Review of the Majesty - Boston to Bermuda

[Cubechick]

I just submitted this review (it hasn't been posted yet), but thought I would post it here as well as I've noticed some questions popping up about this cruise. Hope it helps anyone thinking about sailing to Bermuda this season!

 

After four cruises to Bermuda on the Norwegian Majesty (and a fifth one booked!), I thought it high time that we posted a review.

 

Embarkation:

Embarking at Black Falcon terminal is quick and simple, if you can find it. Although directions are available through the port authority’s website www.massport.com the directions never seem to be 100% reliable (After four trips by car, we seem to stumble upon the cruise terminal by accident. However, if you’re coming by cab or transfer bus, no worries). The parking garage is right around the corner from the terminal and not too expensive for Boston (about $80 for the week). The wait in the Latitudes line was minimal and the stewards serve free juice and water while you wait. We received our key cards, dropped off our carry-on bags in the room and were on Deck 10 enjoying the buffet lunch within 30 minutes!

 

At sea:

I love that first full day at sea. All you have to do is relax and anticipate Bermuda! This is a great opportunity to explore the ship, visit the casino or sit in the sun enjoying an $8 umbrella drink. At this time of year, we have noticed that the ship passes into the Gulf Stream by noontime on the first full day. This is significant as the air temperature warms to the 70’s and sunbathing can commence, weather permitting. Please remember that cruising from the North Atlantic brings risk of high seas and stormy weather. However, out of our four cruises we only had rough seas on the first cruise (which was in May of 2002) and on the way to Bermuda in June of 2003. On these passages there was no lacking of “green” passengers. It is reported that for 40 some-odd dollars, the ship’s doctor will provide a shot in the backside and some Dramamine, which seems to fix everybody right-up. Overall our experience on the Atlantic has been pleasant!

 

The ship:

The Majesty is smaller and older than many of today’s ships. However, I think that’s part of the appeal. You’re there to enjoy the cruising experience, not to go rock climbing or shopping at the mall! Plus we see the ship as merely a vehicle to deliver us to the paradise that is Bermuda! Many times we have researched an air-and-hotel package to the island. We have consistently found that there is not a more economical way to experience Bermuda (hello, your room and board is included in the price!). The ship is clean and they’re constantly updating (new carpets and seating in a lot of areas during the last couple of years), and keeping up on the maintenance of the ship. It has been reported that NCL is #1 in prevention of the norovirus that has been plaguing many in the industry. Hand sanitizer dispensers are located at the entrance to each restaurant and throughout the ship. Additionally, the crew will spray your hands each time you enter/reenter the ship. The crew is constantly cleaning the contact surfaces of the ship (handrails, etc).

 

The food:

I’m pleased to say that we think the food has improved each year that we’ve sailed. The buffet is still average at best but they have made some improvements. Lack of seating for the buffet is the number-one complaint. If poor weather limits the outside seating, we would recommend that you avoid the buffet altogether, lest you find yourself eating while standing. The omelet station and waffle/pancake stations for breakfast are very good. They set up a deli station at lunch time that serves tasty sandwiches. The Piazza San Marco serves up satisfactory burgers and pizza almost anytime of the day or night.

 

The two main restaurants serve identical menus for dinner, and like most reviewers we prefer the Four Seasons over the Seven Seas restaurant for its intimacy and view (also it’s a little calmer if you’re in rough seas as it’s amidships). The Four Seasons also seems to have a higher level of service, but there is a trade-off. Due to its popularity, we’ve found that the wait-time at the Four Seasons can get excessive, so you may end up at the Seven Seas for convenience. You can always find something you like on the menu. I’ve seen complaints on the portion sizes, but don’t agree. We’ve always felt completely satisfied after ordering from each course (and we usually skip dessert!), and you can order as much as you like if you feel you want more.

 

The Pasta Café is consistently very good and does not require a cover, but does require reservations.

 

Le Bistro is fantastic and well worth the extra cover charge. The food and service is truly excellent. Their mushroom soup is the best I’ve ever had, and the escargot as good as I’ve had in Paris. We usually make reservations for Friday night so we have something to look forward to when we leave Bermuda. Our only complaint about Le Bistro is that the menu doesn’t change throughout the cruise. In fact there has only been some minor “tweaking” over the last 5 years. If they changed things up, we would happily eat there more often!

 

Room:

I definitely have to recommend the superior ocean view room. The regular room is very cramped at 108 square feet. Not impossible to deal with but I find the 145 square foot superior room to be…well…superior! Not only do you have some extra space, but you have extra storage and closet space for your clothes and a mini-fridge! The fridge is key for storing bottles of water (we do bring some on board) or beer from those helmets of beer!

