September 17, 2003 -- What do you do when you're sick of your wardrobe? You call in five gay guys to consult on a new one, right? That's sort of what Royal Caribbean and Carnival have done with their older vessels Monarch of the Seas and Fantasy.
The ships were built in 1991 and 1990 respectively, which makes them middle aged by cruise ship standards. So, by the logic of such things, they should get hair implants, update their furniture, take up rock-climbing, and learn to salsa, right?
Bingo. (Rhetorically speaking, of course.)
Renovating and updating older ships is nothing new. Every year, most ships in the industry get new carpeting, upholstery, and wall coverings to mend the wear and tear of hosting thousands of guests every week. The renovations to Monarch and Fantasy, however, are much more extensive, attempting to update older vessels to the standards of the lines' newer models. The fact that both of these ships offer short 3- and 4-night cruises -- Monarch from Los Angeles to Baja and Fantasy from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas -- means guests taking short hops will experience some of the same amenities as passengers on the lines' newest ships, which sail weeklong runs.
Royal Caribbean got the ball rolling first, reintroducing the 2,386-passenger Monarch with some fanfare in early June. In addition to the usual sprucing up, the ship has been fitted with the line's signature rock-climbing wall, new nightspots like the Latin-themed Boleros bar and The Circuit nightclub, and three teen-only hangouts: The Living Room coffee bar, Fuel disco, and a private outdoor area called The Back Deck. Fitness and spa facilities were also expanded, and new dining options added, including an Asian-fusion restaurant, a sushi bar, a gourmet pizza station, and a sit-down coffee and ice cream parlor.
Carnival's 2,056-passenger Fantasy is currently in dry dock undergoing her own somewhat less extensive five-week facelift, which will include a new lobby bar with a stage for light-classical performances and an update to the ship's poolside restaurant and enclosed Via Marina promenade. Each of the vessel's 1,028 staterooms will also receive a complete makeover with new furniture, wall coverings, bedding, and linens. Cabin bathrooms will be fully remodeled as well.