Majesty Review 16th-23rd May

Flight left on time....Surprisingly decent leg room on an uneventful flight which was spent nodding off,waking up,nodding off and waking up until landing.On arrival made our way to the two carousel luggage collection where only one was in operation dealing with three flights,cue much jostling and elbowing to retrieve luggage.Thankfully both our cases arrived fairly quickly and at the same time.Made our way through to arrival hall to be met by a Thomson rep who told us to make our way outside to another Thomson rep who assigned our coach.Well organised,quick, efficient and a great system a whole lot better than at Palma where its much more manic and unorganised....Off we went and before we knew it we were arriving at the port.Transfer time was probably no more than 10 minutes .The check in/registering of CC,getting cabin keys/photo, again was well organised and quick and all over in about 5 mins then it was off to the duty free shop before boarding for a supply of cigs for the cruise and for home.For the smokers get your cigs here,in sleeves,works out around £1-36 p per 20 packet,£9-00 back home.Yes on our one week cruise there were two 15% off days and although the prices are good(so much so MJTS bought me more) still not as cheap as the duty free shop.Once stocked up made the short hop,skip and a jump to the ship

Made our way up the gangway and onboard for our first time on the Maj.We were quite happy to make our own way to our cabin but a steward was adamant he`d take us.On arrival our cases were already sitting waiting on us or should I say MJTS.:DWe had opted for a outside plus cabin on deck 4 and although not nearly as big as our cabin on the Dream was a fine size,clean and tidy.Glad we pre booked our cabin as it was actually a 4 berth outside plus(two pull down beds) as the ordinary twin bed outside pluses we saw on the same deck,well,couldn`t swing a cat sprung to mind.. Although we had requested to our TA and Thomson that we wanted a double it was made up as a twin but was quickly rectified by the staff,however we`d have probably have been better leaving it as a twin, as a double it leaves very little space either side to get past the cupboards/drawers which the bruises on me and MJST shins testify to:DShower room,small , clean and functional with what must be the smallest,unfitting shower curtain I`ve seen,it barely covered the gap.We also for a few days had a toilet that refused to flush on demand,more flushed when it felt like it,sometimes 10 minutes after use even 20 minutes.Didn`t bother reporting it as we thought by the time maintenance came it would have flushed by then.Seem to sort itself out after a few days so great big deal .Our cabin was kept spotlessly clean by not one but two very friendly and smiley housekeepers Anna and Nouby

Summary of Cabin..Fine size,clean and tidy but didn`t find the bed the comfiest(very thin mattress).Bathroom/Shower Room,small but clean,minor flushing problem.Even had the floor grouted over the week

Time for a quick scout about the ship,bite to eat,drink back to the cabin to unpack and get changed ready for lifeboat drill at 7-45pm.This was held in the Jubilee Lounge and felt it was very matter a factish where on the Dream it was held on the deck next to your assigned lifeboat.Never saw our assigned lifeboat 18 in the Jubilee Lounge!! Then a bite to eat then the sailaway party

As were not the up at crack of dawn for a lounger types so next day,sailing day was a a more in depth scout around the ship finding out where everything was and to get a general feel for it then the rest of the time up on deck 10 around the pool.Plenty of free loungers to be had on both deck 10 and the promenade deck 7.Liked the promenade deck(7),felt wider/ more spacious than the Dream but theres no bar unlike the Dream but more than enough bar waiters doing the rounds makes up for this .Overall ,ship in not too bad nick,spotless although and being pernickety,the insides of the lift doors are a mess where names/graffiti have been inscribed/scored into the glass,plenty enough bars and seating areas

Food

Thought the food was very good, breakfast,plenty to choose from and of good quality.We had breakfast twice in the Seven Seas,the first time not knowing the script we joined a queue of about 20 only to be pulled forward past everyone and shown to a table,where we were waited on whilst many others helped themselves.This took too long so the next time(no queue)walked in and helped ourselves.The rest of the time we had breakfast in the Cafe Royal,again very good

As we ate late in the afternoon come night time we would do the early show then eat after in the San Marco..Again the food was very good,hot and plenty to choose from.Excellent salads and they make a mean pasta.We also ate in the Four Seasons where we had a steak(£9-95),with trimmings,chips,veg,mushrooms,choice of sauce.Must say it was excellent although MJTS thought her T-bone was a bit tough

Entertainment

Excellent as per usual with some great shows /singers.Resident band Muzik Unlimited were fab and liked the fact they played in the Jubulee Lounge before the main show each night.The Jubilee Lounge begins to fill up from 8-00pm(main show doesn`t start till 8-45pm) and is much better listening and watching an excellent band than listening to some background music..The downside to this Lounge is the pillars where depending on where you get a seat your view can be restricted,akin to watching a tennis match or playing peek a boo