The rooms have always been clean but definitely show some wear and tear. Nothing terrible, but you’re likely to see some damage to the dressers and desk. Some stains in the bathroom, etc. She is an older ship after all!

 

Entertainment:

We’ve found the shows to be adequate and the comedians can be hit or miss. Tip! If you’re going to take in a show, get there early. The Palace Theater is small and many seats are obstructed view. Remember you’re competing with 1,100 other guests who may want to see the same show. Get there early, get yourself a good seat and enjoy a cocktail and some conversation while you wait.

 

Service:

I’ve always found the staff on the Majesty to be very friendly and accommodating. Any time we’ve had a request it was met without delay. The room stewards have been excellent without exception. The waiters and waitresses are always friendly.

 

 

St. George’s:

Tip! The morning that you arrive in St. George’s, make sure you are up early so that you may stake your claim at the railing on the starboard (right) side of the ship! This way you’ll be primed to see (and hear) the Town Crier shoot off the cannon at Gates Fort and welcome you to Bermuda! Last time he even praised the Hometown Team (Go Red Sox)!

 

We love docking in St. George’s for 3 ½ days and will be crushed if that no longer becomes an option (there is speculation that the Majesty will be replaced in 2008). Not only is St. George’s lovely and convenient walking to two beaches (Tobacco Bay and St. Catherine’s) it’s nice to have the ship become your “hotel” while you’re on the island!

 

Tip! When you first arrive, it’s worth while to get right in line to disembark so you can be one of the first to arrive at Tobacco Bay and stake your claim. The snorkeling there is very good if not excellent, but the beach itself is small! Prepare yourself to be blanket-to-blanket with your neighbor (especially if there is another cruise ship in port). If you want a less crowded environment, head over to St. Catherine’s. The beach is much larger, but doesn’t have the same snorkeling opportunities.

 

A three day bus pass is a good investment. $22 per person and it covers the busses and the ferry which picks you up right across from the Majesty. Tip! The high-speed ferry is fastest way to the other side of the island (Dockyard). The ride is only 40 minutes or so. Unfortunately, the ferry schedule is limited so you will need to plan your day around the ferry departure times.

 

Tip! If you’re interested in a beach that is so quiet that it seems semi-private, we highly recommend John Smith’s Bay. The sand is pink, the beach clean, with bathrooms and a life guard (but no concessions). It’s about 35 minutes from St. George’s on the number 1 bus (which stops right across the street from the beach), and much, much closer than other south shore beaches. That bus also stops at the Crystal Caves and the Swizzle Inn. The Swizzle Inn is another must in our opinion! The service is friendly, the food good, and the potent pitchers of rum Swizzle unparalleled! We always make it a point to have lunch at the Swizzle on our way back from John Smith’s Bay!

 

While in St. George’s we definitely recommend taking a carriage ride. This is a relaxing way to see a lot of St. George’s that you would miss otherwise. The guide we had was very informative and friendly. It’s a great way to learn your way around St. George’s. The guide will stop briefly at Gates Fort for a quick look around and will stop for photo ops at any other spot you desire.

 

We also recommend that you take advantage of the dine-ashore program that NCL offers while you’re in Bermuda. It is the least expensive way that you’ll be able to experience island cuisine. An extensive number of restaurants participate in the program offering something for everyone. At $5 per person for a lunch valued at $25 each or $10 per person for a $50 dinner, you just can’t beat it!

 

The White Horse Pub (Bermuda’s oldest tavern!) is opposite the ship and is a good place to have a Dark and Stormy and catch a Red Sox game if you’re so inclined (Go Sox!). They accept your lunch and dinner vouchers, and happy hour is from 5-7pm if you’re looking for an adult beverage that’s a bit cheaper than what you can get on the ship. You can also book Jetski and Parasailing tours there!

 

Epilogue:

We have read several disappointing reviews on the Majesty on this site. These reviews do not necessarily parallel our experiences. We have never had a “perfect” cruise on the Majesty, but our overall experience has been fine. It is our interpretation that these negative reviews have to do with expectations. If you are expecting a five-star hotel with glass atriums, rock climbing walls, white-gloved service and calm Caribbean seas, this may not be the trip for you. If you can handle three-star accommodations, a smaller and older ship with economical passage to the fabulous island of Bermuda, you’ll come away smiling as we have, four times (and counting). As Bill Belichick would say: “It is what it is”.

 

Final Tip! We hope the Tips we have provided add to your experience. We have not, for hopefully obvious reasons, revealed all our secrets. We would recommend that you register for the Cruise Critic message boards and look at the ship or date specific threads. There you can find expert information and ask specific questions about the ship or ports you are interested in. Good Sailing!

