Just back from Monarch - long

[takeavacation]

Just back yesterday from Monarch OTS -- it was a great trip! I had a group of 18 onboard and everything was great. This was a 4 night sailing with ports in San Diego, Catalina and Ensenada. We did not get to tender into Catalina because of rough seas - so we spent the day at sea.

 

I arrived around noon - and walked straight thru check-in and then had a bit of a wait to go thru security and onto the ship -- but, not too long. We were in the Windjammer for lunch by 12:30 or so. Rooms were promptly accessible by 1pm and we were able to drop off our stuff. Luggage did arrive before we had to change for dinner -- but, it wasn't right away.

 

The ship looks very nice -- some wear and tear -- but overall very good. Our cabin was on deck 2 - and inside. I know this is a tiny cabin - but, it really wasn't that bad. We tucked our suitcases under the beds, put all the "advertisments, etc" into a drawer and had plenty of storage space. There was never any trouble having 2 people dress at once (no one had to sit on the bed while the other dressed!) The bathroom is TINY -- that wasn't great, but still manageable. The shower stills has the dreaded curtain -- and it did attack us!:) There was the new bedding -- which was very comfortable. We did notice a bit of an odor while walking the halls on deck 2 - but, none near our room (2639) so we were content.

 

The dining room was very nice -- though the ceiling is quite low. The service was good and friendly. Our waiter was Rommel and his assistant was Boris. Our headwaiter (I think there are 3 total in the dining room) was Sheldon -- and I've never had such an attentive head waiter. Many in our group commented on his great service. By day 2 he had learned everyone's names -- and said hello to you wherever you saw him on the ship! I was quite impressed. I had no problem tipping the head waiter on this trip!

 

The food in the dining room was very good. We were very impressed with the filet of beef and the prime rib. The garlic soup was amazing and the lobster bisque was wonderful. The desserts left a little to be desired -- but that just saved us from ourselves! We ate lunch in the dining room 1 day and it was very good -- we enjoyed that too. Never ate breakfast in there -- just the windjammer. Lunch in the Windjammer was fine - and the pizza at Sorrento's was very yummy.

 

The evening entertainment was very good. The Dueling Pianos was the highlight -- they were a request based rock n roll show -- and very funny and entertaining. We saw them all 3 nights they were performing. The comedian on board was Carl (somebody) - I heard his opening show was very good. i went to the Adult version and wasn't too impressed. The other entertainer - Mike Wilson (I think) was a comedian/impersonater and he was fabulous. I did not see the production shows.

 

The weather was quite cool - but, mostly sunny. Underway it was cold due to the wind. The seas were a bit rough - so, I'm still feeling a bit wobbly.

 

Everything was great -- let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer. The CD was Johnnie O and his staff was really good. I don't remember the captain's name.

[kruzerci]

I'm going to be in L.A. for a wedding next April and I am trying to decide if I want to do a cruise or not while I am out there. I seen much of the Pacific coast, so I really would like to take a cruise while I am going to be there. If I do, I will have to decide between Monarch and Vision. We will be on Monarch's sistership Sovereign next month so I am hoping we will like her. If I do, I will probably be booking Monarch for April 2008! Glad to keep hearing good reviews :D !

[macsheltie]

What other items were on the main dining menu? Did you have early or late dining?

Thanx,

Janet

[Merion_Mom]

Just back yesterday from Monarch OTS -- it was a great trip! I had a group of 18 onboard and everything was great. This was a 4 night sailing with ports in San Diego, Catalina and Ensenada. We did not get to tender into Catalina because of rough seas - so we spent the day at sea.

 

I arrived around noon - and walked straight thru check-in and then had a bit of a wait to go thru security and onto the ship -- but, not too long. We were in the Windjammer for lunch by 12:30 or so. Rooms were promptly accessible by 1pm and we were able to drop off our stuff. Luggage did arrive before we had to change for dinner -- but, it wasn't right away.

 

The ship looks very nice -- some wear and tear -- but overall very good. Our cabin was on deck 2 - and inside. I know this is a tiny cabin - but, it really wasn't that bad. We tucked our suitcases under the beds, put all the "advertisments, etc" into a drawer and had plenty of storage space. There was never any trouble having 2 people dress at once (no one had to sit on the bed while the other dressed!) The bathroom is TINY -- that wasn't great, but still manageable. The shower stills has the dreaded curtain -- and it did attack us!:) There was the new bedding -- which was very comfortable. We did notice a bit of an odor while walking the halls on deck 2 - but, none near our room (2639) so we were content.

 

The dining room was very nice -- though the ceiling is quite low. The service was good and friendly. Our waiter was Rommel and his assistant was Boris. Our headwaiter (I think there are 3 total in the dining room) was Sheldon -- and I've never had such an attentive head waiter. Many in our group commented on his great service. By day 2 he had learned everyone's names -- and said hello to you wherever you saw him on the ship! I was quite impressed. I had no problem tipping the head waiter on this trip!

