Pullmantur Monarch

Former names: MS Monarch, Monarch of the Seas

Specifications of Pullmantur Monarch

Year of build1991  /  Age: 29
BuilderChantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, STX France)
ClassSovereign-Class
Building costUSD 300 million
Speed22 kn / 41 km/h / 25 mph
Length (LOA)268 m / 879 ft
Beam (width)32 m / 105 ft
Gross Tonnage73937 gt
Passengers2733 - 2752
Crew822
Passengers-to-space ratio31
Decks12
Cabins1193
Decks with cabins9
Last Refurbishment2018, Aliaga-scrapped in 2020
Sister-shipsPullmantur Sovereign, Majesty Of The Seas
Former namesMS Monarch, Monarch of the Seas
OwnerRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd & Springwater Capital

Pullmantur Monarch Review

Review of Pullmantur Monarch

The 1991-built (as "Monarch of the Seas" for RCI-Royal Caribbean), Pullmantur Monarch cruise ships was part of Pullmantur's fleet - together with Horizon, Sovereign (sistership) and Zenith. The other sistership is Majesty of the Seas (RCI).

On July 11, 2020, the cruise liner Monarch left Malta Freeport (Birżebbuġa) en-route to Turkey. There were speculations that the vessel will be scrapped at Aliaga (approx 50 km / 30 mi north of Port Izmir). In mid-June, Pullmantur Cruceros filed for a supervised reorganization/bankruptcy under Spain's insolvency laws' terms. On July 14, the ship anchored off Tavsan Adasi Island (aka Neandros Adası) northwest of Aliaga. On July 22, MS Monarch was beached at Aliaga Ship Recycling Facility. The ship's AIS transponder went silent on July 24, at 23:38 UTC.

MS Monarch was planned to restart passenger shipping operations on August 8, 2020. A total of 97x Pullmantur Monarch cruises were canceled (departures between Aug 8, 2020, and Nov 22, 2021).

During its Pullmantur service, the vessel (IMO number 8819500) was Malta-flagged (MMSI number 229415000) and registered in Valletta. The ship's last drydock refurbishment was in 2018 (Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport  Bahamas).

History - construction and ownership

Pullmantur Cruises is a Spanish company (headquartered in Madrid) founded in 1988 as a subsidiary of the travel agency "Pullmantur" (1971-founded). In 2006, Pullmantur Cruises was acquired by RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd - the world's 2nd largest passenger shipping company (after Carnival Corporation). Currently, RCCL owns 49% as 51% were sold in 2016 to Springwater Capital LLC (2002-founded investment firm). Pullmantur offers high-quality product mainly to Spanish-speaking source market. The company operates mainly in Mediterranean-Canaries regions and by fleet capacity is ranked the largest cruise brand in Spain.

Pullmantur Monarch cruise ship

Monarch of the Seas was Royal Caribbean's second Sovereign-class vessel – preceded by Sovereign of the Seas (1988) and followed by Majesty of the Seas (1992). Pullmantur Monarch cruise operations started on April 1, 2013, when the ship was transferred from RCI (Royal Caribbean International) fleet to Pullmantur Cruises.

The 2400-passenger cruise ship Monarch is the second of Royal Caribbean’s three Sovereign-class ships (together with Sovereign and Majesty). MS Monarch was built in 1991 at Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, France). At the time of completion, with her 73,941 GT, Monarch of the Seas was one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

In 2007, MS Monarch became the first among world's largest cruise liners captained by a woman, Karin Stahre Janson (Swedish). She was the only one until 2010. The British Sarah Breton then took charge of P&O MS Artemis. On April 1, 2013, the ms Monarch cruise ship was transferred from RCI to Pullmantur Cruises and joined her sister, MS Sovereign ship, after 22-year service for Royal Caribbean International.

In early-December 2018, Pullmantur Cruceros introduced "Pullmantur Visa" card via a partnership with Bankinter Consumer Finance (specializing in credit cards and consumer loans). Pullmantur Visa allows easier booking and financing over a period up to 18 months. Pullmantur's credit card is for the Spanish market only (Spanish nationals and residents in Spain) and without maintenance fees. All cruise customers who make payments via Pullmantur Visa receive a return up to 6% of the deferred purchases, plus EUR 20 gift voucher when making non-Pullmantur related purchases.

Decks and Cabins

Pullmantur Monarch offers a total of 1193 staterooms in 15 categories, of which 445 Inside, 63 Balcony and 63 Suites. The largest aboard Monarch are the Royal Suites (64 m2).

