Anyone just off of the Monarch?

[SuiteCruiser]

We're heading to LA in a few days for our cruise on the 13th and wondered how things were on the recent sailings.

 

It sounded like things were improving and I hope they continue to go that way!

 

Thanks for any input!

[louanne93]

We're heading to LA in a few days for our cruise on the 13th and wondered how things were on the recent sailings.

 

It sounded like things were improving and I hope they continue to go that way!

 

Thanks for any input!

 

We were on the Monarch in Feb. and here is our review...

We recently sailed the MOS on Feb 13-17.

Embarkadation-We arrived at the ship late (3:00) because of a delayed flight. We were immediately pulled out of line by RC staff who noticed our suite tags on our luggage. She went and got us our room keys and brought us to the front of the line. We were on the ship by 3:15.

Cabins-We had GS 1036 and JS 1062. I pre-tipped each of the stewards and we had wonderful service all week. In the GS, we got little treats everyday such as petit fours, chs plate and sushi. We received robes and complimentary slippers. We had two adults and three boys ages 7,7, and 15 in the GS and there was plenty of room. We put my Mother in-law and my 11yr old daughter in the JS and they loved it. They said it was plenty of room.

Food-We ate in the dining room every night and if you have Guarnet as your waiter you have lucked out. He was the highlight of dinner. He really made our children and Mother feel special. Food was better than expected. We really enjoyed all of the food. The chocolate buffet at midnight was a real treat. The Windjammer even had delicious items. No complaints on any of the food. My kids ordered room service and the staff was very attentive to their needs. My twin 7yr olds loved the idea of calling room service and then tipping when it arrived.

Entertainment-We saw the comedy show twice, the family show and then the adult show. Both were excellent! The adult show was very tasteful. We also saw the famous "Quest". Definitely not to be missed. We took my mother in-law and she loved it. We also enjoyed the Farwell show. We gambled a bit...My husband lost at craps but I won a total of $200 on Roulette so that made up for his losses.

Ocean Adventure and Fuel-My kids loved going to the OA and Fuel night club. They would leave at 7pm and we would not see them until we picked them up at 1am. We tried to pick them up at midnight a few times but they begged to stay (so we let them). They won medals and prizes and even got farwell gifts. Let's just say my kids prefer cruising over Disneyland! My oldest (15) met some friends and enjoyed basketball, the teen version of "quest" , pizza, and scavenger hunts.

Ports-San Diego was fun. We toured the Midway and had our own tour guide (my husband was on an aircraft carrier in San Diego for years) so he really made the Midway fun for us, by telling us all of the inside scoop.

Catalina-We rented two golf carts and toured the Island and shopped a bit. The only drawback from Catalina was that there was only one ferry so we waited in line for about 2 hours before we could go back to the ship. A lot of people were grumpy and complaining by then. We got back to the ship just in time for dinner. RC made up for the long waits by throwing a BBQ the next day with free Bahama Mama’s, Screwdriver’s, and beer. I heard the mixed drinks were weak. We stuck with beer (hubby was happy).

Ensenada-What can you say about Ensenada? Chicklets? I stayed on the ship and the rest of the family went shopping. My 7 yr olds didn't like Ensenada because of the kids asking them for money.

Debarking the ship-Was a piece of cake. During this time we got more compliments on how well behaved our kids were. This is really important to us as a family. In this type of situation it is more important what’s on the outside rather than the inside. So when you see kids behaving good, please let the parents know. They do appreciate it.

[cyscopup]

suitecruiser-- My wife and I just got back from a weekend trip on Monarch of the Seas and it was great. This was our third time on MOS and we would have to say that this time was indeed the BEST!!!!

As you know the MOS has recently been in drydock. The ship looks better than ever, the last two times we were onboard it did look rundown and dirty. However this time it looked 100% better, and the smells seemed to be gone.

Embarkation was a breeze, we were actually the first passengers (after a wedding party) on board, arriving at the pier at 11:15 and onboard at 11:45. We were then off to the Winjammer for lunch.

After luch our next stop was Boleros to get a couple of mojitos. But we found or first and only disappointment of the cruise, they had no limes or mint leaves so we could not get Mojitos. But the bartenders (Lolito and Jermaine) made us a couple of Calif. Sunsets and we were off to our room.

This trip we decided to try an inside cabin for the first time. I will have to admit it was not bad for a short cruise, I however would not do one for a cruise of 5 days or longer. It was TOO dark in the room, I could have slept the entire day away.

As far as the stop in Ensenada, we had been there before, so we stayed on board and relaxed.

