Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Cruises to Monte Carlo, Monaco

monaco cruise

Roll the dice, tour exotic palaces and gardens, explore one of the world’s best aquariums, and discover a foodie paradise. Despite the island's reputation for extravagance, residents of Monaco are famously modest about their food. It's impossible not to recognize the facade of Monte Carlo casino, whether from European travel guides or James Bond movies. Walk inside and have a look around at its ornate marble atrium. Or simply stay near the entrance and gawk at the long line of Lamborghinis and Maseratis the valet attendant is busy parking.

Make it a Beach Day

(Nice and Eze are much easier to do on your own with public transit from Monaco.) With those factors, Viking's tour was an excellent price for what you get. The tour then commenced to Saint-Paul, about 30 minutes away. There our guide led us through the cobblestoned village to the viewpoint and cemetery where artist Marc Chagall is buried before sending us off for an hour of free time. The city is filled with art galleries, restaurants and shops selling local herbs, olive oil and other food items, and was also a great place for souvenirs. We wandered the narrow stone streets (a photographer's jackpot), peeked inside the church and made friends with a very chubby local Corgie while snacking on sandwiches and crepes.

Next Time, I’ll Get to the Cruise Port a Day Early

Although Jean-Marc was not very talkative, speaking only when we came upon a point of interest, I don't enjoy tours with nonstop commentary. The Cathedral of Monaco (Saint Nicholas Cathedral) represents the history of religion in the country. In modern times, this cathedral is famous for being the final resting place for Prince Rainier and his wife, the actress Grace Kelly. On an excursion to Monaco, you can climb the 30 steps that lead to the cathedral and see it for yourself, while marveling at the marble Episcopal Throne and brilliantly colored imagery that have inspired so many. Sitting on the coast like a precious gemstone, Monte Carlo and Monaco still draw an international jet-set crowd.

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monaco cruise

The conductor onboard the bus sells tickets, but you need exact change. The two go hand in hand in this idyllic slice of the Cote d'Azur. The wealthy Europeans who do their banking here expect -- no, demand -- the best, and cost be damned. This makes it harder for workaday folks to enjoy a stay (rooms go for an average of $700 a night in a nice hotel), but coming in on a cruise ship for the day gives one a sense of James Bond cool.

The Grandstand experience includes a seat in Grandstand K and lunch at a local Italian restaurant. For even better views and more exclusivity, a package that offers prime F1 circuit views from a private apartment with terrace is available for $4,699. Both days will include morning refreshments, a buffet lunch, afternoon snacks, and an open bar with Champagne. Silversea is another line that regularly includes the Grand Prix on its itineraries. In 2024, Silver Spirit is spending two full days in Monaco for the festivities, with a choice of four excursion packages, from basic to extravagant. The Grandstand K package can be purchased for two full days ($2,099) or Sunday’s final race only ($1,699).

monaco cruise

Night Monte Carlo To AthensDetails

These include several nights stay in a hotel or a land tour before or after your cruise. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. No matter how you arrive into Monaco, you can’t miss “The Rock;” just look up.

Crystal Cruises' ships Serenity and Symphony in 2025 visit 281 ports/112 countries

When you visit the south of France on a Mediterranean cruise, you'll have ample opportunities to explore the sun-soaked beaches, provincial towns, historic cities, and the city-state of Monaco. And if you're on an excursion from Cannes, you'll have the opportunity to visit several highlights in one unforgettable day. The following is a selection of the very best attractions available during your Nice or Monaco cruise. Arriving by ship into the Monte Carlo harbor is amazing to experience on a cruise to France. If your docking time is before dawn, you'll see the lights of the principality twinkling throughout the mountains that surround the harbor and the beautifully lit Grand Casino at center stage.

Monaco Yacht Club offers unique cruise to children in remission from cancer - Monaco Tribune

Monaco Yacht Club offers unique cruise to children in remission from cancer.

Posted: Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

One of the more famous attractions you can see on an excursion during your Monaco cruise is the Monaco Exotic Gardens. The tiny and wealthy principality of Monaco, ruled by Prince Albert II, is dominated by the attractions in the resort quarter, Monte Carlo, with its casino, internationally acclaimed Opera House and the Triangle d’Or shopping area. The cliffs of Le Rocher de Monaco rise above the Mediterranean, the strategic stronghold of the Grimaldi family of Genoa who assumed power of this unstable region in 1297. The principality was a quiet backwater until the 1850s when trains put the sun-soaked destination within easy reach of affluent French and British travelers looking for an escape and relaxing things to do.

Memorable plant life, including succulents imported from México and other parts of the world, offer a green escape for nature lovers. After you’ve admired the flora and fauna, turn your attention to the awe-inspiring views of the Mediterranean from the garden’s cliffside vantage point. With cliffside views and the dramatic French Riviera landscape just beyond, the Musée Océanographique de Monaco offers a glimpse at the species and animals that call the Mediterannean home.

This popular attraction also boasts several panoramic views of Monaco and the Mediterranean, and even features an underground cathedral that's located in a cave system. Taxis come to the end of the pier (just outside the gates) until approximately 6 p.m. In the principality -- except on weekends when they have a less frequent schedule. The bus system is extensive, but it's quite a long walk to the bus stop from the ship docks. The Monaco bus company, CAM, operates a network of six routes that cover all the main attractions. There are 142 bus stops around the principality, so you never have to walk far to find one.

What sports event combines ground-rumbling noise, gasp-inducing life-or-death moments and decadent yacht parties? Held every May, the Formula One motor competition represents the pinnacle of auto racing -- and best of all, you can save money and hassle by seeing the event by cruise. Tipping your taxi driver isn’t expected, but leaving a 15% tip at restaurants is best practice.

The Royal Clipper and Star Flyer will be in Monaco for the Friday Practice session, while the Star Flyer will return on Sunday for the race on its next cruise. The 2024 and 2025 F1-themed cruises will take place onboard Windstar’s flagship Wind Surf, the largest sailing ship in the world, which will surely be a grand presence in the Monte Carlo harbor. Monte Carlo is the world's only city known as "casino" and one of Europe's leading resort destinations.

On a Monaco cruise, you’ll find high-end dining in abundance. Fresh ingredients and thoughtful presentations are highly valued here. The food merges French classics with a modern, seaside twist.

Prince Charles III quickly understood what it would take to seduce the new tourists, and created a Belle Epoque resort featuring the mythic Casino de Monte-Carlo. A fun way to cross the harbor is on the electric water bus, which runs between the cruise terminal and the city center, near the casino, from 8 a.m. If you're lucky enough to be in Monaco during the third week in May, you can actually see part of the Grand Prix Formula One race from the comfort of your cruise ship.

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