All things Monarch of the Seas

[bartelbee]

Just got off the Monarch 3 day and oddly enough, there was no Loyalty Ambassador aboard. Never got around to asking why--just read the note stating that it was due to cricumstances beyond their control. All we could do was stuff our Next Cruise paperwork in a box and hope for the best.

[cruzr4vr]

Danney, the LA on the Monarch has been on his vacation but is now headed to the Mariner. Letty

[cruissett]

Hi Eric,

We're also booked on the September 15th sailing. First we're going to do a 7 night on the Vision. These will be our first sailing from the west coast. Figured it being the "H" season out of Florida we'd try CA instead.

 

Thanks everyone for the valuable information you've been posting.

 

Nancy

 

 

I have found this thread very interesting. My wife and I sailed on the Monarch 16 years ago this very week out of San Juan on a 7 day southern caribbean. It was our first cruise and we loved it. We recently just took our two boys on the Voyager and we all had a great time. We loved the Monarch back then, it was fairly new at the time. We are booked on a 4 night September 15 and we are looking forward to it. There is a thread for the cruise but only one other couple has said they are going. We are hoping that more CC members join us on this cruise. We really enjoyed our M&M on the Voyager and hoping that there is one on this cruise.

 

Eric

[GAJayhawks]

I have been looking for 4 day Compasses/Menus for the Monarch with no luck. I would love to get a heads up as to what's going on. We are going with a group of 16 and while I don't want to plan every second of every day, it would be nice to have a game plan.

Thanks!

[lephysteria]

i have the compasses up on my webshots site (see signature for the link).

 

You can find the menus for the 4 day cruise in the Monarch Review for May 2007. :)

[critterchick]

Just got off the Monarch 3 day and oddly enough, there was no Loyalty Ambassador aboard. Never got around to asking why--just read the note stating that it was due to cricumstances beyond their control. All we could do was stuff our Next Cruise paperwork in a box and hope for the best.

 

According to somebody who was onboard, the interim LA was fired, it would appear abruptly without an available replacement. Because Danney was already committed to the Mariner they just let the position go vacant.

 

We once had a fill in LA from the Kansas City office who was a land-based C&A person. We'll see what they do by the time we're onboard on the 13th.

[Krazy4Kruisin']

I had my first Lava Flow on the Monarch in December - now they are my favorite drink! Since I'm not a big drinker & don't want to be asleep before dinner:rolleyes:, I discovered the Lava Smoothie. That is my idea of pure heaven on the Monarch - a Lava Flow (Smoothie) in the Viking Crown Lounge - watching the world go by!:D

 

 

 

I was just with a friend who is a TA & she said that the unofficial word is that the Vision will be replacing the Monarch on the 3/4 day itineraries. I hope it's true!:D

 

Ok, you officially have me wondering what a Lava Flow is. Please let me in on the secret!

[mohavemommy]

According to somebody who was onboard, the interim LA was fired, it would appear abruptly without an available replacement. Because Danney was already committed to the Mariner they just let the position go vacant.

 

We once had a fill in LA from the Kansas City office who was a land-based C&A person. We'll see what they do by the time we're onboard on the 13th.

 

I think with a few of us going on the next few sailings we could probably fill in.... for an on-board credit exchange! :D

[Iluvboatrides]

Just got off the Monarch 3 day and oddly enough, there was no Loyalty Ambassador aboard. Never got around to asking why--just read the note stating that it was due to cricumstances beyond their control. All we could do was stuff our Next Cruise paperwork in a box and hope for the best.

 

 

This is from another CC thread, and may answer your question about what happened.

 

My friend just called back a few minutes ago. She went to the LA's desk to book some cruises, while on board, and was advised by Rebecca Sanchez, the current LA, that she had been fired today and wouldn't book cruises for them. :eek: She (Rebecca) was upset and also mentioned that Danney was coming back to the Monarch on Monday (tomorrow). My friend spoke to someone in GR, who denied that Rebecca had been fired, and was told that someone would contact them about booking cruises. Hmmmm ... I fired off a quick email to Danney about this. However, if he's on his way back to the Monarch, he probably won't get my email. The person in GR (Martin) said that Danney would be back to take the ship through the Canal ...

