Late March this year I was granted the opportunity to embark on a 2-night journey aboard the Majestic Princess traveling between Sydney and Brisbane. Upon my arrival at the wharf in Sydney it became apparent just how aptly named the Majestic Princess is, nothing short of majestic, the 143,700-tonne vessel cut a striking figure against the Sydney Harbour backdrop.
After completing the effortless check-in process it left me
wondering if I hadn’t missed something? I
set off up the gangway eager to begin exploring the inside of the ship. I had
certainly been impressed by the ship’s external aesthetic and was pleased to be
even more blown away with the opulence Princess have achieved inside the
vessel.
Stepping on board at Deck 7, you are greeted with views of the entire piazza-style atrium, home to The Shops of Princess, several bars, specialty restaurants and entertainment provided by various performers both day and night. It is a great place to wander through during the day for a coffee or to stop by for a pre-dinner drink with friends at either Bellini’s or the Ocean Terrace Bar.
From the atrium I made my way up to Deck 12 where I was fortunate enough to be accommodated in one of the Majestic Princess’s 664 Balcony Cabins. This particular cabin type is quite spacious and well appointed and left me wanting for nothing. The balcony could comfortably house 2 people and the ability to step out of your room and take in the fresh sea air is always welcome.
The dining options onboard leave you with more choice than you could shake a stick at and certainly would have left me reeling had the evening’s venue not been suggested to me already. After popping up to the Sun-Deck for a drink at The Hollywood Conservatory I headed over to Bistro Sur La Mer, the 3 Michelin star French Bistro-style restaurant by Emmanuel Renaut, located on Deck 7 overlooking the Atrium and one of 6 specialty dining options onboard. Bistro Sur La Mer is a must do if you are after a more extravagant dining experience, world class food and wine while overlooking the grand Atrium and all the entertainment on offer had even an over-enthusiastic eater such as myself slowing down and savouring every morsel!
If extravagance is not quite the flavour of the evening,
head down to one of 3 main dining rooms or to the numerous other included
dining facilities and enjoy the ever-changing menus.
During the day you will not find yourself short of things to do, with Decks 16 to 19 dedicated to relaxation and enjoyment. Whether it be lounging by the pool watching movies on the big screen or perfecting your golf drive on the Sun Deck driving range, it is not hard at all to spend too much time on the top decks.
The Majestic Princess certainly lives up to its name and upon disembarkation in Brisbane, I was left seriously considering the consequences of (hypothetically) stowing away for a few more days. So, if a premier experience on a premier ship is on the cards, I certainly can not recommend a voyage on the Majestic Princess enough.
Click here to start your voyage on Majestic Princess.
