My spouse and I are second-time cruisers, our first being a California Coastal cruise on the Grand Princess. We chose this cruise due to the scheduled overnight in Havana. Without that attraction, we would never have considered cruising on Majesty of the Seas at the price point offered. Nevertheless, we're glad we went.

Majesty is among the oldest of Royal Caribbean’s active fleet of over two dozen ships, and among the smallest. As I’d read negative reviews of this ship on Cruise Critic and other sites, I did not have high expectations. But I was pleasantly surprised by several aspects of life on an older, smaller ship. First, the crew to passenger ratio allows for more personalized service. The ship’s tour we took on our second day made clear that even small ships require constant care and meticulous planning. Our room attendant, Herman from Nicaragua, made sure our small cabin (7546, with an ocean view) was kept clean and orderly.

At dinner each night, we had the same waiter and assistant, Cany from India and Shandy from the Philippines, in the Starlight dining room. The food there was never less than very good and at times excellent, if a bit mainstream. Each course was delivered with optimal timing – we were neither left waiting nor feeling rushed. The Windjammer buffet was about what one would expect of a mid-level buffet restaurant. We only used it for quick breakfasts and our initial meal after boarding. Again, the attentiveness of the service will win over all but the most jaded. There are a few more options for the hungry: Sorrento’s offers nearly round the clock pizza of middling quality; Compass Deli has Continental breakfast, lunch sandwiches (including about the best egg-salad sandwich I’ve ever eaten) and light desserts; and Johnny Rockets – a 1950s-style burger joint which costs extra. I would not recommend the latter - the burgers are fine but the fries mediocre, not worth the extra cost. Read more