James & Catherine Stanek

Age: 58 & 57
Occupation: Driver & Teacher
Number of Cruises: 0
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Ship: Monarch of the Seas
Sailing Date: February 21st, 2005
Itinerary: Baja, Mexico

My wife and I (ages 57 & 58) and her parents, just completed a 4-night cruise on the Monarch of the Seas from Los Angeles to San Diego, Santa Catalina and Ensenada. It was the first cruise ever for all of us, and the experience could not have been better.

Day One. Stayed at a hotel nearby and we were shuttled to the ship at 10:00 AM. No wait to check in and very efficient. We were issued “Seapass Cards”. These served as a combination credit card and security. The security people took a quick photo and it was electronically tied into the Seapass card, so every time we left or returned the ship, the card was quickly scanned and an official would cross check the photo. This made for a nice sense of security. We only had to wait an hour to board the ship, which allowed us time to go around to the side and look at it. We were able to shoot snapshots of the ship and the harbor. Upon boarding, we were told that lunch was available on deck 11 in the Windjammer room. Excellent buffet, lots to choose from and great scenery from the panoramic windows.

At 2:00 PM, we were allowed to go to our cabins. They were 122 square feet with a window. That seemed small when we read about it, but were excellent. They had plenty of storage for our luggage and stuff we were to going to buy. The beds were very comfortable and the bathroom was always clean and efficient. The shower looked small and I am big, but the shower hose raised and lowered and was fantastic. The controls were easy to use, and never a lack of hot water. Our cabin always was kept clean and there was always ice in the bucket. The attendant did a marvelous job of keeping us informed about events and was always pleasant.

We had about 3 hours until departure, so we toured all of the ship. The Monarch left the dock this day, and ever day exactly on time and docked in the next port exactly when it said it would. Dinner that night in the Vincent’s dining room was elegant and the choices were varied, and not one of our groups was ever displeased with anything we were served. Appetizers were great, main courses delicious and beautifully presented and desserts varied and were great every night. Our waiter Christian, from Chile, and our assistant waited Roberto, also from Chile, never let the coffee get cold, or our water glass get empty. They were gracious, funny, attentive and deserving of an “extra tip” at the end of the cruise. They also performed along with the rest of the staff near the end of each meal. The “Head waiter” was constantly vigilant, and occasionally checked to see if all was well.

Day Two. Docked in San Diego. Our daughter lives there and we have been there before, but still toured around the town. It is a pleasant city and worthy of 6-8 hours to see the sites. Went to Balboa Park, the downtown, new Petco Park and the gas lamp district. It was fun to see the aircraft carriers and other navy facilities while docked and while arriving and departing the port.

Day Three. Santa Catalina Island. Ferry tenders were needed here, and because of the weather there were 4-8 foot waves. It took the crew about an extra hour to get the tenders into position. They kept us informed about departures and when we could get on board. Once a tender was secured, things went very smooth and safe. The island has some interesting things to see, the botanical gardens, snorkeling and glass bottom boats, the old casino and Avalon ballroom. The main shopping district as fairly normal with the usual shops and restaurants. You can rent golf carts, bikes or be ferried or trollied around, but walking is probably the best. Returning to the ship was fast and efficient. Beautiful scenery of the harbor and the ship.

Day Four. Ensenada Mexico. I have been there three times. I do like Ensenada. The main attractions are shopping and the Blowhole. Even the blowhole has shops. The shuttle into town was clean and pleasant. There was a driver and a separate narrator to tell you the dos and don’ts of Ensenada. He was very funny, pleasant and extremely informative at the same time. We spent most of the day walking around town. Lots of similar type shops and street vendors. All the residents and merchants were pleasant and helpful and were willing to “haggle” to a point. We had Margaritas, chips and salsa and bought a lot of stuff. The stuff is to help our memories. During out Margaritas a singer/guitar player serenaded us. We gave him some money for playing a request, and he must have informed other musicians, because others came up to serenade, but we just shook out heads no and they left. No problem of course with American currency and the 11 pesos to the dollar made all things purchased seem reasonable. You can also buy liquor here cheap, but remember, its heavy and you have to carry it the rest of the day.

Overall views. It is fun to be in the front of the ship in the Windjammer every morning to see the arrival into the port. Breakfast and lunch in the Windjammer was fantastic every day. Some variations each day, but mostly the same fare. Something for everyone, kids, adults, seniors, vegetarians, carnivores, picky eaters, kosher and those with special dietary needs. The crew really tried to help. The room was clean and well bussed. Wheelchairs and disabled assistance was always available.

The Sound of Music theatre had very good shows. Lively, wholesome, comfortable seating and very professional. Other activities were also fun, bingo, auctions, spas, workout room, pools, hot tubs, bars, casino, movies, shops and constant jewelry sales tables. You can choose to spend money in the casino or the shops, and the prices were reasonable considering this is a private shopping center.

The photographers were everywhere. And the pictures they shot were posted on deck 3. You could chose if you wished to buy the photos or not. They shot them, but you are not required to buy them.

The rules say you are not allowed to bring your own liquor on board, but we had some our own favorite wine with us, and nobody ever objected. Discretion is called for by both yourself and the cruise crew.

The casino slots seemed about the same as Las Vegas slots, but I felt that the blackjack table minimums were too high. Most of the time I saw little or no action at the $25 and $50 minimum bet tables, but the $10 table were moderately busy. I do not understand why a table full of people making $5 minimum bets is not better than no people make $50 bets? But, I am not a casino manager.

There were six main elevators in the middle of the ship for most deck level changes. There were two sets of three about 50 feet apart. Even though each had a number so you could tell if it was coming or going to your floor, if you were not as mobile or a slower reacting person, sometimes the door would open and close before you could get to it. They also seemed a little slow. (Not much of a criticism, but that’s it.)

Daily announcements were not obtrusive. They were clear and helpful. The guest services desk always was gracious as was all of the staff throughout the ship.
Even though the ship was sold out (2700+ passengers), it never seemed crowded.

Would I do this again? Absolutely. My first cruise experience was excellent.
Thank you Royal Caribbean and the Monarch of the Seas crew.

 

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