4-Night Monarch Review (really long)

[WECoyote]

Thank you for the review. Just one week to go!:D

See you there!!!! We do the Monarch at least once a year when the stress gets too high to wait for our "major" yearly cruise. This will probably be our last "Family" cruise as the girls have plans to head out on their own after this summer. Monarch was the "bosses" and my first cruise and we love her. I did raise heckabout her condition last September, but we will probably always search her out for as long as she sails.

[ladylawyer]

Nancy, I was a Gold Member when I was on her in December. Even though we were booked in a JS, no robes (however, I was pretty unimpressed with our cabin attendant on that cruise, too - only saw him on the first day when he introduced himself). However, we had robes in our closet, this time ... but we were also Platinum. I suspect that, if you don't have robes, you can request them as you are in a JS.

 

Katstoy, perhaps I'm not that observant or maybe I just am paying more attention to the fun things to do than the condition of the ship, but I didn't see any major changes. I will say that I did notice that the carpet on the Starboard side of Deck 10 was stained. However, I knew that she'd had some flooding on Deck 10, just after they came out of dry dock, and assumed that was the reason. It looked like water had washed up to about 3/4-way across the carpets (from the cabins). However, that was the only thing I noticed.

 

I didnt' see any Mexican food, at the Midnight Buffet. Just lots and lots of CHOCOLATE! Same in December. Chocolate, chocolate, seriously chocolate!!! I'd be bummed if there was only Mexican food at the Chocolate Buffet :eek:

 

Thanks for the nice words, everyone! This was such a great trip, it was easy to review! Have fun on her. I'll be back, for sure! ~ Lorna

[Pacificlander]

Thanks for the great review. DH & I will be boarding her in less than 2 weeks, I can hardly wait! Do you have any idea who'll be replacing the captain for the next 3 months?

[ladylawyer]

I was told that he was older and from Croatia, but they didn't know his name. The information was from our waiter, so I don't know how reliable it is. I hope that someone who is on her soon will post, so we'll all know. Captain Hakan Lindegren will be on vacation for 3 months, so he'll be back on in August.

 

I know you'll have a great time on her. She's such a cozy and comfortable ship. I thought I wouldn't like her, as I have sailed on the Radiance and she's so beautiful. The Monarch is different, but has her own special qualities.

 

By the way, I didn't mention it before, but every time I was in the gym, it was almost totally empty. The treadmills face the aft windows, and really made a nice walk.

 

Have fun! ~ Lorna

[Pacificlander]

Thanks for the info Lorna. This will be our second time on the Monarch and cozy is a good word for her. This cruise will put us up to Platinum for our cruise on the Voyager in Sept.

 

If no one posts the captain's name before I return, I'll come back and update.

 

Linda ;)

[Happy ks]

Did your DH ever get his haircut??

 

Great review, we've been on Monarch a few times and always enjoy it, it's a great ship for the local market.

[ladylawyer]

Kathy, yes he did. However, not in San Diego. Apparently he and my Dad were sent on a wild goose chase to a Barber College which had closed about 5 years ago.

 

When we got to Catalina, he went on a search. He found a good, old fashioned barber right next to the place where you meet the tour buses (it's a block from Crescent Avenue). DH is former military and he's pretty picky about who cuts his hair. No "stylists" for him. No way!!! He want a barber! :D

 

By the way, how did you know about the haircut? I re-read my post and I only mentioned that they had time to kill, in SD, before the Midway opened... Were you on the cruise? Hmmmmmmm.......

 

Pacificlander, someone posted that the new master is Capt. Teo. The poster said that it sounded like he hadn't been on her for long. Nope. About a week!

 

Thanks, again, for taking the time to read the review. It was really a fun cruise. DH and I talked about it during dinner with some friends. I'm taking a Repo in Sept with the wife, because the husband refuses to go on another cruise. Guess why? Their last cruise was on CCL. :rolleyes: I think they're going to do the Monarch 4-Nighter later in the year, after hearing us babble on about how much fun we had.

 

If anyone is considering the Monarch, all I can say is: go, go, go!!! ~ Lorna

 

PS: Pacificlander, a couple at our dinner table were at the Platinum/Diamond Party. I later found out that they were still Gold Members. The wife told me that she talked to Danney League, the Loyalty Ambassador. Since our cruise put them to Platinum (like yours), he invited them to the party. It's worth asking. It's a GREAT party!

