Just back from the Monarch! Thoughts from a "big ship" kind of girl.

[QTMichele]

Oh how those big ships can spoil you. Glad you had a nice time.

 

Definitely spoiled! My mom commented that it's the Oasis class for her from now on, unless she's cruising with other family.

 

Great review!!! If I may say so it was very interesting and well written. I almost never comment on reviews however I feel that this one is exceptional.

 

I almost fell like I was on the cruise with you:D. Again very well written.

 

Thanks QT...:)

 

You're too generous, but I appreciate your words. THANKS! :)

 

Great review thanks for sharing.

 

Thanks for reading.

[QTMichele]

We are booked on the Monarch next month, and it will be a repeat for us. We love the smaller ships like the Monarch for a short weekender! Living in a state with 5 ports is a plus for us, and while we love the adventures of cruising a big ship and going to some great ports....for us, the small ships mean some serious R&R.

 

Most weekenders we stay on the ship, and enjoy the quiet of the ship. Yes, the rooms are smaller, the dining options not as diverse...but for us, it is what we look for in a short cruise.

 

To Michelle, you write some really great reviews, and it is always nice to read the reviews with your positive spin on your cruise. You look for the good, don't let small things spoil your vacation, and point out some great tips. Keep it up!

 

Thanks for your comments! I think Monarch is a great ship for a quick getaway, especially for people who live close to the port. Unfortunately, we live 13+ hours away and can't jump on a ship for a quick getaway. Wish I could!

 

Thanks for sharing your experience. Like you, we have found the big ships are a better fit for us. It is really nice to have all the options available for food and entertainment. Otherwise we find ourselves donating way too much money in the casino. :-)

 

But the destination doesn't always allow for a big ship experience and so for the last few years we have been on smaller ships.

 

We are sailing for the first time on Liberty of the Seas next month and are looking forward to being back on a big ship again - it has been almost three years.

 

We are likely to try other smaller ships in the future for the reason you stated - getting to ports we otherwise couldn't get to. We'll be on Liberty in November... will feel like an extreme difference from the Monarch! Have a great cruise!

 

The corner afts are amazingly large! We've stayed in 7666 three times. The corners have large walk in closets and a wrap-around balcony. Shade and sun. ONe sea day I spent the whole day on the balcony:D

 

THAT's the cabin we booked!

[QTMichele]

Michelle, I read your review with great interest! I am also a big ship kind of girl, and I'm apprehensive about our next cruise on Jewel. Like you, we figure we'll have a great time on vacation as a family, visiting "new-to-us" ports. The beautiful ship and the port-intensive itinerary will more than compensate for the things about the larger ships that we'll miss (like the Royal Promenade).

 

Thanks for such an informative, well-written, and encouraging review!

 

Oh, I really wanted to try Radiance class this time around, but it wasn't an option. I've read so many wonderful reviews, and really think she could be a good fit for us in the future to take to those smaller ports. I hope you have a great time! I'm sure you will - you'll be with your family, and what is better than that?

 

Nice review. :)

 

I would never consider the Sovereign class of ships to be "old" or "small", except for those, and I mean no disrespect to you, with limited cruising experience.

 

73,000 tons is large, and 21 years old is still pretty young. Titanic was 45,000 tons for example. QE2 sailed for almost 40 years before retirement. Regal Empress did some 55 years before being scrapped.

 

My first cruise was on the Costa Riviera, 30,000 tons and about 22 years old at the time (1985). We had a great time.

 

Granted, it is all relative isn't it; size and age?

 

I had many an enjoyable cruise on the Regal Empress, at 20,000 tons, Celebrity Zenith at around 50,000 tons, and QE2 at around 70,000 tons.

 

No, 73,000+ tons is a large / big ship, 225,000 tons is a humongous / mega ship, and 21 years old is not old.

 

Just putting this in perspective.

 

Otherwise, whatever you enjoy is all that counts!

 

I own a 13 foot canoe so, from MY perspective, all the ships are huge! ;) It's just my preference to cruise on the newer ships with more bells and whistles. No disrespect taken.

 

Please, DO NOT cancel the booking on Enchantment! For your sake!!! Enchantment is not like any other ship. She has the romantic feeling of the smaller ships but a bigger ship feel. It DOES NOT have the Promenade but there are several public areas that are wonderful. The MDR is beautiful, a must see. Visually, Enchantment it the most beautiful ship I have ever seen.

