On Thursday we had the opportunity to sail on board the magnificent Majestic Princess from Brisbane to Sydney (a sector of the 22 night Shanghai to Sydney voyage) and this ship did not disappoint! Majestic Princess is the largest and newest ship in their fleet to visit Australia with a passenger capacity of just over 3,500 guests across Inside, Balcony and Suites with no Oceanview cabins on offer and a gross tonnage of 143,700 and is the sister ship to Royal and Regal Princess. The ship sailed with two Captain with the original Captain Dino Sagani who was in command when the ship left the European Dry Dock in 2017 joining the voyage in Singapore.
Ship Fun Fact – Captain Dino Sagani attended one of the oldest nautical schools in Europe. He then joined the Italian Navy before joining Princess Cruises in 1995. Since then he has been in command of four different ships in the Princess fleet.
Princess Cruises are advancing in the way cruising is experienced by offering features such as the Skywalk and Skybar which immerses you 40 metres above sea level and extends out 9 metres from the edge of the ship. The Princess Theatre offering 180 degree experience which projects the production around the theatre and a number of Karaoke Rooms. Two Michelin star restaurants designed by Richard Chen for the Harmony Chinese Restaurant and Emmanuel Renaut for the French La Mer Restaurant. Followed by Thermal Suites with an exquisitely designed Enclave Spa.
Ship Fun Fact – The Bridge is manned 24 hours a day by two Officers working four hours on, eight hours off, in a three watch system. Immediately when you board you are greeted by a number of Princess staff offering assistance and directing you to the nearest venue to start enjoying the onboard meals. Upon taking the elevator to the main Piazza Atrium you notice the traditional Princess designs with an elegant impression. The Piazza is over three decks and consists of Cafes, shops, photo and art gallery and a Pizzeria whilst enjoying Live Music and entertainment throughout the day. A short walk down you reach the guest services, shore excursion desk, Harmony Chinese Restaurant and the shops of Princess.
Our first day was spent exploring this wonderful vessel before meeting our group for pre-dinner cocktails at the Adults only ‘Hollywood Conservatory’ located forward on Sun Deck 17. This is such a well-designed area of the ship. You first walk through the Indoor Hollywood Pool Club before reaching the Conservatory. This is a very relaxing area of the ship with an indoor large chess set and many cabanas. This was the perfect lounge as you got a prime view as you are sailing out of your destination.
Following cocktail hour, the group went to Deck 6 to enjoy a nice three course meal at the Concerto Restaurant located midship. This same venue is where guests can enjoy Anytime Dining in addition to the Symphony Dining Room located on Deck 5. All meals were served well-presented by the very attentive dining room staff. The evening was enjoyed at a number of lounges and bars.
The second day we had a group presentation session in the Princess Live venue followed by an in-depth ship tour with many of the Princess Representatives. Following this tour we were able to experience all of the ships wonderful facilities and amenities. Here we took advantage of many ships entertainment and activities followed by the popular ‘Enclave’ located within the Lotus Spa on Deck 5.
The ship offers a wide range of entertainment to suit all ages and interests. This includes informative lectures on ports and destinations visited on each sailing, guest speakers, Bellagio style fountain show on the main pool deck, Broadway production shows, new and innovative technological shows and worldwide guest performers. In addition to facilities such as an outdoor exercise circuit, Golf Driving Range and Putting Green, Full size basketball court and Bullseye Laser Shooting Range all located over Deck 17 to 19.
As the ship was sailing at full capacity we didn’t get the opportunity to see any vacant Suites, however we were able to experience a Mini Suite and Deluxe Balcony.
The Mini Suite (MF – Cabin E125) is an enjoyable way to travel onboard with a spacious 319 sq. feet at your leisure. The Mini Suite offered a Queen Size bed which can be configured into twin bedding, mini bar fridge, a separate sitting area with a curtain partition with a fold out sofa for a third occupant, two televisions, a full size bathtub with shower over tub and a veranda.
The Deluxe Balcony (DE – Cabin A126) is a comfortable way to experience the Majestic at 233 sq. feet. The room offered the option of Queen or Twin bedding, mini bar fridge, a small lounge area, walk in shower and a veranda.
Upon arrival into Sydney Harbour as first time in cruising history, Majestic Princess sailed along a 1,550 metre illuminated runway created by 62 buoys with bright red and white flares guiding the ship into the beautiful Sydney Harbour. In addition to live broadcast of the Sunrise Morning Show.
Overall we had a wonderful short break onboard the magnificent Majestic Princess to experience this ship firsthand. I hope this review and photos give you a good insight of Princess’ newest and largest ship in Australia.
