Monarch - May 18-23

[birdylady]

We had the joy of sailing on the Monarch last week. I thought I would give a short review of our trip.

We drove down on Sunday, May 17 and checked in to the Radisson at the Port which came highly recommended on the Port Canaveral thread. I can see why. It is a very nice hotel and anytime we are ever in the area again, we will definitely stay there. Check in was easy and the desk clerk recommended a number of restaurants. We ended up eating at Milikins (sp?). It was so nice. I would say the only downside is we didn't eat earlier in the day. We would have been able to see the Freedom sailaway. If you go, ask for Tom. He was a SUPER waiter.

 

As we had family going with us, we got a ride from the hotel to port. We got there around 11:15. and were at the Windjammer by 12:00 and in our cabin by 1. We had our first Junior Suite and it was nice and roomy. We got to meet our room steward, Brenden. He was so fantastic. He always had a smile on his face and if he was in the hallway and saw us, we got a big wave and a friendly hello to go with the smile. He did some nice towel animals on the second, third and fourth nights.

 

At dinner on Monday, we got to meet our tablemates. To say we got lucky was an understatement. There was a great family from Scotland. We had so much fun each night at dinner I think the dining staff thought we would never leave. Not that they would have said anything as they were great too.

 

Tuesday as we woke and got ready to head to breakfeast and then Coco Cay, we heard an announcement that the weather would not allow us to go to Coco Cay. The Captain said he would try again on Thursday and everything 'scheduled' for Coco Cay would be rescheduled for Thursday. He also said he would see about getting us to Nassau early. As it turned out he got us a spot around dinner time. Tuesday night was Formal night. While waiting for the dining hall to open, people were getting their pictures taken. All of a sudden there was a growing 'awwww'. I looked over and a women standing getting her picture taken put her head in her hand. Then I looked again and saw her boyfriend down on one knee proposing. How special was that? We all yelled for an answer and she nodded. She was blown away. What a special trip that must have been for them.

 

After dinner, we got off the ship, got a cab and went to Atlantis. All I can say is WOW! Between all the 'decorations', murals, sea life, art work and well, everything, WOW! We stayed and gambled for a while. I think we all left a few dollars there but we had a great time.

 

Wednesday we got off the ship and ended up taking a tour of Nassau. Our tour guide was very nice and personable. His van was clean and comfortable. When all was said and done, he dropped one couple off at the zoo and the rest wanted off at the straw market. It cost $25 per person and I would say well worth it. Then we did some shopping and made our way back to the ship.

 

Wednesday afternoon, before dinner, we went to the Captains C&A members welcome back reception (heck, I think it was Wednesday, LOL). Wednesday also brought the Love and Marriage game at the Sound of Music Theater. That was alot of fun. After that we all went to the Circuit Lounge for the Quest. At the risk of 'sharing' to much about Quest itself, I will say a) that Drew Divine grouped teams differently that Graham had done on the Mariner and b) for those that were there, well, let's say luckily they had stated up front it was meant for Adults only. Hmmmm, as hubby said, 'At the risk of sharing too much, someone shared alot more'.

We then went up to the pool deck for the midnight buffet and and pool party.

 

Thursday came and Coco Cay didn't. It was announced the weather wouldn't allow us to make it there. We originally had a couples massage on the beach scheduled so we ended up getting it at the spa on the ship. They did gave a phenominal massage. As the day progressed the weather got rougher. By the time the evening rolled around, people were getting a bit green around the gills. While at the casino, I saw a person hit the jackpot on a 2 cent slot machine. 50,000 credits.

 

Friday came (way to soon) and we had a 9:15 disembarkation time. We went to the Windjammer for breakfeast and went back to our cabin to get our luggage. Then off to the Sound of Music theater to wait. When we were called, we just headed on out and to get our luggage.

 

All in all, with the exception of the weather, this was a super cruise. And even with the weather, we still had a great time. Oh, and the C&A loyalty gift was a very nice canvas beach bag.