That night was formal night and we were invited to have dinner with the captain and then we also got invited to tour the bridge the next day. We really enjoyed the extra attention.

Debarkation was also a breeze. We were off the ship a few minutes past 8 and at the airport within 30 minutes.

Ifyou or anyone else has any questions about Monarch or it's crew we will definitely try to answer them.

By the way the captain, Danny (the loyalty ambassador) and Trudy ( guest relations manager) were fantastic. We think they were probably the best we have encountered in our travels with RCCL.

[CruisinDawn]

I am getting off on the 13th, will save you some food :D

 

BonVoyage

Dawna

[zuscruiserz]

Just off the Monarch Mar. 3, and I must say, it was far better than I even expected! DD and I were one of the first four people on the ship at 11:20 a.m. (I'm a platinum member, and platinum and diamond were able to board first). After a wonderful round of pictures on a completely deserted ship, we headed to the windjammer to enjoy lunch. More pics, and then arrived at our inside stateroom which was completely decorated with birthday garlands, streamers and cake for DD's 16th birthday. She loved it! We kept them up all week and she packed them up carefully and brought them home - what a great memory. At dinner (late seating) the whole dining room sang to her, she'll never forget her sweet 16th! Sailaway pics against the backdrop of a blue-lighted bridge at dusk look like postcard pics - these are a must.

 

The San Diego trolley tour was a great way to see the sights. Purchased at the end of the pier, we were able to get on and off of the trolley at several stops - Hotel del Coronado, Balboa Park (very quickly, otherwise you could spend all day here!), and Old Town. Then back to the ship. Missed the Gaslamp district because of Mardi Gras - next time.

 

Catalina Island we rented a golfcart with another couple, and saw the interior of the island. Beautiful views from the summit (pics taken of course, and better than buying postcards!), and a quick trip to the casino (which is now a movie theater), but still very grand. No problem in tendering back and forth to the ship - virtually no wait.

 

In Ensenada we decided to do a ship's excursion since it was just us two girls - the Mexican Fiesta and shopping tour. Mainly older folks, but we really enjoyed it, seeing parts of Ensenada I hadn't been to on my previous 2 times there. Decided to catch our own ride back to the ship as I felt perfectly comfortable with hundreds of other shipmates around, we did a little shopping and took a carriage ride back. Since I've been to La Bufadora twice before, and saw the town this time, we will probably stay onboard for a "sea day" the next time we are here.

 

Enjoyed all of the shows, esp. the magician (where DID that bowling ball come from I wonder?!?), and if your table happens to have our waither Juan and asst. waiter Maria - say "hi" to them from the birthday girl and her mom. They truly were the best I've had in seven cruises, wanted to bring them home with me!!!

 

DD didn't hang out at "Fuel" - nothing interested her, and there were very few teens on our cruise. But that's ok - we had some great quality time, a trip I know I'll never forget, and I hope she feels the same way.

 

Would do the 4-day cruise again in a heartbeat, we had such an amazing time, but probably wouldn't try the 3-day weekend cruise as I am not a partier. LOTS of 20-somethings were ready to board Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. (two busloads) as we were disembarking. Re: disembarking - took us exactly 35 minutes from the time we got in line to get off the ship until we were in front of the terminal with our bags in hand. Smooth!

 

Have a great time onboard the Monarch, she's a beautiful ship (no smells that I remember, not even in Ensenada!) - wish I were going back!!!

[SingBill]

A group of 18 sailed on the Monarch the weekend of Feb 10. Everyone had a great. We were on the Monarch in January (right before drydock) February (right after drydock) and will sail again with friends in March on a 3 day. I guess that gives you some idea of what we think about it.

There were only a few cosmetic things that I could see that were done in drydock between sailings (pool, partial deck carpeting, etc), but each time we had a great time. Had folks in cabins all over the ship and no one complained of a smell.

Embarkation was a breeze. No wedding party this trip so we were the first ones on at about 11:45. Rooms were not ready until 1 pm so we went straight to the Windjammer. After lunch stopped by the dining room to make sure all reservations were linked for main dining. Only 1 of 8 bookings was missing but that was quickly corrected, thanks to Romero the head waiter.

One couple wanted their beds separated and that was easily corrected. The only complaint about the cabins was from one of the first time cruisers. They got an interior cabin and wish they would have gotten an oceanview. But that just meant that they want to cruise again so I don’t see that as a negative.

Entertainment-We saw all of the shows and two couples in our group played Quest for the first time. That was the highlight of the trip because I didn’t tell them anything about it, but they were good sports and had a blast.