[IBookHePays]

And it was wonderful to be on the Monarch again...sadly probrably my last time :(

 

Just a couple of things to mention...

 

The staff was great, if not a bit too enthusiastic!

 

We did have our two bottles of wine taken from our checked bags (no flames please!) which was on a table in the pier terminal to take when we were leaving. My DH made the guards laugh by saying, "She made me smuggle! I didn't want to do it!!" (I wasn't laughing.:rolleyes: )

 

The casino is now charging 3% to take cash and put it on your seapass card. This cruise was about the third time they did that. Oh well, it's still worth it to me to get the points on my RC card!

[GAJayhawks]

i have the compasses up on my webshots site (see signature for the link).

 

You can find the menus for the 4 day cruise in the Monarch Review for May 2007. :)

 

Thank you so much for your comprehensive reviews and pictures Lephysteria! Just what I was looking for!

[GAJayhawks]

Oh my gosh! We will be on the Monarch in three weeks! You all have been very helpful. I've got a couple more questions (actually, I'm sure I can think of a LOT more!).

 

Since we are not seasoned cruisers I would love to hear from you experienced Monarch cruisers what are your favorite and least favorite things about this sailing. BTW, we are going on a 4 day cruise.

I'm interested in...

activities in port

shows/activities on board

favorite menu items

 

We are traveling with a group of 16 people ranging in age from 9-74.

 

I have been trying to do as much research as I can to make anything we spend extra $ on as worthwhile as possible.

 

Many of us have experienced Universal Studios and vineyards in Napa so I'm thinking we'll skip the movie set and vineyard in Ensenada. Has anyone played golf there? We're thinking the guys will play golf and the ladies will shop a little and maybe a massage? Any favorite restaurants for margaritas?

 

In San Diego we're thinking a tour of the Midway (several military buffs in our group) and maybe a ferry ride to Coronado for biking.

 

In Catalina, maybe some of us can kayak and some can tool around in golf carts. Can we arrange the golf carts on our own?

 

Another question. On our only other cruise, my boys loved that they could get unlimited ice cream whenever they wanted. I only saw Ben and Jerrys for a price. Does anyone know how much it costs? What other snacks are available?

 

Thank you everyone!

[Enigma007]

Oh my gosh! We will be on the Monarch in three weeks! You all have been very helpful. I've got a couple more questions (actually, I'm sure I can think of a LOT more!).

 

Since we are not seasoned cruisers I would love to hear from you experienced Monarch cruisers what are your favorite and least favorite things about this sailing. BTW, we are going on a 4 day cruise.

I'm interested in...

activities in port

shows/activities on board

favorite menu items

 

We are traveling with a group of 16 people ranging in age from 9-74.

 

I have been trying to do as much research as I can to make anything we spend extra $ on as worthwhile as possible.

 

Many of us have experienced Universal Studios and vineyards in Napa so I'm thinking we'll skip the movie set and vineyard in Ensenada. Has anyone played golf there? We're thinking the guys will play golf and the ladies will shop a little and maybe a massage? Any favorite restaurants for margaritas?

 

In San Diego we're thinking a tour of the Midway (several military buffs in our group) and maybe a ferry ride to Coronado for biking.

 

In Catalina, maybe some of us can kayak and some can tool around in golf carts. Can we arrange the golf carts on our own?

 

Another question. On our only other cruise, my boys loved that they could get unlimited ice cream whenever they wanted. I only saw Ben and Jerrys for a price. Does anyone know how much it costs? What other snacks are available?

 

Thank you everyone!

 

 

I strongely suggest kayaking in Catalina. It's easy, plus it has a beatiful view.

 

Ben and Jerrys costs a few bucks for ice cream ($3-$6)

 

In the windjammer cafe, you are able to get cookies, cakes, turnovers(sometimes), doughnuts, ect.

 

You are able to get cake and cookies through room service.