 

If I can answer any questions, feel free to ask.

 

Erika

[MonDreamr1]

Sounds like you had a great trip minus the weather- we board on Friday for the weekend. Praying we make it to Coco-cay.

[birdylady]

Sounds like you had a great trip minus the weather- we board on Friday for the weekend. Praying we make it to Coco-cay.

I hope you make it too. The Monarch was everything everyone on the West Coast said it was. The employees really MADE the cruise.

 

Enjoy.

Erika

[Bellalago Breeze]

We also were on this cruise and I have to agree with the OP. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Having been used to sailing on Sovereign many times, we were a bit apprehensive about how the Monarch would stack up. We were very happy to see she was up to the task!

Aside from all the things the OP mentioned, don't miss Jack playing at the piano bar in the Schooner Bar until June 12th. He's very entertaining and plays a wide variety of songs to sing along with.

 

I'm already trying to convince DH we should plan another Monarch cruise in the not too distant future.

[petuni]

Hi Ericka. Your review was right on. However, you left out the highlight of the cruise!! Meeting us wonderful peoplr the first night with our own meet and mingle. I saw you and Mark and your partents and Sherry and Bob again several times but never did see Bruce and Julie again.

 

For my first cruise ever I must say I was completely happy with the whole experience. My only regret was that I was not younger and would have been able to participate in more things. Nassau was not very easy to navigate in a wheelchair and we could not convince any taxi drivers to want to take me even though the wheel chair was capable of being folded up. But then, that is not the cruise line's fault at all.

 

See you on the next cruise maybe.

 

Rosemary and Annette

[sailingawaysoon]

Watched you guys leave via the webcam...I was jealous! Glad you had a great time. Never been on the Monarch, but did a B2B on the Sovereign last year. Happy Cruising everyone!

[birdylady]

Hi Ericka. Your review was right on. However, you left out the highlight of the cruise!! Meeting us wonderful peoplr the first night with our own meet and mingle. I saw you and Mark and your partents and Sherry and Bob again several times but never did see Bruce and Julie again.

 

For my first cruise ever I must say I was completely happy with the whole experience. My only regret was that I was not younger and would have been able to participate in more things. Nassau was not very easy to navigate in a wheelchair and we could not convince any taxi drivers to want to take me even though the wheel chair was capable of being folded up. But then, that is not the cruise line's fault at all.

 

See you on the next cruise maybe.

 

Rosemary and Annette

 

Sorry the tour folks weren't more willing to help you. Wish we had known, we would have made them take you too.

 

Yes, we had a great time meeting everyone. I actually didnt' see Bruce and Julie again until the Wed Pool Party. We kept running into Bob & Sherry, mostly at the casino. Bob seemed to constantly be doing well. :) I hope his overall was a win. I know mine wasn't. :(

 

Erika

[firefly4423]

thanks for sharing! sounds like a good trip minus the weather.

[sefan]

We are C&A members, but have never attended the welcome back party. Is it worth taking the time to attend?

 

Thanks,

 

dsp

[birdylady]

I know we enjoyed it. The time didn't conflict with anything else. They had free drinks (champagne, mimosas, Bahama Mama's and a banana something), appetizers and 'deserts'. The CD introduced the Captain and the audience were able to ask questions. They also asked who had the most sailings and gave them a bottle of champagne. Would you believe 93 sailings!??!?! We were all amazed. Afterwards on the way out, hubby and I stopped and talked to one of the officers for a few. It was very nice.

 

Erika

[KTMay1917]

We had the joy of sailing on the Monarch last week. I thought I would give a short review of our trip.

We drove down on Sunday, May 17 and checked in to the Radisson at the Port which came highly recommended on the Port Canaveral thread. I can see why. It is a very nice hotel and anytime we are ever in the area again, we will definitely stay there. Check in was easy and the desk clerk recommended a number of restaurants. We ended up eating at Milikins (sp?). It was so nice. I would say the only downside is we didn't eat earlier in the day. We would have been able to see the Freedom sailaway. If you go, ask for Tom. He was a SUPER waiter.

