Jo-Ann Ostien

Age: 52
Occupation: Insurance Agent/Producer
Number of Cruises: 2
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Ship: Majesty of the Seas
Sailing Date: June 3rd, 2005
Itinerary: 3-Day Bahamas Cruise

This was my second cruise and my daughter’s first. A three day cruise is just too short! But, with this being her first cruise – it was a great introduction.

We have done both the pre/post cruise and the arrive the same day of cruise --- word of advise – take the pre/post option. With the chances of airline delays and the exhausting rush of being up early, having 6-7 hrs of air travel then transferring to port to board---- can result in being too tired the first night of your cruise vacation to enjoy it all. As well as the day you disembark, you are subject to a very long, long day of traveling home again. This happened to us this time, we chose to fly and cruise same day and cruise and fly same day – we had flight delays one right after the other which resulted in a very long day at Miami Airport the day we arrived back in port. We neglected to do an excursion that day – big mistake. Take the pre/post cruise hotel stays!

Once again, the boarding process went very smooth. Once you are there, the welcome on board festivities and lunch in the Windjammer is a great way to set the tone for what will be the time of your life if you want it to be. Immediately the staff starts greeting you and are there to answer any questions you may have, weather you are a first time cruiser or not.

Even though The Majesty of the Seas is an older ship, I found it to be very clean and not looking old or run down. Just not as fancy as some of the newer ships. We had an outside stateroom on deck 4 which provided us with a nice view of our travels. I found this room to be a bit smaller than our large inside stateroom on the Enchantment that we were on in February, 2005, but still in very good condition and plenty of room for the two of us.

Hats off to the staff once again! I found no difference in the quality of their service from the Enchantment’s 5 nights to the Majesty’s 3 nights. The formal night in the dining room was nice, but overall prefer the Windjammer for our meals. We will probably always do the formal night, but the relaxing atmosphere of the Windjammer is more appealing. The early seating in Dining Room seems too rushed. On this trip, we had the pleasure of having two super guys as our waiters in the Windjammer. Although, several waiters had assisted us from time to time, but Andrea and Keith, totally super! The food presentation, quality and quantity, once again exceeded my expectations.

If it wasn’t for seeing some of the ports of call – I would be happy just staying on ship and enjoying all it has to offer – because you can’t possibly take it all in on a 3 day cruise. Oh, the shows are terrific. What a production they put on for the guests. The daily Cruise Compass is very helpful in trying to decide how to manage your time for the daily activities.

Coco Cay – Royal Caribbean’s private island is truly a taste of paradise. The schedule allows you to have enough time to just relax and bask in the sun, walk around to sight see or do some souvenir shopping, enjoy the crystal clear turquoise water, do an excursion and have a barbeque that offers more than you can ever imagine eating. Our chosen excursion was the wave runner. What a blast! Cruising on the warm Caribbean waters on a jet ski and being able to see star fish that are the size of your dinner plate – way too cool! More time at Coco Cay would be welcomed.

Nassau - a very picturesque city from the cruise ship – many, many shops to browse in and get a taste of what they have to offer. Our excursion at this port of call was the tour of Atlantis on Paradise Island. So spectacular and very upscale in every aspect. The aquarium – you have too check this out for yourself. WOW! If you want the picture that will capture you in a view of tropical paradise – take one from the grounds of Atlantis with the gardens and Caribbean in your background.

I hope my review helps anyone who is trying to decide if they want book a cruise and what line to choose. Our two cruises with Royal Caribbean have made our decision for future cruises very easy--- we will be getting out there with them again in January 2006 on a 7-day cruise. The plans are in the making.

Enjoy the vacation you so well deserve
 

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