Considering Monarch in February, but not sure

[lemming]

Hello,

Frequent cc browser, infrequent poster :p

 

I've cruised Royal Caribbean 3 times before and loved every trip. Radiance earlier this year, and Nordic Empress (now empress of the seas) many years ago twice.

 

My wife and I are flying out to CA in February 2007 to visit some family. We're considering going on Monarch.

 

I am not very familiar with the ship or the iteneraries that cruise off CA.

 

For those who've been on the 3/4 night cruise, what type of experience did you have? Were there a lot of younger (teen/20s range) people, or was it a bit older group?

 

We're both pretty easy going, but don't particularly wanna go on a cruise full of teenagers (or people acting like teenagers) drinking and misbehaving...(no offense to anyone).

[TheEngineer]

The 3 night cruise tends to be much more of a booze cruise. The 4 night, when we went last week, was still fun and had a party atmosphere, but was not any less formal than any other RCCL cruise we've done. The 4 night has a much better itinerary and is often times less expensive than the 3 night. There are some negatives to sailing on a ship as old as the Monarch, but it is by no means unenjoyable. February is going to be chilly (for this area) and possibly rainy, but you could luck out and get sun for the whole time as well. Weather is fickle that time of year. You shouldn't have too many kids or teenagers since that is pre-Spring Break and right after Christmas.

[ElvisandTracey]

I live in LA and will be sailing the Monarch for the fourth time in Dec. She isn't the newest or prettiest in the fleet, but the 4 night cruises are great because they hit San Diego and Catalina, both fun CA spots, especially if you have never been.

 

The 3 night only stops in Ensenada, I don't even get off the ship there, it's dirty and not much to see. But the ship has enough going on that its ok not to get off there.

 

Keep in mind, Feb. is like our coldest, rainiest month in CA, so dress and pack accordingly. It will probably be foggy and chilly all the way down the coast, unless you get really lucky and we hit a hot spell that week. But a sweater or light sweatshirt is all you will need, I just don't want you to be expecting beach weather and get disappointed-Feb. is overcast, particularly at Catalina.:)

[Petert]

Hi Lemming,

 

As mentioned above the four day cruise (mon to fri) is the only way to go. Local weather could be seasonably chilly, with a possibility of rain. The good news is that it will warm up as you approach Ensanada, in Baja Calif. The fare structure should allow you to get a very good price at that time of the year, and would advise you to book as early as you can, in order to get the best cabin choice. This cruise is almost always fully booked.

 

After sailing out of LA on Monday you will arrive in San Diego on Tues morning. Ship docks a few blocks from downtown San Diego, with harbor cruises and city hop-on hop-off bus a few yards from the cruise dock. Aircraft carrier and tall ships nearby to explore, and a shuttle bus to a large shopping mall comes right onto the dock. Wed morning is in Catalina Island with lots to do in Avalon. Must see is the Casino, featured in many motion pictures. Few cars on the island, but you can rent a golf cart to explore the island. Glass bottom boat and other attractions avaiable at the pier. Thursday morning is Ensanada, Mex. Best bet for first time cruiser is the wine tasting tour, with a drop off in town to explore the city. Small town with interesting shopping prospects but also a chance to experience the culture. Then a short walk back to the ship.

 

The Monarch is a clean, well maintained ship with a cheerful and competant compliment of service personnel. The standard cabins are small (120 sq ft) but have all the necessary amenities, and are comfortable for the shorter cruises. Food is good to excellent, with the entertainment very good. Good cross section of passengers, as many local residents use this as a get away opportunity. I think you would enjoy this cruise, and it should enhance your vacation. Wishing you great weather for your trip!

 

petert

[critterchick]

I've been on the 3-nighter 5 times, so I would disagree that the 4-nighter is the "only" way to go. I can't compare the 2 because I haven't done the 4-nighter. The only time I've seen it really noisy was 4th of July weekend, when there was a huge number of families with kids on board - they were just being kids, nothing extraordinary or awful about them, but there were tons of them, so it was noisier during the day than I recall.

 

There are plenty of partiers on the 3-nighter, but they don't tend to be the out-of-control types, just plenty of drinking and good cheer. I have seen isolated examples of people who should have cut themselves off (and they tended to be older adults, not teens or young 20-somethings), but for the most part everybody has been extremely, shall we say, cheerful. I'd bet the decibel level in the dining room is higher than on the 4-nighter, too.

 

I wouldn't fly out here from a long way away just to do the 3-nighter, but if you're out here anyway and that makes more sense than going during the week, it's a fine getaway cruise. Somebody posted on another thread that you have to have the proper level of expectation to enjoy Monarch - she's older than most ships, can seem very crowded at certain peak times (the first night trying to find your table at dinner and disembarkation are the worst) and doesn't have the full range of amenities found on the Vision, Radiance, Voyager & Freedom classes, but as Petert said, she has a fabulous crew, good food & entertainment (Bolero's is a wonderful venue) and overall delivers a good time.

