Monarch: Going Over Thanksgiving - looking for input and your impression of the ship.

[Happy ks]

We'll be on her 11/25, the day you get off. We haven't sailed on Monarch for a couple years now, but when we did, the ship was much nicer than what we had expected.

 

Let me just say that people have different experiences on ships, hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, everywhere in life. It's what you make of it.

 

We have been on several cruises where, we were having a great time, then you get seated at breakfast with strangers who only complain. We have cut breakfast (or lunch) short, excused ourselves from the pool area, gotten up and just walked out of bars. All because we don't care to listen to complainers. Our family likes nice things, but even if we are presented with less than expected, we turn it into a fun experience. Some of our funniest and most memorable times have been in dive (nasty) restaurants, we had a great time at a seedy hotel last year in Las Vegas.

 

The only time we didn't like a cruise was this same itinerary, when we cruised with Carnival, on Ecstacy a few years ago. Now, that ship was an eyesore with bad service. But, making the best of it, we did like the food and the photographers weren't bad. It was 4 days in an ashtray.

[shipknotshore]

Just got off the Monarch yesterday. We spoke with the Captain about the dry dock coming up and he said that most of what will be done are items that we won't be able to see. (Hull maintenance, etc.) He said that there will be some items done around the pool also. He did not mention anything else that was being done.

This was the 3rd time we've sailed on the Monarch - the food was pretty good and the service we received in the dining room was really good. Our entire family of 18 was pleased with the cruise in general.

We never noticed any sewer odor in any area of the ship on this trip - or any other time we've cruised on the Monarch - guess we've been lucky.

[badgebunny]

Sailfish,

 

My DH and I took a 4 day in August on the Monarch. I can honestly say it was the best cruise out of 4 that we have taken (no, we are not big party people). The service was excellent and the salads and appetizers were to die for. The rest of the food was pretty good. I did not notice the ship being in need of any repairs but I also wasn't looking for any. A vacation is what you make of it!!! Have a great trip and enjoy not cooking or cleaning up on Thanksgiving for me.

 

Amy

 

PS the only time I smelled anything funny on the ship was when we were docked in Ensenada.

[Sailfish]

We'll be on her 11/25, the day you get off. We haven't sailed on Monarch for a couple years now, but when we did, the ship was much nicer than what we had expected.

 

Let me just say that people have different experiences on ships, hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, everywhere in life. It's what you make of it.

 

We have been on several cruises where, we were having a great time, then you get seated at breakfast with strangers who only complain. We have cut breakfast (or lunch) short, excused ourselves from the pool area, gotten up and just walked out of bars. All because we don't care to listen to complainers. Our family likes nice things, but even if we are presented with less than expected, we turn it into a fun experience. Some of our funniest and most memorable times have been in dive (nasty) restaurants, we had a great time at a seedy hotel last year in Las Vegas.

 

The only time we didn't like a cruise was this same itinerary, when we cruised with Carnival, on Ecstacy a few years ago. Now, that ship was an eyesore with bad service. But, making the best of it, we did like the food and the photographers weren't bad. It was 4 days in an ashtray.

 

We were on the Monarch last year and had a great time. Never noticed any smells, never had issues about service nor the food. All in all, we had a great time. We knew it was an older ship, and yes, it was showing some signs of wear and tear compared to the Mariner we sailed on in Feb. But we were pleased and felt we got our money's worth. In fact, there was little difference in food quality and service (huge difference in ship amenities, though). Based on what I have been reading, that's probably not the case right now. I could be wrong, and I hope I am.

 

With that said, I also didn't see as many negative reviews in 2004. Sure, there were some, but not as many. Like you, we make the best of every vacation. I just wish that all of Royal Caribbean's ship's had uniform standards - I believe they are supposed to, but you and I both know they do not. Product consistency should never be an issue, but it seems to be with older ships.

[FitzLA]

While I still think that the Monarch is in need of a refresh, I will also say that I too think you should not worry...Rccl does have High Standards when it comes to maintaining their ships, and you should just go and have no worries. You will have a great time, and if you go with a positive attitude then you will not even notice anything that might not be perfect. You will be cruising and no matter what, that is the most important part. You will have a great time!!!!! And when you get back, you can let us know what your thoughts were of the ship. I can think of worse places to be and the Monarch, or any RCCL ship, is not one of them. Have a great time!!!

[rubrrick]

Thanks, everyone!

 

One comment about visitors to the ship: you generally go on when the ship is at its cleanest. I'm not saying your comments are not appreciated (because they are), but spending a morning on the ship cannot provide you with the same experience as spending three or four nights aboard the ship. I am by no means an expert, but based on what I have observed, TA tours are to showcase the ship - the staff controls where you go and what you see. It's good input, so TA's can tell clients what to expect.

