superduper123

I realize they are different classes, but curious how similar (or different) are these two ships?

This exact same thing happened on our Majesty cruise back in September. I was disappointed as Key West was the main attraction for me. But it turned out to be a great cruise anyway.

Not wanting to derail this topic too far, but several comments have been made that cruising out of Miami is easier/ better than Canaveral. Curious as to why? I've cruised from Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa, but never Miami. Actually, I intentionally avoid Miami cruises because I've thought they would be too crowded, chaotic, and harder to navigate my way around. ( I live in Florida, so drive to the ports.)

Wow, great info. Thank you !

Hello, Any options to park other than the terminal @ $15/ day?

Explore the ship, drop carry-on bag in the cabin, have a fruity cocktail drink by the pool.

When I get my first adult beverage onboard. 🙂

4 minutes ago, Zach1213 said:

Do you mean at the origination port, or at a port that you're stopping at for the day?

Origination. We are leaving Saturday 4:00 from Ft Lauderdale.

Is it 90 minutes before departure time? This is usually not an issue for me, so I've never paid attention.  Thanks!

Is there a way to check in with the Royal app instead of printing a set sail pass? If so, how? Thanks!

9 hours ago, twangster said:

 

Getting back to your question.

 

Majesty has a lot going for it, but...  I ran into another D+ who has roughly the same points as me so cruise resume is pretty equal.  I met her on Empress while we both were doing B2Bs.  Despite O3b Voom, a proper Diamond event, bigger ship, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, etc.  we both agreed we miss Empress.  We both have more Majesty sailings in our future but I know if Royal gave me the chance to swap at zero cost I'd probably go to Empress and I suspect she would do the same.  

 

Despite all the wonderful things about Majesty and her being a bigger ship with more on paper, Empress has a bigger heart.  We both found it easier to connect with other cruisers on Empress and we both feel like Majesty suffers in this regard, a side effect that comes with being bigger even if it isn't a mega ship.  

 

If connecting with other cruisers isn't your thing this changes the equation.  Empress is definitely smaller but that makes her easy to navigate as well.  

 

The smokey casino is a big turn off on Majesty but that's a personal thing.  

 

I'll probably book Majesty in NOLA simply because I enjoy sailing from NOLA so I'm not writing Majesty off by any stretch but there's something about Empress that is really attractive to me.  Her NE and Canada 2020 itineraries are better in my opinion.

Thanks for this great comparison. I am sailing Empress for the first time in May.  I was very reluctant to book it because Majesty is probably my least favorite ship. But I couldn't pass up the fabulous Bermuda itinerary. I am also sailing Majesty again next month. ( Because I couldn't pass up the great price!)  🙂 

I will be following, as I have never sailed on Empress, but am booked for May 2020.

49 minutes ago, mk-ultra said:

 

Absolutely incorrect.  Those arm doughnuts increase their risk of drowning.  If your kid needs a PFD, use a real one.

Absolutely. I am an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, and agree with the comments of the lifeguards. Water wings/ arm floaties, or whatever you want to call them, are terrible. I understand the fact that parents want to keep their children safe in and around water, however these inflatables are not the way to do it. Unfortunately they give both children and parents a false sense of security. They also teach the child to be in a vertical position in the water, which is not conducive to learning how to swim. I urge parents NOT to use them.

Out of those listed that I have sailed, Enchantment would be my favorite by far. I have not sailed Mariner or Vision.  

I'm another Grandeur lover! One of my favorite ships! I cruised the Bermuda itinerary in April. 

Doing a search for an upcoming cruise in September, I see that Royal does not have any cruises departing from Tampa May-Oct. Curious as to why? 

Great info to know, as  I will be on the Majesty next month.

1 minute ago, Biker19 said:

No location at all on Empress, other than a sail-away event behind Boleros.

Just now, Host Clarea said:

 

Empress has no evening cocktaile vent.  Only the 3 vouchers that can be used at any bar.

Thank you both.

Does anyone know if this is the case on Empress as well? Thanks!

2 hours ago, LDRnj-MA said:

 Just changed to the May 4th sailing for the 2 nights in Hamilton.

Great!  I see you joined the roll call. 🙂

I just booked the May 4 Bermuda Cruise!

14 minutes ago, BlueSkySailing said:

Sept.7th is our sail date, so we are doing the Old Trolley Tour $20.99. The Conch Tour doesn't have as many stops. We are hitting the Light House $12, Southern Most Point, 0 Mile Marker, Key West Cemetery, Kermits Key Lime Pie shop$$$, Sponge Shop, Shell Market, and a lap around the island. It will be formal night so we plan on getting back on the ship around 1530hrs/1600hrs. Hope this helps and Happy Sailing!!!!

Thanks for this information!  I will definitely look into these options!

How to make the most of a Key West stop from 9:00 am- 7:00 pm? Open to all suggestions. I feel like this wont be enough time to do and see everything.  Sailing on the Majesty in Sept. Thanks!

What are your favorite things to do in Key West? Best use of time from 9:00 am- 7:00 pm. Open to all suggestions - from water activities, to pub crawls, to tours, whatever else, ... How do you schedule your day to get the most out of it? Sailing Royal Caribbean in Sept. Thanks!

2 hours ago, Host Clarea said:

 

Bad news, there are a large number of obstructed OV staterooms on MJ.  I would hate an OV on deck 7, whose windows are convenient eye level for those on the outside promenade deck.

Thanks for this info!  🙂