MS Monica Reviews
" mixed party 23 to 81 years "
Submitted By: holidayanimals
Returned from MS Monica on 3rd March, 5 in party, 1 veggie, 1 steak and chips guy, 1 81 year old english food only, but everyone of us found something to eat at every meal. Staff were brilliant, nothing too much trouble. Rooms, as I have read on other reviews could do with some updating, but they were very clean and more than adequate, at the end of the day they are only there to sleep in. Tour guides are very knowledgable, helpful and friendly. All in all a fantastic holiday. All inclusive worth the extra.
7 out of
7 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2010
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Orbital
" Great service, but Monica needs a makeover "
Submitted By: 40th Pharoah
7 days on Monica, Luxor to Aswan and back. First impressions of Monica, an attractive ship with character compared to some of the floating office blocks that you see on the Nile, gorgeous, luxurious reception, lots of marble, brass, leather and stained glass.
The attentive service from Monica's crew was excellent from the moment you stepped off the coach, to the day you arrived back at Luxor airport.
Our cabin was attractive and comfortable, twin beds(pushed together of course), two leather tub chairs and coffee table, minifridge, tv(never switched on), writing desk, bedside table, fitted wardrobe(comfy space for his'n'hers clothes for 7 nights), a/c, useful lighting and sliding doors out on to a mini balcony.
The bathroom was a good size for a small ship. Bath and powerful shower(bit splashy though), good size sink(no plug, bit wasteful when shaving), nice lighting, all the usual lotions and potions, good towels, toilet. Unfortunately, the system of toilet tissue in the bin, not flushed, after use. Plenty of hot water, but no extractor fan.
Reception and seating areas all comfortable and attractive, lots of good chairs, tables and 'thrones'.
The lounge bar has plenty of roomy seating of various types, a few dark areas, but polished, clean and comfy.
The restaurant has good seating and tables, attractive decor and spacious, clean, serving central island.
The top sun deck stretches the whole length of the ship and is carpetted in thick green baize(no splinters in feet). A smallish pool and bubble pool at the stern. Pool 5ft deep and cool. Some of the tiles and marble edges in the pool area could do with replacing, but overall it was functional and very safe to use . Most welcome when the temp could reach 48c in the sun. The deck was divided into open sunny areas ,with optional parasols, and shady canopies, all with a mix of cushioned wooden loungers or deck chairs, wicker cushioned sofas or chairs and glass topped or wooden tabled to suit. Beach towels were always readily available for sunbathing and swimming use. There is a bar at the bow end of the deck close to exercise bike and treadmill(never seen used) and the filthiest old pool table I've ever seen(enough said, as above).
Shops on the 3rd deck provided jewelery, souvenir hats and nicknacks, books, postcards(+stamps) and the all important egyptian clothing, at very reasonable prices, for your Egyptian themed evening.
The all inclusive food and drink in the restaurant and loungebar was, on the whole, excellent. Food dishes had plenty of variety, quantity and choice of tastes(inclusive of vegetarians). The quality for breakfast, lunch and dinner were of equal standard. Great salads, soups, breads, fruit, sweets, meat dishes, rice/pasta/potato dishes, vegetables available every single day. My tip to avoid over eating. Do a observation circuit of the food island first before you join the back of the queue, to get an idea of what you fancy rather than piling on a bit of everything.
Drinks, good coffee and tea choices, house wines fair to good, soft drinks and juices good, house beer a good local lager, spirits and cocktails fine depending on who served you(muslims don't drink alcohol). Water always plentiful for hydrating in the hot weather. We stockpiled enough for the journey home.
The entertainment in the loungebar was on most evenings and performances from belly dancers, Nubian dancers to name a few was outstanding. The only dubious element was the crews' choice of music when there wasn't any scheduled entertainers from outside. Odd, best describes it.
The service on Monica was all excellent, whether from reception alarm calls, cabin cleaning and linens service, dining and loungebar, excursions, porters, drivers and guides, all the crew were great.
I think the thing other reviewers have picked up on and I certainly noticed, is the fact that certain tired areas of the ship could do with replacement or repair.
Cracked tiles in the pool, the odd loose or missing fitting in cabins, damaged loungers, chipped crockery, dirty pool table...
