AccuSoft Co. / Courtesy of Royal Caribbean InternationalMajesty's Centrum, an impressive multi-level atrium, is a central gathering spot and shopping area.

Top dining options

With many individuals looking for a more casual weekend getaway, Majesty of the Seas provides a variety of options that require only a shirt, shorts and flip flops even while dining. Windjammer Café on deck 11 serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from about 7 am to 9 pm. A variety of food stations serve up fare such as grilled food, international specialties, salads, sandwiches and other a la carte items. Cruisers can avoid the crowds during the day for lunch and late afternoon snacks at the Compass Deli on deck 12, also home to the signature Royal Kummelweck sandwich as well as other wraps and paninis.

Sorrento’s Pizza, also on deck 12, is open from around noon to late in the evening, serving up freshly made pizzas to satisfy your hunger pains. Café Latte-Tudes on deck 6 is the coffee shop offering complimentary small bites and specialty coffees (for a fee) from 7 am to 11 pm.

For cruisers who like to exchange the bathing suit for resort casual attire, the two main dining rooms — Moonlight on deck 3 and Starlight on deck 4 — are the ship's main dining rooms and serve a sit-down breakfast and dinner. The three-course dinner menu rotates daily, with a selection of entrees featuring cuisine from around the world.

Don & Heidi Bucolo / Special to CruiseableBungalows along the beach at CocoCay, the Royal Caribbean private island in the Bahamas.

Where we went and what we loved

Our short three-day trip included no sea days and two ports of call. We stayed on the ship at Nassau, the Bahamas, making it our “sea day.” This port is a popular stop on many cruises, so we have been here quite a few times in the past few years. At the second stop, CocoCay, also in the Bahamas, we decided to splurge a bit. We scored a great deal on a beach bungalow by booking during a sale, securing these plush beachfront accommodations on a private part of the island’s South Beach. Along with a catered lunch, the area includes a private bar and transportation to and from the tender pier for those who don’t want to make the trek down to this secluded spot.

Michel Verdure / Courtesy of Royal Caribbean InternationalAn aerial view of CocoCay in the Bahamas, a private island reserved just for cruise ship guests and run by Royal Caribbean.

Activities on board

With two port days, there is limited time to spend on the ship. The outdoor decks are where the action is during the day, with most people making use of the pools and sports court. You'll find a variety of poolside activities, including the popular Belly Flop contest.

The indoor areas were quiet during the day but came alive at night. That's when the onboard shops and casino are open up for business. Look for live music with a few different acts rotating through the various lounges, including the nautically themed Schooner Bar, which features piano music and classical guitar, and Boleros, which features live dance music, game shows and karaoke.

The small Centrum (atrium) also features live music, the International Parade of Flags, the captain’s speech and rock band karaoke.

Don & Heidi Bucolo / Special to CruiseableA look at the Boleros nightclub on Majesty of the Seas.

Entertainment

The Chorus Line Theater, on deck 6, features a mix of original production shows and headliner acts. While the shows might differ on some cruises, the first night’s show was Boogie Wonderland, a ’70s- and ’80s-inspired act featuring the cruise line’s singers and dancers. On the two remaining evenings, the theater shows feature headliner acts, including a talented comedic juggler and a stand-up comedian. Most shows are family-friendly except for the final night’s adult comedy session, which is for mature audiences only.

Majesty of the Seas also hosts themed parties, including the Dancing Under the Stars pool deck party on night two. On the last night of the cruise, the line’s popular show "The Quest" takes place. This interactive adult game show is worthy of attending even if you don't plan to be an active participant. Other options include the musical acts in the lounges and bars.

AccuSoft Co. / Courtesy of Royal Caribbean InternationalRoyal Caribbean's fleetwide Adventure Ocean Youth Program and its trained staff offer age-appropriate entertainment and activities for cruisers ages 3 to 17.

