RCL Majesty vs. NCL Sky?

[funinthsun]

Does anyone have any thoughts on preferences of these two Bahama sailings. Same itineries. I was just wondering if anyone has been on these 2 ships and can help me decide. BTW...booking an ov guarantee.

 

Please let me know the good and the bad.

Thanks,

Happy Sailing.....

[mikepmcm]

From Cruise Critic Reviews:

 

"Norwegian Sky, formerly known as NCL's Pride of Aloha, has completed a refurbishment and upgrade and, as of July 14, will sail to the Bahamas from its new home port of Miami. The ship, which underwent a two-month drydock to add a casino and other features, as well as Freestyle 2.0 enhancements (ranging from new menus in restaurants to plusher in-cabin bedding).

 

The ship now features some of NCL's trademark eateries, like Cagney's Steakhouse and the French LeBistro, along with Il Adagio, an Italian trattoria, the Garden Cafe buffet, and two main dining rooms. Among the bar options are a martini bar, a sports bar, a Champagne bar and a night club. The Body Waves Spa and Fitness Center, along with two outdoor swimming pools and four hot tubs, offer recreation and relaxation.

 

Norwegian Sky, the youngest and highest-quality ship sailing short Bahamas cruises, departs Miami on Mondays for four-day cruises; the ship calls at Freeport, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island. On Fridays, a three-day weekend getaway visits Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, returning first thing Monday morning.

 

Majesty of the Seas underwent a significant bow-to-stern revitalization at a cost of approximately $36 million. And on my recent preview cruise to check out the new Majesty, it appears that the money was well spent. There's a definite "wow" factor here -- with particular highlights including its wonderful new spa and fitness center, three new casual dining venues, completely redesigned teen facilities that are exclusive to the 12 - 17 year old set, and a re-arranged and refurbished pool deck. Other major changes took place in cabins -- with new carpets and bedding and the addition of flat-screen televisions. The Viking Crown Lounge got a whole new look and so did the shops in the Centrum.

 

One thing didn't change: Standard cabins (inside and out) are contenders for the industry's smallest. At a claustrophobic 122 square ft., fulfilling Royal Caribbean's marketing theme ("get out there") won't be a challenge. And Majesty of the Seas received no additional balconies, so those cabins that do come with verandahs will be priced at a premium."

[MattInFLL]

I've done Majesty twice, and will be doing it again. Her refurb was great - she felt newer than Enchantment of the Seas, which is a much newer ship. Cabins are small though for insides and standard oceanview - but it's only 3 days. Great service and food and lots of options.

 

I enjoyed my one NCL cruise very much and would try them again - but not sure the Sky has been getting the best user reviews on this new itinerary (for the ship).

[Basman]

My wife and I were on the Sky last year when it was the Pride of Aloha (POA) and the previous two cruises before that were on the Sovereign and Monarch of the Seas. From the moment we stepped on board the POA were not impressed at all. It was a completely underwhelming ship, no wow factor at all. While the SnMOTS had an elegance even though they were 10 years older than the POA. I am sure they've removed the cheesy hawaiian decorations and are using an international crew which makes some difference.

 

Comparing the two, most things on NCL were a notch below RCI. I did like the entertainment being comics and magicians. Also the Cruise Director and his staff were excellent on the POA. They probably had to be or else the cruise would have really sucked.

 

Unless there is a huge price difference stick with the Majesty over the Sky. While an older ship, it is more elegant and classy and will provide you with a better cruising experience. If you decide on NCL, it will be an acceptable cruise but probably not an exceptional cruise. Oh and if you love the smell of sewage, be sure to get a cabin in the rear on the POA, at times she can be a rather stinky girl.

 

Hope that helps

Bob

[funinthsun]

Thanks! I appreciate the comments...Actually, Majesty is cheaper!, so I think..Majesty it is..... for a get away weekend.

 

See you on the sea.....

[familyof4cruising]

I posted on your thread in thr NCL boards. Majesty is my pick.