 

As we had family going with us, we got a ride from the hotel to port. We got there around 11:15. and were at the Windjammer by 12:00 and in our cabin by 1. We had our first Junior Suite and it was nice and roomy. We got to meet our room steward, Brenden. He was so fantastic. He always had a smile on his face and if he was in the hallway and saw us, we got a big wave and a friendly hello to go with the smile. He did some nice towel animals on the second, third and fourth nights.

 

At dinner on Monday, we got to meet our tablemates. To say we got lucky was an understatement. There was a great family from Scotland. We had so much fun each night at dinner I think the dining staff thought we would never leave. Not that they would have said anything as they were great too.

 

Tuesday as we woke and got ready to head to breakfeast and then Coco Cay, we heard an announcement that the weather would not allow us to go to Coco Cay. The Captain said he would try again on Thursday and everything 'scheduled' for Coco Cay would be rescheduled for Thursday. He also said he would see about getting us to Nassau early. As it turned out he got us a spot around dinner time. Tuesday night was Formal night. While waiting for the dining hall to open, people were getting their pictures taken. All of a sudden there was a growing 'awwww'. I looked over and a women standing getting her picture taken put her head in her hand. Then I looked again and saw her boyfriend down on one knee proposing. How special was that? We all yelled for an answer and she nodded. She was blown away. What a special trip that must have been for them.

 

After dinner, we got off the ship, got a cab and went to Atlantis. All I can say is WOW! Between all the 'decorations', murals, sea life, art work and well, everything, WOW! We stayed and gambled for a while. I think we all left a few dollars there but we had a great time.

 

Wednesday we got off the ship and ended up taking a tour of Nassau. Our tour guide was very nice and personable. His van was clean and comfortable. When all was said and done, he dropped one couple off at the zoo and the rest wanted off at the straw market. It cost $25 per person and I would say well worth it. Then we did some shopping and made our way back to the ship.

 

Wednesday afternoon, before dinner, we went to the Captains C&A members welcome back reception (heck, I think it was Wednesday, LOL). Wednesday also brought the Love and Marriage game at the Sound of Music Theater. That was alot of fun. After that we all went to the Circuit Lounge for the Quest. At the risk of 'sharing' to much about Quest itself, I will say a) that Drew Divine grouped teams differently that Graham had done on the Mariner and b) for those that were there, well, let's say luckily they had stated up front it was meant for Adults only. Hmmmm, as hubby said, 'At the risk of sharing too much, someone shared alot more'.

We then went up to the pool deck for the midnight buffet and and pool party.

 

Thursday came and Coco Cay didn't. It was announced the weather wouldn't allow us to make it there. We originally had a couples massage on the beach scheduled so we ended up getting it at the spa on the ship. They did gave a phenominal massage. As the day progressed the weather got rougher. By the time the evening rolled around, people were getting a bit green around the gills. While at the casino, I saw a person hit the jackpot on a 2 cent slot machine. 50,000 credits.

 

Friday came (way to soon) and we had a 9:15 disembarkation time. We went to the Windjammer for breakfeast and went back to our cabin to get our luggage. Then off to the Sound of Music theater to wait. When we were called, we just headed on out and to get our luggage.

 

All in all, with the exception of the weather, this was a super cruise. And even with the weather, we still had a great time. Oh, and the C&A loyalty gift was a very nice canvas beach bag.

 

If I can answer any questions, feel free to ask.

 

Erika

 

I was on the Majesty last week. We watched ya'll pull into Nassau. Sorry you didn't make it to Coco. Was the weather really that bad out at sea?

[deep sea diver]

We had the joy of sailing on the Monarch last week. I thought I would give a short review of our trip.