The boat has 12 decks, of which 11 are passenger-accessible and 9 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

As one of two main dining rooms on Pullmantur Monarch, Auster Restaurant offers a la carte classic European dishes informal surroundings. Passengers can choose between two sittings and tables can cater for the largest of groups. Boreas Restaurant is situated on the deck above Auster Restaurant and serves the same menu in a similar formal environment. Panorama Buffet Restaurant is the spot to enjoy a more casual evening meal with a wide selection of international dishes. No seating times are applied and meals have a more relaxed feeling.

Pullmantur Monarch cruise ship

Follows the complete list of Pullmantur Monarch restaurants and food bars.

  • Auster Restaurant
  • Boreas Restaurant
  • Panorama Buffet Restaurant
  • Pizzeria
  • Ice Cream Parlour.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MS Monarch boasts two shuffleboard courts and an outdoor basketball court. Two saltwater pools, full-sized, are among the other amenities. After the 2003 refurbishment, a rock-climbing wall, a conference center, Asian-fusion restaurant, a Latin Bar, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream were added. The Spa and Fitness center, as well as the kids’ area, were enlarged.

 

In many ways the Pullmantur Monarch ship offers a nice compromise, mixing some of the signature Royal Caribbean fun facilities with the Pullmantur's more toned-down, quieter escapes. Well-supported, the ship secures a good introduction to cruising for first-timers. For more experienced travelers, MS Monarch secures an inexpensive, dependable and satisfying vacation.

Follows the complete list of Pullmantur Monarch lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

  • Centrum (multi-deck atrium)
  • Broadway Show Lounge
  • Yogufruits (38-seat bar)
  • Bar Fragata (Piano Bar & Lounge)
  • Bar Panorama; 360º Bar & Lounge
  • The Waves Yacht Club
  • Ice Cream Parlor
  • Photo Gallery; Video Arcade; Boutiques
  • Rendez-Vous Lounge
  • Internet Center; Conference Room
  • Casino Del Mar
  • Cyan Disco
  • Card Room; Reading Room; Library
  • Teen's Club; Grumetes Club (for kids 3-5 years, minis); Capi Club (for kids 6-8 years, guppies)
  • Spa del Mar Beauty & Fitness
  • Bar Marina (Pool Bar)
  • 2 Swimming Pools; 2 Jacuzzis; 2 Solariums; Jogging Track
  • Fitness Center; Rock Climbing Wall; Sports Court.

Itineraries

Pullmantur Monarch itinerary program was based on 7-day Caribbean roundtrips from homeports Colon Panama and Cartagena Colombia. Ports of call included the most popular island destinations in Dutch Antilles - Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

For Royal Caribbean, Monarch of the Seas operated on short breaks (3-day and 4-day) roundtrips to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral Florida. Since April 27, 2013, the ship was year-round deployed in the Southern Caribbean.

Next tables show MS Monarch's last itineraries planned for 2020-2021 - before Pullmantur's bankruptcy and the vessel's scrapping in Turkey.

(2020) 7-day from Rostock to Helsinki

Date / TimePort
08 AugDeparting from Warnemunde-Rostock, Germany
11 Aug 07:00 - 18:00Nynashamn, Sweden
12 Aug 12:00 - 18:00Tallinn, Estonia
13 Aug 09:00 - 14 AugSaint Petersburg, Russia
15 Aug 08:00Arriving in Helsinki, Finland

(2020) 7-day from Helsinki to Rostock

Date / TimePort
15 Aug 21:00Departing from Helsinki
16 Aug 10:30 - 17 AugSt Petersburg, Russia
18 Aug 09:00 - 16:00Tallinn, Estonia
19 Aug 09:00 - 20:00Nynashamn, Sweden
22 AugArriving in Warnemunde-Rostock

(2020) 7-day from Rostock to Trondheim

Date / TimePort
22 Aug 21:00Departing from Warnemunde-Rostock
23 Aug 15:00 - 22:00Gothenburg, Sweden
25 Aug 08:00 - 16:00Bergen, Norway
26 Aug 08:00 - 19:00Nordfjordeid, Norway
27 Aug 08:00 - 16:00Molde, Norway
28 Aug 08:00 - 17:00Alesund, Norway
29 Aug 08:00Arriving in Trondheim, Norway

(2020) 7-day from Trondheim to Rostock

Date / TimePort
29 Aug 21:00Departing from Trondheim
30 Aug 13:00 - 21:00Molde, Norway
31 Aug 10:00 - 19:00Alesund, Norway
01 Sep 08:00 - 19:00Nordfjordeid, Norway
02 Sep 11:00 - 20:00Skjolden, Sognefjord, Norway
04 Sep 07:00 - 13:30Goteborg-Gothenburg, Sweden
05 Sep 07:30Arriving in Warnemunde-Rostock