[Leafpeeper]

Thanks so much for your review. We sailed on RCCL Jewel of the Seas in October 2005 and enjoyed two days in port at the Dockyards. We loved Bermuda--as much as Hawaii. After reading your review, I am thinking that maybe we should book Majesty for this Fall. We'll see what happens.

 

A couple months ago, I read on the NCL Boards that NCL Dawn may replace Majesty. When we were sailing on NCL Star a couple weeks ago, the Captain told me the Dawn would be doing Bermuda cruises beginning in 2008, but he didn't know from what city. We love the Dawn and are hoping we can spend our 40th wedding anniversary in Bermuda on that ship in June 2008. I keep waiting to see a Dawn Schedule for the summer of 2008. None yet, but I've got my fingers crossed.

 

Thanks again for this informative review. Thanks to NCL for those hand sanitizers. My friend just got back from RCCL Navigator of the Seas and said people all over that ship were sick. I didn't hear of any problems on NCL Star when we sailed two weeks ago. I even liked the hand sanitizers at the elevators on the Star and in the Spinnaker Lounge. Great idea.

 

PS: We hope to see the Red Sox in Florida next month, but really can't wait until opening day of football. I hope Tom Brady has his focus on football in September. I'm waiting to see him on Maury Povich.

[A Sixth?]

Great review!

 

Thinking of the Majesty in August this summer.

 

Are ALL the superior ocean views bigger than the standards?

[Cubechick]

Mary, you’re a woman after my own heart. For myself I don’t care that much about baseball so I’m counting the days until football begins again! I too hope the Tom keeps his eye on the prize this coming season. I think he will though! Go Pats!

I too have heard the rumors about the Dawn replacing the Majesty in 2008. I’ve also heard that she’ll be around until 2010. So I’m just going to wait and see at this point.

“A Sixth” to answer your question, yes all superior rooms (inside or oceanview) are 145 sq. feet vs. 108. When we found ourselves in the standard stateroom we found that we were unable to unpack completely (of course we do bring a lot of clothes!) and had to store the luggage under the beds. A week of having to get down on our knees to grab our suitcases so we could get clothes got old. 3 of our 4 trips have been in superior rooms and we just can’t make ourselves go back!

Of course our next trip is in one of the AB suites and my husband is afraid I won’t want to go back to the superior room after that!

 

:D

[medotmom58]

Cubechick -

Thanks for posting the nice review of the Majesty. After sailing on RCCL many times we are now thinking of doing the Boston to Bermuda run this fall. We live in Southern NH and would love to just get on the ship without flying.

 

At first I was skeptical because of the size/age of the ship but I am now convinced that it will be a great vacation. We are currently booked on the 12 night RCCL's Explorer from Cape Liberty,NJ for Dec 07 but will change that to sometime in 2008 so thought this would be a less expensive alternative.

 

I already posted the question on this board and several posters have already answered as I am unsure whether to book now and wait for a price drop or wait it out for a real deep short notice discount. I am thinking it would be better to book now and hold the cabin we want and if the pricing goes down, to grab the lower price. I see several different prices, not sure who to book with and also see some upgrade and OBC credit offers.

 

I see that you have cruised the Majesty five times, when have you cruised? We are looking at mid-end Sept. Is the smaller oceanview cabin that bad or should we go higher?

 

Thanks for any advice that you can provide.

 

Jill in NH.

[medotmom58]

Cubechick -

Thanks for posting the nice review of the Majesty. After sailing on RCCL many times we are now thinking of doing the Boston to Bermuda run this fall. We live in Southern NH and would love to just get on the ship without flying.

 

At first I was skeptical because of the size/age of the ship but I am now convinced that it will be a great vacation. We are currently booked on the 12 night RCCL's Explorer from Cape Liberty,NJ for Dec 07 but will change that to sometime in 2008 so thought this would be a less expensive alternative.

 

I already posted the question on this board and several posters have already answered as I am unsure whether to book now and wait for a price drop or wait it out for a real deep short notice discount. I am thinking it would be better to book now and hold the cabin we want and if the pricing goes down, to grab the lower price. I see several different prices, not sure who to book with and also see some upgrade and OBC credit offers.

 

I see that you have cruised the Majesty five times, when have you cruised? We are looking at mid-end Sept. Is the smaller oceanview cabin that bad or should we go higher?

 

Thanks for any advice that you can provide.

 

Jill in NH.