We drove down on Sunday, May 17 and checked in to the Radisson at the Port which came highly recommended on the Port Canaveral thread. I can see why. It is a very nice hotel and anytime we are ever in the area again, we will definitely stay there. Check in was easy and the desk clerk recommended a number of restaurants. We ended up eating at Milikins (sp?). It was so nice. I would say the only downside is we didn't eat earlier in the day. We would have been able to see the Freedom sailaway. If you go, ask for Tom. He was a SUPER waiter.

 

As we had family going with us, we got a ride from the hotel to port. We got there around 11:15. and were at the Windjammer by 12:00 and in our cabin by 1. We had our first Junior Suite and it was nice and roomy. We got to meet our room steward, Brenden. He was so fantastic. He always had a smile on his face and if he was in the hallway and saw us, we got a big wave and a friendly hello to go with the smile. He did some nice towel animals on the second, third and fourth nights.

 

At dinner on Monday, we got to meet our tablemates. To say we got lucky was an understatement. There was a great family from Scotland. We had so much fun each night at dinner I think the dining staff thought we would never leave. Not that they would have said anything as they were great too.

 

Tuesday as we woke and got ready to head to breakfeast and then Coco Cay, we heard an announcement that the weather would not allow us to go to Coco Cay. The Captain said he would try again on Thursday and everything 'scheduled' for Coco Cay would be rescheduled for Thursday. He also said he would see about getting us to Nassau early. As it turned out he got us a spot around dinner time. Tuesday night was Formal night. While waiting for the dining hall to open, people were getting their pictures taken. All of a sudden there was a growing 'awwww'. I looked over and a women standing getting her picture taken put her head in her hand. Then I looked again and saw her boyfriend down on one knee proposing. How special was that? We all yelled for an answer and she nodded. She was blown away. What a special trip that must have been for them.

 

After dinner, we got off the ship, got a cab and went to Atlantis. All I can say is WOW! Between all the 'decorations', murals, sea life, art work and well, everything, WOW! We stayed and gambled for a while. I think we all left a few dollars there but we had a great time.

 

Wednesday we got off the ship and ended up taking a tour of Nassau. Our tour guide was very nice and personable. His van was clean and comfortable. When all was said and done, he dropped one couple off at the zoo and the rest wanted off at the straw market. It cost $25 per person and I would say well worth it. Then we did some shopping and made our way back to the ship.

 

Wednesday afternoon, before dinner, we went to the Captains C&A members welcome back reception (heck, I think it was Wednesday, LOL). Wednesday also brought the Love and Marriage game at the Sound of Music Theater. That was alot of fun. After that we all went to the Circuit Lounge for the Quest. At the risk of 'sharing' to much about Quest itself, I will say a) that Drew Divine grouped teams differently that Graham had done on the Mariner and b) for those that were there, well, let's say luckily they had stated up front it was meant for Adults only. Hmmmm, as hubby said, 'At the risk of sharing too much, someone shared alot more'.

We then went up to the pool deck for the midnight buffet and and pool party.

 

Thursday came and Coco Cay didn't. It was announced the weather wouldn't allow us to make it there. We originally had a couples massage on the beach scheduled so we ended up getting it at the spa on the ship. They did gave a phenominal massage. As the day progressed the weather got rougher. By the time the evening rolled around, people were getting a bit green around the gills. While at the casino, I saw a person hit the jackpot on a 2 cent slot machine. 50,000 credits.

 

Friday came (way to soon) and we had a 9:15 disembarkation time. We went to the Windjammer for breakfeast and went back to our cabin to get our luggage. Then off to the Sound of Music theater to wait. When we were called, we just headed on out and to get our luggage.

 

All in all, with the exception of the weather, this was a super cruise. And even with the weather, we still had a great time. Oh, and the C&A loyalty gift was a very nice canvas beach bag.

 

If I can answer any questions, feel free to ask.

 

Erika

great post

[Nano]

We also were on this cruise and I have to agree with the OP. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Having been used to sailing on Sovereign many times, we were a bit apprehensive about how the Monarch would stack up. We were very happy to see she was up to the task!

