Monaco Cruises

Elevate Your Cruise Holiday

Discover the glitz and glamour of Monaco — second of the smallest countries in the world yet one of the richest and is considered a tax haven! Nestled on the captivating French Riviera, this independent city-state whisks visitors away into a luxurious getaway backed by panoramic sea and nature views. Mediterranean cruises make for some of the most diverse and decadent holidays, with itineraries often including Monte Carlo, the main gateway port to Monaco.

Although this affluent city-state is primarily known as a playground for the rich, it actually offers an interesting history and culture waiting to be discovered for history buffs and culture vultures. Take a historical tour inside the Prince’s Palace, a centuries-old Genoese fortress that sheltered the royal family of Grimaldi, or explore the world-class museum Oceanographic Museum of Monaco showcasing Monaco’s significant contributions in marine sciences. If you’re up for non-stop action and entertainment, test your luck in The Monte Carlo Casino and catch the famous Monaco Grand Prix.

Don’t let Monaco's small size fool you — you’ll find more than enough leisure and experiences on Monaco cruises. Cruise to Monte Carlo, Monaco on board our best no-fly cruises or cruises from Southampton. Or, take one of our luxury cruises to complete your luxury cruise holiday!

Monaco Cruise Highlights

Monaco Old Town (Monaco Ville)

Step back in time in Monaco Old Town, lined with colourful residential houses and is home to many of the city-state’s points of interest. Perched atop a towering bluff and bordered by the Mediterranean, this picturesque town is steeped with old-world charm and natural beauty at every turn. It’s easily recognisable for its awe-inspiring fortress overlooking the city, the Prince’s Palace, where the current royal family resides. Get lost in the quaint streets of this neighbourhood - you’ll pass by the Roman-Byzantine-style St. Nicholas Cathedral and the exotic St. Martin Gardens.

The Monte Carlo Casino

No trip to Monaco will ever be complete without dropping by the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino. Set on high ground, this lavish entertainment building is a proud example of La Belle Époque style oozing ornate luxury, with grand onyx columns welcoming you to the gaming rooms. Good news for non-players! The imposing casino allows guests to explore the building without paying to access the gaming rooms if you just want a cultural experience. Another great news for James Bond’s fans - you’ll find the casino intriguingly familiar as it has been used as the backdrop of many of Bond’s exploits.

Larvotto Beach

Larvotto Beach is a slice of paradise on earth for beach bums! This artificial beach is the only public shore in the principality, situated less than a mile downhill from Monte Carlo. Protective jellyfish nets are safely installed so swimmers can wade in the waters comfortably without the fear of getting stinged. Fine pebbles dot the stretch where waves lap rather than sand, so it’s more convenient to walk in sturdy beach footwear.

Monaco Cruise at a Glance...

Things to Do in Monaco

Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco sits on the edge of the cliff about 90 metres above sea level facing the breathtaking Mediterranean. It’s located just behind the Monaco Old Town! This fascinating museum offers a kaleidoscope of marine life interaction opportunities — pet a small shark, see live turtles and marvel at the giant aquarium containing coral reefs and aquatic creatures.

Explore the gardens of Monaco

Although Monaco is known for a fast-paced and affluent living, it’s blessed with a host of beautiful gardens, ideal for taking atmospheric walks and unwinding at a leisurely pace while enjoying the scenery and serenity. Arguably one of the best known is the Princess Grace Rose Garden, cultivated by Prince Rainier III in the memory of his departed wife, the legendary American actress Grace Kelly. Another garden associated with the royal family is the Garden of Princess Antoinette, which was named after the Baroness of Massy and eldest sister of Prince Rainier III, considered the “green lung” of the principality. Other lush green spaces include the Exotic Garden of Monaco, Zoological Garden of Monaco, the Japanese Garden and more.

Hit the roads with a luxury sports car

Monaco’s glamorous roads are graced by fleets of the fanciest brand of cars in the world — renting a luxury sports car and hitting the hilly streets make up for a quintessential experience! The country has supercar rental agencies that allow travellers to drive their dream cars even without buying it. Speed up on a Lamborghini as you navigate the scenic coastal highways along the French Riviera, drift around the streets of Monte Carlo on a Mercedes, or drive a Ferrari to the casino. And if you time your visit right, you can participate in the annual sporting event Monaco Grand Prix held in the streets of the city-state!

Monaco Cruises FAQs

Which cruise lines go to Monaco?

Several cruise itineraries include Monte Carlo as a port stop. These include cruise ships from Princess Cruises, Seabourn, Azamara, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.

When is the best time to travel to Monaco?

A Mediterranean climate characterises the principality, with mild to cool winters and hot and dry summers. The best season to visit Monaco is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), with peak months in June and August. Springtime is the prime time to see the flowers in their bloom in the Monaco gardens and the Grand Prix happens every May. Meanwhile, mild temperatures are almost always guaranteed in autumn, with big events such as the Monaco Marathon and the Monaco Music Festival.

What is the currency in Monaco?

The Euro is the official currency in Monaco. Visa cards come in handy in transactions within the principality, such as paying for hotel bills, covering restaurant tabs and purchasing souvenirs in shops. Further, ATMs are available throughout the city-state in case cash is indispensable.

Is there a tipping culture in Monaco?

Despite Monaco’s high-class status as a city-state, tipping is not necessarily required, especially for restaurants and bars since service charge is usually included in your tab. However, note that giving an additional 15% tip is customary if it’s not on your bill, so it’s always best practice to double check. It’s also not expected to tip taxi drivers and tour guides, but doing so would be a nice gesture if you find their service excellent.

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