Majesty, Diamond/Diamond + Books, MTD, etc.

[Michuck]

Just back from the Majesty yesterday....and figured I’d give an update on some of the questions/issues that have been raised here.....

We had a wonderful time, as we always do on the Majesty, in fact on any ship. It’s been two years since we were on board the Majesty, and we did notice that parts of the ship really were beginning to show her age. It’s not that we compared her to a newer ship, but over the past couple of years, just with the economy, etc., we haven’t been able to cruise, so our comparison is strictly Majesty now vs. Majesty 2 years ago, and there was definitely a change. She just seemed ‘older’ and not quite as elegant. Not sure I can put my finger on real specifics...I felt the changes mostly in the dining room from the waiters’ uniforms (frayed edges, etc.) to the total feel. This could be too because there was so much activity - people leaving, arriving, at all different times so there was no sense of calm...which may have skewed our perception. We did notice her age on the pool deck for sure....and she just doesn’t seem as ‘fresh’ as she could with better maintenance.

We took MTD, and I’ve pasted my comments (slightly edited) posted to another thread:....we chose MTD.....We won't again. We made a reservation for each nite, the first night went along relatively well, although a bit slow and the wait staff seemed a bit overwhelmed with some just starting dinner, and others finishing....the second nite was not as good. Although we had a reservation (at 8:00) we had to wait in line for about 10 minutes (not really a big deal) but then when we were seated, we waited 25 minutes before a waiter took our order. We didn't go to the maitre d' figuring we were on vacation, what the heck, but still....dinner took us nearly an hour and half, which we weren't too thrilled with. There didn't seem to be the same interaction with the wait staff as there is when you are in traditional dining, when they have time to 'chat', and you knew they would serve you the next nite....we did ask the maitre d' (and even gave him a cash gratuity that first nite), requesting the same table if possible, or at least the same server the next nite. It didn't happen. Also, I had to use the restroom and when returning, the 8:30 traditional dining people were lined up and when I tried getting through the crowd (remember, we were already seated), I was rudely told that I should "wait in line like everyone else"....I told them I was already seated, but it seemed to fall on deaf ears...a very uncomfortable situation. We wound up eating in the Windjammer the last nite, and frankly, it was far more relaxing and the food seemed to taste better, with a greater variety - including SUSHI!!

We are Diamond + members, and here are some of the ‘extras’ we got:
- Chocolate covered strawberries in our cabin 2 afternoons.
- 2 really nice RCCL tote bags...the larger ones with the zipper...
- Coupon book, which is definitely different than the ones we had last time. No complimentary drinks (I do think there was a coffee coupon, but since we don’t drink coffee, didn’t pay much attention.) One buy one/get one free glass of wine.
- 20% discount on photo.
- 3 $5 match play
- 3 ‘spin to win’ coupons. (You exchange the coupon for gold coins and play a dedicated slot machine. Depending on the number of points you get, you win a prize. Hubby won an RCCL keychain.
- There were some other coupons for discounts on perfume, logo shop, etc.
- We were invited to a tour of the bridge (which was fascinating!)
- There was a special ‘reception’ every nite between 5 and 6 for Platinum, Diamond and Diamond + free wine and champagne, everything else was 25% off.
- Priority disembarkation.

DH and I felt there was indeed a change in the quality/quantity of food (served on an individual portion) in the dining room, as well as the wait staff (which is addressed in the comments on MTD), and not for the better. I ordered a mozzorella and basil calzone, and it wasn’t at all good. The consistency was as if they reheated it in a microwave - the edges were hard as a rock, the cheese was kind of unmelted. The cheese was on top, the sauce inside which was kind of pasty. It was the first time I ever ordered a replacement on RCCL. The duck on the second nite, along with the escargot, were very good. All in all, I’m not shopping for, cooking or cleaning up after dinner, so I’m happy.....

The weather held out so that we were able to stop in Coco Cay...we didn’t get off the ship though, having fallen asleep on deck and waking up just when the clouds were rolling in....what a relaxing afternoon! We didn’t go to any shows, except the Love & Marriage show. We did spend quite a bit of time in the casino, and did well, with DH and I both winning jackpots over $1,000 (one was on a penny machine!!).

The crew in general is still great - friendly and smiling (although seemingly stressed in the dining room, but they tried!). It never ceases to amaze me how many people are on a cruise and yet you basically never feel crowded.....DH and I found quiet places on one of the decks where we were able to enjoy quiet time....

Don't let any of my remarks discourage anyone from the Majesty or MTD....these were my observations/experiences only....believe me, I will sail on her again!!

M.

[mariefisher]

Thank you, enjoyed your comments.

[SueG]

Thanks for the review. I will be sailing on her for the first time in a few weeks. It seems to me that the MTD is making the whole dining experience a little chaotic. I had MTD on a Carnival ship for the first time in May and although I never waited for a table, you could still tell they are still trying to perfect the whole thing. I think both lines within the next year will have all the kinks straightened out.

[cruisefromct]

Thanks for the review. I'll be sailing on the Majesty on friday.

[PrincesScuba]

Originally Posted by Michuck

<snip>
- There was a special ‘reception’ every nite between 5 and 6 for Platinum, Diamond and Diamond + free wine and champagne, everything else was 25% off. <snip>

Are you SURE?!?!?!?!?

[Michuck]

Originally Posted by PrincesScuba

Are you SURE?!?!?!?!?

I could be wrong about the Platinum....

M.

[mariefisher]

Thinking of sailing on Majesty in Oct. and wondered if you could tell me if they have deck chairs on the promonade deck? Thank you.

[John Henry on CC]

Originally Posted by mariefisher

Thinking of sailing on Majesty in Oct. and wondered if you could tell me if they have deck chairs on the promonade deck? Thank you.

Of course they do.

[cruizinmimi]

Originally Posted by Michuck

- - There was a special ‘reception’ every nite between 5 and 6 for Platinum, Diamond and Diamond + free wine and champagne, everything else was 25% off.
- Priority disembarkation.


M.

Michuck - are you saying that they charged the D+ for mixed drinks?

[mariefisher]

Thank you John for answering. I have been on a few of the short cruises on older ships and they didn't have deck chairs on the prom. deck. I love to sit out there.

[dmndlil]

Originally Posted by Michuck

I could be wrong about the Platinum....

M.

Just off the Majesty today, it was our last sailing as Platinum. If it did include Platinum, we did not know about it....lol.

[torpeedo]

Seems like the Majesty is the only ship with a 1 hour special event for Diamond and Diamond plus passengers. From what I have heard so far, all ships are providing the 5 to 8 or 8:30 reception as noted in the Diamond benefits.