Majesty or Spirit - Which Would You Get Rid of?

[sweby]

Time to get much newer ships to stay competitive.

Sweby

[Sailaway487]

Have you got any ships/theories at the moment Sailaway about modernisation? Given perhaps the new-build scenario may be a step too far at the moment have you spotted any likely candidates for up-grading?

 

HAL are due to get rid of some of its fleet once its new build is launched in 2015, and with Thomson's fleet already being on the whole ex-HAL and the fact they already having dealings with them, I have a feeling that this is probably an almost certain. Statendam is noted to be the first ship to leave the fleet, its around the same size as Thomson Dream, more balcony cabins, a proper atrium and a two storey dining room, a similar layout to Dream but less passengers so it could be a good replacement for Spirit or Majesty in terms of passenger numbers. There's also three other ships in the Statendam class so would be a good option for finding future replacement ships.

 

Celebrity Century seems to be leaving Celebrity's fleet so could be an option. They already have dealings with TUI, so it would make sense. A larger ship though at 70,000 GT, but perhaps Thomson want an upgrade. The new build that Louis were going to give to Thomson was 75,000 GT so maybe this is the size of ship Thomson desire. However, it seems that Dream will be doing cruises from Palma in 2015, and I would have thought if they brought a larger ship in it would do these cruises, so this one perhaps is uncertain.

 

Another one is Oriana from P&O. It's P&O's oldest ship, and with their new build coming in 2015, it could be a replacement for this. Larger than Thomson's current fleet though at 77,000 GT, but still could be a possibility, and Thomson already have dealings with Carnival through HAL. However, with Thomson and P&O being in direct competition, will P&O want to give a ship to Thomson, as customers might transfer over with the ship and P&O could lose custom?

 

All these three ships were built in 1990's, and Fraser said Majesty was a modernisation and it is a 90's ship. If I had to put money on it, I'd say we maybe seeing Statendam in the fleet within the next couple of years, only a guess though but it seems an educational one given the facts.

[davecttr]

Over on the P&O forum and aboard there ships the current rumour is when the newbuild arrives in 2015 it will be Oceana that leaves. being transferred to the far east which, apparently, is the new growth area for cruising. One of Oceanas sisters is currently being refitted for the Japanese market.

[Sailaway487]

Over on the P&O forum and aboard there ships the current rumour is when the newbuild arrives in 2015 it will be Oceana that leaves. being transferred to the far east which, apparently, is the new growth area for cruising. One of Oceanas sisters is currently being refitted for the Japanese market.

 

I've heard they might be transferring a ship from P&O Australia for this Japanese operation as well. Apparently, since moving their Ocean Village fleet to Australia, the cruise market there isn't thriving as much anymore. I guess that's a no for Oceana to Thomson then, but didn't expect it really with the competition between the two.

 

Have you got a link at all to a thread with the Oceana to Japan move being discussed? Fancy a read. :)

[kruzseeka]

HAL are due to get rid of some of its fleet once its new build is launched in 2015, and with Thomson's fleet already being on the whole ex-HAL and the fact they already having dealings with them, I have a feeling that this is probably an almost certain. Statendam is noted to be the first ship to leave the fleet, its around the same size as Thomson Dream, more balcony cabins, a proper atrium and a two storey dining room, a similar layout to Dream but less passengers so it could be a good replacement for Spirit or Majesty in terms of passenger numbers. There's also three other ships in the Statendam class so would be a good option for finding future replacement ships.

 

Celebrity Century seems to be leaving Celebrity's fleet so could be an option. They already have dealings with TUI, so it would make sense. A larger ship though at 70,000 GT, but perhaps Thomson want an upgrade. The new build that Louis were going to give to Thomson was 75,000 GT so maybe this is the size of ship Thomson desire. However, it seems that Dream will be doing cruises from Palma in 2015, and I would have thought if they brought a larger ship in it would do these cruises, so this one perhaps is uncertain.

 

Another one is Oriana from P&O. It's P&O's oldest ship, and with their new build coming in 2015, it could be a replacement for this. Larger than Thomson's current fleet though at 77,000 GT, but still could be a possibility, and Thomson already have dealings with Carnival through HAL. However, with Thomson and P&O being in direct competition, will P&O want to give a ship to Thomson, as customers might transfer over with the ship and P&O could lose custom?

 

All these three ships were built in 1990's, and Fraser said Majesty was a modernisation and it is a 90's ship. If I had to put money on it, I'd say we maybe seeing Statendam in the fleet within the next couple of years, only a guess though but it seems an educational one given the facts.