[rvrgirl]

Kathy, yes he did. However, not in San Diego. Apparently he and my Dad were sent on a wild goose chase to a Barber College which had closed about 5 years ago.

 

When we got to Catalina, he went on a search. He found a good, old fashioned barber right next to the place where you meet the tour buses (it's a block from Crescent Avenue). DH is former military and he's pretty picky about who cuts his hair. No "stylists" for him. No way!!! He want a barber! :D

 

By the way, how did you know about the haircut? I re-read my post and I only mentioned that they had time to kill, in SD, before the Midway opened... Were you on the cruise? Hmmmmmmm.......

 

Pacificlander, someone posted that the new master is Capt. Teo. The poster said that it sounded like he hadn't been on her for long. Nope. About a week!

 

Thanks, again, for taking the time to read the review. It was really a fun cruise. DH and I talked about it during dinner with some friends. I'm taking a Repo in Sept with the wife, because the husband refuses to go on another cruise. Guess why? Their last cruise was on CCL. :rolleyes: I think they're going to do the Monarch 4-Nighter later in the year, after hearing us babble on about how much fun we had.

 

If anyone is considering the Monarch, all I can say is: go, go, go!!! ~ Lorna

 

PS: Pacificlander, a couple at our dinner table were at the Platinum/Diamond Party. I later found out that they were still Gold Members. The wife told me that she talked to Danney League, the Loyalty Ambassador. Since our cruise put them to Platinum (like yours), he invited them to the party. It's worth asking. It's a GREAT party!

 

I was going to mention the hair cut too! But too late! Any way, our son was married on the MOnarch on May7th 2004. It was awsome! From start to finish!

[Roxeerose]

Any way, our son was married on the MOnarch on May7th 2004. It was awsome! From start to finish!

I know this is off topic, but I am planning on getting married on the Monarch next May. I have been trying to find someone who has been married on that ship. Would you be kind enough to give me some info on how it went, where the ceremony was held etc...? I would really appreciate it. Thanks so much. Roxeerose13@aol.com.

[rvrgirl]

I know this is off topic, but I am planning on getting married on the Monarch next May. I have been trying to find someone who has been married on that ship. Would you be kind enough to give me some info on how it went, where the ceremony was held etc...? I would really appreciate it. Thanks so much. Roxeerose13@aol.com.

 

It is getting late, but now I have you e mail . I will get back to you:)

[ladylawyer]

Ah, I found the entry about the haircut, in the post. I thought I was going NUTS (uhhh, no comments from the peanut gallery about the fact that I'm probably already there). :rolleyes: ~ Lorna

[rubrrick]

Lorna..............excellent review!! That's exactly why we contunue to return to the Monarch............it's the way we keep being treated by all of the staff members. They seem to go out of their way to make our cruise memorable!!

 

Rick

[1st x sailer]

Great review! My husband and I and my 2 teenage daughters will be traveling from Oklahoma for our first cruise and long overdue vacation. I have been in a panic because I hadn't seen much on the Monarch on CC and was afraid I had made a bad decision. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for putting my mind to rest! I've read bits and pieces of your review to my vaction-hater husband, hoping to get him happy about a family vacation.

 

You may or may not know the answers to these 2 questions - it's about all I have left to figure out for my vacation: 1. The golf carts in Catalina - any idea where/how I rent those? 2. Any suggestions on how I get back to the airport from the boat on Friday? Will there be shuttles waiting outside to pick people up or do you know if I have to make a reservation.

 

Again - thank you for the great info. I'm getting so excited - we leave Monday 6/12!!!

[rubrrick]

 

You may or may not know the answers to these 2 questions - it's about all I have left to figure out for my vacation: 1. The golf carts in Catalina - any idea where/how I rent those? 2. Any suggestions on how I get back to the airport from the boat on Friday? Will there be shuttles waiting outside to pick people up or do you know if I have to make a reservation.

 

Again - thank you for the great info. I'm getting so excited - we leave Monday 6/12!!!

 

Regarding the golf carts in Catalina............there are rental agencies just past the pier, and more agencies as you walk into town. I have found that the best rates are further into town.