Debarkation was also a breeze. We were off the ship a few minutes past 8 and on the road back to Corona by 8:15.

All in all great trip. As a matter of fact, this group has asked me to look at doing this again, but with all the positive feedback, our group may double next time.

Have a great cruise

[SuiteCruiser]

Wow!

 

Thanks everyone. You really put my mind at ease! Glad to hear you were able to embark early. It's our first RCI cruise, but we're in a GS, so I think we qualify for early embarkation. I would much rather arrive earlier and spend the day on the ship.

 

I keep hearing tidbits about Quest and I'm going to try and make sure my husband and I are able to make it. We'll have to hook up the 7 year old twins with AO or a babysitter...it sounds like a blast!

 

I'm also glad to hear everyone got off of the ship without any problems. We're booked on a noon flight out of LAX which is the tightest we've ever done for a cruise, but hey, if we're stuck in LA for another day or so, I won't be heartbroken!

 

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to answer.

 

I'll let you all know how it goes...we're really excited!

[MissKise]

We were on the Monarch on Feb 13-17, and enjoyed our third sailing on her. We found the staff to be friendly, and always available and willing to serve. I ordered Birthday decor and a robe to celebrate while on board. When we arrived at noon, the cake was in the room but no decor. A quick trip to the pursers desk and the issue was solved. DH was very surprised and we enjoyed the color during the entire week.

 

Arrival and boarding was a breeze. We walked to a window, checked in with our on line completed boarding docs and walked straight on the ship. Rooms were ready, and we looked in and headed to Jade, my favorite place to enjoy a bite to eat. Jade is behind the main buffet area, and has the buffet food plus an Asian flair. It is much more quiet and I love the views from here. We eat up here when we can.

 

We enjoyed the time on the ship, found no smells or problems with plumbing.

 

We were also on the ship during the "one tender in Catalina" time. Many people must have complained due to the cold wind and cloudy weather. In Mexico I saw many sweats, jackets and fleece wear with Catalina on it. I don't think people planned for the change in temperature and weather. The crew did try to ease the pain, and provided the free bbq and drinks by the pool the next day. I was amazed to see people stand in a huge line for bbq, after a whole week on food on the cruise. The drink and beer line was only two or three people deep!!! AMAZING!

 

We enjoy this trip, and find it relaxing. Any time on the ship is fun, and we are away, with no driving, looking for places to eat or stay and we can really relax.

 

Enjoy your cruise on the Monarch~ she's a good ship.

[louanne93]

Wow!

 

Thanks everyone. You really put my mind at ease! Glad to hear you were able to embark early. It's our first RCI cruise, but we're in a GS, so I think we qualify for early embarkation. I would much rather arrive earlier and spend the day on the ship.

 

I keep hearing tidbits about Quest and I'm going to try and make sure my husband and I are able to make it. We'll have to hook up the 7 year old twins with AO or a babysitter...it sounds like a blast!

 

I'm also glad to hear everyone got off of the ship without any problems. We're booked on a noon flight out of LAX which is the tightest we've ever done for a cruise, but hey, if we're stuck in LA for another day or so, I won't be heartbroken!

 

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to answer.

 

I'll let you all know how it goes...we're really excited!

 

We have twin 7 year olds and they loved the Adventure Ocean Club. They came home with all kinds of prizes, and they came home exhausted so I know they had a blast.

[2oc cruiser's]

We leave on the Monarch on May 19th and I was wondering if there are safes in the cabins .

 

SuiteCruser when are you going on the Monarch ?

[vinoman]

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone can give me advice on a problem I'm having with dining assignments. My family booked a 4 day Baja trip on the Monarch of the Seas from April 10-14. Royal Caribbean gave us a late dining time because they said the early dining spots were full. I just recently developed a medical condition where I can't eat later than 7pm. I contacted my TA and they were unsuccessful in getting the time changed and suggested I fax RC directly. I got the fax and e-mail address for the RC Dining Coordinator and sent a request for a change along with the doctor's order not to eat after 7pm. It's been a number of days and I have not heard back. Apparently they don't have a direct phone line where you can talk to someone in that department. Any ideas as to what my next step should be? We want to eat in the dining room and not the buffet (which was suggested by my TA), my kids are excited about the trip and want to dress up for the dining room. Thanks for any suggestions!