But in the bigger picture these are all minor defects, the service on Monica is 5*, the ship itself is now 4.5* and needs a little TLC.
Don't let this put you off having a very relaxing, wonderful time on MS Monica. I celebrated my 40th birthday as a guest and that evening I was treated to one of the best celebrations ever. Loved it.
The attentive service from Monica's crew was excellent from the moment you stepped off the coach, to the day you arrived back at Luxor airport.
Our cabin was attractive and comfortable, twin beds(pushed together of course), two leather tub chairs and coffee table, minifridge, tv(never switched on), writing desk, bedside table, fitted wardrobe(comfy space for his'n'hers clothes for 7 nights), a/c, useful lighting and sliding doors out on to a mini balcony.
The bathroom was a good size for a small ship. Bath and powerful shower(bit splashy though), good size sink(no plug, bit wasteful when shaving), nice lighting, all the usual lotions and potions, good towels, toilet. Unfortunately, the system of toilet tissue in the bin, not flushed, after use. Plenty of hot water, but no extractor fan.
Reception and seating areas all comfortable and attractive, lots of good chairs, tables and 'thrones'.
The lounge bar has plenty of roomy seating of various types, a few dark areas, but polished, clean and comfy.
The restaurant has good seating and tables, attractive decor and spacious, clean, serving central island.
The top sun deck stretches the whole length of the ship and is carpetted in thick green baize(no splinters in feet). A smallish pool and bubble pool at the stern. Pool 5ft deep and cool. Some of the tiles and marble edges in the pool area could do with replacing, but overall it was functional and very safe to use . Most welcome when the temp could reach 48c in the sun. The deck was divided into open sunny areas ,with optional parasols, and shady canopies, all with a mix of cushioned wooden loungers or deck chairs, wicker cushioned sofas or chairs and glass topped or wooden tabled to suit. Beach towels were always readily available for sunbathing and swimming use. There is a bar at the bow end of the deck close to exercise bike and treadmill(never seen used) and the filthiest old pool table I've ever seen(enough said, as above).
Shops on the 3rd deck provided jewelery, souvenir hats and nicknacks, books, postcards(+stamps) and the all important egyptian clothing, at very reasonable prices, for your Egyptian themed evening.
The all inclusive food and drink in the restaurant and loungebar was, on the whole, excellent. Food dishes had plenty of variety, quantity and choice of tastes(inclusive of vegetarians). The quality for breakfast, lunch and dinner were of equal standard. Great salads, soups, breads, fruit, sweets, meat dishes, rice/pasta/potato dishes, vegetables available every single day. My tip to avoid over eating. Do a observation circuit of the food island first before you join the back of the queue, to get an idea of what you fancy rather than piling on a bit of everything.
Drinks, good coffee and tea choices, house wines fair to good, soft drinks and juices good, house beer a good local lager, spirits and cocktails fine depending on who served you(muslims don't drink alcohol). Water always plentiful for hydrating in the hot weather. We stockpiled enough for the journey home.
The entertainment in the loungebar was on most evenings and performances from belly dancers, Nubian dancers to name a few was outstanding. The only dubious element was the crews' choice of music when there wasn't any scheduled entertainers from outside. Odd, best describes it.
The service on Monica was all excellent, whether from reception alarm calls, cabin cleaning and linens service, dining and loungebar, excursions, porters, drivers and guides, all the crew were great.
I think the thing other reviewers have picked up on and I certainly noticed, is the fact that certain tired areas of the ship could do with replacement or repair.
Cracked tiles in the pool, the odd loose or missing fitting in cabins, damaged loungers, chipped crockery, dirty pool table...
But in the bigger picture these are all minor defects, the service on Monica is 5*, the ship itself is now 4.5* and needs a little TLC.
Don't let this put you off having a very relaxing, wonderful time on MS Monica. I celebrated my 40th birthday as a guest and that evening I was treated to one of the best celebrations ever. Loved it.
Advice: The service on Monica is 5*, but the ship needs a refurb' in places.
