Monarch - buyers remorse

[disfan]

Last year the Monarch went from formal to smart casual. It is now back to formal, which is day 2.

[ssb]

The purpose of the cruise is quality time with the daughters.

Remember it’s….. who you are with will be the most important!!

It’s not where you are with them!

In general, everything beyond initial costs will be at you’re own discretion and choice!

We were on Monarch in January and loved everything about it,

and we have cruised bigger ships.

Being happy with the ship does not mean that everything will be perfect.

It means you have decided to look beyond any imperfections

in the expectations.

Attitude will be the difference between any possible ordeal

and an adventure you will have with the daughters.

Enjoy the daughters and the cruise.:D

[Trekker954]

On just about every cruise I've been on including the Shiny new Allure, as you are walking around you will get a whif of sewage. I can't say it happens on low decks or high decks, aft or forward, starboard or port side. It doesn't care if this is your first cruise or if you are diamond plus. Monarch or Allure, Oasis or Liberty.....we've all smelled it but whatever you do, don't let it ruin your cruise.

[cherokeesmom]

Service in dining room was outstanding! Header, waiter, and asst. waiter could not have been better. Everything served promptly, and drinks on table as we came in depending on our preferences. Much better than the Solstice the following week, although that wasn't bad at all. Also stateroom attendent always seemed to be available! (sailed in Jan. 2011)

[MusiCruiser]

Please help me be excited about this vacation again. I'm truly hoping the Monarch isn't as bad as others have made it sound. Would love to hear what you love about the Monarch. Also any suggestions on what we might enjoy that is "family friendly" and what to avoid that may be more bawdy (I've already figured out not to take them to Quest' date=' lol!) Just want to have a fun, relaxing mom/daughters vacation.[/color']

 

Thanks in advance!

 

cj'smom

 

We have cruised on Monarch twice, and have found it to be a great ship. Her staff is outstanding. True the rooms are small, but she is still beautiful. Next week, we are cruising on her sister ship, Majesty, for a Valentines Day 4 nighter. If you would like to read our long-winded review of Monarch, you can find it here:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=53050

 

Go, enjoy, and don't sweat the small stuff. She is a great ship. You will not be disappointed.:)

[morganboys]

we loved the monarch. it actually brought us over from the dark side(carnival). were planning on taking our two boys the on the monarch next summer if it doesnt leave pc. we sailed in june on her and saw none of what you are worried about. you have to take a lot of what you read here with a grain of salt.

[scorpluvsdolphins]

I was on the Monarch 12 times last year. As the port is only 22 miles from my house and work, I leave a little bit early on a Friday and go to work on that Monday.

 

If you are lucky enough to get Hava as your head waiter, you will love her.

 

If you are Diamond or Diamond Plus, say hello to Desmond in the crown lounge. Tell him Terri & Dan say hello! I will see him in April sometime.

[redbirdhouse]

We felt the same way before we went in January. Don't worry, we had the best time and would book again! The reviews for 4people staying in an regular oceanview (we were deck 2) weren't that great. And we had another obstacle: a pack-n-play! I was so happy once I opened the door and found the cabin size to be just fine.

 

As far as packing light, if you can get by the carry-on sized suitcases you're going to be much better off. I really wanted to travel light so I forced myself to pack a carry-on. I was mostly worried about dinner attire so I brought 4 dresses so there was no need to pack pants and tops. One pair of heels to match all the dresses, one pair of flip flops, and the shoes on my feet from home. It was a relief to pack such a small bag.

 

I hope you have a great time. Wish we were going again soon.

[ryano]

I wouldnt sweat it too much :) It sounds like you are experiencing the same thing I was before the Radiance cruise that I just got off of. I had ready so many "horror" stories that I was worried sick but never once experienced any of them.

 

Issues can happen on any ship but the chances of you running into anything that would ruin your cruise are pretty slim I would think.

 

The Monarch is a wonderful ship that I would gladly book again.

[Shooraq]

I love the Monarch - been on her three times. Perect ship for a mini-getaway. Great staff and just lots of fun. Go in with an open mind and have fun!

[psupa]

 

Please help me be excited about this vacation again. I'm truly hoping the Monarch isn't as bad as others have made it sound. Would love to hear what you love about the Monarch. Also any suggestions on what we might enjoy that is "family friendly" and what to avoid that may be more bawdy (I've already figured out not to take them to Quest' date=' lol!) Just want to have a fun, relaxing mom/daughters vacation.[/color']

 

Thanks in advance!

 

I read the boards alot and have learned so much from cruise critic. I don't always believe everything I read. What someone may like, someone else doesn't and vice versa. That's why it's call Cruise Critic. So go with a positive attitude and have a wonderful cruise. Please post back your review.

[SpeedGeek]

If you are lucky enough to get Hava as your head waiter, you will love her.

 

So true!

[DC1107]

We just got off the Monarch today. While it is smaller and older, the crew is excellent, especially the dining staff. They are top notch. There are plenty of things to do onboard. I only smelled sewage once, that was on the last day at around 10pm. The ship is very clean and very well kept for its age. Its a nice ship, cruise on it while you can. Its been confirmed that 2012 is the last year for the Monarch.

[Shooraq]

We just got off the Monarch today. While it is smaller and older, the crew is excellent, especially the dining staff. They are top notch. There are plenty of things to do onboard. I only smelled sewage once, that was on the last day at around 10pm. The ship is very clean and very well kept for its age. Its a nice ship, cruise on it while you can. Its been confirmed that 2012 is the last year for the Monarch.

