Totally refurbished in June of 2003, Monarch of the Seas has been upgraded to include many of Royal Caribbean's latest innovations, including the soaring rock climbing wall, Boleros Cuban-themed nightclub and Jade Asian-Fusion Restaurant.
While onboard, you get a full cruise experience, and in a recent year, Monarch of the Seas won highest honors for guest satisfaction in Royal Caribbean's fleet. Because for many Southern Californians, Monarch is Royal Caribbean, this may not be that surprising, but if you have been on Vision of the Seas, which does the 7-Night Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles three fourths of the year and Alaska in the summer, you know these past guests aren't comparing Monarch to other Royal Caribbean ships, which speaks quite highly about how Royal Caribbean compares with other cruise ships in the area.
In addition to Vision Class, there is the jumbo sized Voyager Class that introduced us to ice skating rinks at sea, the largest Freedom Class that has everything Voyager has plus surfing onboard, and mid-sized Radiance Class, with glass elevators climbing multi-story glass walls to capitalize on remarkable views at sea. Monarch, like her sister Sovereign Class ships, is wonderful in her own right, and she is a great first cruise or renewal between longer cruises, but keep in mind that there is more to see next time.
Monarch does have a terrific crew, from room stewards to dining room staff to entertain-ment. A regular feature in Boleros nightclub is Dueling Pianos, with two performers sitting down at baby grand pianos in a battle for the audience's favor. Made famous at San Diego's Sing Sing, Dueling Pianos delivers lots of laughs along with some great tunes. At other times in the evening, a hot salsa band turns up the heat for dancers in Boleros, and they even teach passengers a few steps of cha cha, salsa and other dances.
Royal Caribbean's signature Viking Crown Lounge perched high above the ocean with commanding views is a great place to unwind in the daytime, but at night, when the disco cranks into full gear, it becomes a favorite place for partying. You don't want to miss the '70s party, with all the "special guest stars."
Many public areas, including the Windjammer buffet restaurant and the nautically-themed Schooner bar have new furnishings and polished appearances, but the ship has a few drawbacks. Her staterooms tend to be small, and this can feel somewhat claustrophobic for the interior rooms in particular.
Many people make the conscious decision to only go in their cabin to change clothes or sleep, and as long as they stick to that agenda, they will be fine. That works for a short cruise. If you like a little down time in your room, however, get a window at a minimum, and upgrade to a Superior Ocean View or Junior Suite if possible
. Another item I warn clients about is the pool area, which has astroturf instead of teak decking. You get used to it rather quickly, but for me it always makes a bad first impression.
Okay, did that last paragraph make you want to take this ship? I think maybe I over did it. This is a great ship for a quick trip.
While onboard, you get a full cruise experience, and in a recent year, Monarch of the Seas won highest honors for guest satisfaction in Royal Caribbean's fleet. Because for many Southern Californians, Monarch is Royal Caribbean, this may not be that surprising, but if you have been on Vision of the Seas, which does the 7-Night Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles three fourths of the year and Alaska in the summer, you know these past guests aren't comparing Monarch to other Royal Caribbean ships, which speaks quite highly about how Royal Caribbean compares with other cruise ships in the area.
In addition to Vision Class, there is the jumbo sized Voyager Class that introduced us to ice skating rinks at sea, the largest Freedom Class that has everything Voyager has plus surfing onboard, and mid-sized Radiance Class, with glass elevators climbing multi-story glass walls to capitalize on remarkable views at sea. Monarch, like her sister Sovereign Class ships, is wonderful in her own right, and she is a great first cruise or renewal between longer cruises, but keep in mind that there is more to see next time.
Monarch does have a terrific crew, from room stewards to dining room staff to entertain-ment. A regular feature in Boleros nightclub is Dueling Pianos, with two performers sitting down at baby grand pianos in a battle for the audience's favor. Made famous at San Diego's Sing Sing, Dueling Pianos delivers lots of laughs along with some great tunes. At other times in the evening, a hot salsa band turns up the heat for dancers in Boleros, and they even teach passengers a few steps of cha cha, salsa and other dances.
Royal Caribbean's signature Viking Crown Lounge perched high above the ocean with commanding views is a great place to unwind in the daytime, but at night, when the disco cranks into full gear, it becomes a favorite place for partying. You don't want to miss the '70s party, with all the "special guest stars."
Many public areas, including the Windjammer buffet restaurant and the nautically-themed Schooner bar have new furnishings and polished appearances, but the ship has a few drawbacks. Her staterooms tend to be small, and this can feel somewhat claustrophobic for the interior rooms in particular.
Many people make the conscious decision to only go in their cabin to change clothes or sleep, and as long as they stick to that agenda, they will be fine. That works for a short cruise. If you like a little down time in your room, however, get a window at a minimum, and upgrade to a Superior Ocean View or Junior Suite if possible
. Another item I warn clients about is the pool area, which has astroturf instead of teak decking. You get used to it rather quickly, but for me it always makes a bad first impression.Okay, did that last paragraph make you want to take this ship? I think maybe I over did it. This is a great ship for a quick trip.
