monte carlo

[stinesheri]

hi!

 

Just wanted to find out if I have any glaring mistakes in our plans for Monte Carlo. We seem very limited, in that we get in early, before most sites are open.

 

The ship docks at 6:00am and departs at 2:00pm. Assuming we want to be back on the ship at 1:00 (gives time if we are tendered), is the following feasible:

 

Leave ship at 7:00 - 7:30, make our way to the Cathedral (opens at 8:30), sightseeing along the way and hopefully picking up coffee/danish.

 

Then onto the the Palace, to view the outside (doesn't open until 9:30), and then to the Oceanographic Institute for it's opening at 9:30. Spend about 90 minutes or so touring the Institute, then pick up the Azur train (11:00am-ish), which takes about 30 minutes (?) to get to the Casino. View the surrounding areas (doesn't open until 2:00), and then make our way back to the ship.

 

I know the timing is tight, but can we do this? Anyone have any good info on the Azur train? Search engines gave me very little to go on. Is there any good window shopping around the Casino or in the Old Town, perhaps open early in the morning. Also, does anyone know where we could pick up an Azur train time table?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

cs

[Keith1010]

I have been to Monte Carlo many times and this plan will work.

 

The only thing I have not done is to take a train over to the casino. We always walk over to the casino but we have always had a lot more time there then you will. The shops will all be open by the casino and it is a good people watching location even in the daytime.

 

The worst is you can take a taxi over to the casino.

 

Enjoy!

 

Keith

[stinesheri]

Thanks Keith, I appreciate the answers, and am very glad that we can do all this.

 

How long of a walk would it be to the Casino from the Oceanagraphic Institute, assuming an average walking pace? How long of a taxi ride?

 

cs

[bluenoser2]

We're also doing a Monte Carlo day on our trip - just doing the "on your own" excursion - it was my understanding that the casino is closed for renovations/repair this summer? We're going to be there in June and when we checked the ship excursions it mentioned this. Is this true?

[suenruss]

The train is around trip of approx 30 mins, no chance to get off. I have a brochure from 2008 somewhere - I'll have a look and see if there's a website or anything on it. There are some lovely little shops around the Cathedral / Palace area. Sue

[suenruss]

www.monacotoursmc.com :)

[John Bull]

hi!

 

Spend about 90 minutes or so touring the Institute, then pick up the Azur train (11:00am-ish), which takes about 30 minutes (?) to get to the Casino.

 

cs

 

Just checking - you do know that its not a train? :confused:

 

It's a tourist road train, like at some theme parks or seafronts, with a 30minute circular route round the streets. Not really a viable means of getting from A to B, esp as its route from the Institute to the Casino is A to Z via the rest of the alphabet. 29 mins by road train, one minute by shanks's.

Feel free to tell me "yes, I know that, I'm not a compete dim-wit" :rolleyes:

 

Don't know how accustomed you are to tenders, but as long as you are at the jetty by "last tender" time (giving yourself a little leeway of course) you'll have no problem - they won't leave a line of folk on the jetty just because they don't all fit in "the last tender".

I expect you know how to copy & twice-paste the line in bold type if you feel the urge :D :D

 

Regards,

John Bull :)

[TLCOhio]

Thanks Keith, I appreciate the answers, and am very glad that we can do all this. How long of a walk would it be to the Casino from the Oceanagraphic Institute, assuming an average walking pace? How long of a taxi ride? cs

 

In looking at the map feature of Google.com, the walking distance looks to be less than a mile. BUT, the topography there is not exactly flat, straight-line and easy. Personally, walking can be a nice way to experience and see some of the more interesting views of Monaco. Below are some of my visuals from this area. Also, you should consider your "WEATHER OPTIONS" if things are marginal that day. Having a back-up plan in the event of rain, etc., is smart.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

In Monaco, the Casino might be the most famous building:

 

 

 

Here is one of the parks in Monaco with the scenic mountains in the background:

 

 

 

Here is another view of Monaco with famed hotel and part of the Casino with the scenic mountains also shown:

 

 

 

From the water side, this is the view for this side of the Monaco Casino:

 

[John Bull]

In looking at the map feature of Google.com, the walking distance looks to be less than a mile. BUT, the topography there is not exactly flat, straight-line and easy.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Hi Terry,

 

200 yards according to Google maps, and it's downhill.

So two minutes if you walk. ............ .............or just one if you trip :D

 

JB

[stinesheri]

Thanks All!

 

Great pics as always Terry - there is so little on Monte Carlo, they were nice to see.

 

Yes, John, I do know it isn't a train, but it has wheels which will save our feet a few steps! Since I am getting on at A and off at Z, at least we will see the alphabet inbetween, though if the timing is off, we just might walk it ourselves. Seems like it will be downhill (uphill in the morning - not looking forward ot that).

 

Glad to know there are shops around the Cathedral, if we have to kill some time until it opens - hopefully, they are open early.

 

And yes, I assume that if I am at the tender jetty at the appropriate time, they won't leave me there! We are really timely people, so we will probably try to be there at by 1:00, unless instructed to be there earlier, for our 2:00pm departure.

