Cruise Talk: Exit MSC Monterey

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»	Cruise Talk » Cruise Ships » Exit MSC Monterey

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Topic: Exit MSC Monterey

RobHolland
First Class Passenger
Member # 3779

posted 05-01-2005 04:25 AM

According to a well informed source at MSC, most probably the MSC Monterey is going for scrap before the end of this year. She can't meet the (technical) standards for nowaday cruiseships anymore.

MSC Monterey in Genua, 19/04/05.

[ 05-01-2005: Message edited by: RobHolland ]

Posts: 762 | From: ms Rotterdam | Registered: Apr 2003 | IP: Logged

cruiseshipluver
First Class Passenger
Member # 5104

posted 05-01-2005 07:46 AM

i dont think that it is an issue with she not being able to keep up to the technical standards of todays ships...........she can still do that BUT its the money involved in the process that is hampering her frum getting upgraded. Wen ships get older and older sometimes they become harder to maintain and *keep up appearances*......so i guess in a sense its enevitable for her to go to the scrappers.it is just tooo expensive to update all her systems brand new.....they could build a new ship if they(MSC) were goign to do that.........and i think that MSC is moving towards a younger fleet so the older ships will son have to go.
cruiseshipluver

Posts: 1797 | From: Barbados--cruiseship capital of the Southern Caribbean | Registered: Oct 2004 | IP: Logged

Johan C
First Class Passenger
Member # 1201

posted 05-01-2005 12:15 PM

Sad news but not a surprise.
I took two cruises on board this grand old lady (see the fotosection of this board)
Last year an MSC officer told me that she was going to leave the fleet in october 2004 but ik looks as she wil preform some high season cruises this year also.
It is very strange that MSC has discounts for all other ships but not on Monterey (I only book discounted cruises)
I noticed she was in dry dock for two weeks last month; Maybe they discovered a major problem or was it just a routine check

Posts: 256 | From: Ghent, historic city in Belgium | Registered: Mar 2000 | IP: Logged

Waynaro
First Class Passenger
Member # 3484

posted 05-01-2005 12:40 PM

Sad news indeed. A company like MSC has held on to her longer than what most others probably would have. Maybe NCL will pick her up for NCLA?

Posts: 6108 | From: Vallejo,CA : California Maritime Academy!!! | Registered: Nov 2002 | IP: Logged

Linerrich
First Class Passenger
Member # 4864

posted 05-01-2005 12:59 PM

I have been trying to book myself on her for last year and this year, but no great rates--almost $4000 for me as a single, inside cabin, cruise-only, for an 11-night cruise. Airfare to Europe additional. So this is out of reach for me.

It's doubtful that NCLA would take her over--a very small ship with little profit capability to cover the costs of the US flag operation. Also, very few Americans would like her style & size of cabins.

By the way, the current issue of STEAMBOAT BILL, Official Journal of the Steamship Historical Society of America, has an excellent cover feature on this ship; very timely!

Rich

Posts: 4210 | From: Miami, FL | Registered: Jul 2004 | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 05-01-2005 01:17 PM

MSC have said each year for the past few years, that Monterey will be sold/scrapped, but still she sails. She had a good makeover 18 months ago. Johan C, that was only her clean up for the coming season.

There are few discounts ever to be had on her, and she's always full [so I'm told]. She has some lovely itineraries this season, but pricey. If people are willing to pay, and I gather most are Monterey fans, then let her continue. Linerrich, I thought I read a while back you were booked for May? did I mis read, or it fell through?

I always check her pricing/itineraries longingly, but nothing ever ties in, as she does the 10/11 nighters mid season.

Pam

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

Linerrich
First Class Passenger
Member # 4864

posted 05-01-2005 02:00 PM

quote:
Originally posted by PamM:
Linerrich, I thought I read a while back you were booked for May? did I mis read, or it fell through?
Pam

You're right, I was initially booked for the May 28th sailing, but had to cancel out when their rates never came down and in fact went up higher than I was first quoted! Luckily I was in time to get my deposit back, but what a disappointment!

