Monarch of the Sea:RCL-Cruise to the Carribean
 

My husband and myself along with seven other couples are going on this line in Feb.1999 to the Southern Carribean - need to know what anyone liked/not liked abut this line and also want to know about early/late dinner seating, which is best. Also, going ashore - to go on ones own or arranged by the ship? And anything else that may be of interest. Any information would be helpful since this is our first cruise, thanks

Dot, What an excellent choice! We have been on six RCCL cruises and have already booked along with 32 other people for next year! However, we have never been on Monarch. Some of our friends sailed on this ship this past February and they had a wonderful vacation. We did visit St. Thomas on our last cruise. Although all of RCCL's shore excursions are usually good, I would not recommend the Paradise Point excursion. This takes you to the top of a mountain for excellent views, however, we also had a cab driver (they'll be waiting outside the ship) take us to Mountain Top and then down to Magen's Bay (one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world). Much nicer view and more to see! If you want to get an additional island, you can take a ferry from St. Thomas to St. John. Trunk Bay (on St. John) is also one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. If you want to do both, I would get a schedule from the shore excursion desk to determine the departure times of the ferries. You may want to take the early ferry to St. John and then come back, have lunch on the ship and then head to Mountain Top! To get to Trunk Bay you may have to take a cab once you get to St. John. Just ask someone at the Shore Excursion desk for recommendations if you want to visit both places in one day. We have always had the main seating dining. If the itinerary stays the same as it is now, you would have to be back on the ship every day between 4:30 and 5:30, so you would probably have plenty of time to get ready for dinner. I could write or talk forever when it comes to RCCL cruises! Just remember, RCCL does not want you to settle for anything but the best. If you need anything, just ask. You constantly hear "no problem". Have a great trip!!!!

We've sailed RCL five times, twice on the Monarch. A very good line and you will enjoy it. Go to www.cruiseopinion.com for reviews of all cruise ships.

I've been on the Monarch twice. It's a very beautiful ship, great service, excellent food and first-class entertainment. The only complaint I have is that the cabins are too small when compared to other ships I've been on. Other than that, it's a great ship. Have fun!

I agree with the previous poster. The food & service are excellent, however the cabins are much smaller than other ships we have cruised.
Enjoy your vacation.

We did a RCL in Jan.....our 3rd....service, food and decor were outstanding. Definetly take the late seating....then you don't have to rush back from any islands.....We always have a suite...bigger, better and you get more personal service. You've made a great choice and a memorable one. Have a great time...