Aside from all the things the OP mentioned, don't miss Jack playing at the piano bar in the Schooner Bar until June 12th. He's very entertaining and plays a wide variety of songs to sing along with.

 

And the good news is that after June 12th our favorite piano bar performer, Phil Anderson will be boarding the Monarch. My BFF and I are looking to book a cruise on her just so we can see him again! Glad to hear the Monarch is such a great ship.

[lb0103]

It was really timely for us to read OP review. We are thinking of doing the 8/31 cruise as we will be in Coco Beach that week.

 

I hope we get the beach bag and not a cap as we can use more than one bag, but don't need any more caps. This will be our 10th cruise and the shortest ever, but as we usually have to fly to get on a ship it should be 7 days AT LEAST to make it worth while.

 

The cruises out of the northeast go to places we can easlily drive to and have been to many times. They are also more costly than the ones down south.

 

ANYWAY, glad to hear that this ship/cruise was a pleasant trip and look forward to it.

[jhmoore143]

birdylady

 

If I may ask, what suite number did you have? Did Brenden cover all the JS or just a group of them?

 

We are going on the Monarch at the end of this month in a JS - so I was curious. . .

[hotrod1954]

It was really timely for us to read OP review. We are thinking of doing the 8/31 cruise as we will be in Coco Beach that week.

 

I hope we get the beach bag and not a cap as we can use more than one bag, but don't need any more caps. This will be our 10th cruise and the shortest ever, but as we usually have to fly to get on a ship it should be 7 days AT LEAST to make it worth while.

 

The cruises out of the northeast go to places we can easlily drive to and have been to many times. They are also more costly than the ones down south.

 

ANYWAY, glad to hear that this ship/cruise was a pleasant trip and look forward to it.

we were on the Monarch on the may 25 4 day cruise we got a beach bag this time

[hotrod1954]

great post

I will be posting pictures on web shots in la little bit of CoCo Cay. we had nice weather this past week. It only rained on sunday around 4:00 during the pool parties

[birdylady]

birdylady

If I may ask, what suite number did you have? Did Brenden cover all the JS or just a group of them?

We are going on the Monarch at the end of this month in a JS - so I was curious. . .

 

We were in 1052. It was about 2 doors from the Elevators. No, Brenden was only covering probably less than 10 JS. He had from our cabin towards the elevators and maybe 6 or 7 cabins on the other side of the elavator. If you see him, tell him we say hi. If he doesn't remember, remind him of the cookies. :) He is such a sweetie pie.

Have a super time. I know you'll love it.

Erika

[kapeavey]

What level of C&A gets a gift (tote bag)? Is it Platinum or higher or all members?

 

Just curious.

[hotrod1954]

We had the joy of sailing on the Monarch last week. I thought I would give a short review of our trip.

We drove down on Sunday, May 17 and checked in to the Radisson at the Port which came highly recommended on the Port Canaveral thread. I can see why. It is a very nice hotel and anytime we are ever in the area again, we will definitely stay there. Check in was easy and the desk clerk recommended a number of restaurants. We ended up eating at Milikins (sp?). It was so nice. I would say the only downside is we didn't eat earlier in the day. We would have been able to see the Freedom sailaway. If you go, ask for Tom. He was a SUPER waiter.

 

As we had family going with us, we got a ride from the hotel to port. We got there around 11:15. and were at the Windjammer by 12:00 and in our cabin by 1. We had our first Junior Suite and it was nice and roomy. We got to meet our room steward, Brenden. He was so fantastic. He always had a smile on his face and if he was in the hallway and saw us, we got a big wave and a friendly hello to go with the smile. He did some nice towel animals on the second, third and fourth nights.

 

At dinner on Monday, we got to meet our tablemates. To say we got lucky was an understatement. There was a great family from Scotland. We had so much fun each night at dinner I think the dining staff thought we would never leave. Not that they would have said anything as they were great too.

