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Ocean Majesty cruise ship
Anyone actually cruised on this ship, pse? Various reviews I have found on the internet are either very good or very bad. What do ABers think?
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Went on a med cruise on this ship a few years ago. We got the cheapest cabins we could and these were clean and comfortable.
Good entertainment and very good meals in the restaurant, they were on a par with a good restaurant. All the staff were helpful and friendly.
They did formal nights where you could wear a dinner jacket but this isn't compulsory and smart casual is accepted.
Admittedly the ship is getting on a bit, but we thought it was good value and would use it again.
Good entertainment and very good meals in the restaurant, they were on a par with a good restaurant. All the staff were helpful and friendly.
They did formal nights where you could wear a dinner jacket but this isn't compulsory and smart casual is accepted.
Admittedly the ship is getting on a bit, but we thought it was good value and would use it again.
Thank you, pauln90, that is very reassuring. Exactly what I wanted an honest review, not someone comparing the ship to Princess cruises or the like! The reason we are contemplating booking with P & M is that next year they are doing a cruise round the whole of the Black Sea area. Other cruise lines do go there but you have to drag out from Southampton, along the Med for a week or more and only spend a day or so in that area.
Had our very first cruise on the Ocean Majesty. Yes it is dated but fine. It is a good size if you are more interested in being out and about in the daytime and not totally relying on staying onboard. Just enough to keep you busy in the evening. From memory it holds about 500 ish passengers with a good staff/passenger ratio.
We have cruised four times on Ocean Majesty (obviously we enjoy it). If you want an all singing, all dancing family ship, then it's not for you. Guests are mostly over 50 and have similar interests. This year we went to Norway and Spitzbergen and had the best holiday ever. The officers and crew are fantastic and the ship deserves its reputation as the 'friendliest ship afloat'. Also spotlessly clean, excellent food and entertainment.
I will be on a O. Majesty cruise from 18/8/08 for eleven days and will post you a review here. I too have had great difficulty finding info. But the little I have gleaned is largely positive as your previous replies. I have cruised I have cruised using three lines previously, so I hope I will be able to provide an open honest review. 2 weeks to go, my itinerary is Liverpool then Dublin, Fowey(Cornwall), Rouen, Bordeaux, Nantes, Brest Southhampton.
Hi Megan, this is part of my review posted on a cruise forum holiday- truth. I hope it helps you if you have any specific queries please post and I will answer if I can. Ihave had to shorten it as it is too long 4 this site. Please see it in full on the holiday truth site under cruise reviews there is an alphabetical list see Ocean Majesty
CHAIROBICS and COLD CUSTARD.
Everthing about the ship was just about acceptable overall, but I will highlight areas were they were not acceptable and areas were they were good. Nothing about the ship would I describe as excellent.
THE SHIP
The Ship is looking quite tired now and the public areas are 'acceptable' without being exciting in any way. The decor throughtout is bland, and in the Lido dining area and bar not vey appealing and give the impression of a 50's canteen.
Breakfast, Lunch may be taken in the Restaurant on Deck 3 or in the Lido self service area. Dinner is always taken in the Main Restaurant(windowless; on Deck 3, so not much roll in bad weather)in two sittings.
FOOD
The food was 'acceptable' (edible), lots more in the review
OVERALL
It was a daily and regular occurence to see waiters carrying breakfast/lunch trays for clients not able to manage them a short distance from the serving area to the tables on Lido deck.
VALUE
There is much better value to be had elsewhere, in my opinion for food, certainly, and for facilities. The fact is that the ship enjoys a faithful following. It is not for me, and I will not be choosing this type of cruise for 30 years or so(if ever). BUT who an I to doubt their choice, a lot of the guests seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves.
CHAIROBICS and COLD CUSTARD.
Everthing about the ship was just about acceptable overall, but I will highlight areas were they were not acceptable and areas were they were good. Nothing about the ship would I describe as excellent.
THE SHIP
The Ship is looking quite tired now and the public areas are 'acceptable' without being exciting in any way. The decor throughtout is bland, and in the Lido dining area and bar not vey appealing and give the impression of a 50's canteen.
Breakfast, Lunch may be taken in the Restaurant on Deck 3 or in the Lido self service area. Dinner is always taken in the Main Restaurant(windowless; on Deck 3, so not much roll in bad weather)in two sittings.
FOOD
The food was 'acceptable' (edible), lots more in the review
OVERALL
It was a daily and regular occurence to see waiters carrying breakfast/lunch trays for clients not able to manage them a short distance from the serving area to the tables on Lido deck.
