Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	399
Accommodation	200	156
Food	400	243
Service	400	255
Entertainment	100	69
Cruise	400	260

How this score is created

This smart, stylish, contemporary cruise ship, originally built for the now defunct Majesty Cruise Line, now has an improved profile and is generally a well-designed vessel (its original lines were those of a Baltic ferry, albeit with a rounded bow, and not at all handsome). The ship underwent a $53.3 million, 110-ft (34-meter) “chop and stretch” and refurbishment operation in 1999, which added more cabins, new public rooms, much more open deck space and two new elevators, while all other existing public spaces were refreshed. For a real “wind-in-the-hair” experience, passengers can actually stand at the very bow of this ship (weather permitting) because all the mooring ropes and winches are on the deck below.

The open deck and sunbathing space has been improved (there are now two swimming pools, plus a splash pool for children). The ship’s exterior profile is sleeker and more aerodynamic. Cutting the ship in half, however, required ingenuity, for, unlike Norwegian Dream and Norwegian Wind, it was never designed for such a splicing operation.

Inside, it is quite a pretty ship, and is tastefully appointed, with lots of wood paneling and chrome/copper accents, reasonably discreet lighting, soothing colors, no glitz and almost no neon lighting. Wide passageways provide a feeling of inner spaciousness. The ship has a nice touch of elegance, and open walking areas provide a fine feel to it. The circular lobby is bright and classical in appearance.

There are several public rooms, bars and lounges in which to play. The Royal Observatory observation lounge has fine views, but is sometimes used as a karaoke lounge. The showlounge, while comfortable, is poorly designed, with 14 pillars obstructing the sightlines. Families with children will find “Kids’ Corner” a useful place to deposit young ones for a full programme of activities.

Norwegian Majesty should provide you with a comfortable cruise experience in warm, fairly elegant surroundings, with generally good food (and plenty of it), and a modicum of hospitality from a reasonably friendly crew, although the service has little finesse. The ship is full of revenue centers, however, which are designed to help part you from your money. You can expect to be subjected to a stream of flyers advertising daily art auctions, “designer” watches and other promotions, while “artworks” for auction are strewn throughout the ship.

Gratuities for staff (cabin attendants, dining room waiters, etc.) are automatically added to your onboard account at $10 per person, per day; you can, however, reduce or otherwise amend these if necessary before you disembark, but in May 2005 the gratuity becomes a non-adjustable “service charge.” In addition, a 15% gratuity is added to all bar and spa treatment accounts. The onboard currency is the US dollar.

There are no cushioned pads for the plastic deck chairs. The buffet area is simply too small for the extra number of passengers carried (while the ship was expanded, the buffet and seating areas were not). While adequate for 3- and 4-day cruises, the ship is only moderately comfortable for 7-day cruises. Standing in line for embarkation, disembarkation, shore tenders and for self-serve buffets is inevitable aboard all large ships.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008