Norwegian Majesty Fam Trip

Four-day Western Caribbean out of Miami
NCL is set to begin 7-day Western Caribbean sailings out of Charleston on 08 NOV 2003 and will depart every Saturday thru 10 APR 2004. The itinerary will include Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Key West. I wanted to take this particular sailing to familiarize myself with the cruise line, the ship, and the ports-of-call. This was to be my first experience with NCL ( and the Majesty ) and felt that first-hand knowledge of the two would be valuable selling tools.

EMBARKATION

Quick, convenient, easy, and organized. One of the best check-in processes I have encountered. Cruise line and port personnel were everywhere and check-in was a breeze. Within a matter of minutes we were through security and on-board the ship. Lunch is served during the boarding time at the Piazza San Marco ( hamburgers and hot dogs ) and the Café Royal ( two separate buffet lines ) both located on the Sports Deck. There is limited indoor seating at the Café Royale but most is outdoors on the deck ( not quite sure how this will work in Charleston in January and February ). By the time the ship was ready to sail the Sports Deck & the Sky Deck were pretty full.

CABINS

The Majesty offers Interior, Superior Interior, Oceanview, and Superior Oceanview cabins & Suites. There are no Balcony cabins on this ship. The pricing and placement of categories on the ship are random at best…a higher deck is neither more expensive or a better cabin ( as is the general rule with most ships ). Most Oceanview cabins that are located on the higher decks have obstructed views. Cabins that sleep only two passengers are the smallest while cabins that sleep third and/or fourth passengers are the largest ( these are rated as the Superiors ). The only category that may buck that trend is II on Majesty Deck. So…..if you have two people sailing that want the most square footage then book them into a triple/quad occupancy cabin.

The cabins themselves are well maintained and decorated with light neutral tones and light wood furniture. Beds are actual mattresses and quite comfortable. Cabins are furnished with a closet ( with safe ), lighted vanity desk with chair ( and the neatest built-in ironing board ), dresser(s), individual climate control, tv with numerous satellite channels, two channels of music, and refrigerator ( not all cabins ).

The bathrooms are a masterful use of minimum space. They are compact but functional and provide adequate maneuvering space. Included are a hairdryer, hand soap and lotion, and shower gel & shampoo dispensers in the shower ( the shower is separate and roomy ). Towels are large and thick and wash cloths & hand towels are kept stocked.

Cabin stewards are outstanding and regularly check on you to see if there is anything you need.

MOBILITY

Majesty has six elevators in three banks of two ( these are located at the main stairwells ). They are small and not very fast……depend on the stairs and leave the elevators for those who actually need them. The stairs are well placed and very wide……this ships medium size makes it a breeze to navigate. The Promenade deck is a wonderful treat but for some reason the majority of passengers tended to congregate on the Sports and Sky Decks……this made the Promenade all the more enjoyable. Cabin hallways were wide enough for two people to pass and ship maps and diagrams were well placed for guidance.

PLUBLIC SPACES

Majesty does not have an Atrium but does have Crossroads….a sort of Rotunda in the middle of the ship where you will find the Purser, Information, Excursions, and Credit desks. It is located on Atlantic Deck and this is also where most public areas are located. Royal Fireworks is the “second” showroom located at the front of the ship. Seating is limited and tends to fill early. Then there is Rendezvous and house of Lords……the largest lounges/bars on the ship. Here you will find two big-screen tv’s and snacks that are served at varying times of the day. Next are the shops ( jewlry, logo souvenirs, clothing, alcohol, and cigarettes ). These were well stocked and very well priced….many bargains to be found. Also on this deck are the Internet Café, Library, and Video Arcade.

On Majesty Deck are the Polo Club ( lounge/bar) and the photo gallery. There is the Monte Carlo Casino and the main showroom Palace Theatre. The Palace Theatre is one level and the sightlines are not the best in the world. Seating was generally available at most shows but in the very back rows. Entertainment was top-notch and worth making an effort to go see. On Promenade Deck you will find the Mandara Spa, Gym, and the Frames 52 Disco.

Overall décor and furnishings are tasteful and in good repair…..one was given a sense of quality and solidness…..broad appeal and virtually no glitz.

DINING FREESTYLE

Here is where NCL pulls way ahead of the pack…..Freestyle is the way to go. There are 5 restaurants that are included in the cruise fare….Seven Seas, Four Seasons, Café Royale, Piazza San Marco, and Royal Observatory. Then there is Le Bistro ( fine dining ) that requires additional tariff ( 12.50 to 20.00 per person ). Advance reservations are required at Le Bistro and the Royal Observatory ( Italian cuisine – no additional tariff charged ). Café Royale offers buffet service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Piazza San Marco offers 24 hour hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and salads. The two main restaurants Seven Seas and Four Seasons offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner seatings. Your preference for seating was always accommodated and in a timely manner. Service and food were beyond expectations and would rival any fine dining establishment. One note…..in the Seven Seas Dining there is noticeable engine noise and vibration when seated in the far rear ( near the windows ) some passengers may find this annoying.

Freestyle allows you to decide when, where, and with whom you wish to dine. This one feature removes any stress that may have been involved with the traditional two-seating rush for the dining room that still exists on some ships even today. The inclusion of gratuities ( 10.00 per person per day ) allows for more personnel and improved service.

Menus were expansive and there was something to suit the taste of everyone on-board. If you could not find it in yourself to leave the cabin then room service was only a phone call away.

DISEMBARKATION

A repeat of embarkation…..orderly, efficient, and quick.

SPECIAL NOTES

Majesty is not the newest or the largest ship sailing but in combination with NCL’s Freestyle Cruising concept, she is one of the best. The ship, service, crew, and dining were near perfection. She was completely sold out on this sailing but you would never have known it…….service was flawless. The sailings that will be operating out of Charleston are one of the best values going. The Majesty ( and NCL ) can be sold without any qualms whatsoever. I was also impressed with the ship’s smoothness while sailing….much better than some others I have been on.