 

The food in the dining room was very good. We were very impressed with the filet of beef and the prime rib. The garlic soup was amazing and the lobster bisque was wonderful. The desserts left a little to be desired -- but that just saved us from ourselves! We ate lunch in the dining room 1 day and it was very good -- we enjoyed that too. Never ate breakfast in there -- just the windjammer. Lunch in the Windjammer was fine - and the pizza at Sorrento's was very yummy.

 

The evening entertainment was very good. The Dueling Pianos was the highlight -- they were a request based rock n roll show -- and very funny and entertaining. We saw them all 3 nights they were performing. The comedian on board was Carl (somebody) - I heard his opening show was very good. i went to the Adult version and wasn't too impressed. The other entertainer - Mike Wilson (I think) was a comedian/impersonater and he was fabulous. I did not see the production shows.

 

The weather was quite cool - but, mostly sunny. Underway it was cold due to the wind. The seas were a bit rough - so, I'm still feeling a bit wobbly.

 

Everything was great -- let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer. The CD was Johnnie O and his staff was really good. I don't remember the captain's name.

 

Did you really like Johnny O?

 

Did they have the Quest? Did you go?

 

Who were the Dueling Piano players?

 

Were there fruit soups every day, either in the dining room or the WJ?

 

What did you do in San Diego?

[Coralc]

We did a fun thing in San Diego last time we were there...we took the Old Town trolley around. The ticket booth and pickup are right next to the pier. If you purchase your own tour you can get on & off wherever you wish. The link is here:

http://www.trustedtours.com/store/Old-Town-Trolley-San-Diego-C182.aspx

 

It takes you to Coronado Island "Some Like it Hot" and we got off at 2 stops, Balboa Park has "Free Tuesday" admission to selected museums. Ours was the Museum of Natural History, the special exhibit was "Backyard Monsters" (Bugs):D We also got off and walked through Old Town, and then did a little shopping, had drinks and trolleyed back. You can make the excursion as short or lengthy as you wish.

 

The link to "Free Tuesdays" is here. Balboa park is gorgeous.

http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/balboa/free.shtml Edit: I should have reviewed the link, they seem to have changed the program slightly and some are restricted to SD residents/military, Sorry

 

It was really fun, but there are lots of things to do in San Diego, this was a nice overview. :)

[Merion_Mom]

Patty, these are the places that are "free" on the Tuesday that I'll be there. Have you been to any of them?

 

San Diego Art Institute

San Diego Museum of Art (Permanent Exhibit Only)

San Diego Museum of Man

Japanese Friendship Garden

Mingei International Museum

 

 

I was in San Diego wwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy back in, oh, 1978 or 79. I remember Old Town. I wonder if it's the same as back then.

[dirtgirl]

I've heard that the Monarch has quite a raunchy Quest.:D I'll be front row centre!:eek: :rolleyes: :)

[Merion_Mom]

I've heard that the Monarch has quite a raunchy Quest.:D I'll be front row centre!:eek: :rolleyes: :)

 

Save me a seat!

 

WOOHOO! The All-Carol All-the-time Team!

[Coralc]

Sorry Carol, we didn't visit other museums, so I don't have any recommendations for other places. We just thought Balboa Park was really nice, even just to walk around in. Our photos are here, they are mainly of the park:

 

http://www.herbytoys.com/monarch_05.htm

 

:)

[dirtgirl]

Save me a seat!

 

WOOHOO! The All-Carol All-the-time Team!

 

 

Yippee! Why do I think that they will be talking about us for a looooonnnnggg time?!?:rolleyes: :o :D

[PhoenixCruiser]

Thanks takeavacation, we had good friends (and fellow CC members) on the same cruise :) Bummer that you missed Catalina....

 

Carol, I too recommend the Trolley, it's a wonderful way to see San Diego! You only have to get off if interested. The Mexican food in Old Town was wonderful, however I think the restaurant we ate at closed, but don't know for sure, and we had plenty of restaurants to choose from :)

 

Or you can just get off the ship and walk to the Mall or Seaport Village.

 

###

[wolfcathorse]

I don't remember the captain's name.

 

So Teo Strazicic or Hakan Lindegren doesn't ring a bell? Did you hear any talk about Monarch getting RCI's first female captain?

[takeavacation]

What other items were on the main dining menu? Did you have early or late dining?

Thanx,

Janet

 

I don't remember everything I ate - but, I do remember the filet, the prime rib, a tempura mahi mahi, shrimp cocktail, and the salads. All very good. We had late seating.

[takeavacation]

Did you really like Johnny O?

 

Did they have the Quest? Did you go?

 

Who were the Dueling Piano players?

 

Were there fruit soups every day, either in the dining room or the WJ?

 

What did you do in San Diego?

 

Johnny O was fine - but, thought his staff was more entertaining. However, he did a fabulous concert in the centrum one afternoon.

