Early 2020 AD. Danny and I embark on a 21st century Odyssey. On the Majestic Princess from Sydney to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji. Back to Sydney, then to Melbourne and flying back home.

We did this cruise before the coronavirus epidemic became a pandemic. We are very aware the travel industry and in particular the cruising industry is hit hard by the consequences of the pandemic. Travelling and cruising may never be the same again. But this is how we experienced cruising on the Majestic Princess in January and February 2020.

We are not sporty. Danny even less than me. But a ship such as Majestic Princess has a few sporting activities. I did visit the well equipped 24-hour gym almost daily.

Furthermore there are pingpong tables, a mini golf and a basketbal field. The works.

There are three pools, quite a few jacuzzis and a water fountain. One of the pools is adults only. This Hollywood Pool is indoors and airconditioned. It’s adjacent to the Hollywood Conservatory with resting areas, board games, a giant chess set and a giant Jenga set.

Pleiad of activities

There are countless activities: trivia, bingo, the casino, dancing, singing, … too many options to get bored.

On a cruise with five sea days, this is paramount.

Shows

The shows were as you expected: kitsch, camp, of decent quality and just a bit bland so no-one gets offended and everyone can like it. Just like the food, really.

But we’ve seen a few good productions. They’re never too long to get meh.