 

Thanks for that summary Sailaway - makes interesting reading. Keep your finger on the pulse, please. I'm relying on you for the inside track! ;)

 

Now I'm off to look up some of the 'possibles' you've mentioned - it really would be good to get something a more modern - not necessarily brand new but significantly newer than their current fleet so that we will actually notice the difference and find it a real step-up. Hopefully that would re-energise the interest and excitement in Thomson cruises (especially if they branch out a bit itinerary-wise and perhaps that could be a forced move with the closing down of their winter options!)

[boatboy2000]

Scuttle the Majesty, would not set foot on it again after the fiasco last year booked on the Destiny but were forced to go on this piece of junk having told by Thomson it was going to be the best in the fleet lol

[davecttr]

I've heard they might be transferring a ship from P&O Australia for this Japanese operation as well. Apparently, since moving their Ocean Village fleet to Australia, the cruise market there isn't thriving as much anymore. I guess that's a no for Oceana to Thomson then, but didn't expect it really with the competition between the two.

 

Have you got a link at all to a thread with the Oceana to Japan move being discussed? Fancy a read. :)

Sorry no thread just comments here and there by various folk. Ditto on board Oceana recently. Someone mentioned a press release by P&O that said she would not be leaving but i can't find that release. I fshe did go to the far east I would think it would be under the Princess banner as they have recently opened an office in Singapore?

 

A minus for Oceana joining Thomson is she does not have an Horizon like bar and smallish balconies being 10 years old. A stunning Atrium, 2 dining rooms and good buffet plus excellent bars, theatre, show lounge, disco etc are plus points. I like her, as you can see from my signature :D

[Barkeeper]

Just back from our 1st Thomson cruise on The Spirit to Norway. Our previous cruises have been on larger ships which have certain advantages. However inspite of it's size The Spirit offered everything you could want for an first class holiday. Cabins good sized with attentive stewards. Food excellent in buffet and Compass Rose waiter service. The standard of entertainment was amazing. Although the venue was limited in size to larger ships the shows were amazing. As were all the other musicians around the ship. There were 2 theatre at sea shows which were especially good.

Special thanks to the entertainment staff who put on a full day's programme when all excursions were cancelled due to an accident on shore.

Can't promise to use Thomson again as we are always date and itinery challenged but would hate not to have Spirit as an option.

[Str8asitgets2]

Alright, so I have never been on a Thomson cruise, but just the general consensus of wanting to rid the fleet of the Majesty is a bit disturbing to me. I do apologize that you guys get pretty much all of our (U.S) hand me downs, but the bottom line is your cruise industry cannot even compare to ours, that's why we get all the new-builds. This may be a bit sentimental as the Royal Majesty was my first cruise prior to NCL stretching it (you should look up pictures under Majesty cruise lines, was such a beautiful ship, and very very well designed). The main complaint seems to be cabin size, well, that's why there are 2 different sized cabins. Your regular oceanview/inside @ 119 sq/ft and then the larger @ 148 sq/ft. Also, the Spirit was built in 1983 and the Majesty 1992, much newer ship. And if I can say so myself, the Spirit looks more like a ferry vs. a cruise ship, it really is not an attractive ship. The Majesty however is a very pretty ship. And all of the "design flaws" as I call them happened when NCL stretched the ship. I am VERY knowledgable of this ship, so please feel free to ask any questions. Happy Cruising all!

[CRUISIN LINDA]

I love the Majesty and voted to keep her :) Mind you, I also like the Spirit :rolleyes: so voted to keep her as well :)

[kruzseeka]

Alright, so I have never been on a Thomson cruise, but just the general consensus of wanting to rid the fleet of the Majesty is a bit disturbing to me. I do apologize that you guys get pretty much all of our (U.S) hand me downs, but the bottom line is your cruise industry cannot even compare to ours, that's why we get all the new-builds. This may be a bit sentimental as the Royal Majesty was my first cruise prior to NCL stretching it (you should look up pictures under Majesty cruise lines, was such a beautiful ship, and very very well designed). The main complaint seems to be cabin size, well, that's why there are 2 different sized cabins. Your regular oceanview/inside @ 119 sq/ft and then the larger @ 148 sq/ft. Also, the Spirit was built in 1983 and the Majesty 1992, much newer ship. And if I can say so myself, the Spirit looks more like a ferry vs. a cruise ship, it really is not an attractive ship. The Majesty however is a very pretty ship. And all of the "design flaws" as I call them happened when NCL stretched the ship. I am VERY knowledgable of this ship, so please feel free to ask any questions. Happy Cruising all!

