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Royal Caribbean International

MV Monarch of the Seas

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Richard Thorpe
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: October 29, 2000
Itinerary: Caribbean - Southern

This is a cruise for people who like shore excursions. Six ports of call will keep a cruiser busy. We cruised during the perceived hurricane season. It wasn't a factor as we had great weather throughout. The Monarch has a significant roll while underway. Also there is an inordinate amount of engine vibration felt. If you are subject to motion sickness, wear your patch. There were 182 known honeymooning couples on our cruise! Overall, we had a memorable cruise.

The seating in the main lounge, "The Sound of Music", was quite uncomfortable. The sofa backs lean back too far. The aisle seat cushion padding is worn out.

I agree with your resident ship review, the food is just good. The service at our table was excellent.

Our cabin service was excellent. Save yourself some money and book a basic interior cabin. Yes they are small but adequate. Similar to living in a 14ft. camper without the kitchen. Unless your on honeymoon, you won't be spending much time in your cabin anyway. Our twin beds were convertible to a single Queen.

Nightly entertainment was excellent, with dance and song reviews, comedians, juggler, and magician. Just needed comfortable seats to sit in.

ST. Thomas- Get a taxi ride in town for a tour of the island. Make sure you can understand your driver' speech. Take the Buck Island sail and snorkel. Up to six people go sailing and snorkeling on a 45 foot sailboat. I thought it was a great value! Antigua- We took the rain forest hike. Not much rain forest to see but great view from the top of the island. St. Maarten- Skip the Pinot Island Snorkeling. High waves can make it rough for first timers and not much to see anyway. Clothing optional beach made up for it! St. Lucia- -In St Lucia we took the tour that viewed the Pitons combined with the hike to the hot sulfur springs and waterfall and plantation. This could have been a good tour but all the buses arrived to unload hikers at the same time. Consequently there were too many people at the sulphur springs bath and waterfall at once. We were rushed and unable to enjoy it. They also need to improve the facilities here if they intend to continue to offer this tour. Natural rock steps are very slippery and, only one way up/down. Muddy conditions prevail at the site; too primitive for most cruisers. Barbados- We enjoyed and recommend the 4 X 4 Land Rover island tour. San Juan- We walked and saw a little of Old San Juan before the ship left port. When the ship returned to port, there wasn't enough time to see more. It depends on what time your flight departs.

We cruised with another couple. We dined at a table for six. We got along super with the third couple seated at our table, sometimes going to the lounge and entertainment together.