Is she that bad?

[cruisincorgi]

I am booked on the Majesty in March. I must say, after reading some reviews I'm scared to go on this ship. Can someone please give an objective review. I'd like to hear from people who like this ship as well as from those wwho have not liked sailing her. Thank you

[jrs101]

Is she that bad?

 

oh, when i saw your topic headig, i figured you were talking about my mother in law. And yes, she is that bad. well, my MIL at least. Never been on the majesty.

 

i've read the reviews and like most ships the reviews are all over the place. i've been on carnival, celebrity, ncl, royal and i've never had a bad time.

 

but since you are asking about the majesty, and not my MIL, i'll leave the feedback to the people who have saile on the majesty.

 

take care,

jrs101

[cruizinwithkids]

Hopefully this will make you feel better. I know it makes me miss her.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=796248&highlight=

[cruisincorgi]

Thank you for your replies. Would like to hear more.::)

[mmceachn]

I like the Majesty.

Been to Bermuda on the Majesty several times.

 

Compared to most other ships sailing today, she is small and there are no balconies.

 

as long as you understand that it's a small ship experience, and not real fancy

you will enjoy

[garycarla]

Some asked exactly this last week, but included the ship name in the subject line. In any event that message indicated people were very happy with Majesty. Yes, some were not, but it seemed that lots would cruise again, and are.

[angeljt]

Absolutely love the Majesty!!! We've only sailed her once and it was in June 2006, but I sure wish she stayed in Boston.

Not as fancy as the newer ships, but the crew was wonderful and there was plenty to do. The food was good also.

You're going to read a lot of mixed reviews, so go with an open mind and have a wonderful time. Only you can decide what you like and if you will have a good time. We always seem to enjoy whatever ship we are on and seek out the best of what they offer for us. Hope you will too. :D

[scteacher31]

My DH and I went on the Majesty last January as our first cruise. We live in Columbia so we were able to drive to Charleston. It WAS our first cruise so we had nothing to compare it to. However, we had a great time and loved the ship. The only complaint we have at all is that the beds were not very comfortable. Otherwise, everything was wonderful. We even won a free cruise at Bingo!! :D

[gg2]

Hello Cruisincorgi,

 

We (my husband and I and four friends) just returned on Saturday after a week on the Majesty over New Year's out of Charleston. It was our second cruise on this ship.

 

The Majesty is an older, smaller ship without the bells and whistles of the new ships (as many have said), but it is easy to get around and the crew is just fantastic. The Cruise Director, Ered, was wonderful and funny, but he is leaving the Majesty within the next couple of weeks. The entertainment was very good. We ate only in the Seven Seas Dining Room and the food and service were excellent.

 

Depending on your cabin, you might be a bit cramped. Due to stretching the Majesty, some cabins are only 108 sq. ft compared to the "superior" cabins at 145 sq. ft. I believe all cabins have mini-fridges. Our cabin did not have a hairdryer, but I always bring my own anyway. The dryers on the Majesty are not very powerful, so I'd suggest you bring one if you use one.

 

We were delayed in our return to Charleston due to fog and had to remain in the Atlantic for three hours before the Pilot could make his way to the Majesty to accompany her in to port. So, instead of docking at 7 am, we docked just before 11. During the delay, the Majesty provided CNN on the big screen in the theater and showed a movie in one of the lounges to help pass the time. The Captain kept apologizing for the delay, but it was obviously not his fault. The room stewards were understanding when most passengers wanted to remain in their rooms instead of vacating them for "turnover cleaning", and the crew opened a small buffet for lunch.

 

When we docked, instead of kicking us all off the boat to scramble for our luggage and stand in long custom lines (as they well could have), the CD and Asst. CD proceeded with the planned order of disembarking (by express walk off first, then priority, then color codes). We had opted to leave the ship last, since we have a short drive home from Charleston, and disembarked at just before 2 pm. It was a bummer for those boarding the ship for the next cruise, but I have to say that the crew handled the delay well.

 

Is there anything in particular you want to know? I'll try to answer your questions objectively and honestly.

 

Happy New Year and relax! You will have a wonderful cruise!

 

Cheers,

[flashdog_1]

This is an older ship which was not made for Freestyle. That said, they do have a reservations required but no fee Pasta Restaurant which is open only in the evening. Service was a little slow there, and there were only a few people eating there, so maybe everyone didn't realize it was there!

 

The one surcharge restaurant was Le Bistro, same as on all NCL ships.

 

As far as Majesty not being fancy, that's not entirely true. No atrium, but the main dining room, Venetian is gorgeous.

 

since the ship is small you will find your same server/attendant easily, and get good service, whether that's in the casino or on the pool deck.

 

They have the same activities you'd find on any larger ship.

 

Since there are fewer passengers, the lounges etc. may not be as large as you've experienced before, but the trade off will probably be understood and equitable.

 

You have more of a chance to feel that it is YOUR ship.

[cp556]

We like the Majesty. And we're booked on our third cruise on her in May.

