Majesty of the Seas

Majestic makeover ushers in new era

Ship Review by Michael Coleman, November, 2007

It was just a few short years ago when Majesty of the Seas carried the proud distinction of being the world’s largest cruise ship. 

www.flickr.com Cruise News Weekly’s Royal Carribean Majesty of the Seas photoset

When Royal Caribbean unveiled the 74,000-ton modern marvel in 1992, not only did it signal a new era for the company, one could argue that cruising’s overall popularity stemmed from its launch.

The global cruise industry is booming today and Royal Caribbean is one of its biggest players with 21 vessels plying the waters, each more innovative and passenger-friendly than the next.

So, what to do with one of its aging stars, a 15-year-old ship born before rock-climbing walls and skating rinks became fleet staples?

Company officials headed back to the drawing board.

New Era Begins

What recently emerged was an ambitious, if not impressive, $36 million bow-to-stern makeover.

Guest suites and staterooms have been overhauled, as have the casual dining areas, the main dining rooms, the ship’s spa, fitness center, conference rooms, pool deck, theater and Casino Royale. In addition, the Viking Crown Lounge, Centrum shops facades and other public areas have also been modernized.

Look also for bow-to-stern Wi-Fi access, new flat-screen televisions, luxurious bedding and bathrooms outfitted with new hardware.

Not to be outdone, kids have their own Adventure Ocean youth center which offers a host of supervised activities and teens will enjoy their own nightclub and lounge.

The food and beverage transformation on this 2,350-passenger vessel, however, may have been the most dramatic.

A myriad of new dining options abound. The Windjammer Marketplace features a selection of Asian, Latin, Mediterranean and American fare in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Also new is the Compass Deli, featuring a sandwich bar, daily soups, made-to-order salads, paninis, crepes and energy drinks.

In keeping with brand partnerships found on other Royal Caribbean vessels, passengers aboard Majesty of the Seas can now also enjoy Sorrentos Italian pizza, Johnny Rockets (hamburgers and milkshakes), Cafe Latte-tudes, featuring Seattles Best Coffee brand, and the Freeze ice cream parlor.

The ships entertainment scene has also been overhauled. “Signed, Sealed and Delivered,” the line’s latest theater production, brings to life the soul, rhythm and blues of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Tina Turner, among other musical giants. Want to dance after the show? The lines signature Latin bar, Boleros, serves up more than just mojitos and caipirhinas.

Need to unwind from the night before? The ship’s spa features 10 new treatment rooms, a relaxation area and beauty salon equipped with a barber station, hair stylists, manicure and pedicure stations and a teeth whitening room. The onboard fitness center features stationary bikes and a new aerobics floor to accommodate spinning and fitness classes.

Sailing year-round to the Bahamas from Miami, each three-or four-night cruise features a visit to Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s sun-drenched private island. Look for water sports activities and a complimentary BBQ to make the tendered visit ashore all the more enjoyable.

Upon returning to the vessel, active passengers might want to climb the line’s famous rock-climbing wall, added in a previous makeover.