 

You didn't mention which airport for departure. If it's LAX, a cab runs about $35.00 for two. Check with RCCL, as they have a shuttle, but since I have never used it, I don't know the price. Yes, you do have to make a reservation, and pay for it before boarding. It's just as easy to put it on your seapass account, and have a confirmed space.

 

Rick

[ladylawyer]

You may or may not know the answers to these 2 questions - it's about all I have left to figure out for my vacation: 1. The golf carts in Catalina - any idea where/how I rent those? 2. Any suggestions on how I get back to the airport from the boat on Friday? Will there be shuttles waiting outside to pick people up or do you know if I have to make a reservation.

 

Thanks for the nice words!!! The golf carts are available at a couple of places: just at the end of the tendering pier and further down Crescent. I saw plenty of carts available, but have heard that they rent out quickly. If there are none at the first place, try the second. I understand that they are about $35 - 40 for a couple of hours. The only caveat is to use them outside of Avalon. Particularly when a ship is in, Avalon has small streets which are very crowded with tourists. However, on the roads going up the hill, there's more room. We took one last December and really loved the views. It's a great way to get a good picture of the Monarch.

 

I assume you are going to LAX. I use this quaint little taxi service called "Mom and Dad" ;) (as my parents live in So Cal), but I know you can book transportation through the ship. However, I'll bet that Rick will have a better suggestion (which will come in handy, as my cabinmate, on my upcoming August cruise, will need to get to LAX). I'm flying Jet Blue, which goes in and out of Long Beach, and I plan to take a cab, which are waiting at the pier.

 

If your DH likes military history, he'll love SD. My DH and my Dad had such a great time on the Midway! Also, on the other side of the ship is the Star of India, the tall ship used in "Master & Commander" and a Russian sub. I'm sure he'll have a great time!!! Since there are so many of us who are repeaters (I have 2 and maybe 3 more Monarch cruises booked), ask any question you can think of. One of us will be able to answer you.

 

Bon Voyage! ~ Lorna:D

 

See! Rick answered while I was fixing the typos (as I am AR) ;)

[ladylawyer]

You didn't mention which airport for departure. If it's LAX, a cab runs about $35.00 for two. Check with RCCL, as they have a shuttle, but since I have never used it, I don't know the price. Yes, you do have to make a reservation, and pay for it before boarding. It's just as easy to put it on your seapass account, and have a confirmed space.Rick

 

Rick, I am laughing, laughing, laughing ... as I'm typing "Ask Rick" and you are already answering!!! Thanks!!! :D

 

On topic: I assume the cabs are just "first come, first served," and no reservations are required for them. Duh? Also, I understand that RCI transportation won't leave until the vehicle is full. So, if you have an early flight, a cab will be the best way. ~ L

[ladylawyer]

Lorna..............excellent review!! That's exactly why we contunue to return to the Monarch............it's the way we keep being treated by all of the staff members. They seem to go out of their way to make our cruise memorable!! Rick

 

Amen to that!!! Thanks, Rick! :D

[tinkerme1]

LadyLawyer: That was a great review.

 

SakeDad: You are the BEST!!! Those pictures of Skippy are hilarious though. LOL!

 

I would like to mention that the elevators in the Monarch have been upgraded and work much better! The Casino is also upgraded, (big surprise???) NOT!!

 

Of course, we love the Monarch and the crew is what makes it so special.:D

[wrp96]

What! You mean the elevators are actually working now? The only ones that were working on my cruise were the forward ones.

[wrp96]

Rick, I am laughing, laughing, laughing ... as I'm typing "Ask Rick" and you are already answering!!! Thanks!!! :D

 

On topic: I assume the cabs are just "first come, first served," and no reservations are required for them. Duh? Also, I understand that RCI transportation won't leave until the vehicle is full. So, if you have an early flight, a cab will be the best way. ~ L

 

Yes, the cabs are first come first served. For us it was $45 for 2 people with only carryon luggage to LAX.

[jnnifer01]

Thanks for a great review. DH and I will sail the Monarch 4 day cruise next month. We haven't been on a ship like Monarch before and haven't been to those ports before. I'm hoping that the seas aren't too rough when we tender in Cat Isl. I'm one of those who gets queasy on the small boats (in spite of the Bonine on board).

How much are the golf cart rentals on the island and where all can we take them?

Do you recommend the blowhole at Ensenada?

