twangster Posted August 19, 2019 Report Share Posted August 19, 2019 Fresh of the Empress with a night in a hotel in between I'm ready and pumped for my next cruise. Did I mention... IT'S CRUISE DAY! I thought about starting this thread before my Empress cruise even left the dock (like some others around here do) but that just wouldn't be right. This five night Majesty of Seas cruise was necessary. I needed something to justify the airfare to Empress so this side-to-side was the perfect solution. Itinerary Ft. Lauderdale Nassau Perfect Day at CocoCay Sea Day Key West Ft. Lauderdale I love Empress but this way I'm upgrading to a much larger ship! Plus, I gotta get back to CocoCay. :) I originally booked a number of Empress and Majesty sailings when the Cuba cancellations were forced upon the industry. I feared Royal might move these ships out of the fleet. My plan was to take lots of pictures and document this legacy class of ship that were the foundation of so much that became even much more on later ships. It was because of the success of ships like this that Royal has become what it is today. Success breeds success. As it turns out they aren't moving these ships out to pasture just yet plus I get to sail on some of the best (small) ships in the fleet! That's a win-win. To be fair I split my time between Empress (3 bookings) and Majesty (3 bookings). I already had some fall bookings that were bucket list type cruises so I had push some my Majesty cruises into October but that's okay, she'll be here waiting for me. When you stay in a hotel and pay for things like meals and drinks you quickly appreciate the value that cruising represents. Spoiler alert - the view out my hotel window never changed and I woke up right where I was the day before. #boring Cabin this time is an Ocean View on deck 4. melmar02, mbk999, ellcee and 15 others 17 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted August 19, 2019 Report Share Posted August 19, 2019 Between you and @PRC, I am so jealous! I want to cruise, get off for a week, and cruise again over and over. Have fun Srp431, JLMoran, twangster and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cruise Junkie Posted August 19, 2019 Report Share Posted August 19, 2019 @twangster I Am So Exited For Another Live Blog From You. twangster 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted August 19, 2019 Report Share Posted August 19, 2019 twangster and Chaosgirl426 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StayFrosty Posted August 19, 2019 Report Share Posted August 19, 2019 4 hours ago, twangster said: like some others around here do It’s getting dark in here. It must be the shade that Twangster is throwing! JLMoran, PRebecca and AshleyDillo 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 My day starts returning my rental car. I had chosen to drop off at the Hertz location closest to the port. This is inside a hotel which took me a drive by and u-turn to figure out. Apple Maps got me there I just didn't see the Hertz signs while driving and making a left turn while trying not to play bumper cars with other vehicles. This location is very close to the port, basically on the other side of a stop light. Hertz has a free shuttle that runs back and forth. The people in the first photo were Majesty passengers who had debarked today. All the major rental car companies were represented today. Too early to go inside here at 9:26am but it was either sit in my hotel room or be an early bird. Doors opened at 9:35am but we had a short wait at security while the check in counters got ready. At 9:45am security done and first in the D+ line. Picture taken, old style SeaPass cards with large C&A print provided at check in and upstairs in the D+ section by 9:50am. I took advantage of the free terminal WiFi to squeeze in a last minute check on work before we boarded. Around 10:45am the consecutive cruisers marched through followed by a call for Pinnacles and Suites then Diamond Plus and the succession of C&A levels. Guy Gadwa, SpeedNoodles, heffy2 and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 A first look inside this little beauty. Srp431, The Cruise Junkie, JLMoran and 5 others 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 A quick look into the MDR. Srp431, Guy Gadwa, Lovetocruise2002 and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 The Main Theater The Casino Boleros. Still have to give Empress the nod for the best Boleros in the fleet. Generous elevator lobbies. The Cruise Junkie, Deedeelynn, JLMoran and 6 others 8 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 The Schooner Bar already had a number of patrons so I decided to wait to try to get some photos of it and the Spectrum Lounge. Besides, my tummy was rumbling so up to the Compass Deli given the Windjammer was quite busy. A first look at the pool deck. KathyC, JLMoran, Lovetocruise2002 and 6 others 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 At 1pm they announced our cabins were ready. Ocean View 4564 Once we were at sea I opened the curtains to get a picture of the ocean view. It's actually been quite some time since I've been in an ocean view cabin. Plenty of interiors and balconies with a sprinkling of suites thrown in for good measure but it's been around 18 years since I've sailed in an ocean view cabin. SpeedNoodles, DDaley, Lovetocruise2002 and 5 others 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 Muster drill at 3:30pm. The bridge announced that anyone who had ever sailed before didn't need to attend muster. Just kidding, they never say that. It's required by international convention so what can you do but