monarch of the seas

[Cruisin Princess]

just wondering if anyone has any current information on the "monarch". thinking about a weekend cruise with friends who've never sailed before and not sure if this would be a good first cruise. is the ship in decent shape?? how small are the cabins on decks two and three?? what are the smoking areas?? any help would really be appreciated. i've been on rc 21 times, but never on this ship. found a great deal and not sure if i should take it. please help!!

[Cruzaholic41]

Monarch is of 2 remaining Sovereign Class ships in the RCI fleet. They are RCI's oldest ships and RCI is in the process of phasing them out.

 

That being said, the ship is very well maintained and still very pretty.

 

The cabins are among the smallest in the mass-market cruising industry.

 

The smoking areas are starboard side (right) of the open decks, and in the casino (except on formal night).

 

You mentioned having been on RCI 21 times. These ships are nothing like RCI's flag ships. However, I would not hesitate booking it. The staff is excellent and the service is great.

[FUN33]

Cruzaholic41 gave an excellent description of The Monarch. I would add that is exactly why the rates are currently so reasonable on The Monarch. The service, entertainment, food & itinerary are identical to what you expect on any other RCCL ship.

 

The cabins are the most noticeable difference. These are 3 & 4 day cruises; the cabin is just not that big a deal on such a brief cruise.

[bkr50]

I just got off the Monarch and although I was at first apprehensive, I was pleasantly surprised. The ship is well maintained as well as the public areas. And yes, the cabins are small (I was on Deck 6) but you don't spend much time there. It was a great 3-day getaway and the price was unbelieveable.

[cruiseguy1016]

We actually had two adults and two children in one of these cabins. Was it tight? Absolutely. Did it affect our cruise experience? Absolutely Not! While the cabins are considered small, there is plenty of room for two people to do what they have to do.