MotleyCruiser

Day 3

Another great night of sleep brings us to Day 3.

Today we get to discover Ocho Rios Jamaica.  My wife joined me at Chops today for breakfast I did an all meat and cheese omelet and she had grits and some yogurt fruit bowl thing. After, we collected our things and made it down the gangway to exit the ship.  There was no wait, for I imagine most folks stayed on the ship for there where scheduled concerts while at port.

Luc Carl, a Sirius XM DJ, had a 5k run this morning. He does this on every MORC. I guess people take him up on it because this morning Steve Brown from Trixter and Danger Danger and Fill-in Guitarist for Def Leppard and Dennis DeYoung was exiting the same time as us asking if anyone saw Luc. I grabbed Steve as he went by and got him to take a picture with us with the Mariner of the Seas life-ring.  Best $19.95 I spent all trip.

Ocho Rios is a S!@# Hole. We walked past 101 different guys in white shirts offering everything imaginable.  After that, we got about 1 block down the road and said ok…not interested… turned around and went to Margaritaville for appetizers and drinks.

It is staring to look sad that I am on a rock cruise YET I’m not seeing many bands. I like the hanging out and talking with others part of the cruise, I guess.  Today, I saw EXTREME  and KIX …saw the STOWAWAY PIANO PLAYER. I checked out the Greek Games – The QUEST…It was NO different than the “normal QUEST” on traditional cruise BOOOO…I was hoping for an NA!& a=rated quest.  The CD, which you NEVER se on these charters ran the Quest.

. I finished the night with Metalachi. A heavy metal Mariachi band. Kind cool…kinda lame. I was my understanding that these guy were not very friendly and were jerks in the MDR to everybody.

Every night ends up in the Windjammer so far for a snack and I get Jell-O for the mrs.

Brilliance, Navigator, Explorer, Harmony & Mariner...never charges at all.

12 minutes ago, rjac said:

Not so sure about that. That's a great idea for tipping folks in the states. The majority of the folks working on a cruise ship are not from the US and a phone card/visa gift card may not work for them in port or at home. I think they would prefer cash. 

Cash is King

On ‎3‎/‎3‎/‎2019 at 9:20 AM, WannaCruise said:

That's awesome.  We saw him on Independence too.  Very funny.  Haven't even told our kids about him (as they weren't on Independence with us) and hoping we'll bump into him (or his clone..lol) in an elevator on Symphony next week.  Such a funny concept and brings a smile to your face 

He's made it to Mariner too.

Little back up on the Day 1 check-in:  As with Harmony  and newer RC ships, on Mariner you do not get your Seapass card at the  check-in desk It is waiting for you in your stateroom.

Day 2

Surprisingly I was up about 8 AM and was feeling great. The Mrs on the other hand Not so great. She did not sleep at all the night before we left San Antonio but felt great yesterday but is wiped out today. I made my way to Chops for Breakfast though. It takes longer to eat BUT the food is fresher and  a few distinct exclusive options. For example, my wife longs for eggs benedict and was happy to see this as an option on the Chops breakfast menu....need I say made fresh and I was able to bring that to her, as she rested in the cabin, after I ate my eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns. Side Note: when food arrived I asked for salsa to put on my eggs. The  waitress claimed she'd have to go "down stairs" to retrieve that. I said never mind and choked it down with ketchup.

POOL STAGE FROM THE VC

POOL STATGE FROM THE POOL DECK EARLY A.M.

First Schedule performance (10:00am) I attended was the Photo Experience  with Danger Danger(From New Jersey), KILLER DWARFS (Canada) and Rose Tattoo(these guys were a little scary). I got here late because I hung with my wife a little while as she ate.

STEVE BROWN DANGER DANGER TRIXTER

Next was the Q&A with Skid Row. The Q&As last about an hour or until they no long have question whatever is longer

Lunch today was The Windjammer  Every lunch and dinner was eaten at either Café Prominade or the Windjammer. I considered Main Dining Room room service but there was no time.

Next up Eddie Trunk Sirius XM interviews in Playmaker’s and a donation to Casino Royale.

EDDIE TRUCK (RIGHT)

I was able to get my wife out of bed about now and we stopped by Studio B for a song or two of The Pat Traver’s Band.

Off to the Suite Lounge….word is out for free booze.  Very busy this night, but Daniel our server was on top of things!!