Activities:
9 out of
9 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2010
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" 7 day Nile Cruise; opinion - excellent "
Submitted By: Infrequent overseas traveller
Also just returned from Egypt after 14 days. First 7 were on the MS Monica and we had a superb time. Yes, there were some very early starts but nothing we did not expect. The crew were all very friendly and the guides were helpful and informative. Can't fault it. The food was very good and enjoyed by all 10 on our table. Some rather strange choices for certain dishes, but enough other choices (and the point is that you can choose to take something or not) to render the point of any real criticism irrelevant. We found the boat itself clean and well maintained.
Would thoroughly recommend the all-inclusive option, it cost us £50 and restricted us mostly to locally produced beverages (of variable quality, but acceptable) but also unlimited free bottled water, money well spent IMHO.
Would thoroughly recommend the all-inclusive option, it cost us £50 and restricted us mostly to locally produced beverages (of variable quality, but acceptable) but also unlimited free bottled water, money well spent IMHO.
Advice: Try it. I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you like historic monuments.
Activities:
10 out of
10 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2010
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Personal Travel Advisors
" Excellent Trip "
Submitted By: The Ramses 2
Just returned from a week long cruise on the MS Monica -3-10 Feb 2010 - and found it to be very enjoyable all round.
The food was exceptionally good with lots of variety.Veggies out there need not worry as the choice was extensive. from the start our guide Ayman encouraged us to eat the salads and fruit , which are sometimes to be avoided in Egypt, as they are all washed in filtered water. I was not aware of anyone on board who had any stomach problems other than due to an overindulgence in alcohol the night before!
We were incredibly lucky to be given Cabin 301 which was right at the front of the ship, and which had both side and front facing balconies and a longe area with 3 piece suite.The furnishings were "olde worlde" but it all added to charm!
Trips were exceptionally well organised and the staff and our guide Aymon was just incredible - so knowledgeable and very Pharonic looking too!
I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone - just the right amount of organised activity and leisure time on the sundeck.
Ramses II
The food was exceptionally good with lots of variety.Veggies out there need not worry as the choice was extensive. from the start our guide Ayman encouraged us to eat the salads and fruit , which are sometimes to be avoided in Egypt, as they are all washed in filtered water. I was not aware of anyone on board who had any stomach problems other than due to an overindulgence in alcohol the night before!
We were incredibly lucky to be given Cabin 301 which was right at the front of the ship, and which had both side and front facing balconies and a longe area with 3 piece suite.The furnishings were "olde worlde" but it all added to charm!
Trips were exceptionally well organised and the staff and our guide Aymon was just incredible - so knowledgeable and very Pharonic looking too!
I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone - just the right amount of organised activity and leisure time on the sundeck.
Ramses II
Good for: City Breaks
11 out of
11 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2010
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Orbital Travel
" Excellent Holiday "
Submitted By: lakelander
Just come back from a weeks cruise on M/S Monica and I cant praise it enough,we were treat very well and the all inclusive deals where only £40 extra, food was varied and good and plenty. Not one person the whole week we were their had a stomach bugs, 60 guests to 90 staff.
And the guides were very informative, we had George who was great. I would go back to Eygpt cruising anytime.
Temp was a comfortable 26 to 30 degrees.
Plenty of early morning to go around with the guide so you weren't in hot sun .
And the guides were very informative, we had George who was great. I would go back to Eygpt cruising anytime.
Temp was a comfortable 26 to 30 degrees.
Plenty of early morning to go around with the guide so you weren't in hot sun .
Advice: get to see all the sights.
Activities:
Good for: City Breaks
6 out of
7 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2010
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Co-op travel
" interesting "
Submitted By: patsy
We had very interesting holiday, The boat was nice but somewhat disapointed with the food. Felt that it was'nt worthy of 5* rating. Temples and Vally of the kings were great, but had to get up rather early on some days for the trips.
Advice: Interesting, be prepared for hassle with venders when visiting sites
Activities:
1 out of
6 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2010
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Fantastic Holiday "
Submitted By: Fireworks
Very well organised and most enjoyable holiday from start to finish.
M/S Monica is a spacious well equipt boat with a beautiful interior and very friendly, helpful staff.
The cabin I stayed in had twin beds, large wardrobe with safe, large dressing table, TV, fridge, round coffee table and two comfortable chairs. Both cabin and bathroom were kept spotlessly clean at least twice a day. The hairdryer supplied was powerful and hot. My own hair appliances (1000W) worked perfectly on board with a 2 pin travel adapter.
