Reviewed by: Richard Boyce

Date: 13 September 2018 – Brisbane to Sydney

Cruise line and ship: Princess Cruises – Majestic Princess

Size of ship: 294 metres in length – 144,216 grt

Passenger capacity: 3,560

Year built: 2017

Where the ship cruises: Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Asia.

Currency onboard: USD or Australian depending on cruising area.

Most suited to: Anyone really. Longer cruises will attract an older crowd but really everyone is catered for.

Atmosphere: The onboard atmosphere ranges from chic resort to country club luxury. Fans of Princess Cruises will be familiar with many of the decorative touches. For the most part the ship is airy and bright. The Hollywood Pool Club is an outstanding area – a pool located high on Deck 17 forward and covered by a glass roof. The huge, uber cool furniture and cabanas for two are just beautiful, as is the conservatory located just forward of this area. Things are far more club-like in the Crown Grill and Bar with darker woods and heavier furniture – stylish and fabulous in the evenings.

Staterooms: Regulars of Princess will feel right at home with standard Inside and Balcony cabins decorated and laid out in a very similar fashion. Bathrooms are compact but have everything you need. Artworks are large and fresh, mostly of a stylised botanical or floral theme making a nice change from the usual generic prints found on many ships. Most balcony cabins are essentially the same, with deluxe balcony cabins being slightly larger. Once you get to mini-suites the space increases with the addition of a dedicated lounge area, and Suites, even in the lower grades, are as big as most apartments. All are essentially decorated the same way with light tans, bright artwork and pleasing lighting arrangements.

Those booking aft facing cabins should be aware that the ship tiers downwards, so there is a slight loss of privacy to the cabins above. Also balcony cabins located on Decks 8 and 9 are overlooked by the decks above, as are higher deck cabins located under the SeaWalk.

Dining rooms: There are three main dining rooms which are all large and well laid out. A nice feature is the increased number of tables for two. We had MyTime dining and didn’t wait for a table for two once. The menus are as you would expect with old favourites and a few newer ideas. The presentation I noted was of a very high standard – even the fruit platter was artistically laid out! The buffet – in this case called the World Fresh Market is truly gigantic. This area is never really crowded and it was always easy to find a seat. The food was of great variety, hot and tasty!

There are several alternative dining options including a French bistro, the Crown Grill for steaks bigger than most can manage and the International Cafe for those who want a light meal and good coffee. A real standout here for my money is the Harmony Chinese Restaurant. This is a truly beautiful room that wouldn’t be out of place on the finest of ships. Fans of spicy food won’t find it on the menu but you can order it that way – all you have to do is ask!

There is also a large pizzeria in the Piazza. Thanks to a merger years ago with the Italian SITMAR Line, Princess picked up a knack of providing the best pizzas and pasta at sea, and things haven’t changed.

Entertainment: While there are the usual production shows onboard the quality and presentation has been seriously ramped up, not least because of the production facilities available. In fact the reaction to shows onboard has been such that the ship runs three shows a night instead of the ususal two to cope with demand – many passengers are seeing the show twice in one night. Try to arrive early to secure a seat. The Piazza also features a constant array of bands, orchestras and soloists. A new feature is ‘Princess Live’ – a dedicated theatre for smaller productions, trivia and lectures.

Activities: Activities throughout the day are the usual trivia, deck games and a band or two around the ship. There is also a very large TV screen over the midship pool that shows the onboard morning show and movies in the evening “under the stars”. Up on Deck 18 is a regulation size basketball court and those wishing to keep fit will find a large fitness centre one deck lower – for once not occupying prime forward viewing space.

Fans of shopping onboard will be pleased to find an expanded offering – most of which is set into it’s own area on Deck 7. Brands such as Tiffany & Co. and Bvlgari are here. I’m not a fan of onboard clothes shopping being a bigger man but was more than pleased to see that if I had come across a ‘must have’ there were larger sizes available!

Those who aren’t afraid of heights will enjoy the glass floored walkway called the SeaWalk, located on Deck 16 and some 40 odd metres above the ocean. It’s a bit of a gimmick but does provide a stunning setting for a compulsory selfie.

Family facilities: Located on Deck 17 the kids areas are cleverly tucked away and high in the ship with their own deck. The facilities are large and colourful, with various age groups split into separate areas. Teens will enjoy the vast array of electronic games. Note there is no dedicated pool for children.

Inclusions: Onboard meals and entertainment. Passengers who enjoy Elite Status with Princess will enjoy a complimentary mini-bar set up on embarkation.

Exclusions: Beverages outside those provided in the buffet, shore excursions and anything of a personal nature.

Self service laundry: Yes – one large one on each deck. For a small charge, washing machines and dryers are available as well as laundry powder. You might like to bring your own laundry powder? The irons are free to use.

Electric plugs: American standard throughout, with one Australian plug. Note that the voltage onboard is not really suited to any appliances larger than a phone charger, and there is a USB port next to each bed anyway. A hair dryer is provided in each cabin.

Insider tips: This is a big ship so set your expectations at the right level. I rarely saw queues anywhere but was told by passengers that some embarkations / disembarkations had been slow and there is often high demand for lifts. This is to be expected on a ship of this size and you should prepare for it. Having said this – I never found it hard to find a deck chair or somewhere quiet to relax. Those who haven’t yet given up the smoking habit will be pleased to find several sections of deck with furniture set away from everyone else.

Final note – Vegemite is provided and there are a whole host of Australian and New Zealand wines featured onboard, a nice touch!