 

Ensenada doesn't have a lot of variety to offer, but it's worth a look see, especially when it's the only port (we've probably been into town 3 times on our 8 cruises that stop there). There are some good cheap eats to be had, and if you like massages, you can save a lot of money over what the ship's spa will charge - the ambiance won't be as upscale, but the place we went to was clean and my masseuse was just as talented as many of the Steiner girls, without the constant chatter to buy products.

[sharpie13]

I've done the 4-day cruise 3 times now and its been very entertaining and enjoyable each time. The Monarch is older, but its well maintained and the service and food are both good. Cabins on the Monarch are small by modern standards and I recommend upgrading to the superior oceanview cabins on deck 9. The only balconies on the ship are with the suites on Deck 10. The ships shops are more than adequate and run specials throughout the cruise. There is a party atmosphere on board and the dress codes tends to be more relaxed than the average 7-day cruise. This is part of the charm that tends to makes the Monarch fun--it has something to offer for everyone. The main dining rooms offer beef, chicken, fish and pasta entrées each night; and there is a wine and dine package available for $77. The alternative restaurant, Jade offers an Asian fusion menu and has lighter breakfast options in the morning. The Windjammer Buffet has had consistently good quality food throughout all three of my cruises and we usually have breakfast there. Quieter places include Royal Crown lounge with its 360 view, the Schooner Bar and the climbing wall area. The latter of which is completely sheltered from the sound of the band by the pool. In contrast the pool area is a bit loud but offers poolside barbecue on Thursdays (lots of fun). Happening night spots include the Circuit night club and Bolero's caberet. Be sure to see the Dueling Pianos in Bolero's at least one night that you are on board. The shows in the Sound of Music Theater had some very good performances, unfortunately they are the exact same shows I saw in 2004.

 

If you shop in Ensenada, I recommend taking a cab or bus tour down to La Bufadora and the fea market. Prices are much better, bargaining much more fun, and the selection is the same as in town except there is no fine jewelry. If you want fine jewelry there are only two companies recommended by the cruise line, Pacific Jewelers for diamonds and tanzanite, and Mario's for silver. There is no Diamonds International in Ensenada.

 

Hope this helps with your decision. Best wishes and happy cruising.

[ladylawyer]

I've done both the 3-night and the 4-night Monarch cruises. As mentioned above, the 4-night is port-intensive; the 3-night only goes to Ensenada. I had a great time on both itineraries. However, I have to be honest ... I was exhausted after the 3-night, because there is so much to do and less time to do it. So we were running like we were 20 years younger, trying to squeeze in all the fun we could. It was great ... exhausting, but great! I think I'll stick to the 4-nighters (except for the Murder Mystery Cruise, next March).

 

Either way, it's a great older lady with an exceptional staff. I can recommend it, without hesitation. ~ LL

[WECoyote]

Hello,

Frequent cc browser, infrequent poster :p

 

I've cruised Royal Caribbean 3 times before and loved every trip. Radiance earlier this year, and Nordic Empress (now empress of the seas) many years ago twice.

 

My wife and I are flying out to CA in February 2007 to visit some family. We're considering going on Monarch.

 

I am not very familiar with the ship or the iteneraries that cruise off CA.

 

For those who've been on the 3/4 night cruise, what type of experience did you have? Were there a lot of younger (teen/20s range) people, or was it a bit older group?

 

We're both pretty easy going, but don't particularly wanna go on a cruise full of teenagers (or people acting like teenagers) drinking and misbehaving...(no offense to anyone).

 

I do not think you will have any problems with teen-agers, especially if you are traveling the first half of the month.

 

The Feb 5th & 12th sailings are "Hot" cruises, meaning they have reduced pricing. Both are 4 night cruises with the stops in San Diego, Catalina, & Ensenada. Both have Jr. Suites for $399 p/p. This is about as good a price as I have seen in several years. Double cruise credit for the typical oceanview prices. Previous posters have outlined the stops, so I won't bore you with repetition. We have sailed this itinerary at least 5 times in the last few years and will recommend the Monarch as an excellent choice. We are swearing off it for a year or two just because we have done it so often, but we will be back because of the value and because it is relaxing (besides...I will need my Ensenada massage fairly soon...very addicted!)

[mohavemommy]

I have too sailed both the 3 night (once) and the 4 night (twice) on the Monarch within the last 2 years. I found that the 4 night had a crowd that was more mature than the 20-year-old booze crowd that we saw on the 3 night.

[lemming]

Thanks for all the informative and helpful replies. :D