VALUE
There is much better value to be had elsewhere, in my opinion for food, certainly, and for facilities. The fact is that the ship enjoys a faithful following. It is not for me, and I will not be choosing this type of cruise for 30 years or so(if ever). BUT who an I to doubt their choice, a lot of the guests seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves.
Hi Megan
Maybe the site has not been updated with my latest review yet. OR mabe they think it litigious.
So I will cut and paste each segment on this site.
CHAIROBICS and COLD CUSTARD.
I travelled on the Ocean Majesty from Liverpool for eleven days to Ireland and France taking in Dublin/Fowey Cornwall/Rouen/Nantes/Bordeaux/Brest, returning to Southampton. The weather throughout was awful, save a couple of dry days, but I hope that this will not flavour my review negatively. Perhaps because of the weather, too much of my attention was place on the ship's facilities, but I will try to be objective.
Everything about the ship was just about acceptable overall, but I will highlight areas were they were not acceptable and areas were they were good. Nothing about the ship would I describe as excellent.
SOME PERSPECTIVE
To put my perspective in context, I and my wife are both over 55, but are some years short of drawing our OAPs. The average age on this particular voyage was 77 (I was told by a fellow passenger who I have no reason to doubt). I can quite believe this as my own observation may have put the average higher. So this review is from a relatively 'young' traveller.
I might add that the age group (P&M target?) on the ship when asked or volunteered their opinion, mostly thought things were OK, with a fair number being negative.
THE SHIP
The Ship is looking quite tired now and the public areas are 'acceptable' without being exciting in any way. The decor throughout is bland, and in the Lido dining area and bar not very appealing and give the impression of a 50's canteen.
Breakfast, Lunch may be taken in the Restaurant on Deck 3 or in the Lido self service area. Dinner is always taken in the Main Restaurant(windowless; on Deck 3, so not much roll in bad weather)in two sittings.
Maybe the site has not been updated with my latest review yet. OR mabe they think it litigious.
So I will cut and paste each segment on this site.
CHAIROBICS and COLD CUSTARD.
I travelled on the Ocean Majesty from Liverpool for eleven days to Ireland and France taking in Dublin/Fowey Cornwall/Rouen/Nantes/Bordeaux/Brest, returning to Southampton. The weather throughout was awful, save a couple of dry days, but I hope that this will not flavour my review negatively. Perhaps because of the weather, too much of my attention was place on the ship's facilities, but I will try to be objective.
Everything about the ship was just about acceptable overall, but I will highlight areas were they were not acceptable and areas were they were good. Nothing about the ship would I describe as excellent.
SOME PERSPECTIVE
To put my perspective in context, I and my wife are both over 55, but are some years short of drawing our OAPs. The average age on this particular voyage was 77 (I was told by a fellow passenger who I have no reason to doubt). I can quite believe this as my own observation may have put the average higher. So this review is from a relatively 'young' traveller.
I might add that the age group (P&M target?) on the ship when asked or volunteered their opinion, mostly thought things were OK, with a fair number being negative.
THE SHIP
The Ship is looking quite tired now and the public areas are 'acceptable' without being exciting in any way. The decor throughout is bland, and in the Lido dining area and bar not very appealing and give the impression of a 50's canteen.
Breakfast, Lunch may be taken in the Restaurant on Deck 3 or in the Lido self service area. Dinner is always taken in the Main Restaurant(windowless; on Deck 3, so not much roll in bad weather)in two sittings.
Continuing
FOOD
The food was 'acceptable' (edible), so I never really looked forward to a meal with great anticipation or enthusiasm. There were also too many occasions when I sent food back for being too cold, both main
courses and desserts. Yes the were reheated(not replaced) and it was almost as if the staff expected it to happen. I add here that I am loath to complain unless it is absolutely correct to do so.
The quality of the food, in my opinion, was not as good as it could have been. In particular several guests made negative comments about the water quality at dinner, particularly on the first night. I and several others commented that the breakfast cereal, eggs, bacon were not first quality, the self service tea area in the lido consistently ran out of tea and cups etc. The breakfast milk, seemed to me, to be of the long life variety. This was a major shortcoming for me, in that I am very much a breakfast person.
DRINK
The house wine was very sharp and not v. good, BUT the other drink were good brands -Bailys Smirnof etc.
CABINS, were what you would expect me to say now -'acceptable'. mine was looking a bit tired like the rest of the ship.
STAFF, Syd the Maitre d' presided over matters with a sunny and smiling disposition and I feel his talents would be better appreciated on a more luxurious vessel. Waiting staff were a bit rushed, I was 'mint sauced' and 'peppered' etc when I was just finishing or half way through my meals. There were better nights, particularly the Gala dinner evening, this was very good.
Drinks service at the bars were slow, the lounges were better. The Lido bar has one waitress who has turned avoiding eye contact into an Olympic event.