 

Thanks all- glad to know that we aren't nuts with this plan.

 

cs

[stinesheri]

Just a follow up John

 

You said 30 minutes 'round trip'. Is that from the Oceanographic Institute to the Casino and back to the Institute? Than the trip to the Casino should only be 15 minutes or so - correct?

 

thanks again!

cs

[John Bull]

Just a follow up John

 

You said 30 minutes 'round trip'. Is that from the Oceanographic Institute to the Casino and back to the Institute? Than the trip to the Casino should only be 15 minutes or so - correct?

 

thanks again!

cs

 

Just deduction on my part, the "round-trip" is a 30 minute trip all round the centre. Somewhere on the web (grrrh, can't find it now:() it mentioned that it starts at the Oceanography Centre and that the Casino is near the end of the route.

 

Think of it as a clock, with Oceanography Institute at noon, & the mouse :rolleyes:, sorry, train :), running round the clock through 1, 2, 3 & back to 12. Put the Casino at 11 o'clock & you're almost back where you started, but 55mins (err make that 28 mins) from where you started. Run the thing backwards and the train will be at the Casino in a trice.

If it were 3 blind mice presumably it'd be thrice.

 

All of which is totally irrelevant, because as Suenruss :cool: posted at the same time as me, & I've since seen confirmation on the 'net, you can't get on & off the thing

 

Do you ever wish you'd never joined a thread ?

Gotta go, nurse wants to give me my medication :D

 

Regards to all

JB

[Hambagahle]

Most likely you won't need 90 minutes at the Océanographique. We went there in April, planning to spend about that time and saw everything in about 45 mins. If you have been to places like Monterey, or the Oceanografico in Valenia, the one in Monte Carlo will strike you as old fashioned with not much on show!

 

if you want a "coffee and danish" don't ask for "danish". In French these sorts of pastries are called "Viennoiseries". Funny thing - in Denmark they are called "Wienerbrod" or Vienna bread. Only in the US are they called Danish!

 

the shops around the cathedral are mostly tourist-type places with not too much on sale other than souvenirs. However, at the bottom of the hill (ramp, really) going up to the castle and the cathedral (and the Océanographique) there is a small square, with a street market, pattiseries and little local shops. it is roughly where the Blvd Albert 1er intersects with the avenue de la Quarantaine... and you will find interesting things there as the market will start much earlier than the cathedral will open. This should keep you occupied! You will also be able to get your breakfast there.

[Andym]

You do realise that you can't get off the train. It will simply take you back to ahere you got on.

[sweetpea143]

What is the best way to get from the port to the Oceangrapgic Institute and the market area?

[ActiveTraveler]

Don't know how accustomed you are to tenders, but as long as you are at the jetty by "last tender" time (giving yourself a little leeway of course) you'll have no problem - they won't leave a line of folk on the jetty just because they don't all fit in "the last tender."

 

John, are you saying Monte Carlo is a tender port? How do you get from the ship to the dock?

[Susan-M]

John, are you saying Monte Carlo is a tender port? How do you get from the ship to the dock?

 

By tender (which is a small boat) ... here's a good explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship's_tender

The second photo (orange & white boat) is from a cruise ship.

[John Bull]

John, are you saying Monte Carlo is a tender port? How do you get from the ship to the dock?

 

At Monte Carlo, some ships tie up at the quayside, some moor outside the harbour & use tenders (see Susan's link), depending on their size & the port schedule.

 

Be wary - some cruise lines quote "Monte Carlo" on their advertisements but actually use Villefranche in France, which will add to your transfer time if you wanted to go to Monte Carlo.

 

If you've not tendered before, it's fun the first time, but it does bite into your shore time.

The tender boats run a shuttle service all day, usually 6 to 8 boats, each holds 100 to 150 pax. Folk on ship's excursions generally get priority, some cruiselines also give priority to those in expensive cabins or frequent clients.

The routine varies, but as a general rule, for everyone else the ship will announce in good time that folk should collect tender-tickets at a specified time & from a specified place, such as the theatre or a bar (but never at the tender point). Those tickets are numbered/lettered. Announcements are then made, such as "tickets 1 to 100 please now go to the tender on deck 3".

The time taken to get everyone off varies hugely, depending on number of tender boats, distance to jetty etc. It can be a minor inconvenience or it can take literally 2 - 3 hours :eek:

So cut along to the ticket collection point mebbe 30 mins before the quoted time, in order to get a low number.

 

There are various pros & cons for taking a ship's excursion, as per your "ships' excursions" thread, and where a port is by tender its something else to consider - it may be the deciding factor for you.

 

The return to the ship is usually first-come first-served, all you need worry about is being at the jetty by "last tender" time.

 

JB

[John Bull]

The tender boats run a shuttle service all day, usually 6 to 8 boats, each holds 100 to 150 pax.

 

JB

 

Sorry, make that usually 4 to 6 boats JB

[stinesheri]

Thanks Hambaghle!

