NCL Cannes instead of Villefranche?

[Burchrod]

Our Epic itinerary initially listed Villefranche as a port. Now it says Cannes.

 

We're a little concerned because, frankly, we've heard nothing very good about Cannes. We have NO interest in high-end shopping. We've been to Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills and were bored to tears.

 

We had planned to spend the day in Monaco, but now worry that it might be too far from the port. Rick Steves' travel guide says that public transportation between Cannes and Monaco is not recommended.

 

What else might we do? I would so hate for our last port to be the one we least look forward to!

[Hlitner]

Rick Steves is not always correct and this is one of those times. There is an excellent commuter-type train line that spans most of the French Riviera coast. From the Cannes tender pier it is about a 25 min walk to the local train station (or a short taxi ride if you can find a taxi). Once at the station you simply buy a ticket to Monte Carlo (if this is where you want to go) and grab the next train (normally about 2 per hour). It takes about 1:10 to get to Monte Carlo.

 

As to what else to do (we personally dislike Monte Carlo) you have many options from Cannes. If you want to rent a car you could drive directly to the wonderful walled city of St Paul de Vence (about a 45 min drive) and perhaps later drive back to the coast to Antibes and then along the coast road back to Cannes (that is just one driving itinerary). If you prefer using trains you can take the train to Antibes or Nice (the same train that goes to Monte Carlo). If you are really ambitious you could take that same train to Cagnes sur Mer and then catch the #400 bus out to St Paul de Vence (this can take as long as 1 1/2 hours each way).

 

Hank

[4774Papa]

You can always take an NCL excursion.

[Burchrod]

You can always take an NCL excursion.

 

We've been on five cruises and never booked a ship's shore excursion yet! LOL.

 

There's a first time for everything and the ship's excursion to Monaco isn't outrageously expensive so we may actually consider it.

[nyyhoneybee]

Are you on the Aug 26th sailing? If so, come join our roll call :D

[WTXbigkid]

For my Epic cruise, there is an excursion called Monaco & Nice.