While RCI calls their service Gold Anchor, I would call the service received on Monarch of the Seas Bronze Anchor. I have done this cruise on the Viking Serenade twice before. That service was before they started saying that they provide Gold Anchor service, that was golden. This was my 10th cruise. The 2nd on Monarch, 5 with RCI. I'm not going to describe the cabin which was small, but okay for one. I'm not going to go over the shore excursions but to say it is best to book before getting on the ship to insure that it might be held and protect you from price increases. Rather the service on the ship.
I had requested a table for four and there were some. But I was assigned a table for 6. All of the other couple and the one traveling alone came from CA. I also was alone. One couple were housed on deck 2, so far away that if their steward had something for them and came across them in the hall, he would give it to them rather than taking it to the cabin.
We at dinner often were the last to be served and often were the last ones to leave. This was first seating. I went to the Schooner bar and got a soda several times but the drink service was poor unless you were ordering a drink that would give them a big tip you often were ignored. I also would say the staff at Late-Tudes and B&J would not last more than a week at one on land.
This ship will be moved to the Caribbean at the end of the season but so far RCI is no having another ship to do this short cruise. It would be best to have a smaller ship so that service could be better but it most likely will not happen so they can maximize revenues.
