Gulf Craft Majesty 120 Review (2021 Edition)

Whilst touring this 120 in Cannes, we kept asking the same question. How has Majesty created an excellent six-cabin 37m (121ft) yacht while the competition has stuck with five cabins? 

We found the answer is rather straightforward following some reflection — and after looking at many rival yacht layouts. 

By moving the crew quarters aft, Majesty and Christiano Gatto Design have made room for a forward VIP on the lower deck, adding to the four guest cabins amidships that every boat at this length has. Nearly every other yacht in this class keeps the crew forward, so no VIP.

Shifting the crew quarters might suggest a loss of space at the aft end of the boat, and that assumption would be correct. However, everything falls into place due to the smaller size and relocation of the three-person crew quarters aft, without a beach club encroaching on the LOA. Moreover, the addition of the sixth cabin, the exceptional VIP suite, is just the start of the story.

The tri-deck design of the Majesty is fairly in keeping with this yard’s contemporary fleet, but there is something more impressive at work here, from the powerful bows to the clean, linear upper works. It's a design that really delivers onboard, with a mix of cabins and decks that can’t be beaten on space. The crowning glory of it all is a majestic sun deck that feels like it has been lifted from a 60m (197ft) vessel. 

Finished with a Flourish

The other thing about this 120, is the clear and impressive progression on fit-out and finish. The interior is the best we have seen from a Majesty yet, full of detail, sophistication, and style, while the decks carry a real air of superyacht confidence.

Sitting just under 300GT, the yacht is on a par with many tri-deck rivals on overall dimensions and volume, so the 120’s successes can be put down to making intelligent calls that benefit both the owner and guests.  

Away from the onboard quality, a semi-displacement hull and Caterpillar C32B 2,400hp engines deliver a useful 20 knots. Reducing the revs results in a range of around 1,000nm at 10 knots — fairly low, however, for a yacht of this size with a 24,000 litre (6,300 US gal) fuel capacity.

Because this Majesty is so smart and considered inside, it's easy to look past the design and proportions that enable the yacht to impress. Every part of the interior is spacious and functional. The salon and owner's stateroom on the main deck, the five cabins below, and the upper lounge above — everything feels beautifully balanced. 

If there is one omission, compared to more recent 35-40m (115-131ft) superyacht designs, there is a lack of inside-outside thinking. The main and upper salons have the usual aft deck doors but there are no side doors or balconies to open things up.

There is the option to replace a lower deck cabin with a lounge — a feature that removes this yacht’s six-cabin USP — but if you only want five cabins it creates some private space for friends and family.

This internal choice reflects a wider enthusiasm by Majesty to work with clients to create highly personalized yachts. Fabrics, finishes, cabinetry, and furniture are all bespoke to the buyer.  

Cabin Craft

Staying below decks, the five-cabin layout has two symmetrical doubles aft, with two twins leading to the all-important VIP. This forward cabin is notable for its excellent floor space in the entranceway, making the cabin feel much more usable. The finish is good, as is the ensuite and walk-in closet that push aft. All the cabins are ensuite with deep sections of hull glass for the four guest cabins. Moreover, the doubles come with dressing tables.

Up on the main deck, the owner’s stateroom is the place to understand the uplift in the finish we are seeing across the Majesty fleet. The cabin feels like it is enjoying a lot of the 120's 8.3m (27ft) beam with plenty of floor space around the berth and big sections of glass to light it all up. There’s a walk-in closet off the entrance and a long sofa below one of the windows but the final furnishings and finish will be left to your tastes. The test boat came with an ivory palette with paneled walls and contrasting, highly lacquered, dark cabinetry.

Back out of the owner’s cabin, the kitchen lies just around to port. Often, guests will congregate in a crewed yacht’s galley — especially if it's as big and social as this one. The kitchen itself is large, lined by storage and worktops, with a dedicated cold storage section. Designed for serious use, the yacht‘s chef will be more than happy, but the neat diner makes the area a space that the whole yacht might well enjoy.

Upper Class

A central, backlit walnut staircase connects the lower, main, and upper decks, and it's the upper deck we'll head to now. A tri-deck yacht’s upper lounge delivers social space in an elevated and private setting that the main salon can’t. Here we have a simple salon and bar area but again the final layout is yours to choose. 

The joy of these smaller (and more convivial) lounges is the view they deliver and how they connect to the upper aft deck. Here, the upper deck doors open onto a covered private dining area with its own barbecue area, creating a mix of lounge, bar, and dining across the deck.

The tri-deck design creates a proper pilothouse on the upper deck, with the captain’s cabin running off it — something that eases the pressure on the crew quarters. The helm station spreads across the wheelhouse, with excellent forward visibility and the space for up to four MFD screens.

Doors to each side mean crew access to the upper deck is easy and guests can join the Captain, with a raised sofa tucked aft.

The upper deck does have an open aft section away from the overhang but it feels like a dedicated dining area. This was another considered move by Majesty because just a few steps away, the sun deck delivers all the sky and lounge space you could desire.

The sun deck is a triumph, as good as anything you will find below 40m, and feels like the kind of terrace that used to be the preserve of 60m yachts. Again, the beam plays its part. The sun deck feels wide and long, with a central bar and lounge finished in rich washed teak beneath an impressive hardtop, inlaid with more teak, stainless steel, and cool lighting. 

At the forward end, a raised spa pool is surrounded by sun pads, to the aft, an open deck can come with all manner of seating, the test boat’s modular, movable pads are a great option. It's the sun deck’s overall size and quality, however, that impresses most, all set safely within tall, stainless steel guardrails.

Decks & Tenders

The other on-deck highlight is the long sweep of the elevated foredeck lounge that will be a popular on-port hangout or an exhilarating spot when underway. This forward section has a dual role — the lounge leading down to a working foredeck with a central crane for launching two PWCs.

The main tender has a garage aft. The PR shots might show a club of sorts with some smart deck furniture but this is a garage first and foremost and that furniture will have to be stowed somewhere else when the tender is stowed. With the tender launched, the garage’s teak deck and neat wet bar create a fun hydraulic waterside terrace with smart steps adding some luxurious ceremony to taking a dip.

Gulf Craft and its Majesty range offer comparatively good value to the superyacht world. Its designs might not always offer the advanced features and finish seen on its rivals but the ability to build large yachts with enticing customization makes Majesty an interesting option. And, of course, if you cruise in the Middle East region, Gulf Craft’s local support network cannot be beaten.

From our experience, when the vast array of extras these yachts demand is added, the pricing tends to get uncomfortably close to the Italian builders that rule this market.

What sets this boat apart from other models is that it can stand up to scrutiny purely on its design and finish, not just relying on being less money than its competition.