The food was plentiful and always a good salad selection daily.
The tours were very informative and enjoyable. Abdul, our friendly Egyptologist guide, was eternally helpful and always willing to explain any points I missed.
I thank all staff on the M/S Monica for an amazing, wonderful holiday which will be extemely hard to surpass.
M/S Monica is a spacious well equipt boat with a beautiful interior and very friendly, helpful staff.
The cabin I stayed in had twin beds, large wardrobe with safe, large dressing table, TV, fridge, round coffee table and two comfortable chairs. Both cabin and bathroom were kept spotlessly clean at least twice a day. The hairdryer supplied was powerful and hot. My own hair appliances (1000W) worked perfectly on board with a 2 pin travel adapter.
The food was plentiful and always a good salad selection daily.
The tours were very informative and enjoyable. Abdul, our friendly Egyptologist guide, was eternally helpful and always willing to explain any points I missed.
I thank all staff on the M/S Monica for an amazing, wonderful holiday which will be extemely hard to surpass.
Advice: Be prepared to look out of your window only to see another boat when moored.
Activities: The Temples are amazing.
Good for: City Breaks
34 out of
34 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:PREFERRED EGYPT
" MS Monica great "
Submitted By: Patsymo
MS Monica was great, better than I had hoped given all the reviews prior to our departure. I booked for 4 adults with ClassicHolidays4U who use Orbital Travel in Luxor and I cannot fault them at all. Booked 7days A/I Nile Cruse/2nts H/B Cairo/5nts.A/I Hughada.
On arrival at Luxor Airport an Orbital Rep is there BEFORE YOU GO FOR ENTRY VISA and took all the airline/hotel tickets/transfers etc. and they even got the visas! All we had to do was get our suitcases and head for designated coach. Fabulous! I have been to Egypt before and all that can be a nightmare after a long flight.
First of all Monica....She was awaiting our arrival just a few miles from Luxor, a blessing because it is such a noisy place - cabin 306,308 booked for us and both were almost as big as any hotel room (not quite enough space to walk past between bottom of bed and wall cabinets)but hay its as big as I had on an outside cabin on a big cruise liner! We had two giant single beds, lovely little balcony - just right for taking a rest some days and watching all of life on the Nile drift past. More than adequate on wardrobes space too and beautifully fitted bathroom. Clean towels TWICE A DAY - how many hotels do you know do that? Food was good although beef was very tough; but hay this is Egypt! Wine, Red in particular was very drinkable tho a shame one could only have it at mealtimes.I like a Rum, but took the odd Brandy instead, plenty of Mint Tea and Water in abuldance- hooray for A/I!
ALL THE STAFF could not have been more helpful and friendly. The tipping at the beginning was a great idea and it meant we were free to tip more if we wanted. Doing it earlier did not seem to diminish the food/service. We paid for Visas at this time too.
THE TOURS WERE JUST SO WELL ORGANIZED and good. Early starts to avoid the heat, packed meals were applicable. They do it so well and the guides are just great. We had ABDUL the most informative and kindest of men. I took 'Egypts revenge' and he brought meal and pills to our cabin - he was determined that I wasnt going to miss anything if possible. Buy Antinal tables before you go is my advice, because you can pick this up anywhere there. Take it from start and I gather it will help.
Flights Luxor/Cairo/Hughada and all the transfers all went without a hitch. La Meridian,Cairo and Dana Beach Hughada (room there smaller than cabin on Monica) were ok.Dana does tend to be a German enclave though, dont think I would go for any longer. My only downside to the whole trip and reason not 10 score was that the coach transfer Hughada/Luxor for flight home was too long-over 4 half hours - I would suggest anyone make enquiries and fly.
But thank you everyone on MS MONICA for a wonderful and never to be forgotten cruise!!! Thanks too to ClassicHoliday (Sarah in particular)we given all that we wanted and more!!
On arrival at Luxor Airport an Orbital Rep is there BEFORE YOU GO FOR ENTRY VISA and took all the airline/hotel tickets/transfers etc. and they even got the visas! All we had to do was get our suitcases and head for designated coach. Fabulous! I have been to Egypt before and all that can be a nightmare after a long flight.
