01/14/2008

By JoeyandDavid

• January 19, 2008

I must admit that I had the time of my life for most of this experience?

This was my second of three planned voyages on the Monarch of the Seas. The third in the series is a little over 17 days away on February 4th when get to set sail again and for the last time (at least for awhile ) without DP..

I will however have the pleasure of sailing with Carmen (RNSANE) and friends of hers.

If you weren?t aware The Monarch of the Seas holds the reputation of being the most "friendliest crew" in the Royal Caribbean fleet?..And?

for the crew most part on the first two voyages the crew has lived up to it's reputation..

Breakfast in the Dinning room gave me opportunity to enjoy eggs Benedict and they were delicious?

In the evening, the food was just as tasty? wonderful presentations?.and excellent quality.

I will not name my servers because I do not want to name names and speak negatively about a team that tried so diligently although.

I will say though... they... were from time to time thru out this short 4 night cruise? "Lost in the weeds" ... as they say in the restaurant industry.

Of course, Sammy the Headwaiter was always around reassuring to the duo stepping in helping when he needed to and then backing off when he should ...

What they failed in actual service skills (which they are still learning) they more than made up with their desire to please.

My room steward George McSam what can I say he just very plainly exceeded my expectations... nuff said

This cruise was the first time I was the first NEW passenger to embark...(I say NEW because they started boarding the cruise right after the ones that were doing a back to back...) I think there were 7 or 8 of them? so that was a first...

Cannot speak to entertainment? I did enjoy another spa treatment with ? who is becoming my regular masseuse ? Miss Pinky..

This time She gave a seaweed treatment with scalp and back hot stone massage? Pinky who was also my masseur on my first sailing?.she is from South Africa?and I must say excellent at what she does?.

I wanted to tell her about Jackie and Tony but did not know exactly where in SA they came from?. (Memory block?.I guess) so Jackie if you read this you guys lived where?

This last cruise in the series in February will also mark my tenth cruise over all? I kinda like that idea... to it appropriate ... the only thing that would have made it more special would be to have David along?But trust me the crew on board will ease the pain?

In summary when this ship sets sails out of Port Canaveral later this year or you catch her here in San Pedro before she leaves in October and you have the chance to sail her ? Please do you wont be disappointed..

Joey