 

Quest was good. It was on the last evening. Not overly raunchy -- no need to be concerned. It was fun!

 

Lots of fruit soups - but, I didn't have any. I saw them in the dining room - not in the WJ.

 

San Diego - went to Hilo Hatties on the shuttle (free) and then to lunch in Old Town -- good Mexican food!

[takeavacation]

So Teo Strazicic or Hakan Lindegren doesn't ring a bell? Did you hear any talk about Monarch getting RCI's first female captain?

 

Didn't hear anything about a female captain -- and I just don't recall the name. Sorry.

[Merion_Mom]

I can see that this will be heretical, but...........

 

Can I get any food besides *mexican* in Old Town?

[Coralc]

Magaritas!:D

[PhoenixCruiser]

Magaritas!:D

 

And ice cream :D

 

We always visit a small deli about 6 blocks from where the ship docks, can we remember the name, no :( You take a right, walk until the light, then take a left for about 5 blocks. It's somewhat on the way to the Horton Plaza where you can find some good shopping :D Hopefully someone from San Diego can help me out here.

 

Carol, I'm so jealous, we LOVE San Diego!!

 

Have fun planning :D

 

###

[Merion_Mom]

Margaritas and ice cream?

 

Grrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttttt. So much for my low-carb diet. :rolleyes:

 

Can I say that I do NOT like Johnny O?

[PhoenixCruiser]

Yes you can say that, we have been on the Monarch twice and I don't even know who he is ;) Danney, the LA was excellent, however! I don't like Margaritas and ice cream either....and I still LOVE San Diego :D

 

I still suggest taking the Trolley and getting off when something interests you.

 

###

[Merion_Mom]

Yes you can say that, we have been on the Monarch twice and I don't even know who he is ;) Danney, the LA was excellent, however! I don't like Margaritas and ice cream either....and I still LOVE San Diego :D

 

I still suggest taking the Trolley and getting off when something interests you.

 

###

 

He was the CD on my infamous 3 Sovereign cruises a year ago. :rolleyes:

 

I think that I'm going to go with the trolley, PC. Of course, it depends what my GOD, dirtgirl, is doing. :D

[zuscruiserz]

Thx for the great review Takeavacation! We'll be on the Monarch bright and early Monday morning (as early as possible, that is ;) ).

 

We too plan on taking the trolley, it's the best way of seeing alot of San Diego, and you can get on and off wherever you desire. I hope we'll make it into Catalina, it's such a nice place to wander around, but if we don't, a sea day is just fine by me :cool: .

 

Can't wait!

[spam-la]

Thx for the great review Takeavacation! We'll be on the Monarch bright and early Monday morning (as early as possible, that is ;) ).

 

We too plan on taking the trolley, it's the best way of seeing alot of San Diego, and you can get on and off wherever you desire. I hope we'll make it into Catalina, it's such a nice place to wander around, but if we don't, a sea day is just fine by me :cool: .

 

Can't wait!

 

I was on the Monarch the week of the 19th. As a "local" (I live 45 no of SD in Orange County) I wasn't that thrilled about SD since we visit there often. The trolley is a great deal, and we rode around on that. Some in your party might enjoy a harbor cruise (the Pacific fleet is there) or want to tour the Midway aircraft carrier. Old Town Cafe is some of the best Mexican food ever, but there is a nice deli not far from the Old Town Cafe.

 

On Catalina, we rented golf carts and had a great time. If the weather is good, there are a few nice beaches there, and a few snorkeling places close to the casino. I have heard the Inland motor tour is nice, but haven't taken it. RCCL offers it, but you can book it on shore as well.

 

I thought the food on the ship was great, the service wonderful. The ship is small compared to Voyager or even Vision class ships, but our inside (my first ever inside room) was OK. The quest was fun, they did change up some of the questions; the comedians were very good; I am not much on production shows. It is a very friendly ship. Can't wait to go again.

 

have fun!! pam

[Fairsailing]

So Teo Strazicic or Hakan Lindegren doesn't ring a bell? Did you hear any talk about Monarch getting RCI's first female captain?

 

I was on the same cruise as the OP and at the C&A party, the captain mentioned that he was leaving at the end of our cruise and RCI's first female captain was taking over...

[dirtgirl]

He was the CD on my infamous 3 Sovereign cruises a year ago. :rolleyes:

 

I think that I'm going to go with the trolley, PC. Of course, it depends what my GOD, dirtgirl, is doing. :D

 

 

I just spat into my computer screen!:D Very ladylike.....

 

Anne and I have the Wild Animal Park booked. I went the last time I was in San Diego (I was 16), and I loved it. They also have hot air balloon rides there. Maybe I'll feel safer in that than a parasail.:rolleyes: Nothing is carved in stone, but that is what we are planning. Catalina looks like a wandering around on our own kind of day, possibly including hiking up Mt. Ada. And, you already know what we are doing in Ensenada!:)