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Our boarding time was 1:30pm, but we arrived at Port Canaveral around 12:15pm. We parked at the terminal parking lot, dropped our luggage off with the luggage handlers, and proceeded to the terminal. We first went through security then up the escalator to check-in. Within about 15 - 20 minutes we were on our way onto the ship and our cabin was ready!
We went to our cabin first to drop off items we were carrying with us. At first I was kind of worried about the size of the cabin for the 4 of us (kids 9 & 11), but figured we wouldn't be in there much. We were then off to eat lunch and explore the ship! After about an hour we returned to our room to see if any of our luggage had arrived. One of the four pieces were there. Our room attendant, Dion, was also stopped by to introduce himself to us. We changed into bathing suits are were off to the pool deck. We went back shortly for the muster drill and then back on deck to watch the ship sail and enjoy the entertainment (dancing) back up on deck.
Ports:
Coco Cay was to be our first stop, but because of the weather the captain decided to change the current day to a sea day and return to Coco Cay on our original sea day. It's been quite awhile since we had been to Coco Cay (before kids), and the swimming didn't seem to be as good as I had remembered it. There were a lot of shallow spots, which made it fun for the kids to explore for interesting shells. It was a nice relaxing day, but the seagulls at lunch were unbearable.
Nassau was a beautiful day. Since we were in port all day (morning til 11:30pm), we had reserved a room at the Comfort Suites, which also gives access to Atlantis. After getting off the boat at around 9:30am we took a cab to Paradise Island ($16 + tip each way). Comfort Suites had a room ready. We changed into our suits and we were off to Atlantis. We had stayed at Atlantis a couple years prior and couldn't wait to return. We had a blast! Before dinner we headed to Comfort Suites to wash up a bit, change, and headed to the Marina at Atlantis for pizza and walk around. At abound 9pm we took a taxi back to the ship.
I was really happy to be on a RCI ship again. Although the Monarch is older, she is still beautiful. The ship was at full capacity, but we still ran into parts of the ship where there weren't a lot of people. The entire crew was wonderful and our room attendant was great. Dion made our stay in our cabin very comfortable for small quarters. We had fun at jewelry making, rock climbing, and bingo on the ship. The food in the dining room and at the buffet was all very good. I did however pay for a filet and lobster one night. It was good, but not good enough to pay the extra. Ice water, lemonade, ice tea, and different juices were available throughout the day on deck 12 above the Windjammer.
My husband was not sure he wanted to do a 4 day cruise, but admitted that it was really enjoyable. We would definitely like to cruise on the Monarch again.
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