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All things Monarch of the Seas

lephysteria

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BobbyK

BobbyK

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Captain Bob, I just used your email address on the other thread and emailed Goldstein. I hope he reads it. Nancy, what a coincidence you're at a conference in Miami. Please talk to that RCI rep. Thanks Nancy. I'm glad things are going so well now. Later. Robin

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lephysteria

lephysteria

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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

 

I've been just in absolute disbelief over the announcement that they're taking the RCCL short cruises out of Los Angeles.

I think taking away the short cruises from LA is one of the dumbest things you can do, financially, for the company. The Monarch ALWAYS sails full, and I know for a fact it takes in a lot of revenue in drinking, shopping, and gambling!

 

I hate to say this, as much as I love RCCL, if they don't put another ship in to do the itinerary (because the vision has already done the 3/4 night trips, back in 2002 cause we sailed the vision 10/11/02 for DH's 30th birthday! God was it really that long ago? :D ) we might have to sail with Carnival on the 5night elation to Cabo from San Diego.

We have cruising dollars to spend, and if a company is so stupid that they can't recognize that, well I don't know what to say about that.

 

I do hope the vision comes back to do the 3/4 night trips, but since it already HAD done that itin, I am not sure. Why can't the company put another order in for a radience/brilliance/serenade/jewel class? Then give us one of them for our short cruises??????? HMMMM????? :rolleyes:

I'll never know.

Losing the Monarch is like losing a second home, and I'm very upset about it.

 

.... and Lava Flows are awesome! ;)

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lephysteria

lephysteria

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Carnival announced that they took the Paradise away from being a non-smoking ship because it wasn't sailing full, and not making any money.

As much as I disagree with the theory that nonsmokers don't drink or gamble (because I do both ... :rolleyes: ) I understand where I can be the exception.

 

I cannot understand what justification RCCL has for doing this change. I don't believe it makes the same type of sense, and I'm going to feel that they're stupid until I hear the press release come out that says that another ship is coming for us to get our cruise fix ;)

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cruiserbryce

cruiserbryce

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we love doing the short little cruises and since we live so close to San Pedro can easily drive up for a weekend, and it was starting to look like we were going to try to do it once a year...in the long run the amount of revenue lost from me getting my short cruise fix on Carnival wont put RCCL out of business but I would like to believe that I am not the only one that is thinking about this:mad:

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critterchick

critterchick

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There you are, Jen! I was afraid you were crying so hard you couldn't post, LOL!

 

I haven't sailed on Carnival, but I suppose I'll have to give it a try if it's the only game in town. I have faith in the TA who told me that a Vision class will replace Monarch - he's almost always right, although the timing isn't always there.

 

I'm not despairing yet - even though Vision and Enchantment are "committed" to Santo Domingo & Panama, nothing is cast in stone - after all, our gal was "committed" to the LA market through 2009, so anything can happen over the next 12 months.

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aneka

aneka

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We are sailing on Monarch 2/18/08. We will fly into either LAX or LGB probably on Sat 2/16/08 I was wondering if anyone knows of a nice hotel near the beach in Long Beach. If they pick up from the airport and or would transport us to the ship that would be a big plus! Any recommendations of what to do in Long Beach for two days before we board the ship? Thanks in advance for your ideas.

Annette

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critterchick

critterchick

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Annette, there are lots of suggestions on the Ports of Call boards - check under "West Coast Departures."

 

None of the hotels has a shuttle to/from the airport. Don't forget to check out not only LAX but Long Beach (LGB) for air transportation, if you haven't already booked.

 

Also, Monarch leaves from the Port of Los Angeles, which is different from the port of Long Beach. Since you're staying for a few days, I would still recommend that you stay in Long Beach because it's a nice little city with lots to see and do. The major hotel chains are all represented there - Hyatt, Westin, Marriott, Hilton, Renaissance. Many CCers have had good luck with Priceline, although I've never used it.

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louanne93

louanne93

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We are sailing on Monarch 2/18/08. We will fly into either LAX or LGB probably on Sat 2/16/08 I was wondering if anyone knows of a nice hotel near the beach in Long Beach. If they pick up from the airport and or would transport us to the ship that would be a big plus! Any recommendations of what to do in Long Beach for two days before we board the ship? Thanks in advance for your ideas.

Annette

 

Don't know if this would be your style or not...We did the Medevil Times Dinner...not sure of the address (I think...you can check the website). You sit in a big arena, and each section has a knight. They feed you like a 6 course dinner and you cheer on your knight as he takes on challenges to win over the princess. It wouldn't be too hard to get to if you are going to rent a car. It is a little pricey but so much fun. We always recomend it when family members come out and they love it too!

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rielliey

rielliey

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Hi all! i had some questions/opnions that i was hoping to get. I am sailing on monarch in jan. 08 first time cruise ever and i am very excited. Here are my questions :)

Is the soda package worth buying? I am not a big alcohol drinker so would be drinking soda most of the time.

Or is it worth buying th soda/alcohol package ahead of time?

Is it worth buying ahead of time the towels with RC woven on it?