 

I definately wouldn't ask for a 'danish', but do appreciate your info. We have been to more modern 'aquariums', so it is good to know that we won't spend a ton of time at the Institute - I really just want the Jacques Costeau experience, and also want something a little light for my 8 year old.

 

Also appreciate the info on where to shop/eat, etc.

[numbersix]

But...only a 'danish'? You do know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?;)

[SusanIL]

We're also doing a Monte Carlo day on our trip - just doing the "on your own" excursion - it was my understanding that the casino is closed for renovations/repair this summer? We're going to be there in June and when we checked the ship excursions it mentioned this. Is this true?

 

Our shore excursion brochure originally said that the casino would be closed, but was updated about a month ago to say that it would remain open through the summer. Our cruise is in September, so not sure if it will still be open then but I hope so!

[ActiveTraveler]

A Cruise Critic editor whose first cruise was on Crystal Serenity wrote Monte Carlo is a very overrated port. I read that complaint in a Western Mediterranean article for rookies. Can somebody confirm or deny the accusations here? Should I worry about what other, more-experienced travelers think when they say stuff like this?

Biggest Disappointment

This almost falls under the "biggest surprise" category as well: I thought Monte Carlo, the city of Monaco, was hugely overrated. No doubt, the garden area that leads to the incredibly elegant casino and Hotel Paris with its Alain Ducasse restaurant is gorgeous -- "lives of the rich and famous" meeting their counterparts. The medieval old city, located on a hilltop and featuring the royal family's palace, is charming on a superficial level but so over-the-top touristic that it had no soul. And looking back at the city from the top of the old town, stark, uninspiring 1970's-era condo buildings are so crammed into the hillside that there's not a speck of a tree or other greenery to be found. Dismal. However, I will add the caveat that folks who love to gamble (I don't gamble at all) really do need to visit.

[Susan-M]

Should I worry about what other, more-experienced travelers think when they say stuff like this?

 

 

No, because whatever port you go to, someone who has been there will be able to point out negatives. Better to focus on the positive, and she does mention a couple in the quote that you provided.

 

We were glad that we had the chance to see Monte Carlo, and felt that a couple of hours during our port stop in Villefranche was a good amount of time to explore Monte Carlo/Monaco on foot. As the author also notes, this port is a gateway to other sites along the French Riviera, so if you don't want to spend your whole day in Monte Carlo, you can take advantage of the opportunity to take in other sites:

 

quote from the same article:

"France's Cote d'Azur, the most fabulously chic place most of us will ever visit, is interesting in that it doesn't matter so much where you dock (or anchor); all the cities -- Cannes, Nice, Villefranche and Monaco's Monte Carlo -- are easily accessible from one another. If you're lucky (and I'd shop around for this) you'll find an itinerary that offers a full two-day stay at one of these ports. There's so much to see!"

[BiggiB]

Hello and bonjour !

After all those wonderful suggestions made for your short morning in Monaco, permit me to add some more information.

 

For early morning visits, before anything else opens, the market is the place to be, as it was pointed out already. It's on Place d'Armes, just below the castle hill (called Rocher). You find it easy by walking along the port and heading up the pedestrian area Rue Princesse Charlotte. Turn to your left on top.

There are small cafés and coffee shops around the square and even in the market hall. Locals stop for an espresso and a croissant or pain au chocolat there, before going to work.

 

If you physically can, walk up the ramp to the Palace Square, or take busses number 1 or 2 up from Place d'Armes to Monaco Ville. Use a multi-trip-ticket (available for 4 or 10 trips, can be used by 2 or more passengers at the same time, just tell driver. 10 trips are € 6).

 

The Oceanographic Museum features a comprehensive exhition (from May to September) on works of art by British Damien Hirst, the most expensive contemporary artist. They alone are worth a visit, including the oceanic exhibitions as well. Take the elevator up to the roof top, from where you have a wonderful view over the whole Principality ... and some more oversized Hirst exhibits.

 

To get from Monaco Ville across to Monte Carlo, you best take busses no 1 or 2, as before. Both of them stop at the Casino Square and you can use your multi-voyage-ticket again. Busses are airconditioned, run every 8 minutes, and are easy accessible also for disabled passengers.

 

The traditional gambling halls of the Casino of Monte Carlo on Casino Square are open only from 3 p.m. ... there is one slot-machine-room in a room next to the entrance. If entrance is possible, just go inside to admire the nice architecture. For an early-morning try on your gambling luck, you have to make us of the Casino Americain inside the Café de Paris.

 

Getting back to the ship, you might use the bus boat across the port. Behind the Casino, there's an underground link to the port (stairs, elevator and underground walk way ... all are pointed out by signs). The bus boat goes across the inner port in between the many luxury yachts moored there --- what a view --- and you can use again your bus ticket for the this trip. The bus boat docks only a short walk from the tender pier.

 

One more good news: There's a new hop-on/hop-off bus tour in town. It's called Monaco Grand Tour, stops at 12 different places in town, leaves from the cruise ship pier and is € 17 per person/day. Multi-lingual explanations are provided on the "open-air"-bus.

 

Enjoy your day in the Principality!