go with a smile on your face and participate as a means to let the cruise begin. Sail away at 4pm. Guests lined the popular spots but it wasn't too hard to find some railing space. With that it was full on cruise mode. A Diamond happy hour event is hosted in the forward half of the Viking Crown Lounge with great views forward. An hour or so later I saw some ominous looking clouds heading our way and with that the salt was washed off the ship. Such is a Florida afternoon in the summer. This led soon after to a rainbow and sunnier skies. Deedeelynn, Skigoofy, Srp431 and 7 others 7 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 Returning to my cabin I see that Fernando my cabin attendant had separated the beds per my earlier request. It's amazing how much bigger and functional this makes the cabin feel. It's also much easier to see out the window. BrandonOwen, spiralqueen, Skigoofy and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 After a quick bite in the WJ for dinner I noticed a hint of sunset in the stormy clouds. The aft of Majesty has a series of public decks at various levels. You can see why this was a very popular class of ship in her day. Maybe not a full sunset but quite dramatic tonight with the clouds. ellcee, monctonguy, Skigoofy and 12 others 9 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellcee Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 Really loving the dusk pics. Srp431 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SolariumSnoozer Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 Following along, always enjoy your blogs and pictures, they provide great ideas for future cruises. Srp431 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 @twangster, I can't remember, is this your first time on Majesty? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 38 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: @twangster, I can't remember, is this your first time on Majesty? Yes, it is. With that I've sailed every (current) class in the Royal fleet. Guy Gadwa, The Cruise Junkie, Lovetocruise2002 and 3 others 3 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 Noted yesterday the Deluxe beverage package was $74 plus 18% but they did offer the day 1 BOGO 50% offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Gadwa Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 Following! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heffy2 Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 Oh, no, another ship I've always wanted to sail on. I hope you have a wonderful time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmar02 Posted August 20, 2019 Report Share Posted August 20, 2019 11 hours ago, twangster said: Returning to my cabin I see that Fernando my cabin attendant had separated the beds per my earlier request. It's amazing how much bigger and functional this makes the cabin feel. It's also much easier to see out the window. With the beds separated, it looks like that piece of furniture behind the left bed becomes more functional, but what is it? A desk or bookshelf? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyC Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 10 hours ago, twangster said: Yes, it is. With that I've sailed every (current) class in the Royal fleet. Once we sail Empress next summer, we will have done the same. Majesty was our first ship - sailed her in 1992, when she was brandy-new! Edited to add, now that I think about it, once we sail on Empress, we will have sailed every class of ship RCCL has ever had! We also sailed Song of America back in 1997. Skigoofy, SpeedNoodles, JLMoran and 5 others 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielB Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 Thanks for sharing your journey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 Day 2 - Nassau Been there, done that and it's raining so I'm staying on the ship today. Besides I'll be back twice in as many weeks. Navigator joined us shortly after our arrival. Galley Tour at 11:30am. Despite it being in the middle of a port day there were a dozen or so participants. Here they are getting cheese plates and appetizers ready for dinner. Formal night tonight. Bacon. Yum. Beef Tenderloin and Duck getting readied for dinner. Making whipped butter for dinner. The bakery. Always the best smelling spot in the galley. Pastry chefs hard at work. Chocolate covered strawberries anyone? First noted on Empress so I inquired some more here on Majesty. Powdered or "bulk" scrambled eggs are a thing of the past. They were having trouble with the product turning black upon cooking so the fleet has standardized on fresh eggs being used for scrambled eggs, in fact for all egg purposes, only fresh eggs are used. JLMoran, Srp431, Lovetocruise2002 and 12 others 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 25 minutes ago, twangster said: First noted on Empress so I inquired some more here on Majesty. Powdered or "bulk" scrambled eggs are a thing of the past. They were having trouble with the product turning black upon cooking so the fleet has standardized on fresh eggs being used for scrambled eggs, in fact for all egg purposes, only fresh eggs are used. Great news! Especially for @WAAAYTOOO! melmar02, WAAAYTOOO and JennyJenny 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 1 hour ago, twangster said: First noted on Empress so I inquired some more here on Majesty. Powdered or "bulk" scrambled eggs are a thing of the past. They were having trouble with the product turning black upon cooking so the fleet has standardized on fresh eggs being used for scrambled eggs, in fact for all egg purposes, only fresh eggs are used. This is the best cruise news I've heard in years !! YIPPEE !! Thanks. Big Tule and AlwaysReadytoCruise 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Van Niekerk Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 1 hour ago, twangster said: First noted on Empress so I inquired some more here on Majesty. Powdered or "bulk" scrambled eggs are a thing of the past. They were having trouble with the product turning black upon cooking so the fleet has standardized on fresh eggs being used for scrambled eggs, in fact for all egg purposes, only fresh eggs are used. This is a very interesting note. Any idea how long this has been the case? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGus Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 Thanks for the new info on Fresh Eggs. Also enjoying all the Pics, due to our normal cruise out of San Juan in Jan and Feb time frame interrupted by the Freedom Amplification this coming winter, we booked a Majesty cruise from NOLA. This is a chance to show the DW what a good idea I had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 The nightly Diamond event is hosted in the front half of the Viking Crown Lounge where Vernon our Loyalty Ambassador is there to take great care of us from 4:30pm to 8pm. Other bars also accept the three Diamond happy hour drinks loaded on SeaPass cards. In the VCL cards are not swiped and the servers are quick to find you when you arrive. They even remembered my drink from the night before. Great service. This became a great place for our sail away from Nassau on this formal night. Can't visit Nassau without a lighthouse picture. Flag of Nations today in the Centrum. With confetti falling it was time for the U.S.A. to be represented. Captain Per addressed the crowd. The Cruise Junkie, Deedeelynn, JLMoran and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 4 hours ago, twangster said: Bacon. Yum. I would have been sorely pressed not to just pick up that entire mega-tray and walk back to my cabin while saying, "OK, thanks for the great tour! Have a nice day!" twangster, Srp431, melmar02 and 5 others 1 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 Café Latte-tudes menus The Cruise Junkie, Lovetocruise2002, Guy Gadwa and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 Day 3 - Perfect Day at CocoCay Not much of a sunrise here early on the morning of day 3. We join Navigator again today after leaving her last night in Nassau. I spot a new addition to CocoCay. Can you see them? Definitely something new since my visit last week. This view never gets old. Skigoofy, The Cruise Junkie, KathyC and 5 others 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 Big sister, little sister, younger sister, older sister. Family ships at the pier in CocoCay. In case you haven't figured it out yet, these lights are new since my last visit. LED lighting on the pier paves the way for late night stays on CocoCay. They must be testing them. Down the pier there are cones where a few more will go so they are a work in progress. Lovetocruise2002, Guy Gadwa, heffy2 and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 I thought I'd start the day with a morning snorkel. I asked about the submerged plane at the Snorkel Shack. It's "Permanently cordoned off, for now." The water was a little rough and the currents had stirred up more stuff to reduce visibility so it wasn't the best conditions today. More jellies on this visit. Deedeelynn, ellcee, The Cruise Junkie and 7 others 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 6 minutes ago, twangster said: "Permanently cordoned off, for now." Guess it's not so permanent, then. twangster 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 Back to the ship to change and get my good camera. I tested Voom on CocoCay and once again the speeds were very good for satellite internet. Always good to avoid scaring the mermaids away. Back to the Snack Shack for a Shack Crispy Chicken Sandwich, a Greek salad and fries. The mango fruit drink is surprisingly additive. Yum. The floating bar remains popular. The pool was hopping again. Having been several times to the new CocoCay I couldn't imagine it now without the pool. One last trip back to the ship. Someone's not going to have a Perfect Day when they get charged for leaving a pool towel behind... The Cruise Junkie, JLMoran, DDaley and 5 others 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted August 21, 2019 Report Share Posted August 21, 2019 These guys don't know ANYthing. Mermaids aren't afraid of a little jumping. Hmph <eye roll> twangster, Lovetocruise2002, KristiZ and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyC Posted August 22, 2019 Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 So dinner apps are prepared at 11:30am...wow they sit out a long time before serving. Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted August 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2019 10 hours ago, KathyC said: So dinner apps are prepared at 11:30am...wow they sit out a long time before serving. They go into a cooler to keep them at nominal temperatures. On the tour they explain there are two controlling factors, time and temperature. Everything is monitored for both. The reality is they can't make 3,000 of everything on the menu a few minutes before dinner starts. Once prepared they don't just sit out waiting for dinner, they go back into refrigerators at the appropriate temperature to keep them safe and fresh. Big Tule and KathyC 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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