a couple of hours in the disco of course.
We went to Kareoke and this was probably the only thing on the whole ship I did not enjoy. We had put in for songs to sing, however they kept calling the same people to sing over and over, and only 3 people did for the whole hour, we never got the chance, and then it was over. We then left, and had another drink.
As morning came, breakfast was being served, we pulled into Port Everglades right on time at 9am, we had an extra hour because of the time change, and we pulled in at 9am new time instead of the old. YAHOO. We took about 15 minutes getting off the ship and through customs and I was on my way to work.
We all enjoyed it, and as a nice weekend getaway without missing work, it really fits the bill. The kids want to go back and we are going to do it again in December. HEY, just having lunch at Senor Frogs once a month or so makes this trip worth it.
As many have said before, go into it with your knowledge that this is an OLD ship. Go on it for the history and fun, not the ship itself.
I will say, my room on this ship, deck A room 1 was bigger than the ocean view 8068 on the Majesty of the Seas that I had in September.
GO HAVE FUN, Don't expect the rock climbing walls, or the waterslides, and you will have a good time.

I'm glad you enjoyed the cruise. My wife and wil be taking the same cruise as part of a vacation package we purchased last month. We are experienced cruisers and we do not expect the luxury we have found in ships of other lines such as Holland America, Royal Caribbean International, or Norwegian American.
While we understand what to expect -- although we do look forward to seeing Nassau -- there is one problem. With our package, and if we add on more days and nights in a timeshare near Orlando, for example, we will be bringing more luggage than just the a carry-on for which is adequate for the cruise. We have learned in this forum from others that cruised on Imperial Majesty that there are no porters to take your luggage from the dock on to the ship. The advantage of living near the ship terminal is that you only have to bring a carry-on for each, for example, while your other clothes remain at home. If we had friends or relatives in Fort Lauderdale, we would leave all are luggage except 2 carry-ons with them until we returned from the cruise. Unfortunately, any of our friends or relatives living near Fort Lauderdale are now dead, so we have to be concerned for all our luggage. Someone from Customer Service suggested leaving any luggage we don't take on the cruise in the rental car we will be given and which will remain parked near the terminal for the duration of our cruise -- however, we don't consider this a realistic option, even if the parking area is patrolled by security.
It is an interesting problem -- I have read posts from others who cruised on the Regal Empress and who agreed there were no porters on the dock. I just talked to someone in Customer Service (for our package) who claims there are porters on the dock, which she has seen and used a number of times she cruised with Imperial Majesty.
Let me make it clear -- we are not expecting a luxurious cruise such as what we have experienced with other cruise lines. I have a heart condition and my wife has a physical disability, and to attempt handling all the luggage on our own may cause us health problems. I am sure we are not the only passengers with health needs -- what is Imperial Majesty's answer to our concerns?:confused:

[s.cost@sympatico.ca]