 

I too like the larger ships but have much love for the smaller ships. Haven't been on Monarch but would love too. Not gonna happen but do hope I get to go back to Majesty once before she gets sold off.

 

Tim

 

We're not canceling at this point, Tim... We have Disney booked the Friday we disembark through the next week, so our Enchantment dates work perfect with that trip. I'm not sure there will be any other option for us, and I want to cruise for MY 40th birthday! :D At this point, the only way we'll cancel is if my sister doesn't go with us (we are taking her with us for her graduation gift) OR if we decide to take a Southern Caribbean cruise instead (which is what DH and I REALLY want to do).

 

Thanks for your vote of confidence - it makes a difference to hear all the positive comments about the ships we consider. Love the Cruise Critic members for their insight!

 

PS Hope you get back on Majesty!

[QTMichele]

So funny that you post this because we are quite the opposite type people we have recently found. We have been on a dozen cruises and have been on all the "smaller ships" the largest actually was the Explorer of the Seas and to us this one was gigantic. Anyway, last year our cruise buddies wanted to try the Oasis of the Seas and we were all booked but found such a better itinerary and way less money on the Freedom so we decided to go. Don't get me wrong now she is a beautiful ship and from what I saw next to us at Cozumel (where we ended up due to a hurricane in the Eastern Caribbean), the Oasis is extremely beautiful. But, we found as the week went on and the crowds were nuts that we are not mega ship people. The tendering on our ship was so long. We waited in line for 2 hours to go to the beach. We talked to some of the folks across the way about the crowds on the Oasis and they didn't seem too bothered by it so maybe they had it under better control. Anyway, I just found it funny that you love the big ones and I love the little ones. LOL To each his own right?

 

This is exactly why I think variety is so important! I think I'd love a more intimate experience if I was cruising with just DH. Our kids want a more active experience though, so the larger ships work better for us. Just different experiences - and I love that they're offered.

 

Great balanced review...I have been on Monarch 2 times...and will be sailing her a 3 time in Dec...and have been on Majesty twice...they don't have all the bells & whistles of the newer...bigger ships...but for a short "sea fix" they do serve their purpose...

 

I have been on Enchantment twice...you will really enjoy sailing her I think...it will have the upgrades done before arriving to PC...and other than the same old ports I am very excited to have her sailing from Port Canaveral...

 

Agreed! If we lived closer and could do more cruises, then I think I'd be more apt to take those weekend cruises. Since we live so far away, and don't (usually) take the opportunity to cruise more than every year or two, I want to get the ship I really love. Not knocking the Monarch at all, she's just not what I'd choose for the 'cruise of a lifetime.'

 

I was just trying to put this in perspective as to "small" and "old", that's all.

 

For many, they start off cruising on today's mega-ships, and have no clue about the "smaller" ones. Obviously, they are likely not "ship lovers", and just need a huge, floating resort.

 

Not that they will be doing QM2 on a trans-Atlantic any time soon. ;)

 

It is what it is, but 73,000+ tons ain't a small ship, and 21 years is not old!

 

Even with my limited experience, I agree with you here. I LOVE the ocean and would like to feel more connected. Give me the sway of the ocean - in fact, I want to rock and roll on the high seas! I love the floating hotels, but, as mentioned above, I think a small ship would be a great fit for DH and me at some point in the future. It's just not a good fit with our kids. Oh, and a trans-Atlantic - would LOVE to go!

[BonTexasNY]

Michele, another well written review with the perspective of someone who's been on the "big ships" and now the small. No matter the size, your reviews are always positive and upbeat. You tell it like it is and make tons of sense.

 

I couldn't agree more with you regarding the desserts. They all seem to be squares of colored gelatin filled.. something. Our last Mariner cruise was one where I hardly ever ordered dessert except for asking for some fresh fruit. Yes, key lime pie and chocolate cake were edible but nothing to rave about.

 

I've only sailed the smaller ships; Ocean Boy's Horizon, Majesty, Rhapsody (my absolute fave!), Voyager and Mariner. Although Royal Promenade is such a wonderful venue, I still miss the sea views like the Rhapsody has. We were in a hump balcony on our last cruise and it still wasn't enough for me. I just like seeing the sea that called me, as often as possible :p I too want to give a Radiance class ship a go. One day even Oasis or Allure if they ever home port in Galveston :rolleyes:

[chef_christoph]

Loving the review, thanks for taking the time to write it.

