We chose this cruise solely to see what the Majestic Princess, was like. The itinerary did not have much bearing on our choice as we have been on many similar, over recent years. Follows are some of our observations and experience.
Design: Majestic Princess is the 3rd of the new Royal Class ships that have been launched over the past five years. Despite what some may say, the Majestic was built by Fincantieri in Italy, yes to partly service a new China/Taiwan market but also spending 6 months in the South Pacific/Australia/NZ.
Apart from the bilingual signage(like Diamond), maybe a small number of dedicated karaoke rooms, a few mahjong tables(actually a card table with drink holders in each corner)in the Hollywood Pool Club/ Conservatory, noting both karaoke and mahjong have been offered on most, if not all, Princess cruises we have travelled on in the past, there is very little to justify comments that it was “designed and built” for the Chinese market. The ship has a genuine International feel about it, not, as some say, designed for the Chinese market, implying a significant bias in design. It could be at home with a multitude of cultures, without imposing one over any other.
Busan lacks any significant points of interest.
Princess chareg $15 for shuttle bus into town but the local tourist authourity provide a free service to Busan railway station, close to China town.
Free WiFi in cruise terminal very good
Due to civil unrest we did not venture out on the MTR so only went to local shopping malls who provide a free shuttle service
Been many times-markets-beach front ok. Princess now charge $15 to take shuttle into town, so not worth the expense.
Ship docks at Phu My. Long drive to Saigon, best done on ship excursion. Princess now charge $15 to take shuttle into local town Ba Rai, been many times so not worth the expense.
Plenty of things to see and do without the need for an expense ship excursion if you are willing to do yourself. Research online before you go. Access to most places can be by MRT at Marina Pier station. Just have cash not greater than 10SGD for ticket machine.
If withdrawing cash at DBS( Development Bank of Singapore) ATM in cruise terminal be aware they charge access fee 5sgd plus additional on account fee 4spd, which makes it expense, so bring AUD/US(or SGD) and try money exchange in shops on same floor, might get a better deal.
Been several times, now running out of things to do but it's a good soft port on Aussie soil to have a beer and wander around
Been too many times so why bother. Large ships dock at Port of Brisbane’s Multi-User Terminal (FI Grain) “Grain Wharf” – nothing there, no public transport or any amenities nearby and you are prevented from leaving the port(vehicle access only) unless you buy a Princess Shuttle ticket to City for $25 or you have arranged private car to pick you up. No taxis were on site when we left the terminal. We turned around and went back onboard. What a disgrace for Brisbane which can't provide adequate and service port terminal to modern cruise liners. Anyway, unless you are from overseas and it is your only time to visit, get an excursion to some tourist hotspot as Brisbane CBD will really disappoint.....or stay on board.