majestic princess ship tour

We are setting off on a 7-day voyage along the stunning coastlines of New England and Canada aboard the newly updated Majestic Princess. Departing from Boston, this journey takes us north to the charming port of Sydney, Nova Scotia. The ship has undergone some impressive renovations, and we’re excited to show you around the public spaces spanning from deck 5 all the way up to the scenic greens on deck 19.

Throughout the ship, there’s a vibrant mix of spots to relax, dine, and unwind, each offering a unique atmosphere. From casual dining venues and lively bars to quiet lounges and entertainment areas, the Majestic Princess has something for every mood and moment during our cruise.

Our First Look and Onboard Vibes

When we stepped aboard the Majestic Princess, the first thing we noticed was the vibrant atmosphere, especially around the Piaza on deck 5. It’s a stunning three-story space filled with art, music, and plenty of comfy seating where people gather throughout the day.

We found useful amenities close by, such as the 24/7 International Cafe with rotating snacks and a specialty coffee shop next door. The guest services and shore excursion desks are also right here, ready to help anytime—even at sunrise.

Our favorite spots quickly became the Good Spirits Bar, where we discovered a delicious Vanilla Sky cocktail after 5 p.m., and the lively Omali’s Irish-themed bar with live music and ocean views. For dining, the Symphony dining room offers flexible seating and the casual Alfredo’s pizza place, though the service there was slower than expected.

Upstairs on deck 6, Bellini’s bar welcomed us with classical piano tunes and cozy window seats overlooking the busy Piaza below. The nearby non-smoking casino provided plenty of space and was a great spot for relaxed gambling without the smoke.

We also checked out the candy and sundries shop, the art gallery with onboard auctions, and the small but fun captain’s arcade. Each place had its own charm and added to the overall welcoming feel of the ship.

Public Spaces and Social Hubs

Vibrant Piazza Experience

The piazza on deck 5 is stunning, spanning three stories with beautiful art and plenty of seating. It’s always buzzing with activity and hosts various events throughout the day. The atmosphere feels lively but still offers cozy spots to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Around-the-Clock Café and Coffee Corner

The International Café stays open 24/7, offering a rotating selection of snacks, sandwiches, and sweets depending on the time of day. Next door, the coffee shop serves specialty coffee drinks, perfect for a little pick-me-up any time during our day.

Relaxing at Good Spirits Lounge

We spent some enjoyable moments in the Good Spirits Bar, where we discovered the Vanilla Sky, a delightful specialty cocktail served after 5 p.m. The seating areas are comfortable and placed just off the busy piazza, so you get the vibe and music without the full crowd.

Cozy and Casual Irish Hangout

O’Malley’s is a lively Irish-themed bar with great ocean views from deck 5. They serve casual dining favorites like burgers, fish and chips, and traditional English fare without extra charge. Live piano and band performances create a fun and welcoming environment, especially for fans of Irish music and whiskey.

Calm and Elegant Bellini’s Lounge

Bellini’s Bar on deck 6 is one of our favorite tranquil spots, offering comfy seating and large windows overlooking the piazza below. The piano music adds a gentle background ambiance rather than sing-alongs. It’s a beautifully decorated place to unwind and watch the ship’s activity from above.

Dining Experiences

Grand Symphony Eatery

The Grand Symphony Eatery offers a traditional dining experience with a consistent menu across all seating times. You can choose between set dinner times or flexible walk-in seating, depending on your preference.

Alfredo’s Pizza Spot

At Alfredo’s Pizza Spot, you can watch your pizzas being made fresh in the ovens. They serve a range of pizzas, calzones, and classic tiramisu desserts. The food is decent, but the service can sometimes be slow.

Crown Steakhouse and Lounge

Crown Steakhouse and Lounge is a casual spot featuring an Irish-themed bar with live music. They offer comfort food like burgers and fish and chips, plus a good selection of whiskies, making it a fun place to relax.

Sabatini’s Italian Table

Sabatini’s Italian Table is a specialty restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes for an additional fee. Although we didn’t get a chance to dine here, it’s known for its fine Italian cuisine.

Ocean View Sushi Bar

Ocean View Sushi Bar provides fresh sushi with ocean vistas. It’s a stylish spot to enjoy Japanese flavors while taking in the sea breeze.

Rudy’s Fresh Catch Kitchen

Rudy’s Fresh Catch Kitchen specializes in seafood dishes made with local ingredients. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy fresh and flavorful seafood options.

Salty Dog Snack Shack

Salty Dog Snack Shack is perfect for quick bites and casual meals. They serve dishes inspired by coastal flavors, ideal for a relaxed snack or light lunch.

Swirls Frozen Treats

Swirls Frozen Treats offers a variety of ice cream flavors to cool down on warm days. It’s a sweet stop for dessert lovers looking to enjoy a refreshing treat during the cruise.