FOOD
The food was 'acceptable' (edible), so I never really looked forward to a meal with great anticipation or enthusiasm. There were also too many occasions when I sent food back for being too cold, both main
courses and desserts. Yes the were reheated(not replaced) and it was almost as if the staff expected it to happen. I add here that I am loath to complain unless it is absolutely correct to do so.
The quality of the food, in my opinion, was not as good as it could have been. In particular several guests made negative comments about the water quality at dinner, particularly on the first night. I and several others commented that the breakfast cereal, eggs, bacon were not first quality, the self service tea area in the lido consistently ran out of tea and cups etc. The breakfast milk, seemed to me, to be of the long life variety. This was a major shortcoming for me, in that I am very much a breakfast person.
DRINK
The house wine was very sharp and not v. good, BUT the other drink were good brands -Bailys Smirnof etc.
CABINS, were what you would expect me to say now -'acceptable'. mine was looking a bit tired like the rest of the ship.
STAFF, Syd the Maitre d' presided over matters with a sunny and smiling disposition and I feel his talents would be better appreciated on a more luxurious vessel. Waiting staff were a bit rushed, I was 'mint sauced' and 'peppered' etc when I was just finishing or half way through my meals. There were better nights, particularly the Gala dinner evening, this was very good.
Drinks service at the bars were slow, the lounges were better. The Lido bar has one waitress who has turned avoiding eye contact into an Olympic event.
Continuing
HYGIENE. This is now a major issue on most cruises. The ship was not as vigilant as others in enforcing the use of hand wash before entering eating areas. Many times I saw people waltz past the cleansing station. This should have been enforced as vigorously as other lines manage the issue.
ENTERTAINMENT was very low key. The high points were Daniel, a young pianist/singer who was pretty good, particularly in the intimate atmosphere of the Observation Lounge. The show team were a talented group of young people, very pleasant on and off stage. The Ent Director also was very positive. I felt they were hampered by a small production budget for costumes possibly? There were two Guest acts. Aiden Hervey a Comic? Who has been on prime time tv in the 70's? He was telling very old jokes (perhaps he thought these guests may not have remembered them) and a Tom Jones impressionist, who was indisposed, so did not perform.
Port Lectures were excellent, very informative. The wine lecture was dry(sorry) and fairly boring even though the lecturer was obviously an expert.
Lots of quizzes and puzzles etc. The highlight for me was Chairobics (I kid U not, and no I didn't take part) This was seated exercise, suitable for ship clientele without being exhausting because of the potentially grave consequences.
HYGIENE. This is now a major issue on most cruises. The ship was not as vigilant as others in enforcing the use of hand wash before entering eating areas. Many times I saw people waltz past the cleansing station. This should have been enforced as vigorously as other lines manage the issue.
ENTERTAINMENT was very low key. The high points were Daniel, a young pianist/singer who was pretty good, particularly in the intimate atmosphere of the Observation Lounge. The show team were a talented group of young people, very pleasant on and off stage. The Ent Director also was very positive. I felt they were hampered by a small production budget for costumes possibly? There were two Guest acts. Aiden Hervey a Comic? Who has been on prime time tv in the 70's? He was telling very old jokes (perhaps he thought these guests may not have remembered them) and a Tom Jones impressionist, who was indisposed, so did not perform.
Port Lectures were excellent, very informative. The wine lecture was dry(sorry) and fairly boring even though the lecturer was obviously an expert.
Lots of quizzes and puzzles etc. The highlight for me was Chairobics (I kid U not, and no I didn't take part) This was seated exercise, suitable for ship clientele without being exhausting because of the potentially grave consequences.
Continuing
SHIPMATES
I feel sure that many of the very loyal guests of Ocean Majesty (some shipmates were on their 7/8/9nth cruise) thoroughly enjoyed their voyage. I particularly enjoyed their wit, wisdom and energy in some of the many conversations I shared. They seemed to belong to a dwindling band of middle class British holidaymaker, where old fashioned values are(thankfully) still important and most rigidly adhered to. Dressing for dinner, wearing DJ for formal nights, a tie and jacket for informal evenings almost complied 100%, but there were mostly ties in evidence on the casual nights! Even the quizzes evoked their background (K is the symbol for which element?) is one question as against maybe a Soap/pop question for more 'popular' cruises.
So like most Brits we made the most of it despite the poor weather, maybe the infrastructure both in respect of entertainment and leisure (this boat has the smallest gym - on the ocean?) I have seen. The Sun deck and pool area were hardly used due to the weather. They were small and I can't comment how they would handle demand in better weather.