Like I said before, we are past the "point of no return" and will make the best of it next month. It's a little discouraging.

 

Oh, by the way, I'm not a TA, I'm the same one that cruised at the beginning of September, where, on our departure, we had ALPHA, ALPHA, AHPHA, then BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO, and when we got to LAX airport, it was reported on the news that 3 men had died on a cruise ship. Maybe you were referring to rdegazio, who, I believe is a TA.

The Monarch will be in drydock in January, under the watchful eyes of Captain Lindegren.

Your Thankgiving holiday aboard the Monarch should be just wonderful!

 

Rick

[Happy ks]

Sailfish, you've got to remember too that someone who doesn't have a great time, or got what they anticipated will sometimes register here just for the sake of complaining. They will also take every opportunity they can to make their voice heard.

 

That's fine, this is a discussion board and they are entitled, but do pay attention to the bad reviews on this, or almost any ship and you will find the same posters over and over again. That may be why you're seeing perhaps more negatives than you expect.

 

I've been here longer than my registration date and have sailed ships I thought were wonderful, only to have another person call it the ship from he**. Also, while I try not to knock my least favorite cruise so far (OK, a jab here and there) I sometimes read glowing reports about that ship.

 

The only thing I know for sure is that the short cruise market has the older ships and anyone who expects the same as the newer builds may be a bit disappointed. Monarch is a great ship for what she does, the short market. This is the main reason I don't neccesarily suggest to newbies to start out on a short cruise.

[Sailfish]

Sailfish, you've got to remember too that someone who doesn't have a great time, or got what they anticipated will sometimes register here just for the sake of complaining. They will also take every opportunity they can to make their voice heard.

 

That's fine, this is a discussion board and they are entitled, but do pay attention to the bad reviews on this, or almost any ship and you will find the same posters over and over again. That may be why you're seeing perhaps more negatives than you expect.

 

I've been here longer than my registration date and have sailed ships I thought were wonderful, only to have another person call it the ship from he**. Also, while I try not to knock my least favorite cruise so far (OK, a jab here and there) I sometimes read glowing reports about that ship.

 

The only thing I know for sure is that the short cruise market has the older ships and anyone who expects the same as the newer builds may be a bit disappointed. Monarch is a great ship for what she does, the short market. This is the main reason I don't neccesarily suggest to newbies to start out on a short cruise.

 

The reviews I site are NOT the only ones here at Cruise Critic - they are on the web; google and search. But I can read between the lines, and your are absolutely right, one has to take what's published on the web with a gain of salt.

 

You know, a few bad comments wouldn't bother me. But I see a trend; one that concerns me a little. Somehow the fact that I keep reading about the foul odor really bothers me.

 

Will I have a good time - you bet I will. But isn't it sad you can't say the Monarch is every bit as good as the Mariner? Granted, there will always be a difference in ship amenities - that can't be helped. But there shouldn't be ANY difference in the quality of the food, service or cleanliness of a ship. Those should be across the board STANDARD and consistent with cruise line policy. I get the feeling it isn't, otherwise there would be no hesitation on your part to recommend the Monarch to newbies!

 

I don't mean to be so negative, but we love cruising with Royal Caribbean; as Diamond members we frequently will select Royal Caribbean over another cruise line. We could always count on uniform quality - now I am beginning to question this. I don't want this to be our last cruise aboard the Monarch, but it may very well be.

[rubrrick]

Sailfish,

I've been here longer than my registration date and have sailed ships I thought were wonderful, only to have another person call it the ship from he**. Also, while I try not to knock my least favorite cruise so far (OK, a jab here and there) I sometimes read glowing reports about that ship.

 

The only thing I know for sure is that the short cruise market has the older ships and anyone who expects the same as the newer builds may be a bit disappointed. Monarch is a great ship for what she does, the short market. This is the main reason I don't neccesarily suggest to newbies to start out on a short cruise.

 

HappyKS is soooooooooooooo right about this. RCCL has 2 ships that we will call "cash cows", one is the Sovereign and the other is the Monarch. Corporate watches these ships very closely. Althought some of you would not believe this, they are very pampered, always looking to upgrade any necessary item. They carry the fleet.

Sorry for anyone that has not had a good experience on either on ot these two. They are both "starter" ships, where many people experience their first cruise.

Tell me that they want that experience to be anything but pleasurable. They put their best Captains aboard. The crew is pampered because they can get off in so many ports. They only have one day at sea per week.

For those of you that have not had a good experience aboard, I feel sorry for you. I hope that you have sent your complaints to the right party, and it has been resolved.

To those who are traveling on Thanksgiving, happy holidays, enjoy your cruise, and I wish I were with you!!!!:)

 

Rick

[PhoenixCruiser]

Sailfish, you've got to remember too that someone who doesn't have a great time, or got what they anticipated will sometimes register here just for the sake of complaining. They will also take every opportunity they can to make their voice heard.