ME AND ROOMIE ROY (I'M ON THE RIGHT)

View is always great at the VC

We made our way to VIXEN and half way though my wife wanted to head back to the room. She made me promise to get her before the Skid Row show.

VIXEN

SKID ROW

Guess who forgot to get Sleeping Beauty up for Skid Row….ME. I then checked out a few songs from Nelson and made my way to the Def Lepard Beer premier on the Royal Promenade along with a balloon drop !! The Beer reminded me very much of Blue Moon. I did bring a can to my very German wife.

After checking in on my wife and getting yelled at for not waking her I headed off to the Viking Crown for Gong Show Karaoke. Yes, very self-explanatory. You suck you get gonged!

2am I was done

Wow, where do I begin? 

DAY 1

Typically the Rental car instead of the shuttle is the greatest idea….. Not today. Usually is goes seamless and stress free.  I was able to drop my wife and one roomie to the port and I was off to return the rental to SE 2^nd st at Budget.                 What a mad house. Way too small of a location for the amount of traffic they get on the weekends. Only One person checking in cars and a new car pulled up every 20-30 seconds. Almost lost my cool.

  I opted for a LYFT (they’re not as good as they use to be) instead of the free shuttle. There shuttle was jam packed like  Gypsy cab in a third world country. After the mile drive back to the port I caught up with the wife and roomie and proceeded to check in and this is my only complaint about On The Blue (TA) and the Monsters of Rock Cruise. No one is directing people to the specific lines we need to be in Silver VIP, Gold VIP, Artists, Production, Steerage folks….Lines weren’t that bad it was twenty minutes and we were on board. Side note 2 bottles of wine in carry on.

We had a wonderful Champagne reception as we boarded and the drinking began.

First stop was VIP check-in where we met up with most of the other roomies. There was eight of us in total in A Royal Family Suite.  It was perfect timing because the VIP cocktail reception was going to start in twenty minutes.

After that concluded at 3:30ish it was time to make our was to the cabin and off to Muster. The cabin has two names. Now it is considered a Grand suite BUT it was called a Royal Family Suite. Deck 9 Port side center Aft Balcony. It has 2 bedrooms and sleeps a maximum of 8 people.  We were the only married couple in the cabin and got the master bedroom, another couple got the pull out bed and the four single folks camped out in the other bedroom with 2 singles that convert to A Royal King and two pull down bunks.

Muster was exciting…NOT. I was at least 9 drinks in and do not remember much but it did go quick ( I think we got there at the last moment) and we did take the only group photo we got of all eight of us at one time.

It was time to let the music begin.

Our first stop was  The VIP Photo Experience in the Star Lounge.  SOTO, Michael Grant & the Assassins Tony MacAlpine and Skid Row were featured her.  Basically they running you through a series of lines to get your photo taken with each band or singer.. No long conversations or autographs but there is plenty of time for that throughout the cruise. When these photos are ready online in 2-3 weeks I will post them here.

After some chit chat with others on board, we made our way to the Suite Lounge in the Viking Crown.  We made it a habit (good & bad) to come here every night. Tonight we missed Tesla’s acoustic performance because we drank !  At least 4 Mai Tai’s for me. My wife was Screwdriving CRAZMO!!

We saw some of Vixen (8:30) & Danger Danger (9:00) afterwards. My wife does not remember seeing DD at all.  She tries to go drink for drink with me and I have over 100 pounds on her.

She made her way to bed and I caught the 11:15 show of Canada’s KILLER DWARFS.  After that I was toast!

Wow, where do I begin? 

Beat that!!!!  Lost track of drink count and Muster hasn't happen.

Drink count for yesterday 9

...and we weren't even on the ship yet!

10:22

Its a slow start for the day but we are heading to the dock shortly 

T Minus 1 day and counting.

We made it to Miami this morning. 6:01 am non stop filght from San Antonio to Miami went of without a hitch. 

We  Rent a car from budget rent a car because they had the best prices. Obviously because it was an hour long wine to requisition our vehicle. They gave us a Dodge Charger with a hemi engine. Needless to say I'm having a little fun with .

Sticking with the rock and roll v

Thene vacation, we went to a restaurant CO owned by the drummer of Iron Maiden. Rock and Roll Ribs in Coral Springs. Fantastic ribs fantastic beer.