Any must haves i should bring with me or buy when there or buy ahead of time?

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Jsme

Jsme

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I know you guys are sad to see Monarch leaving the left coast. I promise we on the east coast will help take care of her and love as you have.

 

We had the Sovereign booked as a surprise for our DD's 16th birthday. Of course we got that call telling us the rumors were true and she would be leaving. I called the special hotline tonight to be told we would have no replacement. Mind you I had not even signed on the board since I have been out of town. I cancel thru the hotline. I sign on and see that we are getting your beloved Monarch. I called back to be told, that yes she is coming to Port Canaveral. Last sailing is Octobr 13 then she will go into drydock for a week and then come to the east coast. However, at this time the Monarch's reservations is red coded and no new booking for the east coast are allowed for the time being.

 

I have to say I am happy to know we will be getting a ship to replace the Sovereign. I guess I am selfish enough to want things to work out for my DD's 16th birthday. She told me a year ago she wanted me to take her on a cruise for her 16th bday. If this cruise works out it is a surprise for her. We loved the Sovereign and was looking forward to being on her again.

 

I am curious though to see what they will do to the Monarch during drydock.

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lephysteria

lephysteria

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Thanks all for your much needed support.

 

I do like Carnival .... but only for a 7 day or longer. On their short cruises, I don't much care for the crowd that sails on that cruise. Unless I stay clear of the casino and the disco ... then I'll suppose I'll not see any fighting or stabbings with stilletos :eek:

(yeah that's a warm and fuzzy story for another day)

 

I've had great carnival 7 day cruises before. I just REALLY liked RCI's 7 day cruises much more (better food, service, entertainment, ship decor). However I love the fact that on a carnival ship I can shave my legs in the shower, and not maneuver around the toilet to get the same job done on an RCI ship.

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lawsoncd3

lawsoncd3

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I was lucky to give my DH a surprise cruise for his birthday this past May on Monarch... some of you may remember my review and posts regarding this extravaganza earlier!!! My time spent on Monarch was fantastic and I (and DH) have memories that will last a lifetime. My favorite (beside the time with DH of course...:D is that of the Schooner Bar and the piano player Eric P... :) Although he's seasonal and not a "stationary" item as it were, I for one will never forget when he found out my favorite song was "What A Wonderful World"... each time he saw me, he'd play that song for me.

 

As far as RCI pulling out ships... well... yikes.. first Galveston.. Rhapsody.. :( and now Monarch. I love TX... I have family there and LA was and is an easy drive. Eliminating the 3-4 nighters out of LA makes no economic sense to me, but what do I know. I know the Monarch always sailed full -as did the Rhapsody. It seems that all my ports that I enjoyed sailing out of, and MY ships, are leaving... and the prices are only getting higher... but -to end on an upnote

 

The service was fantastic, my time spent was great. As it has been mentioned before, she may be an older ship, but older means classy... Monarch.. you ARE classy...

 

D :)

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dirtgirl

dirtgirl

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Thanks all for your much needed support.

 

I do like Carnival .... but only for a 7 day or longer. On their short cruises, I don't much care for the crowd that sails on that cruise. Unless I stay clear of the casino and the disco ... then I'll suppose I'll not see any fighting or stabbings with stilletos :eek:

(yeah that's a warm and fuzzy story for another day)

 

I've had great carnival 7 day cruises before. I just REALLY liked RCI's 7 day cruises much more (better food, service, entertainment, ship decor). However I love the fact that on a carnival ship I can shave my legs in the shower, and not maneuver around the toilet to get the same job done on an RCI ship.

 

 

Ah, now that brings images to my mind!:p :D

 

Jen, I am really hoping that they bring another ship to do the 3/4 day cruises, and that it will revitalize people to try it out. I know how special the Monarch is, even though I have only cruised on her once so far (but 2 booked for next year). Danney and Trudy were the best! Hope we will see you again on some ship in the future.;)

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cctn

cctn

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Just got off the Monarch today where we did a B2B from Oct 8 to today - Yes, Danney, Trudy, Johnnie O and everyone there are the best! Captain Karen is a beautiful lady and we just love the entire staff on that ship. As all of you, we are wondering what ship will be taking it's place - love the Monarch and am very disappointed re: this news of her leaving southern Cal.... Had a chance to meet Mohavemommy and her cute daughter at the Crown and Anchor where Hubby and I were fortunate enough to be the ones who had the most cruises during that particular party - so we shall what other news will be developing re: the MOnarch and her replacement... etc etc... Nancy will keep us all informed. Carol

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cctn

cctn

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I leave on Friday for my 3-day Monarch cruise! I'm SUPER excited!! I booked the ATV/winery too so I hope it's a good one. I've been to the wineries there before but I've never ridden an ATV. First time for everything!!

 

Lisa

 

 

Lisa: sure wish I had met you - forgot to establish a meeting place - we had fun and I am sure you did too - hey! maybe we were sitting side by side somewhere or even exhanged pleasantries and didn't realize who we were! did you catch the show by Bryan G? he was great!! loved him! Carol

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