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Mediterranean Shipping Cruises

SS Monterey

Your Rating:
Reviewed by:Michael Hipler
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: May 11, 1998
Itinerary: Mediterranean

The ship is small compared to modern superliners. But there are relatively few cabins. So you have the feeling of a very roomy ship! The ship´s maintenance is at very high standard! If you like European style cruising with old-world ambiance, this is the right ship for you. Deck-space is vast and you have to promenades to stroll, which feature real-wood deck chairs!

The grand show-room "Seven Pearls" is very attractive and comfortable. There is another show-room called the "Palm Terrace", very nice too. I loved most the library, a quiet place with the original Matson-Line furnishings.

Food was very good, but I admit, I am no gourmet. I simply don't know what to criticise on that. The italian service in the dining room was very attentive and warm ! You can have a buffet on deck. There is only one dining room. Room service was very good. I liked especially that you get orange juice, tea and coffee on your cabin for free! But you have to say:" A cup of" or "a glass of". Otherwise you get a bottle, which must be paid for.

I had an outside cabin in the forward part of the ship. It was very quiet, and adequate for my wishes. shower is good sized. Closet space could be more if you take a longer cruise. I warn you not to take the cabin-No. 425 to 450. These cabins are located underneath the aircraft-carrier-like pool-deck and were added in 1987/8. Unfortunately there are subject to heavy vibration, apparently caused by the screw, that makes every door rattle loud in these new cabins. Must be bad design. (maybe caused by the fact, that the Monterey has only one screw for such a great ship.

Compared to a trip on the "Albatros" (former Sylvania, Fairwind, Dawn Princess) the evening show was superb. I really enjoyed this ! So I rate the quality of the entertainment and also of the cruise staff very high.

She has one pool(cold), two jacuzzi, which feature different temperature, tennis court. You can visit the engines and the bridge. You don't have to wait long to get from board in ports. I stopped at Capri, Valletta (Malta), Palermo, Civittavecchia (Rome)

One Third were Italians (very young on average), one Third germans, some english, some french. The nouveau of the passengers is high, but there is no formal atmosphere.