Questions about Monarch

[Famof6]

My husband and I just booked Monarch for our 25th anniversary this June. We've been on Mariner and Radiance, but not on one of the shorter cruises, and I have a few questions:

 

When is the formal night? And I hear people "dress down" on the short cruises; what should we wear?

 

What kind of internet access is there, to check on kids at home?

 

Has anyone golfed on Catalina?

 

We'd like an inexpensive, non-drinking activity in Ensenada. Are there any good beaches?

 

Thanks for your help!

[emilygrace]

If you booked the 4 night cruise the formal night will be Tuesday. I can't answer for the 3 night cruises.

 

To be truthful, I never noticed what anyone else was wearing in the dining room. But at our table (6 women friends) 5 of us were dressed up and one wasn't. As long as she was comfortable with the situation it really didn't matter.

 

Same type of internet access as on other RCL ships. I did use it and it was fine.

 

Don't golf, and didn't get off the ship in Ensenada, so can't help you there.

 

I thought the Monarch was beautiful for a ship that age. I had only been on Radiance class ships up until then. Loved the Boleros Lounge.

[cruzr4vr]

On the 3-nite cruise, the formal night is on Saturday. Few people are super dressed up, not many tuxes, etc. Unfortunately, on the 3-day cruise, there are many who dress very casual for formal night; being a short cruise, it is more casual than others.

 

The Monarch has an "internet cafe", as do all RCCL ships. You pay for the time you spend on the internet, and you can buy packages where the cost per minute is less.

 

Haven't golfed either in either Catalina or Ensenada, so can't help you there.

 

I don't think Ensenada is known for its beaches; I haven't ever been to one there. If you've never been to Ensenada, see the blowhole. Take the local bus into town, and they'll leave you off at a spot where you can take a trip to the blowhole. It is cheaper than the ship's tour. Another good tour to take is the wine tasting tour. You don't have to taste any wine, but the trip into the country is worthwhile; its pretty scenery, and the trip is interesting. Another activity is to merely walk around town, going in and out of shops, and people watch, and in so doing, you will soon see that drinking and partying are the mainstays of Ensenada's tourist business.

 

We love the Monarch, the staff and service are wonderful. Being an older ship, be prepared for smaller staterooms.

[CruisersfromMD]

I saw that someone said the formal night on the 4-night Monarch is on Tuesday (San Diego night).

 

Is there only 1 formal night?

 

I know people typically don't dress up as much on shorter cruises, but since we will be spending 5 nights in CA prior to the cruise, I want to try to limit my bulky packing.

[skandls]

The Monarch cruises all have only one 'formal' night. You can pack very light, the dress is from ok casual to sports coat and tie. We have seen very few tuxes on the Monarch. But there are the couples - where the girl is in a long dress and her escort is wearing a tshirt.

 

Just be aware that the Pacific is a cooler ocean and you may need a light jacket or sweater depending on the weather.

 

You don't want a 'drinking' tour in Ensenada so the winery tour is out. That is the best of the tours IMHO. I found the Bufalado? blow hole thing disappointing. A long winding ride to watch the ocean spray back. You pay for the bathroom and have time for shopping - for Mexican souveniers. You become a captive audience.

[IBookHePays]

A lot of people like to use Ensenada as a sea day, plenty of pool chairs:) Or just stroll around, shop, walk back to the ship!:)