 

I apologize for going off-topic for a moment but I saw Ocean Boy's comment and had to respond.

 

We started out fairly small. Our fist cruise was on Celebrity's Horizon to Bermuda. We had an amazing time and it hooked us on cruising. But as you are "a big ship kind of girl", I am definitely a big ship kind of guy. I am looking forward to the rest of your postings.

 

OB, I kind of chuckled to myself when I saw you mention that Celebrity Horizon was your first cruise because it was that ship that got me into cruising myself, although not directly.

 

My parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 1995 and took their first cruise aboard Horizon to celebrate. They loved it so much, and talked about it so often, that it convinced me to try cruising for the first time almost 10 years later.

 

The rest is history - I am now hooked and have Celebrity Horizon to thank :)

 

Thanks for letting me interrupt, QT :)

[Ocean Boy]

Loving the review, thanks for taking the time to write it.

 

I apologize for going off-topic for a moment but I saw Ocean Boy's comment and had to respond.

 

 

 

OB, I kind of chuckled to myself when I saw you mention that Celebrity Horizon was your first cruise because it was that ship that got me into cruising myself, although not directly.

 

My parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 1995 and took their first cruise aboard Horizon to celebrate. They loved it so much, and talked about it so often, that it convinced me to try cruising for the first time almost 10 years later.

 

The rest is history - I am now hooked and have Celebrity Horizon to thank :)

 

Thanks for letting me interrupt, QT :)

 

I always enjoy hearing the story of others with a Horizon connection!:)

[Ander026]

Great review of the Monarch

 

The Monarch is one of my favorites ships in RCCL. I have sailed her 4 times since 2009, with my 5th for Christmas this year. My first Christmas Cruise with the family :D.

 

Back in 2010 I sailed the Freedom in November with my Dad and loved the cruise. I turned around and sailed the Monarch in December solo. I loved that cruise as well. The Monarch's crew makes the difference.

 

As far as the Enchantment goes, I am excited that the Enchantment is coming to Port Canaveral. Although I have not booked a cruise yet, I plan book for next April. Hopefully I can sail a Radiance class in December 2013 for my annual December cruise.

 

The way I see it is that Each class has it style. I have sailed the Freedom, Voyager, and Sovern Class ships. I have also sailed the S class on Holland America (Ryndam, would sail her again), and Destiny class on Carnival. My favorite is the Freedom class and Sovern class on RCCL.

[maxxedout2]

The entertainment was what I perceive as "stereotypically cruise ship" offerings. The singers and dancers did a nice job with what they had, but it was a far cry from Allure (just don't compare... go with the flow and enjoy). The comedian was funny - and clean (an oxymoron?). The Love and Marriage was one of the best (the best?) I've seen. Marc, the cruise director, was entertaining and available to the guests. The live bands were fantastic and found throughout the ship: Centrum, Boleros, Schooner Bar, and pool side. We also found many other entertainment options in the Compass... mostly fun time occupiers!

 

Fair statement. I can confirm the same goes for Majesty.

 

:cool:

[rubrrick]

We have cruised on both the Monarch and Majesty, and feel that they are great ships.

 

The 3/4 night itinerarys are perfect for these ships, they seem to always go out full, and there are so few complaints, it's just a great deal of fun! And, yes, the quarters are not what todays ships offer, but they do just fine!!

 

We spent 16 nights abaord the Monarch when Royal Caribbean decided to bring the Monarch back to Florida, and send the Mariner to the West Coast.

 

My first cruises were on freighters, and the first cruise ship was the old "Love Boat" the Pacific Princess, which I think weighed in at around 27,000 tons. Compare that to the 73,000 tons of Monarch!!:)

 

I was on the Allure for the Pre inaugural, and have yet to set foot again on one of those "floating cities".:D

 

But Royal Caribbean is filling their floating cities, and my hat is off to them, as they do produce one of the finest designs afloat, and no matter what Royal Caribbean ship we are on.....they are all pretty good!

