Felicia Whitney

Ship: Norwegian Majesty

Having read the posted reviews about the NCL Majesty prior to our sailing, I began to have second thoughts about our booking on this cruise line. We arrived in Boston around 2 PM and were quickly and professionally checked in and brought to the gangway. The process was simple and fast. Having your papers filled out prior to check in helps expedite things.

My three daughters accompanied us on their first cruise and trip outside the US. Their stateroom was more than adequate. It included 3 closets and several sets of drawers. It even had a small refrigerator. Our stateroom on the other hand was a bit larger than my closet at home. It was so small in fact, that we had to take turns getting dressed for dinner. We are not big people. The rooms were always cleaned well and a fresh supply of towels were always available even though they suggest you use the same towels for a couple of days.

The kids programs were available if you were able to meet the workers at their oddly posted times to sign up the children. When we finally did get to sign the girls up, the staff was inattentive and offered no explanations on how the programs worked. The girls did not partake in any activities.

The food was my biggest concern. The dining rooms offered a nice choice of a red meat, chicken or fish and a pasta and vegetarian meal. Kids menus were always available and often featured many of the adult choices without the sauces and in smaller portions as well as the good old standbys of chicken fingers and burgers. The appetizers were often a very small portion, but very tasty. The only soup that had any substance and flavor was the yellow pea soup. The rest were watery and lacked any type of flavor. All in all we enjoyed our dining experience at both the main rooms and truly enjoyed the attentive wait staff, Sommelier and Maitre d’ who inquired at every meal if everything was satisfactory.

The breakfast buffets were adequate and had the standard fare of scrambled eggs, pancakes, or French toast, breakfast meats and a never ending array of pastries that were always fresh and delicious. There were always two griddle stations outside the buffet where chefs would cook omelets or Belgian waffles to order. The fruit was always fresh and plentiful.

The San Marino grill was open late and offered burgers and fries and usually another meat of the day. We only ate here once and that was enough. The burgers were hard and flavorless. The pizza on the other hand was always hot and dripping with mozzarella and very satisfying. We ate at the Cafe Royal buffet one evening for dinner. It boasted a Caribbean buffet. It featured a roasted pig that was succulent and tender and various other Caribbean salads and meats. It was a taste sensation. The drinks were costly even without the souvenir cups and glasses. The children could order “kiddie smoothies” that were so sickening sweet and fruity, that one would suffice for the whole trip. There was a coffee/tea/juice station that was free and open 24 hours a day. I have to say that I enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee and theirs was not disappointing. The juices however were always a little watered down.

What words can describe the beauty of Bermuda. It was lovely. The pastel houses and gorgeous beaches were a sight to behold. The Bermudans were friendly and helpful. Our excursions were fun and enjoyed by all the family.

The worst thing about the cruise was when my husband discovered that his golf clubs arrived damaged His driver's head was snapped off at the neck. When brought to the attention of the Purser's desk, they offered no compensation unless we had taken out baggage insurance through the cruise line. Hopefully our American Express baggage insurance will cover it.

The other most annoying thing was the piped in music that played continuously throughout the day and night if there were no live acts playing pool side or in one of the theaters. If I heard the rendition of Taps one more time, I think I might have gone mad. The entertainment was wonderful. We attended all the comedy acts and they were hilarious. The NCL show band was wonderful as well as all the other musical performers on the ship. The Jean Ann Ryan Dance Troop was colorful, well choreographed, and lively. The casino was smoky, but I was not offended by smoke in any other area of the ship.

My overall opinion of this cruise line and it's services is very good. I would recommend this cruise to others, especially those who live in the metropolitan Boston area.