WOW, that is all I can say.
I took my 3 daughters, ex husband, my best friend and her son, and my daughters 2 best friends on this ship for my daughters Sweet 16. We came home this morning, and I must say...
We had a WONDERFUL TIME. Yes Hurricane Noel went through the islands the day before our departure from Ft. Lauderdale, and the seas were a bit rough when we left on Friday, however, the ship was great, the food was good, and the drinks were flowing. There were a great many people that were ill due to the rough seas, but can't fault the cruise line for that.
We made the best of what we had, went expecting an old ship, and had a blast. There were not many out at the pool side entertainment Friday night, but there were enough to make it fun. My daughters 2 friends were sick, as was my oldest daughter. During dinner I started feeling it, and found Seabands in the gift shop, and within about 20 minutes I was ready to party yet again. The kids started feeling better also at this point.
Saturday in Nassau we had a wonderful time. We had "Hurry Murray" drive us around the island, same excursion that would have cost $49 from the ship, was $28 with him, and he made it an hour longer. There were 9 of us, and we had a 16 pax van to ourselves. We stopped for samples at a nice package store, pictures on Cable Beach, Exploring one of the Forts, and the Queens Staircase, as well as the straw market. After that we had a 45 minute stop at Atlantis, and the kids loved seeing the Aquarium, and just being on the property, and taking pictures with all the statues. The driver then dropped us off at the straw market where we walked through bought a few shirts, and then ended with lunch at Senor Frogs.
After lunch we reboarded the ship, and sat in the hot tub until it was time to leave port, once we were underway.
We had a chance to meet the captain, had a few pictures taken. I talked to him about the ship, and any plans coming up for it. He did confirm it is going into drydock in January for some upgrades, as well as only has 35 more months to sail. He did confirm that there is a plan in motion and another ship coming to replace the Regal Empress when S.O.L.A.S. takes effect. He asked me why I was asking so many questions, and I just simply said, I am a TA and have customers asking me about it, as well as the fact that I like to be an educated consumer. He was happy with that answer I guess, because that is when he said yes there are plans for another ship. I had hoped they would buy the Celebration from CCL however I have now read that CCL is starting a market in Spain, and sold the ship to them. OH WELL. Hmmm... wonder about the Holiday.
Anyway, we had a good time at the Formal Dinner, the food was good. The kids were all feeling much better tonight, and we were able to all have dinner together. The girls however after being busy ALL day, we exhausted quite early and went to bed about midnight, after a couple of hours in the disco of course.
We went to Kareoke and this was probably the only thing on the whole ship I did not enjoy. We had put in for songs to sing, however they kept calling the same people to sing over and over, and only 3 people did for the whole hour, we never got the chance, and then it was over. We then left, and had another drink.
As morning came, breakfast was being served, we pulled into Port Everglades right on time at 9am, we had an extra hour because of the time change, and we pulled in at 9am new time instead of the old. YAHOO. We took about 15 minutes getting off the ship and through customs and I was on my way to work.
We all enjoyed it, and as a nice weekend getaway without missing work, it really fits the bill. The kids want to go back and we are going to do it again in December. HEY, just having lunch at Senor Frogs once a month or so makes this trip worth it.
As many have said before, go into it with your knowledge that this is an OLD ship. Go on it for the history and fun, not the ship itself.
I will say, my room on this ship, deck A room 1 was bigger than the ocean view 8068 on the Majesty of the Seas that I had in September.
GO HAVE FUN, Don't expect the rock climbing walls, or the waterslides, and you will have a good time.


We are planning to take this cruise in May 09 with my son and daughter who are 20 .I was a bit worried after seeing so many neg.reviews then I came to yours it made me at ease. Your Sat. in Nassau is what we would like to do. Once your of the ship did you find Hurray Murray there? Any info. avaiable I would appreciate.

[robsvacation]

Hey S.Cost

You might have noticed from the other posts that the Regal Empress, Imperial Majesty's one and only ship, has been chartered to serve as accomodation for workers rebuilding Galveston, at least until January (and likely longer.) The Regal Empress was to be retired in 2010 as she will not comply with the strict new SOLAS safety regulation coming into effect that year. There are strong rumors that Imperial Majesty already has leased/purchased a new ship (not a classic I'm afraid, rumors name an older north sea ferry actual.) So by May, assuming Imperial Majesty is offering cruises again, there may be a very different ship in service.

Of course with the economic crisis in full swing who knows what will really happen. In any case you might want to look at a "plan B" for May.

[leeanninfla]

There are porters there, however they will not load up the luggage to take to the room for you like on most cruise lines. You actually take the luggage through check in with you, and they take it from you once in the building and after you have had it scanned.

[leeanninfla]

If you don't get to take the new ship that IM will have out, take a look at the NCL sky out of Miami, it does a nice cruise to the bahamas, is 3 nights, and I have heard alot of good about it coming back from clients.
I am actually sailing on it myself in December, and can't wait. I love Nassau, and I get to see Hurry Murray again, I have allready emailed him and reserved our tour.