[CruisinDawn]

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone can give me advice on a problem I'm having with dining assignments. My family booked a 4 day Baja trip on the Monarch of the Seas from April 10-14. Royal Caribbean gave us a late dining time because they said the early dining spots were full. I just recently developed a medical condition where I can't eat later than 7pm. I contacted my TA and they were unsuccessful in getting the time changed and suggested I fax RC directly. I got the fax and e-mail address for the RC Dining Coordinator and sent a request for a change along with the doctor's order not to eat after 7pm. It's been a number of days and I have not heard back. Apparently they don't have a direct phone line where you can talk to someone in that department. Any ideas as to what my next step should be? We want to eat in the dining room and not the buffet (which was suggested by my TA), my kids are excited about the trip and want to dress up for the dining room. Thanks for any suggestions!

 

Go online to Royal's web site and look if the seating assignment has been changed to main seating. Even though you booked through a TA you should be able to see your seating assignment. Seems when you work with a TA you are paying them to work this out? I would be upset with my TA if they asked me to deal with Royal on my own.

 

BonVoyage

Dawna

[zuscruiserz]

Vinoman - If you cannot get a change of seating before you leave on your cruise, go directly to the dining room when you get on the ship (as early as possible) and speak to a headwaiter there and explain your problem. Most likely they will be able to accommodate an early dinner seating arrangement. Even tho early dining was supposedly full, 6 at our table were able to change their dining times from late to early.

[SuiteCruiser]

Vinoman, I really hope you can get that sorted out. I can't imagine with a doctor's letter that they wouldn't find a spot for you. I agree about the dining room, our kids are so psyched about wearing their new suits and dressing up for dinner.

 

2 oc cruisers...we board on the 13th for the 4 night.

 

annatomie, great to hear everything was great! I want to check out Quest because I've heard so much about it, but I can understand that once would probably be enough. We're planning on grabbing a taxi, just because there are 4 of us, I'm sure the shuttle would end up being more.

 

Louanne, the AO sounds wonderful. The boys really are excited about it, we're not sure when they'll be in the club, as the days are really port heavy. We probably won't do much in Ensenada. We do plan on hitting Sea World in San Diego and doing the golf cart thing in Catalina.

 

MissKise, We will bring along a jacket and sweater, I fear though, that we will be the "typical Canadians" in the pool and sunbathing while everyone else is dressed in fleeces!

 

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the input and I'm really thankful that it's all good!!!

[ladylawyer]

We leave on the Monarch on May 19th and I was wondering if there are safes in the cabins .

 

OC, there are safes in the suites, and in the SOs, but not for any category lower than that. BTW, if you are in one of the cabins with a safe and cannot easily find it ... look in the closet, near the floor. Every other ship we've been on keeps the safe in the cabinet above the TV. However, my roomie finally located the safe in the closet. Very annoying location. You have to get down to floor level to open/lock it. Oh well, it's better than nothing, I guess:rolleyes:

 

*PS: I may be wrong about a safe in the SO. They are definitely in the JS and above, though. I was thinking about refrigerators ... which are in the SOs and above.:o

[2oc cruiser's]

Thank You , ladylawyer and annatomie for your help.

[louanne93]

Louanne, the AO sounds wonderful. The boys really are excited about it, we're not sure when they'll be in the club, as the days are really port heavy. We probably won't do much in Ensenada. We do plan on hitting Sea World in San Diego and doing the golf cart thing in Catalina.

 

The wonderful thing about this "port intensive" cruise is that we spent our days together as a family (which was great!) and then we split at 7pm (the kids went to AO, and we went to shows and such).

You're gonna love it!

[pcur]

Vinoman - If you cannot get a change of seating before you leave on your cruise, go directly to the dining room when you get on the ship (as early as possible) and speak to a headwaiter there and explain your problem. Most likely they will be able to accommodate an early dinner seating arrangement. Even tho early dining was supposedly full, 6 at our table were able to change their dining times from late to early.

 

A few more words on this:

 

Different ships do this differently. The maitre d' usually takes chane requests starting at 1 PM, but not always in the dining room. Go to the dining room immediately upon boarding, ask where the maitre d' will be taking reservations, and go there early. I'm sure they will be able to take care of you, even if they have to make a new table for you.

 

Also, if your TA has not emailed special_needs@rccl.com, they are the folks to contact now, not the dining coordinator.

[lszu]

annatomie - I'm glad you said that you're 11:30 flight out of LAX was fine. I'm sailing the MOS next month and have an 11:50 a.m. out of LAX. I thought I might be cutting it close.

[CruisinDawn]

We caught a 9:20 flight with checked luggage this morning. We had a 3pm flight scheduled but our highlights tour was canceled so we went standby on another flight.

 

Will give a full review in the am. It was a great cruise, quick but great.

 

BonVoyage

Dawna