Entertainment and Nightlife

The Majestic Theater Experience

We enjoyed walking through the lower level of the theater where a variety of shows take place. The lineup includes magicians, illusionists, plays, and musicals. Although we didn’t catch any performances ourselves, it seemed like a lively spot to spend an evening onboard.

The Vista Lounge Hangout

One of our favorite chill spots was the Vista Lounge, featuring comfy seating with ocean views. The atmosphere here is relaxed, with soft piano music playing—not a sing-along, just pleasant background tunes that make it easy to unwind while watching the bustling piazza below.

Scenic Glass Elevators

The panoramic lifts offer great views as you go up and down the ship. They’re spread apart enough that you have to press multiple buttons to call them, which is a bit inconvenient, but the ride itself is worth it for the scenery inside the ship.

Live Bands and Special Events

We loved the Irish-themed bar with live music every night, offering a fun environment with traditional songs and a cozy vibe. There’s also a variety of shows in the theater and smaller spaces featuring piano performances, all contributing to a lively entertainment lineup throughout the cruise.

Recreation and Wellness

Relaxation at the Serenity Spa

The spa is conveniently located on deck 5 near guest services. While we didn’t try any treatments ourselves, it looks like a peaceful spot to unwind. It’s easy to access and perfect if you want a break from the busy cruise activities.

Workout Facilities and Gym

The fitness center offers a variety of exercise options to keep us active. Whether you want cardio or strength training, this space has what you need. It’s a good way to stay healthy while sailing.

Running and Walking Path

For those who enjoy outdoor exercise, the jogging track provides a refreshing route around the ship. It’s a nice change of pace and lets us catch some fresh ocean air while keeping fit.

Miniature Golf and Putting Greens

Up on deck 19, you’ll find a mini golf area and putting greens. It’s a fun way to challenge friends or family without leaving the ship. Casual and enjoyable, it adds a playful touch to our recreation options.

Family and Kids’ Activities

Play Spaces for Children

We found several areas designed just for kids to enjoy themselves. These spaces offer games and activities that keep the little ones entertained throughout the cruise. It’s a nice spot for parents to let their children have fun in a supervised environment.

Game Zone for All Ages

The arcade on board is small but fun. All games are for play only, with no ticket rewards like on some ships. There are claw machines where you can try to win prizes, making it an enjoyable stop if you’re up for some casual gaming.

Pools and Relaxation Spaces

Relaxing at the Hollywood Pool Lounge

We found the Hollywood Pool Lounge to be a perfect spot to unwind. It offers plenty of comfortable seating around the pool area, making it easy to relax and enjoy the sun. The atmosphere is calm, providing a great escape whenever we wanted to cool off or just chill.

Tranquil Garden Conservatory

The garden conservatory is a beautifully designed indoor space filled with lush greenery and cozy seating nooks. It’s an ideal place for quiet reading or simply spending peaceful moments away from the hustle of other public areas. The natural light and plant life create a soothing environment we really appreciated.

Refreshing Fountain Pool Area

The Fountain Pool area stands out with its elegant water features and spacious deck. It’s a lovely spot to take a sip from a cool drink or lounge in the sun. We especially liked how open the space feels, giving us plenty of room to move around and enjoy the vibrant surroundings.

Wake View Lounge Bar

At the Wake View Lounge Bar, we enjoyed stunning ocean views while sipping on our favorite drinks. The bar offers a relaxed vibe, blending casual comfort with beautiful scenery. Sitting here was one of our favorite ways to end a day, watching the wake trail behind the ship.

Casual Eats and Buffet Highlights

Global Flavors Eatery

We loved exploring the variety at the casual dining spots. The Global Flavors Eatery offers a range of dishes inspired by different cuisines, making it easy to find something tasty no matter what you’re craving. It’s perfect for laid-back meals without the formality of the main dining rooms.

You’ll find freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, and quick bites throughout the day. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is friendly, making it a great go-to for casual snacks or light lunches.

Fresh Baked Goods Corner

Our sweet tooth was well taken care of at the Fresh Baked Goods Corner. This area serves up a selection of pastries, breads, and desserts baked daily. Everything smells wonderful and looks inviting, from flaky croissants to rich chocolate treats.

We appreciated the variety and quality, whether grabbing a morning pastry with coffee or indulging in a mid-afternoon treat. It’s definitely a spot we’d come back to again and again.

Casino and Gaming Options

Primary Gaming Area

The main casino on the ship is quite lively and usually busy. It has a variety of slot machines and table games where people often stake out their favorite spots early. We noticed that it can get crowded, especially around popular machines and tables, making it a bustling hub for gaming enthusiasts.

Smoke-Free Gaming Zone

For those who prefer a smoke-free environment, the ship offers a smaller casino area without tables but filled with slot machines. It’s spacious, with plenty of room between the seats, and never feels cramped. This area also has a full bar and comfortable seating near ocean-view windows, making it a relaxing place to enjoy gaming without smoke.

