NCL Mediterranean Excursion Help

[Joan18]

First timer creating a topic on one of these boards.... hoping at least for 1 reply 🙂

 

We are planning our 20th anniversary on a NCL Med cruise in November. Sailing out of Barcelona. I have been to Europe a few times growing up. But I haven't been in 20 years. First time for my husband.

 

I am racking my brain on the NCL excursion choices. Anybody have any guidance? Or is there a place I can look at the reviews? 

 

For example: Cannes. Should we stick to the Nice tour or go to Monte carlo?

 

TIA

 

J

[mom says]

I suggest asking your question on the NCL board if you are asking about ship excursions.

[Joan18]

4 minutes ago, mom says said:

I suggest asking your question on the NCL board if you are asking about ship excursions.

I thought about it. But from experience - tours book sometimes even before sailing. Have you been to this port? Is it worth going to Monte Carlo.TIA

[ontheweb]

41 minutes ago, Joan18 said:

I thought about it. But from experience - tours book sometimes even before sailing. Have you been to this port? Is it worth going to Monte Carlo.TIA

No one but you can answer that as it depends on what you like. We are not at all into gambling so never considered Monte Carlo. The first time we were at that port we had a truly wonderful day going to the Matisse and Chagall Museums in Nice. (DW is an art teacher, now retired). But if museums are not your thing, this would be anything but a wonderful experience.

[Joan18]

33 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

No one but you can answer that as it depends on what you like. We are not at all into gambling so never considered Monte Carlo. The first time we were at that port we had a truly wonderful day going to the Matisse and Chagall Museums in Nice. (DW is an art teacher, now retired). But if museums are not your thing, this would be anything but a wonderful experience.

that does sounds more up my lane. thanks for the tip. My mother has a degree in art history - I love art teachers 🙂 I just really want to make the best choices and their website has no reviews. We never took a honeymoon and now that our kid is off to college, it's our turn to take a big trip. Thanks again for your reply.

[ontheweb]

3 hours ago, Joan18 said:

that does sounds more up my lane. thanks for the tip. My mother has a degree in art history - I love art teachers 🙂 I just really want to make the best choices and their website has no reviews. We never took a honeymoon and now that our kid is off to college, it's our turn to take a big trip. Thanks again for your reply.

You are welcome. That was actually our first port ever and still probably the best do it yourself days we ever had going ashore. The cruise was actually for our 25th anniversary.

[edinburgher]

17 hours ago, Joan18 said:

Cannes. Should we stick to the Nice tour

No tour is actually needed for Nice if you do a little pre-trip homework before you go to help you decide what to see and do here which matches your personal interests. On a tour you will be taken to wherever the tour guide has been instructed to take you.

 

Direct trains between Cannes and Nice, no need to change anywhere, journery time a little under an hour.

 

As for Monaco/Monte Carlo, there are only two or three casinos there, and the only one which tourists might be aware  of or  come across during their time there would be the historic and very famous Casino de Monte Carlo with its gardens, the exterior of which many visitors like to view and take pictures of,  otherwise no other opportunity to gamble that I am aware of.(unless others know better) 

 

Although small the city has several sights and attractions including an old Town, the Royal Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral where the tombs of Princess Grace and her husband Prince Ranier are to be found. 

 

Again, reading about MC might help you decide so read eg the Official Monaco Tourist Information website, Tripadvisor, YouTube, Rick Steves and any other online or guidebook options to help you decide whether you might enjoy a day there or not.

And read shorex descriptions even should you not want to book one as they will give you an indication of sightseeing options. And past threads, the same for Nice.

 

Although there are direct trains, it is a longer journey from Cannes than the one to Nice.

Edited April 15 by edinburgher

[edinburgher]

16 hours ago, ontheweb said:

We are not at all into gambling so never considered Monte Carlo

The majority of visitors and cruise passengers who port there will not be into gambling either, but will find many other attractions to occupy them for a day.

[Joan18]

3 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

The majority of visitors and cruise passengers who port there will not be into gambling either, but will find many other attractions to occupy them for a day.

Ok. That makes sense. It’s a tough decision for me. lol. 

[edinburgher]

9 minutes ago, Joan18 said:

Ok. That makes sense. It’s a tough decision for me. lol. 

Monaco also has a famous harbour stuffed with luxury yachts, parks and gardens, and the usual selection of museums.

Edited April 15 by edinburgher

[navybankerteacher]

Monaco is interesting - the changing of the guard at the palace was simply funny: several overweight guys in white uniforms shuffling around - out of step with each other. Then there is an amazing number of consulates -from small countries you wouldn’t think could have any necessary diplomatic connections - unless to provide a place to stash questionable assets.

[ontheweb]

32 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

Monaco also has a famous harbour stuffed with luxury yachts, parks and gardens, and the usual selection of museums.

 

20 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

Monaco is interesting - the changing of the guard at the palace was simply funny: several overweight guys in white uniforms shuffling around - out of step with each other. Then there is an amazing number of consulates -from small countries you wouldn’t think could have any necessary diplomatic connections - unless to provide a place to stash questionable assets.

Still nothing that interests us like Chagall and Matisse in Nice. The second time we were there we walked around Cannes, a lot more interesting than a harbor full of luxury yachts or a funny changing of the guard,