What types of movies do they play in the ship's cinema? The only other ship we've sailed aboard with a movie theater was the Disney Wonder and they played new Disney movies, which we loved.

Any other info would be greatly appreciated and welcome :)

Thanks!

[jnnifer01]

By the way, how is parking at the LA cruise terminal? $10/day?

[ladylawyer]

Hi,

 

To begin at the end, parking was $12/day (according to my Dad, who bailed out the car while we said our last good-byes to tablemates).

 

Fortunately, the tender trip is fairly short. I recommend that you wait on the ship until the tender is about to leave. The worst of it seemed to be sitting on the tender, waiting for it to fill up. That way, you'll have as little of the little boat rocking as possible.

 

As I recall, the golf carts were $35 or $40, for a 4-seater. I've also taken the Avalon and Botanical Gardens tour, which takes you up to Mt. Ada and gives you the beautiful pic of the Monarch, without having to drive the cart yourself, for about $29, through the ship. Of course, there's much more freedom with the golfcarts.

 

Haven't been to La Bufadora (blowhole) since I was a kid. There are rocks and the water shoots out, in a big spray. I did hear, from other passengers, that there are better deals from the vendors out there, if you want to shop for Mexican "treasures." Fair warning: I'd stay away from the silver. The vendors may exaggerate it's authenticity ... a bit. ;)

 

As for the cinema, it's a small box in your room called "TV." When we were on, last month, they were playing "In Her Shoes," which was also playing when I was on board last December (man, the video must be waaay overdue by now) and something else that I do not remember. Honestly, my favorite show on RCI TV is "The Front of the Boat Channel." DH watched some old B&W WWII movie, but I think it was on TCM.

 

Skip TV and enjoy the on board activities. It's only 4-days and it'll go by like lightning. Have fun! ~ L

[ronandannette]

Great review! My husband and I and my 2 teenage daughters will be traveling from Oklahoma for our first cruise and long overdue vacation. I have been in a panic because I hadn't seen much on the Monarch on CC and was afraid I had made a bad decision. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for putting my mind to rest! I've read bits and pieces of your review to my vaction-hater husband, hoping to get him happy about a family vacation.

 

You may or may not know the answers to these 2 questions - it's about all I have left to figure out for my vacation: 1. The golf carts in Catalina - any idea where/how I rent those? 2. Any suggestions on how I get back to the airport from the boat on Friday? Will there be shuttles waiting outside to pick people up or do you know if I have to make a reservation.

 

Again - thank you for the great info. I'm getting so excited - we leave Monday 6/12!!!

 

Hello!

 

I think you made a VERY good choice for a first cruise, especially if you're husband is a little ship-shy. I took mine on her in 2004 and now he's as hooked as the rest of us:D . We're also gifting some very dear friends with their first cruise on the Monarch in August. It's really good for people who can't imagine being 'kooped up on a boat' as it ports every day. It also pretty much has a little bit of everything as far as amenities go and certainly if you've never been before you won't miss anything that's not there! You'll have a great time!

 

As for the golf carts in Catalina, they were just a short ways down the boardwalk(?) from the pier and the issues of note were these:

1. There are limited numbers, but they do rent by the hour. If none are available when you get there, probably there will be some coming back shortly.

2. The vendors were both requiring a CASH ONLY deposit (about $70.00 at the time). We hadn't planned for that and didn't have enough money in our pockets. There are ATM's available there but they were downtown, maybe a little better than 1/2 mile away.

 

To get off the ship this is the best 'secret' going: Take the Los Angeles City Tour offered as an excurision through RCCL. It is not too much more expensive than a transfer alone and it gets you PRIORITY DISEMBARKATION AT 8:00! Yes, the group leader will walk you right past the other million people waiting to get off. You will have had special luggage tags delivered prior and your luggage will already be gone. The tour it's self was pretty good, especially since we had never seen L.A. We were dropped right off at the door to LAX in plenty of time to make our 4:00 p.m. international flight. I just can't recommend this option highly enough and of course we've already booked it for our friends.

 

Good luck with it all - I'm confident you'll want to 'GET OUT THERE' again as soon as possible!

 

Annette

[jnnifer01]

Thanks so much for the great info :)

 

I have one more question, where do we check in for the suites? Do we just tell someone when we get to the port and they'll direct us? This will be our 1st suite on RCCL, and only our 2nd cruise with them.

Thanks!