First of all Monica....She was awaiting our arrival just a few miles from Luxor, a blessing because it is such a noisy place - cabin 306,308 booked for us and both were almost as big as any hotel room (not quite enough space to walk past between bottom of bed and wall cabinets)but hay its as big as I had on an outside cabin on a big cruise liner! We had two giant single beds, lovely little balcony - just right for taking a rest some days and watching all of life on the Nile drift past. More than adequate on wardrobes space too and beautifully fitted bathroom. Clean towels TWICE A DAY - how many hotels do you know do that? Food was good although beef was very tough; but hay this is Egypt! Wine, Red in particular was very drinkable tho a shame one could only have it at mealtimes.I like a Rum, but took the odd Brandy instead, plenty of Mint Tea and Water in abuldance- hooray for A/I!
ALL THE STAFF could not have been more helpful and friendly. The tipping at the beginning was a great idea and it meant we were free to tip more if we wanted. Doing it earlier did not seem to diminish the food/service. We paid for Visas at this time too.
THE TOURS WERE JUST SO WELL ORGANIZED and good. Early starts to avoid the heat, packed meals were applicable. They do it so well and the guides are just great. We had ABDUL the most informative and kindest of men. I took 'Egypts revenge' and he brought meal and pills to our cabin - he was determined that I wasnt going to miss anything if possible. Buy Antinal tables before you go is my advice, because you can pick this up anywhere there. Take it from start and I gather it will help.
Flights Luxor/Cairo/Hughada and all the transfers all went without a hitch. La Meridian,Cairo and Dana Beach Hughada (room there smaller than cabin on Monica) were ok.Dana does tend to be a German enclave though, dont think I would go for any longer. My only downside to the whole trip and reason not 10 score was that the coach transfer Hughada/Luxor for flight home was too long-over 4 half hours - I would suggest anyone make enquiries and fly.
But thank you everyone on MS MONICA for a wonderful and never to be forgotten cruise!!! Thanks too to ClassicHoliday (Sarah in particular)we given all that we wanted and more!!
35 out of
36 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Highly recommend - excellent holiday! "
Submitted By: tonybylett
I also was a little concerned having seen some of the below reviews, but having just returned from a fabulous holiday aboard the Monica, I am now wondering if there are two ships! Do not worry - this ship is excellent - top rate cabins and service. The towels were changed daily, the bathroom was clean, the cabin was spacious and the bar and lounge and pool area were very tidy and welcoming. I thoroughly enjoyed all the excursions - although early mornings do take their toll!! Was glad of second week on Red Sea. Everyone on our cruise loaved the ship and we met some great people, including the staff who were friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend!
Advice: Lots to see and the cruise is wonderful
Activities: Enjoyed Aswan, very pretty and relaxing
19 out of
19 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Preferred
" MS Monica was fabulous "
Submitted By: dancingwithcapt
My husband and I have just returned from an absolutely fabulous week on the MS Monica. Having read the previous reviews, we were a bit dubious about going but I can assure you that we had nothing at all to worry about. The cabin was spotless. The towels were changed twice a day and were arranged into a different animal every time. The food was ok - a little repetative but always hot. The crew were all very friendly and went out of their way to help us. The tours were excellent and, for anyone wanting to know, they have just started the balloon rides again. Whilst there hubby celebrated his 50th birthday and at dinner the crew got everyone in the party mood by singing and drumming as well as doing a conga round the room parading the birthday cake - fabulous fun! We met some lovely new friends-they know who they are-"Dancing with the Captain", which made it one of the best holidays we've ever had. We would definitely recommend this holiday to anyone.
