Just Back From 3 Day Monarch

[SingBill]

Monarch of the Seas 3/24/06-3/27/06

 

Embark

DH has a convention in Las Vegas on March 22 and 23 so had to leave Las Vegas Friday morning around 6:30 am. Very little traffic on the 15 Freeway so after a stop at home to drop off the Vegas luggage and one speeding ticket on the 91 Freeway, we arrived at the pier slightly after 12 noon. Warning – They have a sign up saying that all alcohol will be confiscated and we heard from our table mates that they actually witnessed someone getting busted with alcohol in their carryon. Don’t know if they check everyone, but just a word to the wise.

We were escorted directly to the Platinum departure lounge, where juices, coffee, tea, pastries, and fruit was available to snack on. Even though I forgot our sea pass printout and had to do it manually, we were still onboard by 12:20. Instead of the normal 1 pm, room were not ready until 1:30. Good thing we checked our bags with the porter.

 

Windjammer was open for lunch. I noticed that the crowd seemed to be especially light for that time of day. One of the carvers commented that he was lonely so please allow him to cut me a slice of roast beef. I asked him why there seemed to be so few people and he stated that with it being spring break, the big rush would hit about 3 pm. Honestly, I had forgotten all about spring break. Although there was many more kids and teens, we did not observe anyone being disruptive nor disrespectful.

 

Ensenada

Since we have been to Ensenada before, we decided to stay on the ship. Now I understand what everyone means by having the ship to yourself. Had a nice, peaceful and relaxing day.

Dining Room

We decided to try late seating and decided that we will stick to main. Although 6 pm is kind of early, 8:30 pm is too late for us. However for the first time we were able to participate in the sailaway party up to the end. That was fun.

Our waiter was Lorna and assistant waiter was JaJa. Both did an excellent job. Lorna will be leaving the Monarch the week of April 16. She is going to the Freedom. She will be flying to Finland to assist in the “clean up” of the Freedom. It’s her first time on a mega ship so is kind of nervous but excited as well. Hope we get to see her again when we sail in October 2006.

I never seem to have a problem with the food in the dining room. Roast duck and risotto were to die for.

 

Shows

Did not go to the Welcome Aboard Show as we had seen it before. However did go to the Farewell Show featuring the Magic of Chad Chesmark, which was pretty good.

 

Smell

We did not experience any of those smells others seem to experience, but did hear a comment a woman made to another person about a “foul odor”. Not sure where it was or what she mean.

Misc Observations

The elevators were kind of funky this cruise. Signs were posted that the elevator were being “modernized”.

One day we saw maintenance working on what appeared to be plumbing problems on deck 10.

Sanitizers were at the entrance of both the Windjammer and Dining Room. It appeared to us that most people took advantage of it.

Fewer people seemed to dress up for formal night than on previous Monarch cruises. Not sure if this is just usual for the late seating or not, but also there were many empty tables including 2 at our table.

 

Cabin

We had Junior Suite cabin 1078, which was very convenient to the pool and Windjammer going up. If you have kids, it is also very close to the Adventure Ocean. But being that close, I still heard nothing and the room was very quiet. just up one flight of stairs and you are there. There is a lot of storage and cubby holes. Luggage fits nicely under the bed. The safe is located in the closet. Shampoos, soap, Q-tips, cotton balls, lotion, shower gel were all provided and in larger quantities then regular cabins. Small sofa, coffee table and an oversized chair were in the sitting area. Balcony had 2 chairs and a table yet still room to maneuver around.

 

Our room steward was Basil and he just transferred from the Voyager. When asked why he was leaving a big ship for a smaller one, his reply was that the Voyager was going to Europe and he did not want to go. Hmmm For some reason they were all out of egg crates, but Basil double up blankets and put a sheet over they so the infamous split down the middle was not too bad. We both slept quite comfortably.

Quest

Funny as usual. When Moe asked how many had played the game before I was surprised that only about a dozen people raised their hand, so this game was different because there were a lot of newbies playing and it was fun watching their surprise at some of the requests, but everyone was a good sport and I think the bride and groom in particular had a great time.

 

Crown and Anchor Party

Took place 11:45-12:30 on Sunday (Sea Day) in the Viking Crown Lounge. Danny, the Loyalty Ambassador is still on vacation, but Chris did a great job. Got a call from Trudy, Guest Relations Manager asking if everything was okay, so it was nice getting a chance to meet her and let her know how much we appreciated her call.

 

C&A Gift

Although we didn’t receive it until we were leaving our cabin and had to ask Basil about it, it was a tote Bag and post cards.

 

Bingo

Over $5,500 was split between 3 people on Sunday. And no, DH was not one of them.

 

Disembarkation

Had breakfast in the dining room but with white tags we were off the ship and through customs by 7:30 am

We had a nice relaxing vacation. Can’t wait for the 4 day in May.

Sorry this went much longer than I intended. Will try to answer any questions.

Mary

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Thanks for the good review. Because we are moving to a new home this summer we have decided that we would look for a 4 day on the Monarch for next year in lieu of a longer cruise. After cruising on the Explore & the Jewel (next month!) will we be diappointed with the smaller ship? Is it in good condition? We are not party people & we just like to relax and enjoy the "cruising life'!:D

 

We thought maybe we'd try a JS on the Monarch. Are they comparable to the D1 on the Jewel or a bit bigger?