 

Hi Str8asitgets2 :) It's interesting to read your comments and you clearly have a warm attachment to the Majesty. You make a valid point about there being two cabin sizes on Majesty but this thread is about a direct comparison of the Thomson Spirit and Majesty ships. We've travelled on both and therefore can assure you that comparing like with like i.e. standard cabins on both, the Spirit cabin is most definitely much bigger with excellent wardrobe and drawer storage and 144 sq ft in area (as big as the up-graded cabin size on Majesty).

 

You are right that the stretch created problems. The theatre is the same size but for a significantly larger passenger load - was it approx 1000 increased to 1400? The internal seating for the self-service restaurant is for 100 people (pax 1400) compared with Spirit's Lido self-service restaurant seating 300+ (for 1250 pax) so you can see there is considerable pressure on some of the facilities which for me represents a negative for Majesty in the comparison stakes.

 

The wrap round promenade deck on Spirit is wider, not so obsructed by gantries and looks aesthetically much more attractive imo.

 

The Spirit also has a cinema, much more spacious waiter-served dining room than the cramped ones on Majesty, and the theatre is double height so no problems with side-on seating around a circular stage and the difficulties associated with lighting shining into the faces of the audience in those areas on Majesty.

 

I'm not trying to knock Majesty - we had a fab holiday on her but since you are wondering why the Spirit is being favoured in the poll to the Majesty from my point of view at least it's the design issues which I've described which are at the heart of my preference for the Spirit.

 

You obviously have very fond memories of your time on Royal Majesty and I'm sure you are right that the knock-on effects of the stretch changed the ship - perhaps not for the better. I'm sorry you are 'disturbed' by the way the poll is going but I can assure you that despite it's age the Spirit is a lovely ship with those almost 'je ne sais quoi' qualities which many British cruisers appreciate; fabulous service, great ambience, friendly crew and fellow passengers, superb entertainment, port-intensive & interesting itineraries. (Majesty shares these features too -it's the 'Thomson product' - no issues there).

 

We would like Thomson to invest in newer ships - although I don't think many of us are looking for the all-singing, all-dancing, glitzy 'Wow' factors which many cruise lines offer. If we were, we wouldn't be choosing Thomson at all - either the Spirit or the Majesty!

 

It would be very interesting for you to be able to sample a Thomson cruise - I'm not sure it would appeal because as you say this is a very different kind of cruise line from most American ones and what you will be used to but I'm sure you would find the experience very interesting.

 

I hope I've been able to explain a little of the background to this and trust you won't be offended by my comments. I think we all have a soft spot for our first cruising experiences and am pleased that you have such good memories of the Majesty. I hope you too enjoy your future cruises. :)

[happy v]

Kruzseeka, I know it's been said before but, you really are brill!!;):D:D.

 

Well done.

[kruzseeka]

Kruzseeka, I know it's been said before but, you really are brill!!;):D:D.

 

Well done.

 

:o Thank you happy v! :) It's just that I think comparisons should be fair. Everyone has their own opinions/likes and dislikes and I am very accepting of those - but when there are actually numbers which you can use for the purposes of comparison and irrefutable facts - then those issues are no longer a matter of opinion. I have no problem with anyone loving the Majesty and preferring it to Spirit but we should deal in facts when making a case and preferably have first hand and recent experience of both.

[Str8asitgets2]

Hi Str8asitgets2 :) It's interesting to read your comments and you clearly have a warm attachment to the Majesty. You make a valid point about there being two cabin sizes on Majesty but this thread is about a direct comparison of the Thomson Spirit and Majesty ships. We've travelled on both and therefore can assure you that comparing like with like i.e. standard cabins on both, the Spirit cabin is most definitely much bigger with excellent wardrobe and drawer storage and 144 sq ft in area (as big as the up-graded cabin size on Majesty).

 

You are right that the stretch created problems. The theatre is the same size but for a significantly larger passenger load - was it approx 1000 increased to 1400? The internal seating for the self-service restaurant is for 100 people (pax 1400) compared with Spirit's Lido self-service restaurant seating 300+ (for 1250 pax) so you can see there is considerable pressure on some of the facilities which for me represents a negative for Majesty in the comparison stakes.

 

The wrap round promenade deck on Spirit is wider, not so obsructed by gantries and looks aesthetically much more attractive imo.

 

The Spirit also has a cinema, much more spacious waiter-served dining room than the cramped ones on Majesty, and the theatre is double height so no problems with side-on seating around a circular stage and the difficulties associated with lighting shining into the faces of the audience in those areas on Majesty.