The guest comedian was a guy called Les Bryan who wasn’t my cup of tea and fairly unfunny in both his shows.Yep went a second time to his late show hoping for better

Drinks service,excellent

Royal Fireworks

Nice comfortable lounge where we watched a few of the game shows,Mr and Mrs,State Of The Nation etc.Yes, cheesy but we enjoy that type of thing

Drinks service,excellent

Staff

Could not fault them

Quite surprised at the mix of nationalities and how many were Eastern Europeans,Ukrainian,Romanian,Serbian,Polish whereas in the past its been predominantly those from the Philipinnes and the likes...Everyone from housekeeper to the top of the tree were top class,especially Rab C one of the bar waiters from the Philipinnes who along with others had a better Scottish accent than me.The other thing that surprised me was actually how many waiting staff there was which was great by the way.Had no problems being served a drink in fact most of the time you didn`t need to ask,they just came to you asking if you`d like another

Itinenary

Great,we loved every port( bar Venice)but Kotor was just WOW,what a beautiful place and surroundings

Gripe regards Venice..If you take in the internal walkway from the ship through the terminal then the walk from there to the water taxis you had to be looking at 1.5 miles if not more.No good to those with walking probs or the more mature shall we say and with no shuttle buses we had to give this a miss.There were other cruise ships docked much closer that provided free shuttle and water taxis to their passengers.. Thankfully we had been before

Corfu Airport

Dropped off outside the terminal building and stood in a queue outside for 15mins,fortunately in the shade.The were letting passengers in 20 at a time which was sensible when you see how small it is inside.Once inside had our luggage weighed and checked in only to be told to take them off again the scales again.I thought they were maybe overweight,No.You have to lug them off the scales and then take them to the end of the check in desks and lug them onto a separate scanner.

Once through security and if you fancy something to eat,don’t hold your breath,this a one hall departure with one eaterie which sells,well not a lot.Our flight was delayed by 50 mins so had to make do with a packet of crisps

Overall

Had a great time and after getting a feel for the ship and used to our new surroundings we felt right at home and would have no qualms of cruising on her again

Comparison to The Dream

General condition of the ship is much of a muchness although the Majesty shades it

Layout....I prefer the entertainment deck on the Dream where the main show lounges are right next door to each other eg Medusa/Broadway Lounge where on the Maj the Jubilee is at the other end of the ship from the Royal Fireworks.Prefer deck 10 pool area on the Maj to the equivalent on the Dream which always seemed to be ramjammed,packed like sardines.Maj always got a seat at least.The smoking areas,I preferred deck 10 that overlooked the pool on the Dream.

Cabins...Size- wise the Dream no doubt and a bigger much more comfy bed but dull decor.Was more than happy with our cabin on Maj which was smaller a less comfier bed but brighter decor

Food/Restaurants..... Breakfast and buffet was better on the Majesty....Better layout at the buffet restaurant on the Majesty.Well documented regards the poor layout at the buffet on the Dream.

Difficult to split the MDR`s although the service in the Fours Seasons in comparison to the Orion was much quicker and efficient almost bordering on too quick and maybe just shaded as far as food is concerned,however main meals especially the steaks in both were very good.....Breakfast and buffet was better on the Majesty....Better layout at the buffet restaurant on the Majesty.Well documented regards the poor layout at the buffet on the Dream.

Entertainment,difficult to split although liked the fact you can watch a live band on stage pre main show on the Majesty.Both Strum Jam resident Band on the Dream and Muzik Unlimited are excellent.Everytime I`ve been on the Dream there seems to be have been much more audience participation especially in the Medusa,on the Maj seemed more reserved

Where The Dream wins hands down is the venue for the main shows The Broadway Lounge .Also its where I saw Fogwell Flax the funniest comedian of all our cruises.Too many restricted view seats in the Jubilee.Another thing that I found better on the Dream was the atmosphere at night on the promenade deck,even after the bars closed.There was always groups of fellow cruisers out having a smoke/drink/chinwag,not so the Maj virtually deserted.The Dream was more of a party type ship to us where fellow cruisers wanted to continue and did even once the bars had closed

Staff

Top class on the Maj..Although the staff on the Dream are great I found the staff that bit better on the Maj and many more of them

All Inclusive

Was happy with what was on offer.The Majs draught lager was very good and much better than The Dream.However the Dream wins hands down on spirits,very weak on the Maj with many flat mixers.Had to request 60-40 in favour of spirits to get a decent drink

They both have their pros and cons but would happily cruise on either of these ships again

Oh I really enjoyed reading your review Jim- thank you.

