Princess Monterey Whale Watching Cruises

We were treated well. The crew was always on hand to help people who were queasy so I think nobody actually got sick (if they did it was kept quiet and calm) The behaviorist was knowledgable and approachable. He prepared us for what was coming as well as what was happening. He also explained a lot about the environment and laws effecting the watching of marine habitats.

I read an article about the abundance of Krill, looked into a trip and booked this one because of the price and availability. What a deal. We saw at least 20 Humpbacks and the incredible BLUE WHALE!!!! I know whale watching can be hit or miss but as for the actual trip it was great. There was staff constantly roaming the boat looking for people who might have signes of sea sickness. They were ready to help and very kind about it. Although we didn't have an issue there were numerous people who did. Also the captain had a loudspeaker and would call out his sightings so people would know where to look. The boat was not too crowded that you couldn't move back and forth to see everything. Couple things...take dramamine or something similiar just to be safe. Bring a snack although they have $2 cups of hot chocolate which are plain jane but when its cold they hit the spot. Gloves and a hat for your ears...really don't worry too much about cameras, unless you are a professional the time is better spent actually watching the whales than experiencing them through the lens. Anyways, great experience and we will go again. My son is only 4 and handled the whole experience like a trooper. I didn't give it 5 stars simply because it seemed like a long trip to the viewing spot with not too much time spent actually watching. I don't know if thats fair or not, might just be the way it is to get to where the whales are.

We saw a whale breach... very exciting. A bit sea sick - bring warm clothing. Crew very nice.

I guess i expect too much in this trip and in the end I got so disappointed. We have an hr boat ride to the spot where we supposed to see the dolphins, whales etc. We only saw 4 humpback whales as far as I remembered, didn't even saw dolphins and we spent long time just to look for the whales...we spend at least 2 hrs boat ride back & forth and 1 hr to look for whales which is just a waste if you only saw 4... we took the 9am because they said it is the best time to see a lot of dolphins, and whales which is not true...

I'v e been on much better whale watching excursions. First off the boat left from the dock late, the staff was not very friendly you could feel they were there to do a job and that was it. There was a lack of seating some passengers stood at the back of the boat the entire 2.5 hours and what seating they did have was not that functional. You either sat up against the wall of the cabin or stood against the railing and blocked others view. When we actually did see whales instead of the captain turning the boat around to enable both sides equal time of viewing he parked it, so everyone tried to go to one side of the boat ehich made it impossible for everyone to see. I go out at least twice a year and I will never go with this company again.

It made it much easier to go through this service. The alternative would be to be on hold forever - and not to get a more thorough take on all teh choices. Thanks, Zerve.

The trip was great, we saw humpbacks, dolphins and sea otters. The sea was really wild and I liked it very much. Much was done by the company to ensure succes. I recommend this cruise!

We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the whales. The ocean was very rough that afternoon. We were given plenty of warning and the opportunity to cancel. We tried the herbal anti nausea candy. It was Ginger I believe. I didn't notice a difference. We were all sea sick to a certain degree. I think the ocean is more likely to be calm in the morning. Bring a jacket, jeans and a hat. It gets much colder than you expect. Overall the trip was a very memorable experience.

We took a late afternoon trip. Rival company had cancelled because of wind and possible rough seas. The Princess' 100 foot boat handled the sea swells fine and we saw many humpbacks, tails, and one even breached. Caution: The vendor suggests you dress warm...they mean it. Three layers minimum....no shorts or short sleeves...the ocean is cold and the air matches. We saw too many people who did not read the cautions and were unhappy because they didn't read and prepare. Great trip. Would do it again and again, especially this season as there are lots of whales to be seen.

We arrived just in time for the last whale trip of that day on Juli 31st 2010. "The Dutch have arrived", the man at the ticket booth exclaimed :-). We were offered the choice to take this trip (bumpy ride) or postpone till later. However, later was not an option for us. So we went out with the boat (my wife , two sons, daughter and I). Indeed, the sea was rough, but the captain manouvered the boat skillfully through/over the high waves. About sixes miles from the coast we spotted our first whales. What a sight, we saw one, two and even more whales swimming out there, excellent. Ther captain manouvered the boat for best sightseeing. These whales were all humpbacks, impressive to see them swimming and breathing. The kids as well as ourselves enjoyed this trip very much. We were however not so lucky to see the largest whales, the blue ones. Maybe next time... Martin, Ageeth, Tamsin, Maupen Jons van Steenis

We did get to see the whales, but what a rough trip! The first 30 minutes or so were fun, novel and a little bumpy. The next 45 min. or so were so rough that I was seriously questioning my decision to take the boat ride. When passengers needed to move from outside to in or inside to out they had to cling for dear life to the rails and other passengers to take even a few steps. I do not normally have any problem with sea-sickness, but I spent most of this ride sitting outside in the wind, looking at the horizon and trying to ignore other passengers who were "feeding the fish". By the time we got to the whales, I was looking at my watch, hoping we would be turning for shore soon. Whew, nearly everyone was cold, wet and nauseated: Knowing the conditions, I'm surprised the tour operators made the decision to go. It was one rough trip.

This is a great opportunity to view whales, but expensive. All of the operators charge about the same. The day we went was extremely choppy, with many of the passengers being violently ill, however, that is not the fault of the operators! We saw quite a few Humpback Whales, but that was it. Would I go again? Possibly, but cost would be a factor for consideration.

We saw several whales and a bunch of people hanging over the side of the boat feeding the fish. Water was rough but that should be expected by all who decide to take this trip. Nothing the crew can do about the waves. Be sure to wear warm gear, especially gloves. It gets really cold out on the water. Also try not to eat before going out to sea. Another suggestion is to take the larger 100' boat, the other smaller boats appeared to have more problems with the waves. Overall, this is a must do trip for all who visit Monterey and I would recommend this company in order to have the best experience possible.

Good trip, and we saw humpback and blue whales. One serious inconvenience: We weren't warned that in a somewhat rough sea we would have to abandon our coveted seats at the front of the boat and move to the sides and rear as we drove to the viewing area.

We were able to see lots of whales on this trip. Staff was informative.