We finally make our way to our hotel the Regency near Miami airport. Come the find out that there is a group ofvairline employees occupying a block of rooms that will not check out till 8:00 p.m.. We are some of the unlucky she'll that had to wait till they leave at 8:00 p.m. and turn around the rooms. Considering my wife got 0 sleep last night we are in the lobby and she is napping on the sofa.

By now I am 7 drinks in and working on the $60 food and beverage credit the hotel gave us. They are also discounting our Room for the night also.

But at the Magic City Casino there is a concert going on the reason we are for going the concert because my wife isn't feeling well and I just don't wanna go.

3 minutes ago, NJCruisers said:

I've been a bartender at the PNC Arts center for a long time now, so I'm lucky to see so many shows on a regular basis - for free  Our next cruise is November so I'm not sure I would be able to cruise again in Feb. just yet.  I agree, I'm not a fan of winter so getting away then would be awesome!

I had an Uncle in Matawan and famous cousin in Brick. last time I was at PNC was for Motley Crue and Scorpions 1999!!

Look for me on Periscope @MotleyBrue

1 hour ago, NJCruisers said:

Sounds like so much fun.  Can't wait to see how it goes. I turn 50 next Feb. and I'm seriously considering doing this!

Also - anything Eddie Trunk is doing add at least 30 minutes to it - that dude never shuts up!  I've met him and he's a real nice guy, but boy does he love the sound of his own voice, lol.

DO IT!!!  Book early and pay over the year. It's always this time of year. I'm sure you sick of Jersey winters by now. I grew up in Bergen County. This is number 7 for me and Eddie has hosted all of them...YEP he can shot the S#@$ with the best of them.

Would anyone be able to share the Shopping Guide & Map that is handed out for the port area at Ocho Rios?  TIA

I've done 12715 on both Harmony and Oasis. Loved the Boardwalk Balcony. People watching and the view. Hated the long walk to the elevator/stairs....and the cabin was 9th from the end! The Aqua Suites must be an unbearable walk for older folks!!!

We did Alaska with a 9 month old.  All I can say is go by the babies schedule. Don't force 1000 activities. Our little guy did great. It takes a day or two to acclimated to a new schedule (late dinner, different nap times) Our waiter was awesome as soon as we sat fruit and Mash potatoes and gravy appeared. Yogurt and fruit in the morning was a fav of his too. The picture is Zander at one year

I do not think that The Mariner Jazz Collective will have a chance to play... with all the musician on board they would take over that stage too.

In 2008 the Motley Cruise was a shared cruise with commoners and every House Band that played eventually was taken over.

37 minutes ago, Jody Lewis said:

@MotleyCruiser  We got the Mariner warmed up for you last week. Royal did have the regular drink packages available for the On the Blue  cruise. So many day drinkers. It was hilarious to watch.

Hope you have the best time!

The MOR crowd is a little more seasoned with drinking. I'd be easily good for 10 drinks a day starting at 10AM.

The MSC Divina messed up my drink tickets sooo bad in 2014. They gave us 288 tickets instead of 72. Needless to say everybody drank well!

Morning folks!!!

5 days and counting until we take off non-stop from san Antonio Texas to Miami Fl!!!

Last night we receive THEE email everyone has been waiting for!!!  Special Drink Packages and the SCHEDULE for our 5 days of debauchery.

I'll start with the supposed drink package. $319.00 for 25 vouchers for any beer, wine or cocktail under $13.00 A HORRIBEL DEAL AT $12.80 A DRINK.  NO BUENO. So, not drink package for us.  RCCL is not offering the Unlimited Pack that traditional cruises offer...THEY'D LOSE THEIR SHORTS!!

Next, the schedule.  I am going to try to to attach it here. Not sure if I can, but I have highlighted the shows I am going to try to go see.  Looks like 56 events I am shooting for.

More to follow

https://monstersofrockcruise.com/welcome-aboard/

2019-MORC-Schedule_(002).pdf

On ‎1‎/‎31‎/‎2019 at 12:29 PM, MotleyCruiser said:

THE WILDHEARTS

will no longer be on board ....whoever they are...lol

A little more background information on the MORC!

There are different levels of accommodations on the Monster of Rock Cruise. You have your the standard, let's call it General Admission, cabin. This get you your cabin, access to all music shows, food, and the ports of call (Ocho Rios and Labadie) for 5 nights. 