 

The only thing I know for sure is that the short cruise market has the older ships and anyone who expects the same as the newer builds may be a bit disappointed. Monarch is a great ship for what she does, the short market. This is the main reason I don't neccesarily suggest to newbies to start out on a short cruise.

 

Hi Kathy :)

 

Our Monarch cruise wasn't our first! We were spoiled by cruising on new(er) RCI ships, on the Grandeur 8 years ago and the Navigator last year. We knew going in that the Monarch was older and smaller, however we thought the service would be the same, it wasn't.

 

Examples:

 

Pubic hairs in the bathroom, on the floor and in the shower

 

The carpet in our cabin looked as if it wasn't vaccumed for weeks - if anyone is missing any cheerios or Fruit Loops, we found them - lol. We pointed this our to our room steward Luis and he did spend a lot of quality time in our cabin on day two, it looked much better.

 

An old dusty bedspread in the cabinet next to the fridge, I feel sorry for the cruiser that needs to have the beds sperated.

 

A horrible sewer smell since we left San Pedro (JS 1060). We were not the only one to experienced this. That lovely smell stayed with us the entire week.

 

Several cabins were flooded (it's amazing how many industrial sized fans she can carry). Can you imagine trying to blow dry your hair when you have an inch of water in your cabin? We, thank goodness, did not experience this, however we spoke to many who did.

 

The vibration was amazing - perhaps you should leave BOB at home ;)

 

A couple were in the casino with their 12? month old. After he was crying for 10 minutes, I asked the lead bartender to ask them to leave. He refused, stating, "oh, they are just a family trying to enjoy some family time" WHAT?

 

The "youth" programs are on the 10th floor?? Why on earth would you put them there! The "kids" were running up and down the floor, frequently changing the "please make up rooms" signs to the "do not distrub". :(

 

It was very evident to us that they use the shorter cruises to train new employees. The service was hit or miss. And, several employees were awesome.

 

I will stop there even though I have several more issues which I am addressing with RCI.

 

We took this cruise so that we would be Platinum members when we booked our next "big" cruise - we booked a few weeks ago :D

 

Positives - the boarding process was the best we've experienced, we were onboard in 45 minutes, able to check into our room early, and our bags arrived in record time. On the last day we left our cabin at 8am and were in our car with checked bags by 8:35 - amazing!!

 

If I were a TA I, honestly, would not recommend this ship to ANYONE, a newbie nor an experienced cruiser and believe it or not, I am a huge RCI supporter.

 

Hope this helps :)

 

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[rubrrick]

Hi Kathy :)

 

Examples:

 

Pubic hairs in the bathroom, on the floor and in the shower

 

Someone was nominated for the Supreme Court had this brought up!

 

. We pointed this our to our room steward Luis and he did spend a lot of quality time in our cabin on day two, it looked much better.

 

See what a couple of hours of honesty will bring

 

A horrible sewer smell since we left San Pedro (JS 1060). We were not the only one to experienced this. That lovely smell stayed with us the entire week.

 

The staff of the Monarch thinks this is now resolved!

 

Several cabins were flooded (it's amazing how many industrial sized fans she can carry). Can you imagine trying to blow dry your hair when you have an inch of water in your cabin? We, thank goodness, did not experience this, however we spoke to many who did.

 

The vibration was amazing - perhaps you should leave BOB at home ;)

 

BOB was introduced here by Carol, and a few others.... LOL!! BOB was NOT in our bedroom on the Monarch!! Sometimes.......I wish BOB was there............Oh, never mind!!

 

A couple were in the casino with their 12? month old. After he was crying for 10 minutes, I asked the lead bartender to ask them to leave. He refused, stating, "oh, they are just a family trying to enjoy some family time" WHAT?

 

The "youth" programs are on the 10th floor?? Why on earth would you put them there! The "kids" were running up and down the floor, frequently changing the "please make up rooms" signs to the "do not distrub". :(

 

It was very evident to us that they use the shorter cruises to train new employees. The service was hit or miss. And, several employees were awesome.

 

I will stop there even though I have several more issues which I am addressing with RCI.

 

We took this cruise so that we would be Platinum members when we booked our next "big" cruise - we booked a few weeks ago :D

 

Positives - the boarding process was the best we've experienced, we were onboard in 45 minutes, able to check into our room early, and our bags arrived in record time. On the last day we left our cabin at 8am and were in our car with checked bags by 8:35 - amazing!!

 

If I were a TA I, honestly, would not recommend this ship to ANYONE, a newbie nor an experienced cruiser and believe it or not, I am a huge RCI supporter.