 

Thanks in advance for your reply.:)

[aisling323]

Thanks for the great review! I love reading all of them, but especially the Monarch reviews.

[lszu]

Thanks, SingBill! I'll be on this cruise shortly.

[lszu]

Sorry - double post.

[NancyIL]

I was on the 4-day March 13-17, and I didn't notice any hand sanitizers outside the Windjammer or dining room. Only place I saw it was when we first got on the ship. Loved the ship and the ports (San Diego, Catalina island, and Ensenada), and would do it again, but not during spring break. Weather was a tad too chilly in SoCal for my tastes.

[BobbyK]

Hi Mary, I'm your neighbor in Riverside. We were on the Monarch February and March. I love the ship, the convenience of having it so close, and everything about it. Did you ever eat at the Jade restaurant for sushi? Each time, I mean to try it and never make it (as it is during dinner time).

Robin :cool:

[SakeDad]

I really appreciate the review as we will be in a JS in less than 3 weeks. We are near where you were so it's good to hear the cabins are quiet despite being near the kids area and below the pool.

I'll be sure to post a review as well when we get back!:)

[SingBill]

Sunny AZGirl

We love the Monarch. Yes it shows some wear and tear in places but otherwise in good shape. Nothing that should cause any concern. Like I said they are working on updating the elevators so they were a little tempermental at times and there did seem to be a plumbing problem on deck ten but when I checked with our room steward the problem was fixed immediately. I was a little concerned because we were in the cabin 4 door down but had no problems.

 

This was spring break so there were more kids and teens than I had seen previously but with the exception of one loud mouth group of folks did not find it to be a big party atmosphere. This was a relaxing cruise for us so had to problems finding a nice relaxing spot on the pool deck or in the lounges.

 

We were in a JS and it is a little larger than the D1 and has upgraded shower gel and shampoo.

 

NancyIL

We were on the Monarch in February and did not see the sanitizers at that time, but it seems that they have added them.

 

BobbyK

Hello Inland Empire Neighbor. We are also on the Monarch in February so we love her also. Did not have an opportunity to have sushi in the Jade restaurant, but did have it at the C&A party. It was pretty good so imagine it would be comparable to what is in Jade.

 

Glad you enjoyed the review. We had a great time, as usual.

 

Mary

[R8drz]

Thanks for your review. We departed the ship on Friday morning so we probably passed you on the way out:) I'm posting my food review in a moment and will be posting my room,crew,ship later.

I was surprised to find the "nasty odor" in our hall. Steward said it had something to do with the sewer system. We were in room 4585 so if anyone wants to sniff it out....:eek: Our toilet did plug the first day but it was quickly fixed.

[tnf]

Sunny AZ Girl

If your interested there is a azcruiseclub that just started up. We all love to cruise and get together once a month to talk about cruising! If you would like more info on the site email me at tnflynn@yahoo.com

 

 

We love the monarch we have only 60 days until we sail on her!!

Can't wait

[Sunny AZ Girl]

SingBill - Thanks for the reply! I need to be planning my next cruise as I'm already anticipating major "cruise withdrawal" in a little over a month!:rolleyes:

 

tnf - You've got mail!

[ladylawyer]

Weather was a tad too chilly in SoCal for my tastes.

 

Sorry, but this made me laugh! Too chilly? As opposed to Illinois? ;)

[Aromabella]

Hi!

 

Loved your review, details are very important :) My 17 year old daughter and I are going on the 4 day on April 3rd...and we can't wait!

 

By any chance, did you go to the spa? I went on a cruise this past January, but I cannot remember the prices for the different massages offered.

 

Thanks!!

[tapdancemom]

SingBill, Thanks for the review. This July 31st will be my third time on the Monarch. In August of 2004 my sister and I shared a cabin and two other sister were two cabins down, a third sister, one more cabin beyond. Tuesday morning the sprinklers went off, the newlywed couple between two of our cabins had lit candles. :mad: Long story short, I actually wrote the long one here after our return, our cabins were flooded and spent the rest of the cruise on soggy, foul smelling floors. The couple in the middle got new cabins. :( We were given a free makeup cruise and we upgraded to the very Jr. Suite you were in. Glad to hear the cabin is a good one.

[NancyIL]

Sorry, but this made me laugh! Too chilly? As opposed to Illinois? ;)

 

Yep...it was warmer in Illinois than in SoCal when we were there! My hubby called from home and said, "It's 70 here...what is it there?" It was in the mid-50's in CA!

[SingBill]

Hi!

 

Loved your review, details are very important :) My 17 year old daughter and I are going on the 4 day on April 3rd...and we can't wait!

 

By any chance, did you go to the spa? I went on a cruise this past January, but I cannot remember the prices for the different massages offered.

 

Thanks!!

 

They had a pick any 3 mini spa special for $79 and I had the mini facial, foot massage and foot energizer. Our dining room tablemates had the seaweed massage and said it was wonderful, but I don't know how much it costs.

 

Mary