 

Michelle, my hat is off to you for your fine review of the Monarch!;)

 

Rick

[DarthGrady]

Thanks for sharing Michelle! I'm glad to see that you still had a nice time, even though she isn't a big ship. I can totally understand still wanting to keep to the newer and larger ships, there is just so much more to see and do on them.

 

Monarch will always have a special place in my heart since she was my first RCI ship. That being said, I'm very excited that Enchantment will be replacing her next year!

[renech]

Really enjoyed reading this! Thank you. Ive had many fun girl's trips on the Monarch and Majesty, but for our family trips, we're big ship fans all the way.

I have been on one Radiance class ship: the Brilliance for a Med. cruise. It was a fabulous cruise, but the DH and I agreed that we still prefer ships with promenades overall.

 

I've never tried a ship in the Enchantment class, so I'm really looking forward to reading your impressions of that one

[QTMichele]

Great review of the Monarch

 

The Monarch is one of my favorites ships in RCCL. I have sailed her 4 times since 2009, with my 5th for Christmas this year. My first Christmas Cruise with the family :D.

 

Back in 2010 I sailed the Freedom in November with my Dad and loved the cruise. I turned around and sailed the Monarch in December solo. I loved that cruise as well. The Monarch's crew makes the difference.

 

As far as the Enchantment goes, I am excited that the Enchantment is coming to Port Canaveral. Although I have not booked a cruise yet, I plan book for next April. Hopefully I can sail a Radiance class in December 2013 for my annual December cruise.

 

The way I see it is that Each class has it style. I have sailed the Freedom, Voyager, and Sovern Class ships. I have also sailed the S class on Holland America (Ryndam, would sail her again), and Destiny class on Carnival. My favorite is the Freedom class and Sovern class on RCCL.

 

We loved the Freedom Class very much. We had wonderful service on the Freedom - the BEST I've had on a ship to date (fluke? I don't know, but service was great!).

 

We have cruised on both the Monarch and Majesty, and feel that they are great ships.

 

The 3/4 night itinerarys are perfect for these ships, they seem to always go out full, and there are so few complaints, it's just a great deal of fun! And, yes, the quarters are not what todays ships offer, but they do just fine!!

 

We spent 16 nights abaord the Monarch when Royal Caribbean decided to bring the Monarch back to Florida, and send the Mariner to the West Coast.

 

My first cruises were on freighters, and the first cruise ship was the old "Love Boat" the Pacific Princess, which I think weighed in at around 27,000 tons. Compare that to the 73,000 tons of Monarch!!:)

 

I was on the Allure for the Pre inaugural, and have yet to set foot again on one of those "floating cities".:D

 

But Royal Caribbean is filling their floating cities, and my hat is off to them, as they do produce one of the finest designs afloat, and no matter what Royal Caribbean ship we are on.....they are all pretty good!

 

Michelle, my hat is off to you for your fine review of the Monarch!;)

 

Rick

 

Thanks, Rick! We've had a great time on ALL our cruises on Royal, but we tend to go with the flow and make our own fun with what we have to work with. Even though Monarch wasn't my favorite ship, she's a nice ship to enjoy a few days at sea, and she has WINDOWS in many of the inside venues (unlike Oasis). Must find something positive in all our experiences... makes life that much better. ;) Thanks for reading!

[QTMichele]

Thanks for sharing Michelle! I'm glad to see that you still had a nice time, even though she isn't a big ship. I can totally understand still wanting to keep to the newer and larger ships, there is just so much more to see and do on them.

 

Monarch will always have a special place in my heart since she was my first RCI ship. That being said, I'm very excited that Enchantment will be replacing her next year!

 

We always have a good time - how could I not when I'm on a ship on the ocean? I know Monarch has the heartstrings of many, and I'm sure she'll be missed once she leaves Royal's fleet. I'm so glad I was able to experience her!

 

Really enjoyed reading this! Thank you. Ive had many fun girl's trips on the Monarch and Majesty, but for our family trips, we're big ship fans all the way.

I have been on one Radiance class ship: the Brilliance for a Med. cruise. It was a fabulous cruise, but the DH and I agreed that we still prefer ships with promenades overall.