Shopping and Duty-Free Delights

While exploring the ship, we found a small candy and sundries shop offering snacks, basic toiletries like aspirin and sunscreen, and a modest variety of candies and chips.

The duty-free shops include a jewelry lounge where you can browse and discuss purchases in a relaxed setting. If you enjoy art, the onboard gallery offers pieces that can be bought and shipped home, which is convenient if you don’t want to carry large items.

For those looking to book a future trip, the Future Cruise Desk is staffed and ready to help, often with special discounts or onboard credits if you book during your cruise.

Overall, the shopping and treat options provide a nice mix of convenience and specialty items for guests to explore throughout the voyage.

Art and Decor Details

We loved the vibrant atmosphere throughout the public spaces, especially the three-story piazza. It features stunning artwork and plenty of seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the live music playing softly in the background.

The art collection includes notable pieces, such as a portrait of basketball star Yao Ming, who’s affectionately known as the “godfather” of the ship. Walking through the art gallery was a fun experience, and we even picked up some pieces during the onboard auctions that now hang in our home.

Bars like Bellini’s and the Good Spirits Bar have cozy seating and elegant decor, perfect for unwinding. Bellini’s offers lovely piano music and great views of the piazza below, while Good Spirits hides comfortable nooks off to the side where you can enjoy unique drinks like the Vanilla Sky.

We found the Irish-themed Omali’s to be a charming spot, featuring comfy ocean-view seats, traditional décor, and live music. The atmosphere there is casual yet inviting, making it a great place to grab a bite or a whiskey.

The casinos balance luxury and comfort with spacious layouts and large windows showcasing ocean views. The non-smoking casino offers plenty of room and a relaxing setting, while the main casino can get busy but has a classic elegant feel.

Overall, the ship’s decor blends modern touches with classic elements, giving each space its own character while maintaining a cohesive and welcoming vibe.

Steering Through the Ship and Helpful Advice

Using the Elevators

We noticed the elevator setup can be tricky. The main bank includes panoramic lifts, but pressing one button doesn’t call them all. To avoid waiting, press all elevator buttons on each side when you want to move between decks.

Medallion and Onboard Items

Keep your Medallion handy—it’s essential for all access and purchases. If you forget items like sunscreen or aspirin, the ship’s little shops have sundries. For snacks and sweets, there’s also a small candy and chip store that’s convenient.

Contacting Guest Assistance

Guest services is open 24/7, even early mornings. Whether you need help with your room, the Medallion, or general questions, someone is always there to assist. We found them very approachable and helpful throughout our cruise.

Booking Trips and Activities

The shore excursion desk is located near guest services. They offer a range of tours and transportation options, like airport transfers at the end of your journey. It’s easy to book on board, and the staff can guide you through the available experiences.

Outdoor Decks and Scenic Walkways

Waterfront Stroll Highlights

We loved exploring the pathways along the ship’s edge. The fresh sea air and unobstructed water views make it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk. The design invites you to relax and soak in the ocean’s beauty at your own pace.

Morning Sun and Harbor Sights

Watching the sunrise from the deck was a calm and refreshing way to start the day. The quietness paired with the warm colors hitting the water creates a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great place to enjoy a moment of stillness while the ship makes its way along the coast.

Designated Smoking Zones

For those who smoke, there are specific areas set aside on the outdoor decks. These spots keep the air fresh for everyone while still allowing smokers to step outside comfortably. We appreciated the clear separation, which made walks along the deck more enjoyable for all guests.

Wrapping Up and Tips for Planning Your Cruise

We found several spots on the Majestic Princess that made our experience enjoyable and worth repeating. Keep in mind that some dining venues charge extra, so checking your package details is important before you settle on where to eat.

Things to remember while planning:

• Guest services are available 24/7, which is great if you have any last-minute questions or needs.
• The elevator system can be a bit tricky, so press all the buttons you see to avoid waiting too long.
• Booking your next cruise onboard can save you money with discounts or onboard credits—definitely worth considering while you’re already enjoying a cruise.
• If you’re into snacks or forgot essentials, the onboard shops usually have what you need, from chips to sunscreen.
• Don’t miss trying the special drinks like the Vanilla Sky after 5 PM at the Good Spirits Bar.
• If you like casual spots with great vibes, Omali’s Irish-themed bar with live music was one of our favorites.
• Service at some casual dining places, like Alfredo’s, might take longer than expected, so plan accordingly.

We also thought spending some downtime in quieter areas like Bellini’s bar or exploring the art gallery added nice variety to our days. For a smoke-free gamble, the smaller casino is less crowded and cozy yet still fun.

Use these tips to make the most of your time without any surprises. We hope you find your own favorite corners and activities on your cruise!