The Norwegian Majesty’s winter itinerary comprises 3 & 4 night itineraries to the Bahamas out of the Port of Miami competing with similar ships operated by Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International.  This is a very competitively priced market and as such the Norwegian Majesty is probably the most attractive ship and reasonably priced ship sailing this itinerary.

 

Her alternating three-night itineraries call on Nassau/Private Island and Nassau /Private Island. Her four-night program includes Cancun and Key West. The summer season finds her on seven-night Bermuda cruises out of Boston.

 

I recently had the opportunity to sail on her when she arrived back on station in Miami and I am happy to report that she arrives back on the scene ready to delight. The Norwegian Majesty is contemporary and sleek, with rich colors and warm wood fittings throughout. The 3 and 4 day cruise market takes its toll on the ships that operate these itineraries, but I am pleased to report the Norwegian Majesty looked to be in great shape.  I am always impressed by the constant cleaning and upgrading that keeps this ship in such fine condition.

 

In terms of value for the money, NCL offers the best mid-level product in the cruise industry. The on board ambiance is fun and upbeat. The staff is friendly and happy to serve you. The dining room service could not have been much better. The waiters and bus boys spoke English as well as a number of other languages; they were attentive, cheerful and eager to please. The same qualities rang true when it came to the cabin stewards.

 

The Norwegian Majesty is small enough to feel intimate carrying only 1462 passengers, yet large enough to offer the many dining and entertainment options found on bigger vessels.  With NCL’s move to Free Style Dining there is truly something for everyone in the way of eateries.

 

Then there are a total of six dining alternatives overseen by Chef’s that are members of the “Chaine des Rotisseurs” gourmet society so you can expect quality, well prepared and professionally served food in your restaurant of choice. Menu choices include selections from “Cooking Light ã” magazine as well as a Presidents Menu by former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller.

 

Dining and Cuisine

There are two main dining room options; the Seven Seas Dining Room with seating for 636 and the  Four Seasons Dining Room with a capacity 260.  They offer a wide variety of a la carte menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Keeping in mind this is not a five star vessel, nor is this nouvelle cuisine; it is good, well presented restaurant cuisine.  On the dinner menu there were some very creative menu items.  The soups, especially the chilled fruit soups, were quite good. If you have the time, I highly recommend you enjoy your breakfast and lunch in the dining room as well. The selections are far superior to those offered in the Cafe Royale buffet.

• Le Bistro - capacity 56 - Le Bistro restaurant offers light Italian and continental style menus in an intimate setting for dinner only. A special chef’s choice starter, entrée and desert item are featured on each cruise, which expands the menu choice even further.  Reservations and a small additional fee by way of gratuity for the upgraded service are charged (currently $10 per person). NCL is happy to block this restaurant for your group on an exclusive basis for one evening if your group is in the 50 passenger range.

• Cafe Royal (112) is the buffet restaurant for casual indoor/outdoor dining for breakfast and lunch

• Royal Observatory (134) and is basically a lounge by day and Pasta restaurant by night.  Dinners are relaxed and informal and feature a good choice of perennial pasta favorites.

• Piazza San Marco (60) is an Ice cream parlor with burgers, hot dogs and pizza and is open 24 hours a day.

• This is a ship where every single public room would be great for a meeting or private function. With a choice of eleven lounges and bars there is sure to be one that meets your needs.

• Public / Meeting Rooms.

• Palace Theater - capacity (602) This serves as the main show lounge, and works nicely for an awards ceremony or meeting.

• Royal Fireworks - capacity (217)  In my opinion, the best room on the ship for a cocktail party where you may want the CEO to address the crowd. There is a small stage and moveable seating. For a standing party, you could easily accommodate 300 people. I understand they have even done small trade shows in this lounge. The lounge can be split into two with attractive roll down wooden shutters.

• Royal Observatory  (134) With her glass enclosed sailing ship replicas, rich wood and elegant upholstery, the Royal Observatory is the room that delivers a somewhat nautical feel. My favorite place for a quiet chat or a chance to listen to soothing piano music. A nice diversion.

• Frame 52 (118) Yes, this is the disco, but don’t be fooled. This room has a beautiful polished granite floor, plentiful windows and soft colors. No neon here, or anywhere else on the ship for that matter! Perfect for a meeting or gathering with flexible seating.

• Rendezvous Lounge (85) Located on Atlantic deck is the ships sports bar between 5 and 8 each day an impromptu sushi and Mexican bar is et up here as well as sports bar food on game days.  It is a fun and busy spot most afternoons.

• House of Lords (82) Located on Atlantic deck. Another wonderful spot for a meeting or cocktail party.

• Polo Club Piano Bar (63) Nightly entertainment in an intimate setting.

• Small meeting rooms:

• Queen of Hearts (28) / Boardroom (16) / Bookheads Club Library (12)

• Other bars - Internet café / Coffee Bar Lounge /  Topsiders bar (10)

Entertainment  

Because NCL has always been known for their entertainment, this subject deserves special mention. The Jean Ann Ryan Company who have been producing live entertainment on board NCL’s larger ships for several years handed over the smaller ships to Paramount Productions who appeared to be doing a good job in as much as the shows I viewed where lively, professional and entertaining.

 

Spa and Gymnasium & Beauty Salon.

• Bodywaves offers workouts with the latest computerized weight machines, an aerobic center, saunas and licensed massage therapists.

• Vanity Fair Beauty Salon: Located on Promenade Deck; full-service unisex salon.

The Cabins  

There are 2 Penthouse Suites, 20 Superior Suites, 459 outside cabins, 249 inside cabins.

As most of your groups will use the outside cabins, we can focus on them. They are all approximately 150 square feet, but seem larger. This is due in part to the fact that the bathrooms are quite small. Personally, I would rather have more room in the cabin - which equates to more closet and drawer space. For the most part, twin beds are convertible to queens. Each of these cabins has a safe, hair dryer and television. Most of the outsides have a mini refrigerator. The cabins are rather pretty with rich pink soft goods and real wood dressers. There is 24-hour cabin service on a limited menu. The in-cabin movie channel featured very current selections.

 

Basic Specification:

Gross Tonnage:      38,000

Overall Length:      680 ft

Beam:                    91 ft

Draft:                    20 ft

Cruising Speed:       20 Knots

Passengers:        1462

Crew:                  620