 

Who confirmed that?

 

I wouldn't be surprised, especially if 1-2 new ships are going to be built, but I'm curious to know who mentioned that Monarch will be leaving us. It will be a sad day indeed. :(

[DC1107]

Who confirmed that?

 

I wouldn't be surprised, especially if 1-2 new ships are going to be built, but I'm curious to know who mentioned that Monarch will be leaving us. It will be a sad day indeed. :(

Pretty much all of the crew that we talked to. There are some crew members that have been with the Monarch since it first sailed in 1991. They told us that since the Monarch is being decommissioned, they will have priority when picking new assignments on either the new class of ships or another ship of their choice.

[SpeedGeek]

Pretty much all of the crew that we talked to. There are some crew members that have been with the Monarch since it first sailed in 1991. They told us that since the Monarch is being decommissioned, they will have priority when picking new assignments on either the new class of ships or another ship of their choice.

 

I sail in about two weeks. I'll be sure to ask around. If that's the case, it'll be sad indeed. I've thoroughly enjoyed my cruises on the Monarch, and I do hope that whatever replaces her still maintains an itinerary that is a nice short getaway at reasonable rates.

[DC1107]

I sail in about two weeks. I'll be sure to ask around. If that's the case, it'll be sad indeed. I've thoroughly enjoyed my cruises on the Monarch, and I do hope that whatever replaces her still maintains an itinerary that is a nice short getaway at reasonable rates.

 

We had a great cruise on her,I just hope you dont have the 150 Fifteen year old grils from Brazil celebrating their 15th birthday like we did....they completely depleted the ice cream machine on the last day:(

[Ander026]

What a sad day it will be when the Monarch leave PC and RCCL. I have sailed the Monarch 4 times and have enjoyed each and every minute on her.

[Ander026]

I guess we will find out the Monarch's fate when the 2012/2013 sailing schedule is released

[Cruzin RN]

Our cabin is also deck 5 interior so I'm glad to hear you didn't have problems there. I think it may have been primarily the lower decks.

 

Our prior family cruises were also all on Disney. Absolutely love everything about them but their prices! We've been fortunate to get some really great deals in the past but the prices were outrageous for this particular week that we can go. I know not to go into this cruise with the expectation of the high standard of the Disney "magic". It will be fun to try something different.

 

we always stay on deck 5. ..no smell noticed...also very convenient deck since you are a few steps from the shops, mdr,theatre, casino and schooner bar...we stay in the same stateroon every sailing and shout "were home"when we enter!!!!:D

[Cruise4Music]

I hate this, BUT you should have read the reviews here on CC before you booked and NOT booked it based on a travel agent's recommendation......:(

 

I would ALWAYS take a recommendation from my travel agent before basing my vacation on Cruise Critic reviews.

 

IMHO to may people on Cruise Critic have an agenda.

 

Some of my favorite ships including the Monarch seem to get slammed.

 

Often the facts don't seem to jive with the review.

 

But the above is my opinion, believe what you want.

[dianna_nc]

We just got off Monarch this past Monday (2/7). It was my first cruise. I think you're looking at the 4 day, but I have my Compass's for the 3 day if you're interested. There was no shortage of things to do, in fact, we didn't make half of what we intended to. I saw several Mom's with teens/tweens on this cruise, as a matter of fact there was a group of 3 Mom's and 6 girls sitting at the table beside us on formal night. The head waiter took extra time with them, and they had Shirley Temple's to drink. It looked like they were having great fun.

 

As for the ship, the staff was amazing. We were greeted warmly everywhere we went. Always someone asking if they could help us or get something. The crew was always busy and I was extremely impressed with the fact that they seemed to be constantly cleaning.

 

We were on deck 4 Oceanview room. Yes, the rooms are small but honestly after what people on here had me thinking I was pleased with the size of the room. All we did was sleep there. As for the sewage smell, my opinion on that is the bathrooms back up to the hallways, and guess what everyone has to do their business sometime. Those rooms have to vent somewhere so guess what yes, some of it seeps into the hallway. I only noticed it in the hallway a few times.

 

Cocoa Cay is beautiful and I could've spent a week there.

 

The food in the dining room had decent options, and guess what if someone doesn't get full there is always the Windjammer, pizza at Sorento's, or room service. I'm sure you and your girls will have a wonderful time. I hope to get my full review completed soon, with pictures and the Compass's if that helps.

 

I would LOVE copies of your 3 day Compass' if you have time. My e mail is dianna_nc@yahoo.com

[AZDENNY]

I have sailed on the Monarch 2x and while older and with smaller cabins I had a wonderful time on both trips. Never had any bad smells nor bathroom issues. You will have a wonderful time for sure !!! go into it with positive thoughts and you will have a positive time.

[K1200S]

I sailed Monarch two years ago and had a great time. No issues with toilets or anything else. Go, you will enjoy it.

[torpeedo]

Well here's another rumor to bat around!:eek: We were on the Monarch a couple of weeks ago and had dinner with a very senior officer who shared that there has been thought given to bringing the Monarch to China/Asia for boutique type cruises when the new 2014 ship comes out. I believe the new ships will be called the "Sunshine" class, larger than Solstice and smaller than Freedom. This info was something we had not heard before. There was a recent meeting in Vegas and this was evidently discussed. Not saying it's a for sure thing, but an option on the table. I wasn't told that the new ship will go to Port Canaveral (although that would be great!).. just that this change might coincide with that date. I guess we will wait and see.