 

I've never tried a ship in the Enchantment class, so I'm really looking forward to reading your impressions of that one

 

Thanks for reading! The big ships offer so much for a family, that it's harder to appreciate the smaller ships. I think DH and I would've enjoyed the ship more if our kids weren't there only because there really weren't a lot of activities for them. They LOVE swimming, and were able to use the pools on port days, but the pool was PACKED on our sea day and our kids couldn't swim. Seriously - there were so many adults in the pool that the kids would've been jammed between people. I should've taken a picture. We went to a movie instead, which worked out perfectly.

[WilsonCat]

It is funny to see any ship referred to as small, especially Sovereign class ships. They were once the largest in the world, a true marvel. I've been on all but the Oasis and Radiance class ships and can't wait to cruise Monarch this coming Labor Day Weekend to complete the Sovereign Trilogy.

 

What really gets me is how a lot of newer cruisers miss out on the fantastic Vision Class ships. I think they are my fav, not too "big" and not too "small" with just the right amount of people.

 

I will try a "mega-ship" eventually, but I'm in no rush. Thanks to the OP for the review.

[av8tr21]

Great review Michele! I haven't been on here in a while, but I haven't forgotten I still owe you a Liberty review (not sure it will top your Allure review though) ;) We were on Monarch over Christmas last year, and it was nice but at the same time "very tired". It probably didn't help that I went on Liberty 3 months later! I will be cruising on Enchantment in May on the 4-night itinerary. Looking forward to trying a Vision class ship!

[QTMichele]

It is funny to see any ship referred to as small, especially Sovereign class ships. They were once the largest in the world, a true marvel. I've been on all but the Oasis and Radiance class ships and can't wait to cruise Monarch this coming Labor Day Weekend to complete the Sovereign Trilogy.

 

What really gets me is how a lot of newer cruisers miss out on the fantastic Vision Class ships. I think they are my fav, not too "big" and not too "small" with just the right amount of people.

 

I will try a "mega-ship" eventually, but I'm in no rush. Thanks to the OP for the review.

 

Small is relative, and, compared to the ships I've been on, Monarch is small. Compared to my canoe and FIL's fishing boat, she's enormous. She's a great ship, and I'm glad I tried her before she retires to Pullmantur; however, she's not the best fit for our family.

 

Great review Michele! I haven't been on here in a while, but I haven't forgotten I still owe you a Liberty review (not sure it will top your Allure review though) ;) We were on Monarch over Christmas last year, and it was nice but at the same time "very tired". It probably didn't help that I went on Liberty 3 months later! I will be cruising on Enchantment in May on the 4-night itinerary. Looking forward to trying a Vision class ship!

 

Thanks! Just a quickie review - don't have a lot of spare time right now, but wanted to share a few of my thoughts. It's interesting to see that people feel the "responsibility" (?) to defend her, yet I think she's a great ship, just not my favorite. I'm glad Royal has several options to choose from! I'd love to hear your thoughts about Enchantment... I'm booked for next June!

[Buffett fan]