Advice: Fantastic cruise and fabulous sites
Activities:
Good for: City Breaks
16 out of
16 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" fantastic "
Submitted By: mandyfairall
wow what a holiday just arrived back from the Monica what a fantastic time we had from the moment we arrived at luxor airport we have been looked after by the guides who i must say are very professional and very helpful
the Monica is a lovely boat its very clean cabins are comfortable and more than adequate
the restuant is clean the food was excellant plenty of selection and the staff are very friendly and helpfull some guest on the boat had a wedding anniversary and a cake was made and all kitchen staff and waiters sang and played bongos around the restarant it was brill.
all the staff on the boat were friendly and relly made our stay enjoyable
it was the perfact base to explore the sights along the nile which were amazing and as mentioned before the guides are very knowlagable and very good at what they do
i would reccomend this boat and trip to anyone it exceeded my expectations and much much more
the only downside to this is the all inclusive should continue to you leave the boat at the end of your stay and not after breakfast .
the Monica is a lovely boat its very clean cabins are comfortable and more than adequate
the restuant is clean the food was excellant plenty of selection and the staff are very friendly and helpfull some guest on the boat had a wedding anniversary and a cake was made and all kitchen staff and waiters sang and played bongos around the restarant it was brill.
all the staff on the boat were friendly and relly made our stay enjoyable
it was the perfact base to explore the sights along the nile which were amazing and as mentioned before the guides are very knowlagable and very good at what they do
i would reccomend this boat and trip to anyone it exceeded my expectations and much much more
the only downside to this is the all inclusive should continue to you leave the boat at the end of your stay and not after breakfast .
Advice: just fantastic
Activities: all the temples
Good for: City Breaks
16 out of
16 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:classic holidays for you
" fantastic journey "
Submitted By: osprey
have just returned from 1 week on the Monica with 7 other friends, and am amazed by the negative reviews sent in by other people. the boat is not a 5*, more like a good 4*, it was clean, and the rooms small but adequate and were cleaned every day.the staff were very helpful especialy our cabin boy Malik who formed a sculpture made of towels every day, very amusing.the tours were well organised we were in the pharaohs group with our guide Ahmed,who was quite informative and interesting.the food was very repetitive but more than enough for me. we were on all inclusive which i do recommend, we definately got our monies worth,the bar staff didn't like to see your glasses empty. the arab night was quite fun most people got into the spirit of things and dressed up in arab gear. there were a lot of positives on the Monica but a few negatives also. the queuing for food was a bit annoying if you got there the wrong time. the jacuzzi never worked for the whole week,and the boats moored along side could be a pain,but that occured on most boats on the river. to sum up,we all had a great time on the Monica, if you go looking for faults you'll always find them, my advise is go and enjoy yourselves like the 99% of our fellow did.
Advice: it was a fantastic trip, highly recommended
Activities:
13 out of
13 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:orbital
" What a Joke !!!! "
Submitted By: la02
Having just got back from our 1 week cruise on the MS Monica all I can say is WHAT A JOKE
5* NO WAY, ALL INCLUSIVE NO WAY, we where met at the airport by the quides who where going to show us the sights, so far so good, we then arrived at the boat, what a dirty rust bucket this was, it had no life boats and only 2 floatation rafts, but hay ho here we go, the foyah is very impressive with glass and brass surrounds but it all for show, we then get taken to our room {421} which on the fourth deck directly under the swimming pool and sun loungers, the passage way to the room was dark and dingy not to mention dirty, the we opened the door to room or should I call it the broom cupboard, it was so small and grubby I nearly died, the tiny wardrobe was ok for a 6 month old baby and the bathroom room oh my god was a mess, nearly every tile was craked, the basin and bath did not possess a plug and there was a tiny waste bin for the toilet paper with a notice telling you must use it!!!!, when I turned the bed down I found a piece of broken glass on the sheets oh what a good start, we then went to our first evening meal we were told where to sit and that we must sit there for every meal or else, We have been to Eygpt many times and know what good food we usually receive but this was like nothing I had had before, you could have soled your shoes with the beef and the calimeri and fish were like rubber the vegetables we always under cooked but in fairness the bread was ok which was a good thing as I finished up only eating bread and tomatoes for the whole week not bad for 5* we sat in port for 2 days without sailing and we where moored 30 minutes outside Luxor town so never got to see it, but we did have the 2nd week to look forward to which we where staying in Luxor but those who were only there for a week didn't. The plunge pool was extremely dirty to the point that I asked for it to be cleaned which didn't happen,the staircase was brassoed every day but not polished correctley so when you touched it you got black everywhere. the food never inproved all week and most people were ill, and the reception staff were handing out stomach tablets like sweets free of charge. I could go on but it is quite upsetting knowing how much money we paid. All that is left to say is that fortunately our 2nd week in the Iberotel hotel in Luxor was excellent with good good food and clean surroundings. We are not over picky people but just like to receive what we have paid for and we didn't but no one is intrested in our complaint, so if you are thinking of booking this boat then please think again there are better boats out there.