(2020) 8-day from Rostock to Vigo

Date / TimePort
05 Sep 21:00Departing from Warnemunde-Rostock
06 Sep 15:00 - 22:00Goteborg-Gothenburg, Sweden
08 Sep 09:00 - 19:00IJmuiden, Holland
09 Sep 07:00 - 19:00Dover, England
10 Sep 07:00 - 19:30Le Havre-Paris, France
11 Sep 07:00 - 15:00Isle of Portland, Dorset England
13 Sep 10:00Arriving in Vigo, Spain

(2020) 1-day from Vigo to Lisbon

Date / TimePort
13 Sep 18:00Departing from Vigo, Spain
14 Sep 11:00Arriving in Lisbon, Portugal

(2020) 4 day "Lisbon, Morocco And Andalusia"

Date / TimePort
14 Sep 21:00Departing from Lisbon
16 Sep 08:00 - 18:00Tangier, Morocco
17 Sep 07:00 - 14:00Cadiz, Spain
18 Sep 08:00Arriving in Lisbon

(2020) 15-day Transatlantic from Europe to Caribbean (Lisbon to Cartagena)

Date / TimePort
18 Sep 20:00Departing from Lisbon
21 Sep 07:00 - 13:00Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island, Azores
27 Sep 12:00 - 18:00Philipsburg, St Maarten Island, Dutch Antilles
29 Sep 09:00 - 19:00Willemstad, Curacao Island, Dutch Antilles
30 Sep 07:30 - 15:30Oranjestad, Aruba Island, Dutch Antilles
02 Oct 07:00 - 14:30Colon, Panama
03 OctArriving in Cartagena, Colombia

(2020-2021) 7-day "Antilles And South Caribbean" roundtrip from Panama

Date / TimePort
02 Oct 14:30Departing from Colon, Panama
03 Oct 09:30 - 19:00Cartagena, Colombia
05 Oct 08:00 - 19:00Willemstad, Curacao Island
06 Oct 08:00 - 18:00Kralendijk, Bonaire Island
07 Oct 07:30 - 15:30Oranjestad, Aruba Island
09 OctArriving in Colon, Panama

(2020-2021) 7-day "Antilles And South Caribbean" roundtrip from Colombia

Date / TimePort
20 Nov 19:00Departing from Cartagena, Colombia
22 Nov 08:00 - 19:00Willemstad, Curacao
23 Nov 08:00 - 18:00Kralendijk, Bonaire
24 Nov 07:30 - 15:30Oranjestad, Aruba
26 Nov 07:00 - 14:30Colon, Panama
27 Nov 09:30Arriving in Cartagena, Colombia

(2020-2021) 7-day "Antilles And South Caribbean" roundtrip from Curacao

Date / TimePort
22 Nov 07:00Departing from Willemstad, Curacao
23 Nov 08:00 - 18:00Kralendijk, Bonaire
24 Nov 07:30 - 15:30Oranjestad, Aruba
26 Nov 07:00 - 14:30Colon, Panama
27 Nov 09:30 - 19:00Cartagena, Colombia
29 Nov 08:00Arriving in Willemstad, Curacao

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Pullmantur Monarch Wiki

MS Monarch cruise ship was built in St Nazaire France (originally for Royal Caribbean International - RCI) as "Monarch of the Seas". This is the second Sovereign-class boat owned by RCCL. The ship is one of the 3 large-sized Sovereign-class vessels operated by Pullmantur (the RCCL company's brand in Spain). The other two are Sovereign of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas.

In April 2013, Monarch was transferred from RCI (Royal Caribbean International) to Pullmantur, after serving for 22 years with RCI. The ship was operated with a year-round Southern Caribbean itinerary program starting on April 27, 2013.

In 2007, Pullmantur Monarch became the world's 1st major cruise line vessel captained by a woman. Captain Karin Stahre Janson (of Swedish origin) remained the one and only female captain until 2010 when Sarah Breton (British) took charge of P&O Cruises ship ms Artemis (now Artania of Phoenix Reisen).

Ship's last Captain was Arkadiusz Branka (Master Mariner).

Pullmantur Monarch refurbishment 2018 review

The ship's 2018 drydock refurbishment (May 4-25, a 3-week project done at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport  Bahamas) cost Pullmantur Cruises USD 10 million.

Works covered all staterooms and public areas, including new carpeting (over 15,000 m2), new upholstery and furnishing (over 1000 m2 fabrics used).

All lounges, bars, restaurants and shops were renovated, also the swimming pool and jacuzzi, the Spa.

On Deck 12 (top-deck's forward section) was installed the new Solarium (sundeck area) The Waves Yacht Club.

"My Next Cruise" (future cruise booking desk for Suite passengers) was created.