I just found this thread….so glad! As always, a great and informative review – thanks! Our next cruise is booked for February on the Vision of the Seas. I can’t describe the research that I did before booking this cruise. Like others on this thread, I started cruising on smaller ships and thought that they were the best vacations ever. I loved them. My first cruise was just amazing and I knew then that I was hooked, I immediately fell in love! I started trying new and bigger ships. I started with Norwegian, tried RC, Carnival and Celebrity. I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad cruise – that would just be silly. After all, a cruise is a cruise! I’ve sailed during hurricane season, missed ports, had incredibly rough seas, etc., but still always enjoyed the cruise. I can say that there are definitely certain destinations I like better and some ships that I enjoy more, but as long as I’m on a cruise, I’m pretty much a happy girl. What I have discovered is that depending on when I’m going and who else is cruising with me will determine what I make important in selecting the ship. Last cruise, I wanted to try Allure. The ship was the draw for me and the ports didn’t matter. The ship was the driving factor for me for that particular cruise. Sometimes, I’ll plan a cruise around a particular port(s) that I want to visit. I love Bermuda and Grand Cayman. If only I could a nice long cruise that hit both of those islands at once! Other times, the departing port is important. We live in MD, so are actually within driving distance of Baltimore, Bayonne and NYC. At any rate, what I’m trying to say is that sometimes for us, one ship might work where as another time, we have completely different motivations. I can say that after going on Explorer, Adventure, Liberty and Allure of the Seas, I really do like the Royal Promenade and the option of having alternative dining sites. When I started planning our next cruise, I really wanted to try some ports that I had not visited before, and I wanted to go for little longer than 7 days. I’d like to consider myself a queen of research…I’ll research cruising to the Nth degree J. I looked at tons of cruises, various cruise lines, various departure options, etc. I would have originally liked to have gone on the Freedom or Voyager Class (unfortunately the Oasis class didn’t have anything longer than 7 nights), but they didn’t quite fit my motivating factors this time. I found a 10 night on the Vision of the Seas that fit my timeframe, 4 of the 5 ports are new, and the price was decent. My only hesitation was the ship. I certainly don’t consider myself a ship snob, because any cruise is a good cruise, but I was on the Grandeur of the Seas many years ago and it was definitely showing its age and needed a "facelift". Vision is in the same class as Grandeur, which gave me pause. I found out that there are no alternative dining options, and there is no Royal Promenade like there is on the newer ships. Bummer, but certainly not a deal breaker. On a very positive note (and maybe the deal maker), I found out that the Vision has incredible window views from almost everywhere on the ship with the exception of inside cabins and when you’re in the shops. This to me was a big bonus. Also a big bonus was the fact that I’ve NEVER had a balcony. If I booked during a sale, I could upgrade to a balcony on a 10 night cruise and see 4 new islands. I thought about all the window views and islands and the 10 nights. The more I thought about it, the more excited I became so I took a leap of faith and booked. Now that I’ve booked, I find myself actually thinking that even though the ship is smaller and not as new, that this might just be one of the best cruises yet. I’m totally excited! Another bonus…I’m platinum level now, will become Emerald after this cruise :):D:)

[bionicman97]

Hey Michelle!

 

Enjoyed the review. I figured you would still be a "big ship" kinda girl after going on the Monarch, but as you know, it's hard not to have a good time on a cruise ;)

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

Hey Michelle!

 

Enjoyed the review. I figured you would still be a "big ship" kinda girl after going on the Monarch, but as you know, it's hard not to have a good time on a cruise ;)

 

 

A little OT of Michele's thread.....Hi Curtis, congrats on to you and your wife on becoming parents. Haven't seen you on much lately, sure your life style has changed a bit. :D When is the little guys first cruise? LOL

 

***

[bionicman97]

A little OT of Michele's thread.....Hi Curtis, congrats on to you and your wife on becoming parents. Haven't seen you on much lately, sure your life style has changed a bit. :D When is the little guys first cruise? LOL

 

***

 

Hey Linda ~ I'm hit or miss on the boards right now, life style has definitely changed, but it's been fun :D:eek:

 

Our first cruise is coming up soon! September 16th on the Freedom - Western Caribbean ~ Full review following, of course :)

[QTMichele]

I just found this thread….so glad! As always, a great and informative review – thanks! Our next cruise is booked for February on the Vision of the Seas. I can’t describe the research that I did before booking this cruise. Like others on this thread, I started cruising on smaller ships and thought that they were the best vacations ever. I loved them. My first cruise was just amazing and I knew then that I was hooked, I immediately fell in love! I started trying new and bigger ships. I started with Norwegian, tried RC, Carnival and Celebrity. I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad cruise – that would just be silly. After all, a cruise is a cruise! I’ve sailed during hurricane season, missed ports, had incredibly rough seas, etc., but still always enjoyed the cruise. I can say that there are definitely certain destinations I like better and some ships that I enjoy more, but as long as I’m on a cruise, I’m pretty much a happy girl. What I have discovered is that depending on when I’m going and who else is cruising with me will determine what I make important in selecting the ship. Last cruise, I wanted to try Allure. The ship was the draw for me and the ports didn’t matter. The ship was the driving factor for me for that particular cruise. Sometimes, I’ll plan a cruise around a particular port(s) that I want to visit. I love Bermuda and Grand Cayman. If only I could a nice long cruise that hit both of those islands at once! Other times, the departing port is important. We live in MD, so are actually within driving distance of Baltimore, Bayonne and NYC. At any rate, what I’m trying to say is that sometimes for us, one ship might work where as another time, we have completely different motivations. I can say that after going on Explorer, Adventure, Liberty and Allure of the Seas, I really do like the Royal Promenade and the option of having alternative dining sites. When I started planning our next cruise, I really wanted to try some ports that I had not visited before, and I wanted to go for little longer than 7 days. I’d like to consider myself a queen of research…I’ll research cruising to the Nth degree J. I looked at tons of cruises, various cruise lines, various departure options, etc. I would have originally liked to have gone on the Freedom or Voyager Class (unfortunately the Oasis class didn’t have anything longer than 7 nights), but they didn’t quite fit my motivating factors this time. I found a 10 night on the Vision of the Seas that fit my timeframe, 4 of the 5 ports are new, and the price was decent. My only hesitation was the ship. I certainly don’t consider myself a ship snob, because any cruise is a good cruise, but I was on the Grandeur of the Seas many years ago and it was definitely showing its age and needed a "facelift". Vision is in the same class as Grandeur, which gave me pause. I found out that there are no alternative dining options, and there is no Royal Promenade like there is on the newer ships. Bummer, but certainly not a deal breaker. On a very positive note (and maybe the deal maker), I found out that the Vision has incredible window views from almost everywhere on the ship with the exception of inside cabins and when you’re in the shops. This to me was a big bonus. Also a big bonus was the fact that I’ve NEVER had a balcony. If I booked during a sale, I could upgrade to a balcony on a 10 night cruise and see 4 new islands. I thought about all the window views and islands and the 10 nights. The more I thought about it, the more excited I became so I took a leap of faith and booked. Now that I’ve booked, I find myself actually thinking that even though the ship is smaller and not as new, that this might just be one of the best cruises yet. I’m totally excited! Another bonus…I’m platinum level now, will become Emerald after this cruise

