Debating between Majesty 4 nt or NCL Sky 4 nt

[shel59]

My hubby and I are debating whether to book NCL Sky for 4 nights 9/22 (Miami - Nassau - Grand Bahama - their private) or Majesty of the Seas 4 nights (Miami - Nassau - Cococay - Key West). We've been to every port except Grand Bahama, so that's not a deciding factor. I see all the great reviews about the remodel on MOTS, and some of the negative reviews about NCL Sky - though those seem to be taking care of. The price is the same (within $50). My only reason to lean towards NCL is the freestyle dining. I see that on MOTS, there is a Johnny Rockets and then normal dining rooms (and pizza, of course). Any feedback on how easy it is to get a table for 2 in the dining room? I'm one of those people that don't like "forced talking" at the dinner table each night. Sometimes you really get along with the other couples, but when not, it's ackward. Is there any way to confirm a table for 2 before the cruise? Also, any dueling pianos on MOTS? How is the nightlife? Casino?

 

THanks,

[PR Cruisers]

I were on your same dilemma around two months ago, but the negative reviews about NCL Sky leaned me to MOS. I am just back from Majesty (August 29 sail) and it is really a great ship, better than expected.

 

I have requested a table for 2 to the customer representative at the time of booking. He told me that there was no guarantee to be granted with one. After checked in and board the ship we went directly to the dining room, and for our surprise, our table was a table for 2 and by the window :)

 

Pizza at Sorrento.....yamming :D. Cheese, Pepperoni, Chorizo and Florentine. Also, you can order a full pizza with the ingredients of your choice. We didnt go to Johnny Rockets.

 

Casino is small, but Ok.

 

For nightlife, if you like latin music, Boleros is perfect. We were there 2 of 3 nights until very late. Spectrum was just OK, not so much variety of music.

[Jules215]

We requested a table for two on our first Majesty cruise in Jan., and got it...We're sailing her again on Friday, ( weather permitting), and have requested another table for 2...Fingers crossed, but I have a feeling we'll get it!! :D

[shel59]

We like Latin music, but prefer to dance to "old school" or just Top 40 stuff. We're in our late 30's/mid 40's, but still like to get out on the floor. Any other entertainment? We did Sensation in May and they did entertainment right (Karaoke, dance club, jazz club, and piano music - all at once - you could "club hop" so to speak)

 

Thanks for the info.

[PR Cruisers]

We requested a table for two on our first Majesty cruise in Jan., and got it...We're sailing her again on Friday, ( weather permitting), and have requested another table for 2...Fingers crossed, but I have a feeling we'll get it!! :D

 

 

Maybe they will assign you table #140 at the Starlight..:D (by the window)

[shel59]

We'll book through a non-RCCL site (*****) b/c we have a unused credit there. Does that impact the chance of getting a table for 2? I've sailed RCCL several times before, but don't have any idea what "rank" I am... sailed in my 20's, under my maiden name, so I don't even know if they'll honor it.

 

Thanks again

[berman947]

The Majesty is a great ship and was the ship that introduced me to cruising! Therefore, I am biased towards her! Either way you go, enjoy!

[ehfl]

If you don't get your table for 2, you can always eat at the Windjammer....good selection of food, and you can always find a table for yourselves. Just ask for a table when you book....no guarantees, but the earlier the better.

[berman947]

The Majesty is a great ship and was the ship that introduced me to cruising! Therefore, I am biased towards her! Either way you go, enjoy!

[jman_in_minnesota]

I enjoyed the Majesty as well, didn't get the table for 2, however, our table mates were ok and chatted just enough to make it interesting. Didn't go to Johnny Rockets, enjoyed parasailing in Coco Cay

 

I thought about the Sky and was also turned off by the negative reviews. Then as we were leaving port last Friday I noticed something about the Sky I didn't like...no open rails! Seemed like everything up on the lido deck had that protective glass completely around the sides. The only part that had an open rail was directly in the back and a little nub in the front...I just thought that was strange

[wrp96]

We'll book through a non-RCCL site (*****) b/c we have a unused credit there. Does that impact the chance of getting a table for 2? I've sailed RCCL several times before, but don't have any idea what "rank" I am... sailed in my 20's, under my maiden name, so I don't even know if they'll honor it.

 

Thanks again

 

 

You need to call Crown & Anchor and sign up. 800-526-9723 When were your previous cruises? If they were in the last 10-15 years, they should have records of them. Longer than that, you may have to provide proof you were on those sailings but no matter what you should be able to get credit for your past sailings.

[PR Cruisers]

I enjoyed the Majesty as well, didn't get the table for 2, however, our table mates were ok and chatted just enough to make it interesting. Didn't go to Johnny Rockets, enjoyed parasailing in Coco Cay

 

I thought about the Sky and was also turned off by the negative reviews. Then as we were leaving port last Friday I noticed something about the Sky I didn't like...no open rails! Seemed like everything up on the lido deck had that protective glass completely around the sides. The only part that had an open rail was directly in the back and a little nub in the front...I just thought that was strange

 

You were on the August 29th Majesty?

 

How were the comedians on the first 2 nights? We didnt go.

[akupupule]

We cruised on MOS in Dec 06 2 weeks before her re-furb and loved her then! Check my review:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=23641

 

Excellent service and crew, decent food (although limited choices), lots of activities both during the day and evening. Several evening activities include : piano in the Schooner lounge, live music in Boleros, DJ and Karaoke in the Paint Your Wagon Lounge. Passengers were definitely a younger and more exuberant crowd than on longer cruises, and a lot of fun ( the most fun we have had on a cruise, including Carnival)! Downsides were limited eating choices, a high passenger ratio (you felt the crowds), tiny (miniscule) cabins, and few balcony cabins. Our cabin was a deck 6 OV.