 

I'm also a huge RCCL supporter, and cruise many ships of many different lines. Well, were not that far apart, geographically speaking.

 

Hope this helps :)

 

###

 

What Pheonix has to say is compelling, but everyone needs to take into consideration that the Monarch does two sailings per week. That is two turn overs every 7 days. There are partyiers, drunks and worse. The crew keeps the ship in order, sometimes redoing cabins after the party, only to know that there will be another party within hours.

For those that want the pristine, the Monarch is not for you. We enjoy her for a quick get away.

 

Rick

[Michele Noel]

We were on the Monarch in August. A very inside cabin on deck 4. No smells anyplace that we noticed. This was our third Monarch trip and definitely our best. They have new menus and it was fun seeing some new tastes and old favorites. We had exceptional weather and we enjoyed the ports immensely. Shows were great and the staff was very happy. They like this ship because they get to go off the ship quite a bit. We had just returned from the Serenade and were not expecting very much but we were pleasantly surprised each day. Enjoy yourselves.

[dkort]

hi shipknot - remember us? well, we were on the monarch fro the 17th to the 21. we just missed you. how are you guys doing? ever heard anything about your necklace? we were just thinking of you guys the other day. hope all is well.

[dkort]

we were in an outside cabin on deck 3. had a lot of fears going after reading a lot of negative reviews. never smelled anything. had a fantastic time. would go again and agagin. very easy on and off, real quick. take advantage of the early guaranteed 730 disembarkation. you won't regret it. you'll have to roll off your own luggage, but it's hardly any walk at all, and the best part is that there's less than one half of one percent of the ship taking advantage of this great option. joseph was our room steward. he was great. blanco was our waiter, also great. dry dock or not, we would have absolutely no problem whatsoever jumping on this ship again, tomorrow! we had a great time.

[shipknotshore]

hi shipknot - remember us? well, we were on the monarch fro the 17th to the 21. we just missed you. how are you guys doing? ever heard anything about your necklace? we were just thinking of you guys the other day. hope all is well.

 

Hi Cathy (& David).

Gosh, I guess we planned that all wrong by just missing each other. We are doing fine - You too? I'll email you later on today so we can catch up.

[samomma]

hi shipknot - remember us? well, we were on the monarch fro the 17th to the 21. we just missed you. how are you guys doing? ever heard anything about your necklace? we were just thinking of you guys the other day. hope all is well.

 

 

Hey....we were on that cruise! We had the best time! We had the private dining area to ourselves since the other two tables never showed up. What seating were you given?

[Joyfredsblondecruiser]

I appreciate all of your comments and now I know what to expect. We will be on her for the New Years sailing. Happy Sailing, Joy

[Happy ks]

I think I'll bring along a dust pan and a can of Lysol!

 

When we have had our kids with us and tried to just pass through the casino, they have stopped us and not allowed them to enter. The only other choice on that floor is Spinnakers Lounge (correct me if I'm wrong) and that happens to be the stinkiest place on the ship (cigarettes) so we avoid that area. The casino is pretty stinky too, so we aren't in there long at all, I get so sick from the smoke.

 

I have a hard time imagining anyone would want a 12 month old in there for even an instant. I was a Mama Bear with my kids, protecting them from secondhand smoke. I wanted their new, pink lungs to stay as healthy as possible.

 

We got our docs yesterday for our Monarch sailing, we'll go and have a good time, if the ship is as rank as what some people here have been writing, I'll be sure to add my comments to the heap.

[rubrrick]

I think I'll bring along a dust pan and a can of Lysol!

 

When we have had our kids with us and tried to just pass through the casino, they have stopped us and not allowed them to enter. The only other choice on that floor is Spinnakers Lounge (correct me if I'm wrong) and that happens to be the stinkiest place on the ship (cigarettes) so we avoid that area. We got our docs yesterday for our Monarch sailing, we'll go and have a good time, if the ship is as rank as what some people here have been writing, I'll be sure to add my comments to the heap.

 

Breathe in just before heading thur the Schooner Bar, and breathe out on the way through. Actually, go up to deck 7 and you should have no problem, or go down to deck 4. You didn't say where you were coming from or where you were trying to go. The aft end of deck 5 has the Sound of Music, and midship has the stores. I'm an ex smoker, and can relate to the smell. However, I do try to avoid these areas by going up or down: around as I say!:)

 

Rick

[littleboy]

I am going to be sailing on Monarch over thanksgiving weekend also. We took the grandkids last oct and had a great time. We had late dinning seating and that was our only problem it was too late for them to have dinner.

We are taking our neice on her first cruise and she is very excited about it. Any time I get to cruise is great for me.

[Sailfish]

Thank you for your responses; it was very helpful.

 

We have about 3 more weeks left before we set sail; I for one am looking forward to our trip. Thanks again for your input.