 

You SHOULD be excited about any cruise you book! :) I'm like you - I do a ton of research, and I knew what I was getting into with Monarch. I knew there wouldn't be the bells and whistles, the dining options, the entertainment, the CABINS (gulp), etc. of the larger ship, but I also knew it would be a more intimate experience. I'm really glad I was able to experience the difference.

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

 

Hey Michelle!

 

Enjoyed the review. I figured you would still be a "big ship" kinda girl after going on the Monarch, but as you know, it's hard not to have a good time on a cruise ;)

 

Absolutely! We always manage to have a good time no matter where we go. :) I'm not giving up on the "little" ships though... I'm still booked on Enchantment, and I'd really like to try a Radiance class ship.

 

Hey Linda ~ I'm hit or miss on the boards right now, life style has definitely changed, but it's been fun :D:eek:

 

Our first cruise is coming up soon! September 16th on the Freedom - Western Caribbean ~ Full review following, of course :)

 

Can't wait!!!

[QTMichele]

A few extra thoughts...

 

There was a midnight buffet on the Monarch. I was surprised because I thought the midnight buffets had been stopped. We made our way up to the pool deck where the buffet was held, but there were so many people crowding the area that we skipped going through the line. We only wanted a few pictures, but it wasn't worth it.

 

The staff at Adventure Ocean would not give my 8 year old her lanyard unless she was participating in an AO activity. My daughter didn't want to go to AO this time around so she never received a lanyard. Not a big deal, but I forgot to pack her old one so she didn't have anything to carry her sea pass card.

 

The Q&A with the captain and senior officers was not well attended. There were only a handful of people there - perhaps 20. I felt inclined to ask a question because there were so few thrown out there!

 

We went to the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau. It was an overall nice experience. Pretty hotel lobby, courteous check in staff, reasonable price. For $50/adult, we received a $30 food/beverage voucher, towels (they ran out of towels before we arrived; we waited HOURS before we received one), use of chairs/clamshells, and pool. Our service at the outdoor restaurant was great; not so great at the beach (they came around once during our stay). The food was pricey, but good (good for a hotel, beach side restaurant - not gourmet!). We used our food credit without a problem.

 

I have more random thoughts, but no more are coming to mind right now. Feel free to ask questions, if you have any. :)

[Ocean Boy]

The ships still have a late night buffet out on the pool deck. It is the old time gala midnight buffet in the dining room that has become a thing of the past.

[QTMichele]

The ships still have a late night buffet out on the pool deck. It is the old time gala midnight buffet in the dining room that has become a thing of the past.

 

Okay, makes sense! I haven't been up to the other late night buffets, and, honestly, I don't think I knew about them! Must pay more attention next time; although, I can't even think about eating after dinner - always stuffed!