Thread: MSC Monterey's future may be saved

Plans to charter the 1952 built cruiseship 'Monterey' as a relief ship for the hurricane victims and their families have now fallen through. MSC who own her had no plans to continue her service as they are in the process of a fleet upgrade but have had second thoughts, thinking that she might fit into a niche market. She has a 65% repeat market making her withdrawal difficult, so MSC have cancelled their plans to get rid of her for the time being.

Hopefully she will have a long future and not be sent to the breakers.

Would sure love to hear from someone who has sailed this ship...

The Regal Empress is another old one that has been sold, and probably saved from the greakers a number of times.

The repeat cruise percentage of 65 is excellent for a ship that old, she is obviously extremely popular with those wanting the 'old school' cruising experience.

It seems to me that lines that do more of a discount, scaled down service for those of us who just want to cruise, not necessarily wanting a five-star experience could use these older ships.

Yeah, I'm thinking TravelScope again, lol.

Felicia

Having said that though Felicia, the older ships offer a cruise experience all of their own. They are often beautifully appointed with classical lines and styles.

The Athena is very good value and I really do think that the older ships have a place in cruising and will continue to do so for many years to come.

I really want to do that Athena world cruise. Although they claim to have fully stablized ships, I have heard that the TS line "moves" quite a bit more on the water. Um, I like that. When the Ryndam's stablizers were down, I was hoping they wouldn't be fixed for the duration of the cruise, while everyone else was a bit green. Of course, I've never experienced really high seas, so I might change my mind if I get to that point.

Now Glenn has decided that he's not really interested in cruising. How this bodes on my future cruising has yet to be decided. While I doubt he will interfere with my taking shorter cruises, the six month ones on TS might test his patience, lol. It would be hard to be separated for six months straight. Maybe I should just do the three month one and forget about the 5% discount for booking both.

Ah got for it Felicia...leave him at home sulking....you only come this way once, so throw caution to the wind and go for the cruise..all 6 months of it

I would

This is good news!

I think that MSC offers a very good cruise experience, and I have been waiting for my chance to try their older fleet. Possibly I'll get my chance with the Monterey.

I would much rather have a 'value' cruise on a beautiful older ship without all the bells and whistles. Just get me out to sea.

The Monterey is now listed as for sale @ 12m Euros and Regal Empress is for sale @ $7.5m.

Hopefully both will go to good homes very soon.

And something a little different for sale 'Dolphin' floating restaurant....