 

Tuesday as we woke and got ready to head to breakfeast and then Coco Cay, we heard an announcement that the weather would not allow us to go to Coco Cay. The Captain said he would try again on Thursday and everything 'scheduled' for Coco Cay would be rescheduled for Thursday. He also said he would see about getting us to Nassau early. As it turned out he got us a spot around dinner time. Tuesday night was Formal night. While waiting for the dining hall to open, people were getting their pictures taken. All of a sudden there was a growing 'awwww'. I looked over and a women standing getting her picture taken put her head in her hand. Then I looked again and saw her boyfriend down on one knee proposing. How special was that? We all yelled for an answer and she nodded. She was blown away. What a special trip that must have been for them.

 

After dinner, we got off the ship, got a cab and went to Atlantis. All I can say is WOW! Between all the 'decorations', murals, sea life, art work and well, everything, WOW! We stayed and gambled for a while. I think we all left a few dollars there but we had a great time.

 

Wednesday we got off the ship and ended up taking a tour of Nassau. Our tour guide was very nice and personable. His van was clean and comfortable. When all was said and done, he dropped one couple off at the zoo and the rest wanted off at the straw market. It cost $25 per person and I would say well worth it. Then we did some shopping and made our way back to the ship.

 

Wednesday afternoon, before dinner, we went to the Captains C&A members welcome back reception (heck, I think it was Wednesday, LOL). Wednesday also brought the Love and Marriage game at the Sound of Music Theater. That was alot of fun. After that we all went to the Circuit Lounge for the Quest. At the risk of 'sharing' to much about Quest itself, I will say a) that Drew Divine grouped teams differently that Graham had done on the Mariner and b) for those that were there, well, let's say luckily they had stated up front it was meant for Adults only. Hmmmm, as hubby said, 'At the risk of sharing too much, someone shared alot more'.

We then went up to the pool deck for the midnight buffet and and pool party.

 

Thursday came and Coco Cay didn't. It was announced the weather wouldn't allow us to make it there. We originally had a couples massage on the beach scheduled so we ended up getting it at the spa on the ship. They did gave a phenominal massage. As the day progressed the weather got rougher. By the time the evening rolled around, people were getting a bit green around the gills. While at the casino, I saw a person hit the jackpot on a 2 cent slot machine. 50,000 credits.

 

Friday came (way to soon) and we had a 9:15 disembarkation time. We went to the Windjammer for breakfeast and went back to our cabin to get our luggage. Then off to the Sound of Music theater to wait. When we were called, we just headed on out and to get our luggage.

 

All in all, with the exception of the weather, this was a super cruise. And even with the weather, we still had a great time. Oh, and the C&A loyalty gift was a very nice canvas beach bag.

 

If I can answer any questions, feel free to ask.

 

Erika

sorry your trip was bad at CoCo Cay but here are some pictures from our cruise last week

 

http://community.webshots.com/album/572767159LyYONj

[birdylady]

What level of C&A gets a gift (tote bag)? Is it Platinum or higher or all members?

 

Just curious.

We were Gold at the time of cruising. We are now Platinum. Yeah As far as I know ANY C&A member is eligible for a gift. I know on our second sailing we got a gift. I think the key is to make sure your C&A numbers are tied to your reservation.

 

Erika

[Nano]

It was really timely for us to read OP review. We are thinking of doing the 8/31 cruise as we will be in Coco Beach that week.

 

Hey lb0103 - that's the same date we're looking at going on the Monarch (8/31)! I was just looking at the meet & mingle groups to see if there was one started for 8/31 yet. Maybe we'll see you on board?!

[lb0103]

Hey Nano!

I am hoping we book in the next week to ten days. I think I could only find one person on the meet and mingle, but on cruises less than7 days they do not have anything offical.

That doesn't mean that we can't get together.

 

That might be the reason no one is posting over there.

 

Linda

[Nano]

lb0103 - So have you booked yet? My BFF is working on her airfare now and once she gets it arranged I think we're going to take the plunge and book the Monarch on 8/31. My BFF's name is Linda too! Hope to see you on board,

Nancy (Nano)