OVERALL
For me given the context I gave to you earlier it was too much like floating nursing home. Many of the cruisers were very infirm and had mobility problems. All this was on a ship that was most certainly not designed for those less mobile than average. There were steps separating every room area/cabins etc.
It was a daily and regular occurrence to see waiters carrying breakfast/lunch trays for clients not able to manage them a short distance from the serving area to the tables on Lido deck.
SHIPMATES
I feel sure that many of the very loyal guests of Ocean Majesty (some shipmates were on their 7/8/9nth cruise) thoroughly enjoyed their voyage. I particularly enjoyed their wit, wisdom and energy in some of the many conversations I shared. They seemed to belong to a dwindling band of middle class British holidaymaker, where old fashioned values are(thankfully) still important and most rigidly adhered to. Dressing for dinner, wearing DJ for formal nights, a tie and jacket for informal evenings almost complied 100%, but there were mostly ties in evidence on the casual nights! Even the quizzes evoked their background (K is the symbol for which element?) is one question as against maybe a Soap/pop question for more 'popular' cruises.
So like most Brits we made the most of it despite the poor weather, maybe the infrastructure both in respect of entertainment and leisure (this boat has the smallest gym - on the ocean?) I have seen. The Sun deck and pool area were hardly used due to the weather. They were small and I can't comment how they would handle demand in better weather.
OVERALL
For me given the context I gave to you earlier it was too much like floating nursing home. Many of the cruisers were very infirm and had mobility problems. All this was on a ship that was most certainly not designed for those less mobile than average. There were steps separating every room area/cabins etc.
It was a daily and regular occurrence to see waiters carrying breakfast/lunch trays for clients not able to manage them a short distance from the serving area to the tables on Lido deck.
Continuing
VALUE
There is much better value to be had elsewhere, in my opinion for food, certainly, and for facilities. The fact is that the ship enjoys a faithful following. It is not for me, and I will not be choosing this type of cruise for 30 years or so(if ever). BUT who an I to doubt their choice, a lot of the guests seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves.VALUE
QUIZ If you answered that K is the symbol for Potassium, you may just be a candidate for an Ocean Majesty Cruise.
PORTS OF CALL Despite the weather Rouen cathedral is the most beautiful cathedral I have seen, Bordeaux is also a wonderful berth right in the centre of town. Fowey in Cornwall was very picture postcard pretty.
FINALLY
Congratulations for getting this far and thanks for reading this review. I hope it helps you.
Megan I hope this helps you and if you do need to know more please post
PS The ship docked 2 hours lat at sotos causing chaos to home travel plans
Regards
Joe (capua)
VALUE
There is much better value to be had elsewhere, in my opinion for food, certainly, and for facilities. The fact is that the ship enjoys a faithful following. It is not for me, and I will not be choosing this type of cruise for 30 years or so(if ever). BUT who an I to doubt their choice, a lot of the guests seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves.VALUE
QUIZ If you answered that K is the symbol for Potassium, you may just be a candidate for an Ocean Majesty Cruise.
PORTS OF CALL Despite the weather Rouen cathedral is the most beautiful cathedral I have seen, Bordeaux is also a wonderful berth right in the centre of town. Fowey in Cornwall was very picture postcard pretty.
FINALLY
Congratulations for getting this far and thanks for reading this review. I hope it helps you.
Megan I hope this helps you and if you do need to know more please post
PS The ship docked 2 hours lat at sotos causing chaos to home travel plans
Regards
Joe (capua)
Oh, Joe, thanks for your efforts in the cutting and pasting! It sounds a bit nightmarish all told, particularly now as with the trouble in Georgia etc, holidays to Black Sea resorts, which is where we wanted to go, are on an advisory list!! Your trip sounds similar to a river cruise we did in Portugal with Saga a couple of years ago. Yes, we are both over 50 and state pensioners, but have a young outlook. A friend of ours went on a Med cruise on Arcadia earlier in the year and there were 96 wheelchair passengers on board!
Megan
I was looking for a different cruise and found these on my searches. They are from a usa site and exclude taxes, but are bookable in the uk. I am not booking yet(waiting for price drops). They just may be of interest to you. The vessels are luxurious and the OMaj is not in the same Ocean as these ships. There are more if iyou're interested.
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal =11547
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal =24121
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal =33250
Hope it may be of use
Regards
Joe (capua)
I was looking for a different cruise and found these on my searches. They are from a usa site and exclude taxes, but are bookable in the uk. I am not booking yet(waiting for price drops). They just may be of interest to you. The vessels are luxurious and the OMaj is not in the same Ocean as these ships. There are more if iyou're interested.
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal =11547
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal =24121
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal =33250
Hope it may be of use
Regards
Joe (capua)
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