 

The downsides, in our opinion: the smaller cabins and bathrooms; no balconies; what we think are uncomfy beds (but ask the steward for an "egg crate" and it'll make the bed much more comfortable); and the fact that the Casino is the only indoor smoking area on the ship, so cabins on Deck 6 near the casino have smoky passageways outside.

 

The upsides: Smaller ship means the staff gets to know you and your desires better; you see the same passengers more than once; very good food; and a friendly and somewhat informal environment.

 

We're going to miss her when she leaves the fleet, and hope NCL replaces her in Charleston...

[*Wink*]

To the OP~ Many on this board are absolutely true fans of Majesty. Like others have said, it's a quaint ship with a very relaxed, intimate atmosphere. There are no water slides or rock climbing walls, so if you or your family are into that, she may disappoint. Having said that, you can plan on a wonderful cruise with excellent service and really great food.

She does have some wear, but Majesty is kept to the highest standards. Don't expect luxuries, but do expect pleasing decor.

We're sailing her one more time in April before she's leaving the fleet. I highly recommend Majesty.

[Luv4dacruise]

Just to clarify, the smaller (108 sq ft.) cabins have nothing to do with it being stretched.

 

Sailed in 2 of those when it was the Royal Majesty (pre stretch).

 

She was a superb ship then, post stretch, shes still nice, but i wish alot of you that love her so much could have sailed her before the stretch. She really was in a different league then.

 

She still is wonderful though, have a great cruise!

[petesweet]

I would not have jumped in with anything negative here except that you wanted both viewpoints.

 

Our cruise on the Majesty was our least favorite cruise ever. We really did not enjoy the cafeteria--so small, with very limited choices. (Be aware that when you cannot find a table, you can go way to the back and down the stairs where there is additional seating in a lounge.)

 

We did enjoy the main dining room, but the secondary room we found to be very crowded (tables jammed together), but perhaps it was just where they seated us on a busy night--way back in the corner.

 

Many people speak of the friendly crew. This was the one ship where I found no fewer than four rude crew members--one in the jewelry shop, two on the cafeteria lines, and one at the pizza stand near the pool.

 

Since we live near Charleston, South Carolina, we are considering giving her another chance before she is retired by taking a cruise to Bermuda.

 

Sorry for the bad review, but you asked.:) We like bigger and newer ourselves.

[bakechef]

Having only sailed very new ships and much more impressive ones, I was a bit apprehensive about sailing her, but because of the price and the fact that I needed a vacation after a very tough year, I decided "what the heck".

 

This was my partner's first ever cruise, and it got him hooked. She was definitely a very different ship than what I was used to, but from the instant that we stepped aboard we were made to feel very welcomed. The ship was very modest in decor to say the least but it was very easy on the eyes. We had the smallest category cabin and it was very cozy to say the least, while on the commode, one leg was in the shower!:D

 

We loved the dining room food, but the buffet was not great, but by utilizing the deli station and pasta station, I was always able to get a satisfying quick lunch, so all was not lost.

 

We really enjoyed this voyage, and it will always hold a special place in our hearts as it was our first cruise together, we have since been on better ships with better food and accommodations, but the crew on the Majesty were what really made this cruise special.

[CruisnGram]

I am booked on the Majesty in March. I must say, after reading some reviews I'm scared to go on this ship. Can someone please give an objective review. I'd like to hear from people who like this ship as well as from those wwho have not liked sailing her. Thank you

 

I don't mean to be rude, and hope I don't sound so, but I have to ask why you booked this cruise? On one of your other threads you said that you loved the Dawn and were probably going to book it to Bermuda. You obviously changed your mind, for some reason. Honestly, if you are that afraid of the Majesty, I think you should cancel this ship and book the Dawn. You know then that you will enjoy your cruise.

 

Happy sailing no matter which ship you decide on.

 

CG

[mmceachn]

This is an older ship which was not made for Freestyle. That said, they do have a reservations required but no fee Pasta Restaurant which is open only in the evening. Service was a little slow there, and there were only a few people eating there, so maybe everyone didn't realize it was there!

 

The one surcharge restaurant was Le Bistro, same as on all NCL ships.

 

As far as Majesty not being fancy, that's not entirely true. No atrium, but the main dining room, Venetian is gorgeous.

 

since the ship is small you will find your same server/attendant easily, and get good service, whether that's in the casino or on the pool deck.

 

They have the same activities you'd find on any larger ship.

 

Since there are fewer passengers, the lounges etc. may not be as large as you've experienced before, but the trade off will probably be understood and equitable.

 

You have more of a chance to feel that it is YOUR ship.

 

Flashdog

 

You are mixing up your ships :) Venetian is on the

Dawn and I agree it is beautiful.

The Majesty has two main dining rooms, Seven Seas and Four Seasons. LeBisro is the pay restaurant, and there is a reservations only Pasta Cafe which is not charge.

The burger grill on the pool deck aft is open 24 hours.

