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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.
Silversea Has Luxury Excursion Packages for the Grand Prix
Emerald Announces Sport and Fitness Sailings - Cruise Industry News
Emerald Announces Sport and Fitness Sailings.
Posted: Wed, 13 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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.
Our Day in Monaco
We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. Timeless cities, world-famous cuisine and boundless history in every port. Popular amongst many cruise lines including Crystal, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Seabourn Cruise Line. With the already steep prices in Monte Carlo, why not take advantage of the nightly Happy Hour from 6-8pm.
Seabourn unveils exclusive The Collection cruises with shoreside experiences
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.
Top Sights & Attractions on a Monte Carlo Cruise
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.
Things To Do in Monte Carlo
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.
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.
Monaco (Monte Carlo) Cruise Port Facilities?
The city of Monte Carlo in Monaco is world famous for the massive and expensive yachts that the rich and famous pilot into the harbor, but you'll feel like old money pulling up in the gigantic ship used for your world cruise. I booked a tour with an independent guide and "native son of Monaco," Jean-Marc Ferrie, who I found online. Jean Marc charges 8 euro for a one-hour tour of Monte Carlo; 20 euro to add two other districts such as the old city and La Condamine (four hours); or 15 euro for a two-hour walk around the Grand Prix race track. The tour was wonderful, and worth the extra fee, but it ran two hours longer than its advertised length. The excursion began with a one-hour bus ride from Monaco to Grasse, through the French Riviera, with our guide providing insight on the region along the way in a delightful French accent.
Nice and Monaco Cruise Highlights
Cruise to Monte Carlo and head to the Place du Casino or Cercle d'Or if you want to shop with the city's highest rollers for luxury goods such as designer watches, silk scarves and leather shoes. While many of Monaco's most popular to-do's involve glitz and glamour, the simplicity of Larvotto Beach remains more or less as nature intended. The beach is stylishly manicured, of course, with dramatic carmine umbrellas and ivory beach chair covers. Plus, the martinis and wines on offer here are no more expensive than on any other European beach. The only downside we found with the app is that the route map would close out when we tried to open the camera. We'd recommend it for the ease of following self-guided tours that are already planned for you, but screen-shot the route map if you plan to use your phone to take a lot of pictures.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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