 

Have not sailed on Norwegian Sky, but she is a newer, bigger ship, with a better passenger ratio, more dining choices and specialty restaurants. Downsides appear (from reviews) to be primarily service related issues and these issues were problems 2 years ago when my in-laws sailed on her in Hawaii.

 

My suggestion would be MOS in a hearbeat!:)

[ottawapuppy]

My hubby and I are debating whether to book NCL Sky for 4 nights 9/22 (Miami - Nassau - Grand Bahama - their private) or Majesty of the Seas 4 nights (Miami - Nassau - Cococay - Key West). We've been to every port except Grand Bahama, so that's not a deciding factor. I see all the great reviews about the remodel on MOTS, and some of the negative reviews about NCL Sky - though those seem to be taking care of. The price is the same (within $50). My only reason to lean towards NCL is the freestyle dining. I see that on MOTS, there is a Johnny Rockets and then normal dining rooms (and pizza, of course). Any feedback on how easy it is to get a table for 2 in the dining room? I'm one of those people that don't like "forced talking" at the dinner table each night. Sometimes you really get along with the other couples, but when not, it's ackward. Is there any way to confirm a table for 2 before the cruise? Also, any dueling pianos on MOTS? How is the nightlife? Casino?

 

THanks,

 

It will be difficult for you to get a private table for two on Majesty of the Seas; there are not many of them. There are many more tables for two on Sky.

There is a piano lounge singer in sky (in Captain Cook's) and on Majesty (in the schooner bar). There is also a latin band on both and an orchestra. As a rule, rooms will be bigger on Sky.

There are pictures of both on our web site in the signature at the bottom of the entry.

 

Mike

[shel59]

If you don't get your table for 2, you can always eat at the Windjammer....good selection of food, and you can always find a table for yourselves. Just ask for a table when you book....no guarantees, but the earlier the better.

 

Is the Windjammer an alternate dining resaurant? I assumed by the name is was another of the "buffet / casual" places, where you'd only get to pick from what was on the buffet and find a set where you could. Is it waiter service / menu options? Anyone have a menu?

 

Thanks for all the great input so far.

[molly361]

We have the same decision to make for next May. Either Majesty 4 night or Carnival Destiny 5 night. We so far have decided on the Destiny as for $300 total more we can get one more night and a balcony. Ports don't matter. I would say if the table for 2 is important to for the Sky, although I have heard nothing but good reviews on the Majesty since her refurb. Good luck

[tuliplvr]

I've been on Majesty twice and I'd go on her again! We had a fabulous time. They also have on board Compass Deli which is hidden behind Sorrentos. They have great sandwiches and soup. They had karaoke one night when we were on board and 70's and 80's night. It's a great ship.

[silentbob007]

Is the Windjammer an alternate dining resaurant? I assumed by the name is was another of the "buffet / casual" places, where you'd only get to pick from what was on the buffet and find a set where you could. Is it waiter service / menu options? Anyone have a menu?

 

It is a buffet, though there are attentive servers in the evening that will get you drinks etc.

[jman_in_minnesota]

You were on the August 29th Majesty?

 

How were the comedians on the first 2 nights? We didnt go.

 

Went to the comedian on the 2nd night, very funny, did alot of impersonations and worked in a bunch of cruise ship jokes, thought he was pretty entertaining

[mafig]

Our first cruise was on Majesty, so we have a soft spot for her.

 

However, we were on Sky's first sailing out of Florida this past July.

 

There were problems on the ship because of non-working air. We were fortunate in that our cabin was, if anything, COLD.:)

 

Those problems appear to be fixed on Sky.

 

And we would recommend Sky over Majesty.

Mainly because we now have to have a balcony. Sky has many balconies, reasonably priced.

Sky offers welcome champagne upon boarding.

Sky offers lobster in the dining room one evening.

Sky offers filet mignon in the dining room another evening.

 

No need to go to the specialty restaurants unless you want to. If you want to be aware that sometimes they offer "half price" sales, so it's quite the bargain.

 

 

We have a future cruise on NCL (Jewel), and RCI (Oasis). You'll have a good time on either...but I would pick Sky.

[jman_in_minnesota]

what's the crowd like on the Sky? young and old mix I presume? just curious...

 

I'd be interested in trying NCL as I'd like to compare the big three on these shorty cruises

 

I thought the crowd was less rowdy on Majesty vs. Carnival's Sensation, although, a 20-something chicky threw up in the pool @ 6pm on embarkation day, but that is another story :eek:

[TexCruise371]

I can't comment on the Sky but Majesty is a great ship! We love her!

[shel59]

How is the casino on Majesty? We're Blackjack players, any idea how many tables? Is it smoky? (We don't smoke)

 

Also, what perks do you get when you go Platinum. I found out I'm gold and will be plainum after my next RCCL cruise.

 

Thanks,

[ottawapuppy]

what's the crowd like on the Sky? young and old mix I presume? just curious...

 

It was a mix of age groups, maybe skewing a bit younger since it is a short cruise.

 

Mike

[jman_in_minnesota]

How is the casino on Majesty? We're Blackjack players, any idea how many tables? Is it smoky? (We don't smoke)

 

Also, what perks do you get when you go Platinum. I found out I'm gold and will be plainum after my next RCCL cruise.

 

Thanks,

 

I think I counted 4 tables, somewhat smokey in the casino.

 

Can't comment on the gold/platinum status as this was my 1st RCI cruise and i'm not sure what this is LOL