 

My favorite spot on the Maj is along the window seats on deck 5 near LeBistro

[JerseyGem]

Do you realize that you will be sailing during Spring Break time? At that time, the Majesty attracts many groups of college-age young adults due to it's price and location. DD sailed her during Spring Break two years ago (as a college student LOL); it was too rowdy for her and her friends (yes, they do drink and party). Groups can buy the drink package (all the beer, housewine and well drinks you want).

 

If this is the only time you can go, I suggest getting a cabin on an upper deck (and therefore a little more expensive). Most of the groups book the cabins on the lower floors (and put four in each), and the partying can spill over into the hallways.

 

If you can go any other time of year, I definitely recommend trying the Majesty. We had a wonderful cruise this past Fall (the 11/1 repo- 14 days on her). You won't find all the "bells & whistles" as on the larger ships. But she's in good shape, with various public areas for day or night activities. The theater has some seats with views blocked by poles, so try not to walk in at the last minute. The Pasta Cafe was lovely; we only ate there twice, but that was because we ended up dining with more than four new friends each night (max seating in this cafe is 4). Check the menus each morning (in the atrium), as they do change in the Pasta Cafe.

 

We had a cabin on Deck 6, not too far from the casino, and were pleasantly surprised that our area wasn't smokey or noisey (even though the casino can get so!) The lounge between the casino and the theater had "environmental" issues for a few days (too hot, too smokey), but that was eventually fixed. The crew (and NCL) are still keeping her fixed-up and in good working order even though she's been sold and will leave soon.

[asirign475]

I love the majesty have been on it three times now. I would go again but it moved to Charleston from Boston. Also it does Bermuda alot. It is older and smaller but homey and comfortable. It is a lot cheaper and the staff are always great. The food has been better than some of the new ships I have been on. No balconys but there is many little nooks to sit out side in where you wont be bothered. Only 1 paid restaurant Le bistro last time I was on. No movie theater but really good shows.

 

I miss her she was my 1st cruise.

[rebeljohn]

The Majesty provided the best service of any ship we have been on. She has an outstanding crew! Like others have said, this is not a new ship with all the fancy stuff, but everything you need is provided with first class service. The ONLY thing that keeps me from booking her again, is the fact that sailing in the Atlantic, on a smaller ship, doesn't set well with my stomach...........despite ginger and Bonine............

[Diamonds Mom]

Dh and I took the majesty out of Charleston last April (our first cruise) and it got us hooked. The staff was wonderful, they were very personable. We just did a cruise in Dec on the Pearl and this was also a great ship. We did the Pearl as we were one of the last cruises to the carribean on the Majesty and wanted to go back to carribean. I tell you though it was great to be able to do a short drive (Charleston) to the port and back home as opposed to spending your whole day in airports and taxis. The Majesty is a smaller ship but so easy to get around. We had an OV on deck 8. If they haven't changed the beds just ask for the egg crate topper thing. Our cruise on the Majesty was sold out but I never felt that things were just to crowded. I never knew you could fit so many kids in a hot tub.:D

[iheartbda]

Looks like it's about 15 for, 1 against with a couple of random comments thrown in.;):)

 

Make that 16 with my vote for.:D

[cartervan]

We also were on the New Year's cruise with our family and I agree with almost everything people have said. Yes, the rooms can be very tiny, the beds are not all that comfortable. I'm sure the room steward struggled mightily to keep the bathroom clean, but there didn't seem to be any exaust system working, and there was a lot of mold around the tiles. In fact, several of the tiles were loose and tended to flip out when you walked across them. The food was very good, I thought, although the service was extremely slow in the main dining room one evening. I did like the way they had the buffet broken up into several serving areas scattered around Deck 10. There was almost never a long line except at the omlet bar in the mornings. I didn't like the "theater" area very much with its low ceiling and round stage. But we enjoyed all the entertainers. So you can see there are pros and cons. I generally like small ships. Our family members could almost always find each other easily. Bottom line--we had a wonderful vacation overall.

[flashdog_1]

Flashdog

 

You are mixing up your ships :) Venetian is on the

Dawn and I agree it is beautiful.

The Majesty has two main dining rooms, Seven Seas and Four Seasons. LeBisro is the pay restaurant, and there is a reservations only Pasta Cafe which is not charge.

The burger grill on the pool deck aft is open 24 hours.

 

My favorite spot on the Maj is along the window seats on deck 5 near LeBistro

 

You are absolutely right. I was mixing up dining room names with Dawn. We're on Dawn in two weeks and Venetian was on my mind. Seven Seas on Majesty is the beautiful dining room.

 

I think the poster who chose to do Majesty again after not liking her so much first round, has done so because she's close by (rather than going to NY for Dawn).

[bakechef]

The Majesty provided the best service of any ship we have been on. She has an outstanding crew! Like others have said, this is not a new ship with all the fancy stuff, but everything you need is provided with first class service. The ONLY thing that keeps me from booking her again, is the fact that sailing in the Atlantic, on a smaller ship, doesn't set well with my stomach...........despite ginger and Bonine............

 

We had a little cheap room, in the very front of the ship, and had some rough seas, boy was that a wild ride! I wish that the beds had seat belts!