Posts: 4210 | From: Miami, FL | Registered: Jul 2004 | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 05-01-2005 05:27 PM

What a shame

$4000 is a heck of a lot! for an inside cabin.
Pam

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

Italian Cruiser
First Class Passenger
Member # 1684

posted 05-02-2005 10:09 AM

It's absolutely true that Msc Monterey is quite expansive if compared with other cruise ships operating in the Mediterranean.

Here in Italy the minimum price for an 11 days cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean in a single cabin( high season ) is € 3.124... very high.

Don't forget that onboard this ship you have to pay cash or use your credit card... Msc Monterey hasn't adopted the cashless system.

Posts: 887 | From: Orvieto (Italy) | Registered: Nov 2000 | IP: Logged

Noordam
First Class Passenger
Member # 3811

posted 05-02-2005 11:33 AM

Well it sounds like she is a very profitable ship... I am sure her yields aren't high, but come on, she must be paid off for....

I would also like to say that although she is old, she looks splendid in that photo, like a brand new old ship..... What a gem....

Posts: 441 | From: Los Angeles | Registered: Apr 2003 | IP: Logged

Johan C
First Class Passenger
Member # 1201

posted 05-02-2005 12:00 PM

Indeed Noordam this ship looks like new: if you see some of the damaged hulls of 1970-ies ships this one is absolutely without any bumps, cracks, etc;
Don't forget that the hull is made on US army specifications.
On the down side are the vibrations if you are in the aft part of the ship.
The cabins give good space and comfort(a bit noisy) and the food is wonderful (if you like Italian food)
She is going to be ritered for economical reasons, not for technical ones.
It is apity that MSC doesn't want continue until 2010, i'm sure it is no problem to find passengers

Posts: 256 | From: Ghent, historic city in Belgium | Registered: Mar 2000 | IP: Logged

Willem
First Class Passenger
Member # 3005

posted 05-02-2005 12:59 PM

quote:
Originally posted by PamM:
What a shame $4000 is a heck of a lot! for an inside cabin.
Pam

Found following on Cruise Travel:

Cat: 2 Op aanvraag € 1655,-
Binnenhut met één beneden- en één bovenbed.

NB: hutten binnen dezelfde categorie kunnen qua grootte, opzet en inrichting onderling verschillen.

Indicatie pakketprijs: € 1830,-
Indicatie 1-pers. toeslag: € 1324,-

Single will pay EUR 2.979.-- (a surplus of 80%) which is around USD 3.830,-

You better find someone who wants to go with you and share a cabin.

Posts: 1469 | From: In the namesake city of Cape Hoorn. | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged

RobHolland
First Class Passenger
Member # 3779

posted 05-02-2005 01:03 PM

From what I've heard - have to get more info to know for sure- is that one of the main reasons is that the Monterey has one propellor, and 2 or more will be/are required for passenger vessels. Will check that out.

A few photos of ships seen during a MSC Opera Med-cruise: click here.

Silver Shadow at Venice

Posts: 762 | From: ms Rotterdam | Registered: Apr 2003 | IP: Logged

Amerikanis
First Class Passenger
Member # 1835

posted 05-02-2005 03:20 PM

Yes, she has 1 Propeller.

I was in the Engine Room in 1995 on an Cruise from Genova to Rio.

Posts: 1034 | From: Gutach, Black Forest, Germany | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged

Waynaro
First Class Passenger
Member # 3484

posted 05-02-2005 06:08 PM

Great pictures Rob. I am surprised to see the EMERALD in Louis colors, and ARGEAN I? She is still sailing?

Posts: 6108 | From: Vallejo,CA : California Maritime Academy!!! | Registered: Nov 2002 | IP: Logged

gpcruisedude
First Class Passenger
Member # 3533

posted 05-04-2005 06:50 PM

Now the Monterey is one ship that is definentley worth preserving! Is it possible to bring her back into the U.S. registry, I guess it would take an act of congress, or could she even be used as a Gambling ship in either the U.S. or Asia?? Or would it affect her a great deal under SOLAS!! I dont know if she is in better shape than the Independence or is their much of a difference between the two?

Posts: 865 | From: Grande Prairie,Alberta | Registered: Dec 2002 | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 05-04-2005 07:09 PM

Yes, lovely photos Rob, and Emerald does look better without that smile on her funnel

Pam

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

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