I know it's not an easy job writing these reviews- trying to remember everything! It's only a couple of weeks since we returned from doing the same itinerary so it brought so many memories back for me.

You didn't mention the crew show and the wonderful rendition of 'Fame' sung by Rose- hopefully you didn't miss this lovely lass!

We did cruise n stay and the rep in the hotel forewarned us about having to lug your case onto the security machine after checking in so we were ready for this procedure! It's time they built a bigger airport at Corfu- it's been overcrowded for years. Must be awful in peak season.

Thanks again Jim for taking the time to write the review.

Flopsy

Wow Jim!, you've certainly gone your ends this year.:rolleyes::D

An excellent review, I'm pleased you had another great cruise.

Great review - I'm going in July so that's made me a bit more excited now :D

great review jts :cool: many thanks for this (thumbup/like)

Good to hear you enjoyed it all so much. :) It was good to read of your impressions.

You've reminded me of Corfu airport - congested at the best of times. Can you imagine what it was like on the occasion that we were holed up there with all but two outbound flights when the torrential rain stopped the arrival of all incoming planes which had to be diverted to Athens? Passengers with flights due to depart from about 10.00 am onwards were periodically left at the airport which became more and more like a sardine can and they were stuck there until eventually they were accommodated overnight in hotels and flown home next day. The in-coming passengers stayed for two nights in hotels in Athens before picking up their cruise on Day 2! :eek: Not an airport to be stuck in with about 10 aircraft loads of passengers - plus domestic flights!!!!

Thanks, Jim, for the very comprehensive review. It must have taken you absolutely ages to write :D Well done.

Loved your review as it reminded me so much about what we enjoyed about ours. We did 50 / 50 on the vodka and pineapple and the whisky and ginger. Made a note to go for the 60 / 40!! Didn't have ice in any drinks if we could manage it. Waters the drinks down too much.

Great review, the Majesty is one we are looking at for next year. I liked your comparisons to the Dream.

Thanks Jim, were on board from Friday...

One question re the main evening meal. Are their sittings and designated tables or turn up anytime and sit where you like?

Thanks Jim for a great review including comparisons.

Glad to read that you and Mrs JTS had a lovely holiday.

Will take your tip if 60/40 on board the Dream!

Suzy

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Brilliant review Jim. Glad you liked the Majesty and would go on her again :)

I hope Musik Unlimited are still on in October. They were on last year & did a brilliant Gangnam Style :D

Thanks for the report!

Great informative review. We are on Maj for the first time (Adriatic Explorer) in sept

Thanks all

By the way thats the shortened version,the first was like War and Peace :D

Kruzeeka

That must have been a nightmare.I certainly wouldn`t like to spend anymore than our 50 min delay there.Can only imagine its hellish at the height of the summer

Nell,

It took me 5 days to think about doing it and a day to compile it although re-reading it it looks like its been put together in minutes :D

Flopsy,

It wasn`t easy trust me,probably a lot I`ve missed like the crew show as yoou mention which was good but the memory not as good as it used to be....."Fame" sung by Rose???See what I mean

happy v

Yep,thought I`d make the effort this time :D

gill

Make a a note,go for 70/30 or just order your spirit and a glass of your mixer

Tarquin

No sittings or designated table.Turn up,join the queue if theres one and the Maitre de will show you to a table.We requested a table for two as we prefer it that way and only had a short wait till one became available.If your happy to be seated with others shouldn`t have a problem

SuzyPaul

Never had a problem on the Dream regards weak spirits but if you do go 60/40,70/30 or as I suggested to gill,spirit and glass of mixer

dab

Sure you`ll enjoy

Jim- I thought you would have remembered Phillipino waitress Rose- she was wearing a short black number, and tottering about the stage on 5" heels lol. I think she was the only female singer in the crew show.

You certainly know she's around on Deck 10 in the daytime because she's always laughing and up to mischief. Great fun.

Or is the vision deteriorating along with the memory lol! Me too!

Flopsy

Jim- I thought you would have remembered Phillipino waitress Rose- she was wearing a short black number, and tottering about the stage on 5" heels lol. I think she was the only female singer in the crew show.

 

You certainly know she's around on Deck 10 in the daytime because she's always laughing and up to mischief. Great fun.

 

Or is the vision deteriorating along with the memory lol! Me too!

 

Flopsy

:D:D

I`ll ask MJTS when she gets home from work

Jim - when on AI on Island Escape I started by asking for Vodka and pineapple and it was basically a glass of pineapple and ice with the vodka drowned. Then I got them separate with no ice, and my half pint of pineapple lasted me quite a few vodkas till Mary cottoned on and started us on the 50/50 ones. When we went on Majesty earlier this month, I went straight onto 50/50 ones with no ice but will try your version!!