[Cubechick]

Hi Jill,

We've cruised in May (once) and June the other times. We tend to choose that time frame because it's just before peak-season pricing, the water tempertures have warmed into the mid to upper 70's and it's not generally active hurricane season for the Atlantic. September is prime hurricane season for the Bermuda area (http://stormcarib.com/climatology/TXKF_weekly.htm).

I’m not saying that the fall is an imminent risk for storms, but feel that June is a good hedge against that risk.

 

I have to say I would definitely recommend the Superior room as I recall you're travelling with family? We went from the Superior room to the regular room and back up to the Superior room again. You have to remember that even the Superior rooms are small by today's standards, so the 108 square foot rooms are some of the smallest in the industry.

 

If I were travelling with children I'd want the extra storage space as well as the fridge for storing juice, soda, water, etc.

 

On a super positive note, there is nothing (in my opinion) better than driving into Boston (I live near NH myself), dropping off the car, stepping on the ship and immediately being on vacation! It's so nice not to fly, worry about your luggage, airport transfers, etc.

 

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!

[Welove2cruise2]

Grrr.... double post.

[Welove2cruise2]

CubeChick: thanks for posting a wonderful -- albiet tardy -- review of the Majesty! I can't argue with anything you've posted, having sailed on this wonderful little ship seven times!

 

Jill: we went on the Majesty this past September (hurricane Ernesto -- that was fun :rolleyes: ), booked last minute, and got a great price. It's a crap shoot -- if you book now, you get the cabin you want (and if the price goes down prior to final payment, NCL will give you the lower price -- key here is to watch the prices!); if you wait, you may not be happy with your cabin. We typically book an EE superior (obstructed view -- it's not as bad as you think -- and we just like the daylight!) and probably wouldn't spend the money for a suite -- unless we get an incredible deal like we did in June!;)

 

I would recommend the Majesty to anyone in the New England area for a great getaway to beautiful Bermuda -- how can you go wrong!!:D

[medotmom58]

Thanks to all. Just husband and myself traveling, no children. Our only son is active duty Army - we've taken him on lots of cruises but no more - it is just us!! We just did the Legend of the Seas in Jan by ourselves and loved it.

 

I think I'll try to get get some more pricing this week and book. Will get insurance in case of a hurricane (hope not)

 

Jill

[Cubechick]

Welove2cruise2, I think we were on the same cruise to Bermuda last June (I was lurking on the roll call)!

 

That upgrade you got was simply fantastic. Alas, we've only been given the opportunity to upgrade once...and that just got us into a DD!

 

:)

 

Jill, as it's just the two of you (don't know why I thought you were travelling w/ kids!), the regular room will be adequate. Just realize that the pictures of the room on NCL's website are accurate...about 3 feet between beds and that's it!

 

Hope we've all given you some good info!

[medotmom58]

CubeChick,

 

You mentioned the regular room, which category are you talking about. I've been looking at E. I just still need to crunch some money numbers and decide if I want to lock it in or wait it out. Two TA's today told me not to wait as these sailings fill up because there is no competition.

 

Jill

[Cubechick]

Hi Jill!

Category E, FF, F, GG, G, HH, & H are Oceanview Staterooms (small), meaning the 108 sq ft variety.

 

Category CC, C, DD, D, & EE are Superior Oceanview (larger), which are the 145 sq ft w/ the refridgerator.

 

If I were you and I were looking at the oceanview staterooms, I would consider category F or GG, HH, or H. They're on decks 3 & 4. They're on a lower level than the E category...but close to deck 5 (which is where the gangway is in Boston..and the main restaurants are), and closer to the gangway when you're in port! You'd have an unobstructed view guaranteed and F, GG, HH or H are less expensive than category E (category G is also partially to totally obstructed so I didn't mention it). Some people really fight for these rooms as they generally have less motion and they like the easy on/easy off access (although they are farthest from the sundeck). Actually 2 of my four cruises I was on deck 4.

 

Category E rooms are on decks 7, 8, & 9. On decks 8 & 9 you could have partial to total obstruction due to the lifeboats. On deck 7 you're on the Promenade deck so you'd have people walking by your room constantly (something I personally would avoid). However these rooms would have you closer to the sundeck, the pools & the buffet. If you go with Category E, I'd definitely quiz your TA about obstructions!

 

Hope that helps Jill!

 

Please let me know what you end up deciding!

 

Cube

[Cubechick]

Double!

[medotmom58]

Cubechick,

 

We made our decision, we are booked in Cat F for 30 Sep 07. I have to make the deposit on Sunday. Now, I can start doing some serious research on Bermuda. Thanks for all your help.

 

Jill

[dtiger]

Have been on the Majesty twice and enjoyed Bermuda. Since it's small it was able to dock in St. George which is very nice.