 

I'm not trying to knock Majesty - we had a fab holiday on her but since you are wondering why the Spirit is being favoured in the poll to the Majesty from my point of view at least it's the design issues which I've described which are at the heart of my preference for the Spirit.

 

You obviously have very fond memories of your time on Royal Majesty and I'm sure you are right that the knock-on effects of the stretch changed the ship - perhaps not for the better. I'm sorry you are 'disturbed' by the way the poll is going but I can assure you that despite it's age the Spirit is a lovely ship with those almost 'je ne sais quoi' qualities which many British cruisers appreciate; fabulous service, great ambience, friendly crew and fellow passengers, superb entertainment, port-intensive & interesting itineraries. (Majesty shares these features too -it's the 'Thomson product' - no issues there).

 

We would like Thomson to invest in newer ships - although I don't think many of us are looking for the all-singing, all-dancing, glitzy 'Wow' factors which many cruise lines offer. If we were, we wouldn't be choosing Thomson at all - either the Spirit or the Majesty!

 

It would be very interesting for you to be able to sample a Thomson cruise - I'm not sure it would appeal because as you say this is a very different kind of cruise line from most American ones and what you will be used to but I'm sure you would find the experience very interesting.

 

I hope I've been able to explain a little of the background to this and trust you won't be offended by my comments. I think we all have a soft spot for our first cruising experiences and am pleased that you have such good memories of the Majesty. I hope you too enjoy your future cruises. :)

 

You make some very very good points, especially about the stretch and not adding any extra seating capacity in both the main lounge and especially the buffet area. Cabins aside, I just have such a fondness for the Majesty. If you could have sailed her when she was under the Majesty logo, you would have been blown away by how beautiful she was. The crossroads was actually 2 floors in height, the second being where the casino was. I have a love for these smaller ships, soo much more intimate (not counting the overcrowding of the stretched version of course...LOL). The behemouths now-a-days, are just huge!.....My next cruise is on the Quantum of the seas, im sure i'll get lost quite a few times.

 

I did watch a tour on youtube of the Spirit though, and the interior did not look anymore dated than the Majesty so I will definitely agree with you there. The only thing I really cannot get over is, and im sorry to say this, the outside of that ship, its profile, it just is not a pretty vessel....LOL....Happy Cruising!

[kruzseeka]

You make some very very good points, especially about the stretch and not adding any extra seating capacity in both the main lounge and especially the buffet area. Cabins aside, I just have such a fondness for the Majesty. If you could have sailed her when she was under the Majesty logo, you would have been blown away by how beautiful she was. The crossroads was actually 2 floors in height, the second being where the casino was. I have a love for these smaller ships, soo much more intimate (not counting the overcrowding of the stretched version of course...LOL). The behemouths now-a-days, are just huge!.....My next cruise is on the Quantum of the seas, im sure i'll get lost quite a few times.

 

I did watch a tour on youtube of the Spirit though, and the interior did not look anymore dated than the Majesty so I will definitely agree with you there. The only thing I really cannot get over is, and im sorry to say this, the outside of that ship, its profile, it just is not a pretty vessel....LOL....Happy Cruising!

 

 

Yes Spirit may not be as attractive from the outside but as a Holland America commission as you might imagine it was quite tasteful and elegant internally and I imagine quite impressive in its day. It is an old ship but does retain an olde worlde charm - not to everyone's taste but I find it comfortable and homely.

 

I didn't realise the Crossroads was once double height - it must have been a very attractive feature. I do agree with you about smaller ships - although the Majesty and the Thomson Dream were both stretched they and the other two in the fleet, the Spirit and her sister ship the Celebration are still small ships really certainly as compared with the new huge ships with two or three times the number of passengers.

 

Although we are having a debate on this thread about our preference between a couple of the Thomson ships I think most regular Thomson passengers are drawn to Thomson in part because we love the more intimate and friendlier atmosphere on ships of this size - and that applies equally to all of them. It genuinely has the feel of a family on board with many of the crew becoming friends, the entertainment teams engage with passengers, we know and chat to the CD's (even know when they are getting married etc) and we can be fairly sure we will be remembered by waiters and crew on our return. You obviously value these characteristics too as I'm sure that was part of the Majesty's charm. The Quantum will certainly be different - but I'm sure it will be quite an experience. Hope you enjoy it. :)

[Sailaway487]

Will try to do a blog post about this poll tomorrow if I get round to it. If you haven't voted then yet, please do before I do a post. :)

[Str8asitgets2]

Yes Spirit may not be as attractive from the outside but as a Holland America commission as you might imagine it was quite tasteful and elegant internally and I imagine quite impressive in its day. It is an old ship but does retain an olde worlde charm - not to everyone's taste but I find it comfortable and homely.