My wife attended her fist MORC in this capacity (I took a new job and had to back out) She loved it so much BUT insisted the that we do VIP.  VIP comes in two levels Silver and Gold!  we opted for Silver in 2014 -2017. For 2 I think it ran $2,300ish EACH and was a Jr Suite no roommates.

▶ SILVER VIP – Spacious Balconies, Junior Suites and Ocean View Panoramic Suites (click to open for details)

We did the Silver

Monsters of Rock Cruise SILVER VIP Amenities include:

• Spacious Balcony, Junior Suite or Ocean View Panoramic Suite (based on type of cabin booked)
• 2nd Priority VIP Entry to the main theatre and other select venues<<<front and center, baby!!
• 2nd Priority VIP Entry to all Photo Experiences <<<ALL BANDS
• VIP Cocktail Hour and Mingle<<<IF YOU CAN FIND IT...LOL
• Monsters of Rock Cruise VIP Gifts<<<<TYPICALL A TOTE AND A PLAQUE
• Monsters of Rock Cruise VIP Credentials<<<Backstage looking pass on a basic lanyard

▶ VIP GOLD – Grand Suites, Grand Suites – 2 Bedrooms, Owner’s Suites and Royal Suite (click to open for details)

This year we have a Grand Suite (FORMALLY THE ROYAL FAMILY SUITE) Deck 9 cabin 9496

Monsters of Rock Cruise GOLD VIP Amenities include:

• Grand Suite, Two Bedroom Grand Suite, Owner’s Suite or Royal Suite (based on type of cabin booked)
• 1st Priority VIP Entry to the main theatre and other select venues
• 1st Priority VIP Entry to all Photo Experiences
• VIP Cocktail Hour and Mingle
• Monsters of Rock Cruise VIP Gifts
• Monsters of Rock Cruise VIP Credentials

Sorry for being lame and doing the Copy & Paste thing.

OK, with us having such a large suite we took on some friends and one or two strangers to fill the cabin and get the best deal. There will be EIGHT of us in this cabin (Last year we had 4 in this same category...it was great). Of course, I have some reservations about this but who cares. I will drink a lot and not be around much...PLUS since we initiated the "getting the suite" so we'll be taking the "Master" bedroom are, which is kinda open to the common area...but we're in our early 50 and won't be going too crazy anyway. #FamousLastWords

The cabin is a two bed two bath.  One bathroom is like the basic baths in traditional cabin, Bank Tube shower sink and the sh!#$er and the other is what you expect to see in a suite...marble, full tub... but both have the upgrade amenities... shampoo etc.  Huge balcony...I would guess 10 foot by 20 foot? the second bedroom is small and sleeps 4 two on the split Royal King and two pull down bunks...Like I mentioned earlier we are ALL in our early 50's and CPAP crazmo.  I'd hate to have to be on a top bunk. #GettingOld   Common living area has a larger flat screen TVs (WASHY WASHY CHANNEL)(as does the master) and large built in storage are chairs and a sofa. definitely NOT seating for 8.

More later

11 days and counting!!

2 hours ago, twangster said:

Available 2/28 on Navigator, but only single rides available for purchase, the all-day plan is sold out. 

thx

Hey folks!!

Looking on the Cruise Planner for my Mariner cruise in 16 DAYS!!!

I have noticed that you cannot reserve in advance the Dragon Coaster.  Is it down for repair?? They have the zipline all over the page but NO Dragon Coaster. TIA

MIKE

Brilliance was on its way at 11pm EST

Brilliance is still dock side in Tampa. I got confirmation from someone on board that they are putting a complete full stage on the pool  Deck and that they are covering the pool with plywood to make a general pit area in front the stage.

4 hours ago, twangster said:

My original post didn't get posted when Voom cutoff.  Here is what I was going to post:

On the ship now.  Last update is that we have to wait for a Holland America ship that got stuck in port yesterday to leave.  The channel isn't wide enough for two cruise ships to pass, so once HAL leaves we can proceed in to port assuming the weather holds.

Brilliance has a charter starting today so those folks will lose significant time.  It's a music charter and they drained the pool so a stage could be set up over it for several bands that are part of that charter.  

We did speed up and arrived at the pilot station last night around 11pm several hours ahead of schedule but the fog arrived early and prevented us from proceeding.

OH DAMN  These people are freaking out!!!

https://cruisetotheedge.com/

and I know they expect to have a FULL size stage on the pool deck, the pool covered too!!!

AND instrument for 32 BANDS!!!!

DISASTER!!!