Welcome back JTS glad you enjoyed yourselves. I was thinking the same as you about the lifeboat drill. Where's the lifeboats!!!! :confused::confused:

Dave

Welcome back JTS glad you enjoyed yourselves. I was thinking the same as you about the lifeboat drill. Where's the lifeboats!!!! :confused::confused:

 

Dave

That thought crossed my mind too. It really bugs me when the lifeboat drill is on deck and folk are moaning and resentful of being required to go and stand by their lifeboat. I'm of the opinion that I want to know where it is - and what could be more important than spending a few minutes finding out the procedure which could save lives?

We also had drill in the lounges on Ncl and P&O. I think the design of the ships (and in their case larger numbers involved) probably means the full passenger complement couldn't be accommodated on deck. Perhaps the more restricted deck on Majesty with those gantries make it difficult too. Can you imagine what a drill would entail for some of these mega ships? :eek: Perhaps I'll stick to the smaller ones. :rolleyes:

Our Majesty lifeboat drill was in fireworks bar, so after it was over I went to see my lifeboat 6 and every time I did a walk round prom deck 7 I said hello and safe trip to my little lifeboat!! It was swung out on tender day but not used.

Welcome back JTS glad you enjoyed yourselves. I was thinking the same as you about the lifeboat drill. Where's the lifeboats!!!! :confused::confused:

 

Dave

Thanks Dave,hope you had a good time

The lifeboats were there,just not in the Jubilee Lounge:D.The drill for me was no more than a demonstration on how to fit your lifejacket,99.9 % arrived with them already on and no checks to see if fitted correctly.Yes the onus to an extent is for individuals to make themselves aware of the safety/lifeboat drill etc but for first timers they may well be looking for a bit of guidance.Just thought it as a bit more professionally done on the Dream.

Like gill,I made myself known to my lifeboat which was number 18

That thought crossed my mind too. It really bugs me when the lifeboat drill is on deck and folk are moaning and resentful of being required to go and stand by their lifeboat. I'm of the opinion that I want to know where it is - and what could be more important than spending a few minutes finding out the procedure which could save lives?

 

We also had drill in the lounges on Ncl and P&O. I think the design of the ships (and in their case larger numbers involved) probably means the full passenger complement couldn't be accommodated on deck. Perhaps the more restricted deck on Majesty with those gantries make it difficult too. Can you imagine what a drill would entail for some of these mega ships? :eek: Perhaps I'll stick to the smaller ones. :rolleyes:

Dont know if its feasable Kruz but maybe stagger the drills more so on the smaller ships

With you on the mega ships,must be a nightmare

I used to think Lifeboat drill should be done on deck, until I went on other cruise lines where you meet in the theatre, casino etc and they take you to a lifeboat. When you think about it, in an emergency, would you be near YOUR lifeboat? Would they wait for everyone allocated to that life boat to arrive? I don't think so.

I think that the thinking behind this is that people are warm inside while they wait, although I can see that people would rather be on an open deck than trapped inside:eek::eek:

:rolleyes:

You were lucky Jim! On our Majesty cruise last year, we did ours on the coach !

That thought crossed my mind too. It really bugs me when the lifeboat drill is on deck and folk are moaning and resentful of being required to go and stand by their lifeboat. I'm of the opinion that I want to know where it is - and what could be more important than spending a few minutes finding out the procedure which could save lives?

 

We also had drill in the lounges on Ncl and P&O. I think the design of the ships (and in their case larger numbers involved) probably means the full passenger complement couldn't be accommodated on deck. Perhaps the more restricted deck on Majesty with those gantries make it difficult too. Can you imagine what a drill would entail for some of these mega ships? :eek: Perhaps I'll stick to the smaller ones. :rolleyes:

Sorry posted twice.

That thought crossed my mind too. It really bugs me when the lifeboat drill is on deck and folk are moaning and resentful of being required to go and stand by their lifeboat. I'm of the opinion that I want to know where it is - and what could be more important than spending a few minutes finding out the procedure which could save lives?

 

We also had drill in the lounges on Ncl and P&O. I think the design of the ships (and in their case larger numbers involved) probably means the full passenger complement couldn't be accommodated on deck. Perhaps the more restricted deck on Majesty with those gantries make it difficult too. Can you imagine what a drill would entail for some of these mega ships? :eek: Perhaps I'll stick to the smaller ones. :rolleyes:

It is somewhat disconcerting if all passengers can't get out on deck.::eek:

What happens if it really is sinking?:(:confused: