Majesty 9/24 Review

[keysjohnson]

This was our first RCI cruise. We've done 3 Carnivals and 3 NCL. I've wanted to try RCI for a long time and finally, deciding to do a quick weekend, we were able too. We live in Florida so we were able to drive to the port. Got there at 10:30, through security by 11AM and on the ship by 11:30AM - incredible! Upon checkin there was a letter stating that because of Hurricane Jeanne, we would be sailing to Key West instead, with Sunday being a sea day. We used to live in the Keys so that didn't excite us too bad but what the heck, we were cruising! We dropped our bags off in our room and headed to the Windjammer. They had the usual stuff and it was very nicely displayed. The first thing I noticed was the friendliness of the staff. It was a plesant change from other cruise lines. Everyone seemed very happy and nice. The meal was good and the desserts were wonderful!

 

We toured the ship and then went to our room to unpack. The room is smaller than Carnival's rooms but still comfortable with plenty of storage. We changed into bathing suits and went up on deck to relax. About 4:30 was the Muster and after that was over, back to the pool area for a great sail away party.

 

We pulled out of Miami right on schedule and headed to Key West. Dinner that evening was in the Windjammer. I am terribly impressed by RCI's casual dining. They go out of their way so make you feel as "special" as the people in the dining room. The menu is the same as the dining rooms. You were seated and asked what you wanted to drink. Even though it was a buffet, it was a great experience. Carnival makes you feel very low class if you decide to utilize the casual dining venues. They could take a lesson for RCI in that department. We ate their every night. By the 2nd night they remembered our names and what we liked to drink. The staff in there was wonderful.

 

The casino didn't like us very much, but we still had a great time.

 

We were offered a room credit which I thought was very generous of RCI. We were sailing, we were being treated nicely, the captain was making sure we were safe and comfortable, so I wasn't by any means "suffereing". I was very impressed.

 

On Sunday the captain got as close to Cuba as allowed, about 2 nautical miles. We were able to see Havana quite well thanks to my husband's binoculars.

 

So, it was a great cruise. Getting back to port was kind of messy, since other ships were stuck out at sea there was a back up of ships. We had to walk quite a ways back to the parking garage, but it wasn't the end of the world. Those complaining could have taken a taxi, or asked a porter to help them carry their bags.

 

I was very disappointed in the amount of people complaing about not going to Nassau. And complaining that RCI wasn't doing enough even with the room credit. I just don't get it. RCI is not at fault for trying to keep us safe and comfortable. I think a lot of these people just want to hear themselves. I for one did not want to sail into a hurricane. I've been through 3 this year and that's enough!

[bambam]

Great review and even better editorial...like my tag line, cruisin's not just an adventure, its an attitude, and your's is A++. :D

[lizardhowson]

We were with you.

 

Yes, the semi-formal atmosphere at night in the Windjammer was a nice touch. Our embarcation and debarcation were both quick and easy. We got a Dollar shuttle, so we didn't have to walk very far.

 

I agree, the credit was a nice gesture.

 

I didn't think too much of the food, but there were some selections that were good & tasty.

 

Seeing Havana was different. I guess someone complained because we weren't stopping there for the day. That's too funny!!

[keysjohnson]

I agree that the food wasn't the best I'd ever had. Although the desserts were above par. But some of the food was very good. The prime rib was good as was the pasta station. My husband is very adventurous with his eating and tried a lot more than I did and he was impressed. I stuck pretty much to the basics.

[bemarshall]

Thanks for the review. We too will be taking our first RCI cruise on the Grandeur out of New Orleans in December. We had only cruised Carnival and another a smaller line in the past, so I'm looking forward to trying something different. Seems like RCI was a good choice for you, and I hope it will be the same for us.

 

What was the dress code in the Windjammer? Are nice shorts/tops acceptable?

 

And I agree with another poster, your attitude was A++!

 

Thanks,

Beth

[lizardhowson]

What was the dress code in the Windjammer? Are nice shorts/tops acceptable? Beth

 

On the Majesty, women could wear swimsuits into the Windjammer during the day as long as you had a wrap, cover, whatever they are called. For men, a shirt was required.

 

I wore shorts morning, noon and night in the Windjammer as did most folks.