For kids & families

For families, the line offers its Adventure Ocean program for children ages 3-11. With dedicated spaces on deck 10, your kids will get to interact with other children of similar ages while they participate in organized activities led by the youth activities staff. Families can also enjoy the sports decks, video arcade and the dedicated pool area for younger children. Teens ages 12-17 also have their own hangout on deck 11. Activities include staff-led events such as scavenger hunts, video game tournaments and parties that are age appropriate. Another family-friendly event is the daily poolside movie shown on the large screen on the pool deck during the afternoon and early evening.

Best bets on shore

Royal Caribbean's private island of CocoCay in the Bahamas offers the ideal beach day. Up until the summer of 2018, ships visiting the island need to tender. So we recommend getting on the first tender out to enjoy as much of the island as possible. Also, while all you need is your Seapass card, we recommend taking some cash for the Straw Market. The vendors there don't accept SeaPass cards. Lunch is provided as a barbecue buffet on the island, but you can always head back to the ship to eat if you want to escape the sun.

You only live once!

Upgrade your stay at CocoCay with one of the reserved beach front offerings. For a fee, the line has an exclusive Cabana Cove, which features a private cabana, access to a VIP lunch and other amenities. Another private area on South Beach has both beach bungalows and beach beds that provide access to a secluded part of the beach, a catered lunch and a private bar.

Don & Heidi Bucolo / Special to Cruiseable Share stories over drinks with a friend at the Diamond Lounge on Majesty of the Seas.

Inside tip

You might want to consider purchasing the drink package: It not only includes alcoholic beverages but also covers specialty coffees, bottled water and other non-alcoholic specialties like fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Staterooms

Staterooms come in different categories based on size and amenities as well as the location on the cruise ship. All staterooms have closed-circuit TV, a radio, hair dryer, vanity area and a bathroom with a shower. All lower beds are convertible to a queen. There are no balcony rooms on Majesty of the Seas, but there are a limited number of suites which offer a sitting area, private balcony, full bath with a tub and more interior space for those looking for a bit more breathing room.

We stayed in a mid-ship oceanview cabin on deck 8. The stateroom was small, but the layout was adequate to store all of our luggage and belongings. The room décor did leave a little to be desired, but we weren’t in the room long enough to really be concerned. Other finishings including the bathroom could have used a bit of TLC as well.

Tips & gratuities

Gratuities for standard cabins cost $13.50 a day per person, with suites charged $16.50 a person. These tips are distributed among staff on the ship working in the dining and hotel departments, including your stateroom attendant, those working in the complimentary restaurants and bars, and your main dining room staff. For excellent service, as on this voyage, we leave extra tips. In addition, all drinks or specialty dining purchases onboard will also incur an additional 18 percent gratuity. Note that you prepay the gratuity when you purchase the drink package, so you won't have to worry about this cost when getting your beverages at the bar.

Dress code

During the day, it’s a bathing suit and T-shirt kind of cruise. At night, the dress code in the main dining room is considered resort casual. There is a great range of what is considered acceptable, but our default recommendation is always slacks and a collared shirt for men and a similar combination or sundress for women during dinner. The second night of the cruise is considered Formal Night, but we saw very few people dressed up with the occasional shirt and tie and only a few cruisers really decked out. 

Passenger makeup

Sailing on a three-day Bahamas cruise, the ship was filled with a variety of cruisers, many of whom live within a few hours' drive of the port. A mix of young adults and couples looking to let loose were intertwined with first-time cruisers and other loyal Royal travelers. Our voyage included a good number of seasoned cruisers as showcased by the rather busy Diamond Lounge, an exclusive club for frequent cruisers of Royal Caribbean.

Reality check

Crew members work extremely hard each day to provide a fun and entertaining cruise. These short cruises are often filled with travelers looking to make the most of the few days they have off. This does mean that things can be a little busy at times, as well as a bit rowdy, but it's all in good fun. On these weekend cruises, you need to be ready to relax and just go with the flow.

Though it's an older and smaller ship, Majesty of the Seas still delivers a solid cruise experience that keeps many cruisers coming back when they need a little R&R.

Your take

How about you? Have you sailed on Majesty of the Seas? Any photos you'd like to share? Any tips for first-timers?

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