 

My favorite item on the menu was a bannana nut pie on the last night. It was amazing!

 

I hope you have a lot of fun! The Monarch is a great ship!

[cruzr4vr]

We have some friends who were on the Monarch in March..they were able to get cash at the tables, sat and played for a while and weren't charged a fee. I think you are charged the fee when you go to the cashier. I could be wrong but these same friends are going again this weekend and I'll have them check it out for me. Also they will be finding out what's happening with LAs for the Monarch will there be one or won't there be one???? Letty

[Krazy4Kruisin']

 

The casino is now charging 3% to take cash and put it on your seapass card. This cruise was about the third time they did that. Oh well, it's still worth it to me to get the points on my RC card!

 

Why wouldn't this be done RCCL-wide? We just came back from Splendour and they did not charge us to take cash out in the casino.

[Cruise_Big_Blue]

I cruised on the Monarch last weekend. One of the crew members said the rumors floating around the ship say the Monarch was sold or will be sold to a sister company. The ship will only stay in the east coast for a couple of months. Anyone else hearing the same rumors?

 

I sure will hate to see th Monarch depart San Pedro later this year.

[mohavemommy]

That's what has been said. The Monarch will be transferred to Azmara, who is also owned by the RCI parent company.

[cruissett]

My husband & I will be on this sailing after getting off the Vision. Almost a B2B but different boats. I'll come over and join the thread:)

 

 

I have found this thread very interesting. My wife and I sailed on the Monarch 16 years ago this very week out of San Juan on a 7 day southern caribbean. It was our first cruise and we loved it. We recently just took our two boys on the Voyager and we all had a great time. We loved the Monarch back then, it was fairly new at the time. We are booked on a 4 night September 15 and we are looking forward to it. There is a thread for the cruise but only one other couple has said they are going. We are hoping that more CC members join us on this cruise. We really enjoyed our M&M on the Voyager and hoping that there is one on this cruise.

 

Eric

[IBookHePays]

Why wouldn't this be done RCCL-wide? We just came back from Splendour and they did not charge us to take cash out in the casino.

 

I have no idea unless they are just "testing the waters". Or perhaps it is as cruzr4vr said, that it is only when you go to the cashier (which I did)

[saltsandknit]

We are sailing out on the monarch tomorrow. I will let you know if there is a fee for cash, as I always spend more in the casino that I need to :eek: and I am hoping to book a next cruise while onboard. Anything else you want to know?

[saltsandknit]

d

In San Diego we're thinking a tour of the Midway (several military buffs in our group) and maybe a ferry ride to Coronado for biking.

 

 

Coronado is simply beautiful the bike path there is very easy and takes you around the scenic parts of the island. It is one of our favorite places to visit, and not just because our son is stationed there...:p

[SOLDSHORT]

And it was wonderful to be on the Monarch again...sadly probrably my last time :(

 

Just a couple of things to mention...

 

The staff was great, if not a bit too enthusiastic!

We did have our two bottles of wine taken from our checked bags (no flames please!) which was on a table in the pier terminal to take when we were leaving. My DH made the guards laugh by saying, "She made me smuggle! I didn't want to do it!!" (I wasn't laughing.:rolleyes: )

 

The casino is now charging 3% to take cash and put it on your seapass card. This cruise was about the third time they did that. Oh well, it's still worth it to me to get the points on my RC card!

 

So i take it your checked bags didn't have luggage locks?

[divepal]

So i take it your checked bags didn't have luggage locks?

 

It doesn't matter if you have locks or not. We had our luggage locked. When we received our luggage in our stateroom, the luggage was still locked but the contraband was missing. :eek:

[SOLDSHORT]

i thought they made you come take it out yourself?

[goodml]

i thought they made you come take it out yourself?

 

Our suitcases were locked and they didn't unlock them. They called us to come to the naughty room and do it. They didn't touch anything - just had us move everything around and show them what was in there. We had a few cans of beer and some diet coke left over from our hotel stay . They took one can of beer and gave us a tag for it:D . I told the guy to have a beer on me.