5* NO WAY, ALL INCLUSIVE NO WAY, we where met at the airport by the quides who where going to show us the sights, so far so good, we then arrived at the boat, what a dirty rust bucket this was, it had no life boats and only 2 floatation rafts, but hay ho here we go, the foyah is very impressive with glass and brass surrounds but it all for show, we then get taken to our room {421} which on the fourth deck directly under the swimming pool and sun loungers, the passage way to the room was dark and dingy not to mention dirty, the we opened the door to room or should I call it the broom cupboard, it was so small and grubby I nearly died, the tiny wardrobe was ok for a 6 month old baby and the bathroom room oh my god was a mess, nearly every tile was craked, the basin and bath did not possess a plug and there was a tiny waste bin for the toilet paper with a notice telling you must use it!!!!, when I turned the bed down I found a piece of broken glass on the sheets oh what a good start, we then went to our first evening meal we were told where to sit and that we must sit there for every meal or else, We have been to Eygpt many times and know what good food we usually receive but this was like nothing I had had before, you could have soled your shoes with the beef and the calimeri and fish were like rubber the vegetables we always under cooked but in fairness the bread was ok which was a good thing as I finished up only eating bread and tomatoes for the whole week not bad for 5* we sat in port for 2 days without sailing and we where moored 30 minutes outside Luxor town so never got to see it, but we did have the 2nd week to look forward to which we where staying in Luxor but those who were only there for a week didn't. The plunge pool was extremely dirty to the point that I asked for it to be cleaned which didn't happen,the staircase was brassoed every day but not polished correctley so when you touched it you got black everywhere. the food never inproved all week and most people were ill, and the reception staff were handing out stomach tablets like sweets free of charge. I could go on but it is quite upsetting knowing how much money we paid. All that is left to say is that fortunately our 2nd week in the Iberotel hotel in Luxor was excellent with good good food and clean surroundings. We are not over picky people but just like to receive what we have paid for and we didn't but no one is intrested in our complaint, so if you are thinking of booking this boat then please think again there are better boats out there.
4 out of
19 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Orbital
" MS Monica....Just great! "
Submitted By: pamd
I have just returned from a week cruising on Monica and it was GREAT! I had read many adverse reviews and was quite nervous about the trip but I should not have worried. The boat was excellent, the crew friendly and very helpful, the food was excellent, always hot, well presented and something for all tastes. The waiters were helpful always filling our wine glasses and making our mealtimes a pleasure. The cabins were clean if a little tired which is why my rating is not 10. The cabins were clean towels changed twice a day and personal humerous touches! The guides were amazing and their attention to detail made the whole experience come alive. Every trip was organised expertly without any problems.My husband and I had a cabin towards the back and my two friends had a cabin at the back of the ship and neither of the cabins had problems with fume smells or excessive noise.
My advice is enjoy the trip, you cant please everyone all the time but the crew on this ship try their best to do just that!
My advice is enjoy the trip, you cant please everyone all the time but the crew on this ship try their best to do just that!
Advice: relax and enjoy watching the nile go by and go all inclusive.
Activities: the valley of the kings and abu simbel (optional extra worth the trip)
9 out of
9 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Orbital Travel
" Magnificent Monica "
Submitted By: Poppy Freeman
Having seen the reviews before I travelled on the MS Monica I was a bit apprehensive. I needn't have been. For the money that we paid I cannot fault the boat, staff and organisational arrangements. Food was excellent, cabin was spotlessly clean beds changed regulary nice touches with the towel arrangements, food was excellent variety good always plentiful and hot. All inclusive is a good option well worth the money. Guides very knowledgeable and could not do enough for you. My initial apprehension was soon overcome once I was on board the MS Monica, I cannot understand where some of these peoples comments have arisen from. Go and enjoy you will not be disappointed it was a magical trip that I and my partner would highly recommend. We could not fault the Nile cruise Ms Monica in anyway.
Advice: Go and enjoy the MS Monical
Activities: All of the visits on the Nile cruise
7 out of
8 readers found this review helpful
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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