 

I didn't realise the Crossroads was once double height - it must have been a very attractive feature. I do agree with you about smaller ships - although the Majesty and the Thomson Dream were both stretched they and the other two in the fleet, the Spirit and her sister ship the Celebration are still small ships really certainly as compared with the new huge ships with two or three times the number of passengers.

 

Although we are having a debate on this thread about our preference between a couple of the Thomson ships I think most regular Thomson passengers are drawn to Thomson in part because we love the more intimate and friendlier atmosphere on ships of this size - and that applies equally to all of them. It genuinely has the feel of a family on board with many of the crew becoming friends, the entertainment teams engage with passengers, we know and chat to the CD's (even know when they are getting married etc) and we can be fairly sure we will be remembered by waiters and crew on our return. You obviously value these characteristics too as I'm sure that was part of the Majesty's charm. The Quantum will certainly be different - but I'm sure it will be quite an experience. Hope you enjoy it. :)

 

Alright, I am by no means a computer guru, soo just giving this a shot. My scanner is broken and this is all I could find online regarding the original Majesty. They ar the original decplans that show Crossroads and such being 2 stories.

 

 

 

Your going to have to increase your screen size to really see them. She was just the perfect little ship. Back then upon sailaway they would even open up the watertight door in the Royal Fireworks soo you could be out there for a couple hours. Was a huge plus to having the mooring deck a deck below. Hope this worked :-/

[kruzseeka]

Thank you str8asitgets - that is very interesting. The little pic of the pool deck looks lovely too. I think the stretch has a lot to answer for!

[Little Nell]

Will try to do a blog post about this poll tomorrow if I get round to it. If you haven't voted then yet, please do before I do a post. :)

 

Thoroughly enjoyed your blog post, Sailaway.

 

A fair summary of the views of those who voted.

[Dreamgirl1957]

I like both but prefer the Majesty :-) :-) :-)

 

Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 4

[Sailaway487]

I like both but prefer the Majesty :-) :-) :-)

 

Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 4

 

Hello Dreamgirl! Not seen you on here for a while. :)

[Sailaway487]

Did a blog post yesterday regarding this poll:

 

Keep Spirit and Ditch Majesty, Say Thomson Cruises Customers

 

A poll on Cruise Critic has revealed that cruisers want to see Thomson Spirit stay, but wish to see Thomson Majesty leave the fleet.

 

http://thesailawayblog.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/keep-spirit-and-ditch-majesty-say-thomson-cruises-customers/

 

Mentioned some of your comments on it to try and give a balanced view of each ship.

[Sailaway487]

Thoroughly enjoyed your blog post, Sailaway.

 

A fair summary of the views of those who voted.

 

Thanks Little Nell. Tried to be as balanced as possible, but put my opinion across as well. :)

[CRUISIN LINDA]

Hi Sailaway,

 

Thanks for the mention :D Can I ask if you have been on the Majesty?

 

If the Spirit is old, then so is the Celebration ;)

 

Would it be better to have a poll for which is our favourite ship of the four (or have we done that?) OR alternately which ship should go? :)

[Dreamgirl1957]

Did a blog post yesterday regarding this poll:

 

Keep Spirit and Ditch Majesty, Say Thomson Cruises Customers

 

A poll on Cruise Critic has revealed that cruisers want to see Thomson Spirit stay, but wish to see Thomson Majesty leave the fleet.

 

http://thesailawayblog.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/keep-spirit-and-ditch-majesty-say-thomson-cruises-customers/

 

Mentioned some of your comments on it to try and give a balanced view of each ship.

 

 

 

Hi sailaway, I do love your blog and your posts but not sure about this one I'm afraid. It does seem very " anti-Majesty " to me.

 

I liked the ship very much and am just worried your recent post on your blog will put people off who havnt tried it.

 

In the beginning no one gave it a chance as I know destiny was very well loved and the way they were swapped wasn't good but recently I would say it's 80% good reviews with some fair comments on layout which I admit are not perfect but then no ship is perfect really is it.

 

Hope you don't think I'm being rude, I really don't mean to be its just that saying Thomson cruise customers say Majesty should leave the fleet on your blog is a bit misleading.

The poll has only been done by about 44 people out of the thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands of Thomson cruisers. This is just a very minute amount of customers but someone reading that comment on your blog or on here could get the impression its a poll across most past customers.

 

When we were aboard we didn't come across any negative comments in fact most said they loved it.

 

I wonder out of those who have voted to "get rid of the Majesty" in the poll have actually sailed on her?

 

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