[fantavet]

Cubechick,

 

That review was fantastic. I'm looking to book Bermuda soon, gambling on price drop, and this will be my first time to Bermuda and sailing NCL.

 

There are 2 other couples that will be going with us. They will be first time cruisers. We picked Bermuda because we can drive to Boston and it has less sea days. They were not sure about spending too much time at sea their first time.

 

So with your permission I'd like to copy your review and post it on a private website I made just for our party. I made the site up as a way of storing all the cruise info and a place for my friends to go to get quick answers to their questions.

 

They are excited to go and your review captures the experience more then the series of links that I provided.

[clm101798]

I am glad to see I am not the only one who finds Black Falcoln not the easiest to find. First time I went there Massport said take Exit 25 but the exit sign did not have a number and just said South Boston. (luckily I took it figuring since the port is in Southie anyways...) I basically headed for the water and took a right and saw signs.

Last time I went in was when the tunnel was closed. That was even more fun. Again I headed towards the water. Tried left this time first and saw South Station and turned around. Thank goodness for the signs to Black Falcoln.

[Cubechick]

Fantavet,

Please use my review! I'm so glad you liked it! You'll love your trip! Bermuda is just the best!

 

Christine, Black Falcon really does seem to have some sort of weird vortex around it doesn't it??

 

Last year we found it okay (miracle of miracles) but then they'd changed the direction from which you entered!

 

But hey. There's nothing like parking your car and being of vacation 30 minutes later!

 

:D

[Cubechick]

Jill, thanks for letting me know what you decided. I know you're going to have wonderful time in Bermuda! Now the REAL fun begins! The planning! Nothing I love more that flipping through guidebooks and dreaming about the next trip!

 

Cube

[grandma and papa]

We are going on this ship 30 sept 2007. Have just paid our deposit. Bringing grandchildren with us. We have booked cabin mid ship. We have booked this cabin twice in the past. The Majesty was once a smaller ship and was lengthened at her mid point. These rooms have a little extra floor space. Just right if you have two active boys with you. 7 and 8 years old. The first time we booked this cabin there was a fridge in it. They have since removed that.

Tobacco Bay........here we come.:)

[kenandlaura06]

We are considering doing this...we have never cruised on Norwegian before, but are interested in Bermuda and sailing out of Boston. We are a married couple, late 20s---will we find the sailing in July to be only families, or perhaps other married couples?

[medotmom58]

Grandma and papa,

 

Welcome to the 9/30 sailing. Husband and I just paid our deposit today as well. We have never cruised on NCL before but just decided to do it so we don't have to fly as we live in southern NH. Good for you for taking your grandkids. It is just the two of us, son is in the Army.

 

Jill in NH.

[Leafpeeper]

We cruise quite a bit and have found that cruising out of Boston is the fastest and easiest of all the ports. We just got off a cruise in LA and it is always a hassle with long lines and just waiting and waiting.

 

When we sailed on Jewel of the Seas out of Boston, we were onboard in 15 minutes and off the ship just as fast. Boston had 4 ships in port the day we sailed. and still customs went fast and easy.

 

We were amazed at how beautiful the harbor islands were as we sailed out of Boston. We turned and looked back at the city and could see the sunset reflecting off the John Hancock Tower. I called my DD in her cabin so she could take a picture.

 

If the new dock proposed in the Dockyard area doesn't allow ships to stay there more than two days, I am hoping NCL might add Martha's Vineyard on to their cruise itinerary after Majesty is out of the fleet. That would be a lovely tender port on a summer cruise. Some ships stop in Newport, which is another lovely summer port.

 

I am surprised that Princess doesn't do Bermuda cruises since that is where their ships are registered. You'd think they would get preferred parking. Crown Princess stops for one day. Unfortunately, our Fall cruise on her was turned away due to high winds the day we were to dock in Bermuda.

 

It's fun just talking about Bermuda. What a gorgeous little island. I've got free points for a cruise but not enough vacation time. Then again, there is always sick time.

[grandma and papa]

Making my list of things I read on these message boards. Have been to Bermuda before. The one thing that I find so cool when you arrive, the ship has to enter the harbor via an area they call" the town cut" . To make the port accessible to cruise ships the government had the entrance to the harbor deepened and widened. I think this was done many years ago. When the ship slowly goes through the cut, as a passenger you are looking down at this area and you see a crowd of locals waving to you. There is a large cannon there and the town crying welcomes you to Bermuda. They even light the cannon. BOOM !!!!!!!!! Now I know I am there.

BERMUDA HERE I COME !!!!!!!!!;)