We were driven to the Black Falcon Pier by family members and our luggage was picked up curbside. We went directly upstairs to check in and wait in a short line. We arrived by 11:15 and boarding began at about 11:30.

We went directly to the Casino to sign up for our onboard credit accounts. Since we were one of the first hundred or so to board the ship, the line was very short and we were done in about 15 minutes.

We headed upstairs to the pool deck and grabbed lunch at the buffet then explored the ship a bit. We headed downstairs to check out our cabin, on the 3rd deck (the lowest passenger deck) near the center of the ship. We chose this cabin on the advice of friends who said this was the best location for avoiding seasickness.

We found our cabin to be quite comfortable, with plenty of storage space. (I packed enough for 3 weeks; my sister brought a backpack, a duffel bag, and a garment bag.) The room had a safe and a small refrigerator. We brought koolaid powder and sports bottles and chilled koolaid to take with us on Bermuda days; cheaper than $3 bottled water from the ship. The tap water was not bad tasting but adding koolaid made it more palatable. Mirrors covering the back wall, closets, and wall above the bathroom sink made the room feel more open, we did not feel at all claustrophobic. Our room also had a 3rd pull-down bed, and I think it would have been a tight squeeze for three people, but was comfortable for two. The beds were very comfortable. Shampoo, bath gel, lotion, bar soap and a sewing kit were provided. Our only complaint about the room was that it was chilly at night when we came back after dinner, even with the thermostat set to the warmest setting. However, the bed covers were warm so we were not uncomfortable sleeping, and the room always seemed a comfortable temperature in the morning. We found the cabin to be very quiet in terms of noise from the hallway and other cabins, but somewhat creaky when the ship was in motion -- something like the sound of rain on a tent. We found it pleasant, but some might find it annoying.

We ate at the main restaurant the first night and had a very pleasant and attentive waiter. There were usually plenty of food choices in the restaurants to put together a meal that we would enjoy. We stuck with appetizer, soup or salad, main dish, and dessert. We found the portions to be reasonable (a little small) so that we could try several courses and still have room for the midnight buffet! And the waiters were always willing to bring a second serving of anything we particularly enjoyed. We never saw long lines at any of the dining rooms. We found that going at 5:30, 7:00, or 9:00 were the least busy times.

Our luggage arrived after dinner and we spent some time unpacking before enjoying the band on the pool deck. We found that the band was usually a bit loud for our taste, but just right if we sat on the Sun Deck, where we could watch and enjoy without being in the thick of things. The Caribbean band and the Irish duo were both good and we enjoyed them in several different settings over the course of the cruise.

Unfortunately, we tracked 400 miles behind a hurricane the whole way to Bermuda, and we spent Monday (our full day at sea) in the room, seasick. Even in a low, midships cabin, when the ship rolled, we felt like we were on an amusement ride. We only brought along Bonine, and had taken only half a dose before leaving Boston. It seemed that people who were using a patch had a better time of it. However, we held out hope that we would survive to see Bermuda, and we watched a lot of TV that day, including port talks that had been videotaped, so it wasn't a total loss.

We thoroughly enjoyed Bermuda. We were able to purchase a bus pass at the tourist info center right next to the pier and found this to be a great way to travel. We didn't have to worry about getting lost, and we were able to enjoy the view while we rode. We visited the Perfumery, Botanical Gardens, and Aquarium - all were lovely. We enjoyed snorkeling in Tobacco Bay and at Shelley Bay Beach. As first-time snorkelers, we were amazed at the number of  fish we could see in chest-deep water. We would recommend bringing snorkeling gear from home, as many of the less-crowded beaches don’t rent equipment.

Tuesday nights June through September offer Heritage Nights in Kings Square, St. George (right in front of the ship). Free historical walking tours are offered (just as nice as the candlelight walk the ship offers as a shore excursion), local bands play, Bermuda crafters sell their wares in the Square, and about 8:00, the Town Crier comes out for a demonstration of the Ducking Stool and Stocks, followed by Gombey Dancers (children dressed in bright costumes doing rhythmic dance to fife and drum accompaniment). Bring your camera!

On our last day in Bermuda, we didn’t need to be back to the ship til 12:30, so spent the morning at shops and then one last dip in Tobacco Bay (which is an easy 15 minute walk from the ship). Carol Holding’s studio in King's Square has beautiful Bermuda artwork and lovely good-quality t-shirts for $6.50. There are also several touristy shops nearby with reasonable prices.

We had looked forward to dressing up every night for dinner, but after a long day of walking and swimming, we found a quick shower and casual clothes felt great. We enjoyed the poolside buffet most nights. There was a wonderful variety of food choices. Two food carts on either side of the buffet area offered ethnic cuisine that is not to be missed - a taco bar, Indian cuisine, special tropical soups, made to order Asian noodle dishes. Midnight buffets offered different themes, but always lots to choose from and excellent desserts! And we really enjoyed eating out in the fresh air, or in the enclosed area behind the buffet, with windows facing toward the sunset. The little pasta restaurant (not Le Bistro) was also very good, with delicious fresh pasta dishes, attentive waiters, and a lovely view of the ocean. It was much more intimate than the other dining rooms.

All meals offered a variety of freshly made breads and rolls, plus fresh fruit salad, which I ate lots of to keep the pounds off. There were so many healthy choices that were so delicious and unusual that I didn’t even feel a desire to eat pounds of high-calorie food, and by walking up the stairs from our 3rd floor cabin to Deck 10 for meals, plus lots of walking and swimming in Bermuda, I managed to gain only 2 pounds.  But if your goal is to eat until you can’t fit through the doorway, you can do that, too.  We figured there was about an hour between breakfast and lunch, an hour between lunch and dinner, and six hours overnight when there wasn’t a restaurant or buffet open, and even then you could always grab a pizza on Deck 10 or order from 24-hour room service. I highly recommend the chocolate mousse from room service.

There were plenty of activities on board that we enjoyed, including music by the Majesty band, performances by the Majesty dancers, and the bands performing in various lounges. The talent show was a hoot - there were some really talented acts, and then some that just added a little variety. High tea on sea days is a don’t miss. Scones with clotted cream and jam, sandwiches, and elegant finger desserts were absolutely delicious with a cup of hot Earl Grey.

Because we were at sea during the Sept. 11 tragedy, the cruise line extended free e-mail services for a few days. Otherwise, there’s  $3.95 initial charge to set up your account, then 75 cents per minute for use of the computer, plus a $3.95 charge per e-mail sent. Incoming e-mail costs only for time to read it or 50 cents a page to print it.

We really had a good time on the Majesty. We felt like there was always plenty of choices for activities, but lots of quiet places to relax, too. The food was great, with lots of options in the dining rooms and buffets. The staff were always available if needed. The ship was very comfortable, both the cabin and public rooms. The destination was beautiful - warm, sunny, and plenty to do. I highly recommend this trip!