| Rating |
Date Attended [v] |
Reviewer |
Gender |
Age |
Where From? |
Group Type? |
|
Princess Monterey Whale Watching is okay
|
| Sat, Jan 16 10:00 AM |
KLTemple |
Unspecified |
Unspecified |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family With Children |
| The Princess Monterey vessel is very comfortable for whale watching trips in regards to space and the indoor snack area (which is heated). The captain "narrated" the trip identifying facts about the whales which was helpful. And, I think the size of the ship helped lessen the effects of the up/down motion from the ocean swells (for those more prone to motion sickness.) However, the size of the ship, I believe, hindered having a more personal whale watching trip. Participants are not low to the water so seeing the whales and other animals (sea lions, otters, etc.) is more from afar. The timing of the trip was okay -- it was 2 1/2 hours. For a cold day, that seemed enough. The captain did linger in areas that pods of whales were seen so there was ample time to view the whales, however 2 1/2 hours may not seem long enough on days there are less whales. I was also disappointed that there wasn't a local phone number to call to ask about the reservations. Having other choices of whale watching companies I wanted to inquire about how many people were signed up. For example, if the ship already had 100 people registered, I would probably opt to take a trip with less individuals, for better viewing. The reservation company is not local to Monterey and were not able to answer that question for me. Overall, it was an okay trip because we did see some whales (from a distance). I will, most likely, be going on more whale watching trips in the future, however I will be signing up for a smaller vessel. If you like comfort, however, then this is a good choice for you. |
|
Great competence
|
| Sat, Jan 16 10:00 AM |
bonderupdohn |
Female |
30-39 |
International Tourist(s) |
Family With Children |
| Great competence in knowing exactly where to find the whales! We saw 12 grey whales and some Risso dolphins. |
|
|
Great place and day!!
|
| Fri, Jan 15 1:30 PM |
Pentagon |
Male |
40-49 |
Local |
Group of Friends |
| Wish we would have seen some whales!!! |
|
|
A successful trip
|
| Thu, Jan 14 1:30 PM |
kmhoran |
Male |
20-29 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Couple on a Date |
| My girlfriend and I took this trip in mid-January. It was great; lots of wildlife. We both wore multiple layers - two sweaters plus raincoats and gloves and hats - and I recommend that you do too if you want to stand out on the deck.
I don't know if the seasickness remedies sold at the wharf actually help, but I rather wish I'd tried them. Once the captain decides to let off the throttle and let the boat sit in open water, the ups and downs can be a bit much on the vestibular system. |
|
|
Whale Watching
|
| Fri, Jan 8 1:30 PM |
gottschalksu |
Female |
20-29 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| The guide was very nice and knowledgable about the Whales and all sorts of animals we saw during the trip. We saw a group of gray whales and the boat stayed there long enough to see the whales several times.
Make sure you dress in warm clothes and bring gloves, especially when you going to take pictures.
All in All it was a fun trip and I can highly recommend the Princess Monterey Whale Watching Cruise. |
|
|
Informative & Friendly, wish we saw more whales
|
| Tue, Jan 5 10:00 AM |
jgywitit |
Male |
30-39 |
Local |
Family With Children |
| The large 100' boat helped make my 4 yr old son feel safe. The staff was friendly and prompt. The captain spoke clearly and informative over the loudspeaker about the whales and left ample time for picture taking as we waited for whales to surface.
Only two things could have improved our experience.
1) Wished we had more opportunities to see whales. Nothing was spotted on our way back, saw only 5 whales that day -- which I knew was a possibility. Hoped we could have gone off shore a bit if it meant there was an improved chance at seeing Orcas or dolphins. Overall, we were happy to see what we could.
2) The onboard staff could have been more educational with visual aids on whale biology or ecology. Sounds of whale song could have been played, an onboard video of previously observed whales would be more useful than the snack bar, more facts of various whales would have helped, or explanations of behaviors or why whales migrate would be great.
Overall, I would recommend the Princess Monterey to someone wanting a simple trip out and back. It was lacking in some areas, but we had a good time. Thanks. |
|
Awesome!
|
| Fri, Jan 1 1:30 PM |
lumcclelland |
Female |
40-49 |
Local |
Family With Children |
| What a wonderful afternoon on the bay. Lot's of wildlife and the naturalist on board made the trip fun and informative!
We would absolutely do the trip again! |
|
|
Whalewatching trip
|
| Wed, Dec 30, 09 10:00 AM |
MelissaKahle |
Female |
50-59 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family With Children |
| We enjoyed the whalewatching excursion. The guide was very nice, funny and knowledgable about all sorts of animals. Our only wish was to have seen more whates! But, there's no controlling that aspect of the excursion. |
|
|
Good activity
|
| Tue, Dec 29, 09 1:30 PM |
mwmosser |
Male |
30-39 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family With Children |
| Even with a six year-old who was as much interested in the snacks as the wildlife, the trip was well worth it. The naturalist made sure to keep everyone's interest and the vessel was well-maintained and comfortable. Would be happy to do this again in humpback season. |
|
|
Interesting
|
| Sun, Dec 27, 09 10:00 AM |
jennysolano |
Female |
Under 20 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| The whale watching cruise was fun. We saw a few whale but from a far distance. I think the most interesting thing was being out there in the ocean. Overall it was fun and I would do it again. |
