Monarch Of The Seas B2B Picture Review

[mpoole3]

Monarch of the Seas B2B Oct 19, 2012 & Oct 22, 2012

 

 

[MrFunInTheSun]

Welcome back Mpoole!

[mpoole3]

A little background about myself I am 27 years old from Knoxville, TN. This was my 8th/9th cruise with RCCL, which makes me an Emerald member. To keep a long story short: I am single and decided to take this cruise solo. Most of this review was written in real time events with my iPad.

 

 

My Stateroom 3030 Ocean-view forward (porthole) I wish my stateroom was a little higher up, but deck 3 was fine. Often I'd smell an oder of sewer walking in the hall, but I am on vacation so i don't sweat the small stuff.

 

[mpoole3]

Day One

 

I made an online RSVP for $5.99 per day Park-N-Cruise. I arrived and the shuttle was already there. I noticed the staff parked the car in front of me and they made me park my own car (not a big deal). The shuttle left right when I parked and arrived at the pier in 5-7 mins. When we pulled up there was staff putting luggage tags on your bags, if you had not already done so. Just know your cabin number and get ready for them begging for a tip (I use the rule $2 per bag).

 

The time was 11:10am and that's when I saw 400+ women dressed in purple and red hats don't worry more on them later. There were no lines at all I walked right up to the counter and checked in with no issues. We did have to sit for 15 min while the ship finished an inspection from US Customs.

 

Here is a picture from day one in the windjammer, as you can see the Red Hat Society was sailing.

 

[mpoole3]

Once onboard (11:30am) I toured the ship and got familiar with the layout, as most if my cruises have been on the Voyager class and up. We had the Muster drill, which was the most unorganized drill I've ever been apart of. They line you up like grade school and start calling every cabin # that was a no show. They have a much better method on Oasis/Freedom class ships.

After the drill I went to visit the LA to book my Fall 2013 cruise on the Freedom. My sailing date was very flexible; but I wanted a certain cabin on a certain ship. The LA could not understand why I wanted PR-Cabin 6305 and kept saying the cabin beside it is open. After checking every sailing date for Sept/Oct we found Oct 6th Eastern Freedom sailing was available, so I booked. Often I think I know more about RCCL then some of the staff, thanks to my Cruise Critic friends!

 

Picture taken from the Top deck forward. It was a beautiful day!

 

[mpoole3]

Welcome back Mpoole!

 

Thanks! I had a blast and I'm very excited to share my review! I updated my review everyday while onboard.

[mpoole3]

The sail-away party was unlike anything I've ever seen on a cruise! I was very tired from driving all night (10 hrs from Knoxville) so I relaxed in a chair. The staff started the dancing party and the guest were drinking booze like it was free. There was very loud music and a lot of intoxicated people, you are sure to have a good time.

 

 

 

Be SURE you get the Roast Beef sandwiches poolside during the party! They placed this banner up during each of the sail away parties.

 

[mpoole3]

I showered and went out for the evening then made my donation to the Casino (only $50 and decided to cut my loss).

 

 

They had liquor tasting by the shops, which they let you get two shots of their selected bottles. They begged for you to buy bottles, as the sale was "tonight only" when in fact, there was no sale. Ended up having dinner the Windjammer, which had few people, they had prime-rib which made my tummy happy. Attended the welcome aboard show, which was stand-up comedy that lasted maybe an hour total. Early to bed!

 

Mitch the CD! He was GREAT and told us he is headed to the Majesty of the Seas in Mid November.

 

[mpoole3]

Day Two Nassau, Bahamas 12:30-Midnight.

 

Woke up early and was in search for coffee! The only free coffee I could find is in the windjammer. After breakfast I went poolside for some morning sunrays and it was pouring rain. I decided to hang out by the pool and read anyways. I was actually quite worried we would miss Nassau due to the conditions (heavy rain and fog), but the captain backed us right in. Most all the guest stayed onboard until 2pm when the conditions improved.

 

Still trying to sell tropical drinks poolside!

 

[TheSweetPotatoQueen]

Great review!! Looking forward to more!

[mpoole3]

I was looking for a simple beach day and decided to walk to Junkanoo public beach.

 

The walk was 15 mins and they have posted signs along the sidewalk with yards remaining.

[mpoole3]

Once I arrived to the beach it was quite crowded, as there was five ships in port.

 

They have a deal where you receive 4 beers + 4 shots for $10. This was simply to good to pass up, but I do recommend taking a small cooler, because she just hands you 4 opened beers.

 

[callmewhatever]

Wow bargin price for drinks!

[mpoole3]

After the beach day I was walking back to the ship and came across Señor Frogs and stopped in for a drink. For any football lovers they were playing some games at the bar.

 

Pretty pricey venue one tall drink with cup is $18, but it's a fun place to gather and let loose. The good news is all you need is ONE drink! :D I had a blast!

 

[Sammycupcaker]

Great review so far. Were on the 2nd half with you. We were on deck 5 and had the same smell..

[mpoole3]

Wow bargin price for drinks!

 

Sands were the local beers. If you go they let you between pick regular or light. To me the Sands Light tasted like Miller 64 and Sands would be like Miller Light/Bud Light. Can you tell which one I liked?

 

Edited October 28, 2012 by mpoole3

[callmewhatever]

Never tried an American beer.....I'll have to put that on my to do list. :D

[SalsaMom71]

The Monarch was my first cruise ever (2009), so she holds a special place in my heart! I'm gonna miss her when she's gone! Thanks for the walk down memory lane! :)

[mpoole3]

Day Three Coco-Cay 8:30-4:30

 

 

I started the day with breakfast in the windjammer (9am) and noticed that most people slept in, because the ship seemed empty. I suppose the midnight pool deck party was fun and will sure not to miss it on the next sailing.

So time to tender to Coco-Cay they had a line on deck 1, but I only waited five mins, as the tender boats at all times. One was always at Monarch, One at Coco Cay, and one at sea traveling between the two.

 

[mpoole3]

Once on the Island I walked the whole beach and came across barefoot beach. If you’re sailing to Coco-Cay and want a peaceful, relaxing day I highly recommend barefoot beach. There were very few people in this area and beautiful sand, simply breathtaking.

 

It was like I had my own private beach!

[MrFunInTheSun]

Wow..that's quite the deal at Junkanoo beach for the beer and shots. When I'm in Nassau in, less than two weeks, I may have to check that area out, never been to that beach.

 

When I was on the Monarch in July they either didn't have the roast beef sandwich station on the pool deck during sail away or I simply missed it. Not sure how I did that though, what a shame, I love roast beef!

 

Your pictures and review are great! Looks like you had a great day at Coco Cay, looking at the pictures it reminds me of the first time I was there. Looking forward to going back to Coco Cay next summer.

[PathfinderEss]

Awesome review, really enjoying it and your photo's.

[mpoole3]

If you go early you can sit anywhere you want.

 

 

They had relaxing tree hammocks all over the Island.

 

[mpoole3]

Awesome review, really enjoying it and your photo's.

 

Thanks! I have a lot more to post!

[leinhto]

Will be on Monarch Jan 2013. Got some good ideas of what to do. Thanks for the review.

 

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