Grand Prix May 16, 2010

[Varalycka]

Our port of call on Sunday May 16, 2010 is Monaco, the day of the Grand Prix race. Does anyone have any helpful hints? We'd love to observe some of the race and explore the area, however need practical advice on how best to navigate the harbor area during the race itself. Does anyone have experience being in Monte Carlo for the Grand Prix?

 

Thanks

[Hambagahle]

we were there a couple of days prior to the race this year and getting around the harbour area was a nightmare as teh grandstands had been put up, and soem streets were closed. I would avoid it if possible!

[sddsddean]

We were there the day before the race in 2008. All the stands were up, chain link fencing all over the place and Armco crash barriers. There were gaps, but it was not easy getting round the harbour area. Workmen were also putting up loads of plywood screens, so people couldn't stand at high vantage points(by the palace for example) and watch the race for free. We were talking to 2 English ladies who now live in Monaco and they say it is always murder at GP time! It takes 6 weeks to put all the stands and stuff up and 4 weeks to take it all down again. If you are travelling on your own, be aware of the time. It didn't help that on the day we were there the trains were on strike (we 'stopped' at Villefranche and were intending to train to Monaco and bus back), but when we came to get the bus back to V'franche at about 2pm, we waited at the bus stop near the information kiosk (like the books say) and the busses were packed so no one could get on. We walked 'up the route' a bit and after an hour managed to cram onto a bus (we almost got a taxi back with an American couple as time was going by!). It was gone 3pm when we left and the bus didn't pick up anywhere else (the 2 ladies previously mentioned said the busses were always like this near GP time). Anyway, we got back to V'f about 4pm (ship due to sail at 5pm) and knew there were loads of people trying to get back. I think the captain must have had a message or something, as we didn't leave V'f until well after 7pm and I didn't hear of anyone being left behind. So moral is...leave earlier than you think you need to!!

 

Simon

[Varalycka]

Thanks for your thoughts....

We are not planning on going anywhere, just want to explore Monte Carlo while in port, perhaps take in the Oceanographic Museum/Aquarium and the Casino, but am afraid they may shut down the day of the race, or access may be difficult due to the crowds. If Princess tenders us into Fontvieille Harbor will we be able to get to the Oceanographic Museum or the casino? Will there be any transportation options or will we need to walk everywhere? Can you walk around or is it too hilly?

[sddsddean]

I didn't realise you were actually stopping at Monaco. If Princess tender into Fontvielle harbour, I would think you should be OK. The race runs round the main harbour and the peninsula between the 2 (with the palace, cathedral and ocenagraphic museum on) effectively seperates them. It is a good walk up to the palace level by either stairs or winding ramps (there might be lifts, but I just can't remember if there any in this area), but crowds shouldn't be too bad, because as I said, all the vantage points have screens up so you can't watch the race. It is not a very big area, so you do not really need transport unless you have mobility issues.

 

Simon

[Dirtbleed]

What ship will you be on?

Thnx

[Varalycka]

We will be on the Crown princess. I did find out that the oceanographic musuem is closed on the day of the Grand Prix, so now I am wondering what will be open.

[waverley7]

Hi Varalycka,

 

I am also researching for Monte Carlo as I will be on the crown that day as well, have you found out anymore information since this post? Anything else closed that day?

[Tillylovesseabourn]

Hello. Perhaps you sholud all take a look at the previous thread on this further down the France page where several of us have posted.

 

I doubt very much the Crown will be going to dock in Monaco as she won't be able to get anywhere near the place! The thread has lots of information, please read it and don't be under any illusions. It will be chaos and if you don't have tickets, don't go, as you will not be able to walk around Monaco or drive around, and in particular you won't be able to see the Gp without tickets, that is unless you are getting there days before!

[Tillylovesseabourn]

Sorry,thread is entitled MONACO PORT ON GP DAY, hope it helps you all!

[lambs2]

Our port of call on Sunday May 16, 2010 is Monaco, the day of the Grand Prix race. Does anyone have any helpful hints? We'd love to observe some of the race and explore the area, however need practical advice on how best to navigate the harbor area during the race itself. Does anyone have experience being in Monte Carlo for the Grand Prix?

 

Thanks

 

In May 2007 we were there a few days ahead of the Grand Prix during the time trials and had a GREAT DAY! We (HAL Veendam) did tender into the area south of the Rock. We took a ship tour for several hours in the morning to Eze and driving on the Cornishe Highways and to a view of Nice. I think we were supposed to get a bit longer actually IN Nice (rather than just some views), but the tour was delayed about an hour due to traffic jams and a problem getting the tour bus to us. However, the tour was very good, regardless. In the afternoon DH and I decided to walk to the Rock (where Monocco's Royal Palace, the cathedral and the lovely FREE gardens are located. There are escalors and elevatos to help with the climb and once we got to the top you could view the Grand Prix time trials from up there for FREE!! We did that for a bit, then watched the changing of the guard at the Palace and took a tour with headsets of the Public Rooms of the Palace and then the Napolean Museum next door (they have a combo ticket that saves you some €'s). Then we walked through the charming streets, shopped for souvenirs, before seeing the cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Ranier were married and are buried, plus the lovely gardens with incredible vistas over the Mediterranean. The Costeau Oceanographic Museum is right near there too. We did not have time to do it with all we packed into our one day, so just went into the gift shop. Actually, I think the race scared some of the tourists away and so the Rock part of Monocco was not crowded at all that day! We did not get to the Monte Carlo Casino as time ran out and the crowds going THAT way were bad. HOWEVER -- as we were walking back down from The Rock, we were stopped by a motorcade returning from the time trials. We are SURE that the fancy limo with flags waving all over (but windows blacked out) that passed right in front of us into the "secret" tunnel entrance to the palace was carrying Prince Albert back from the races as he is a avid fan! :D

[Tillylovesseabourn]

Yes, if you were there 'a few days' before the gp, ie in the week, thurs/fri you would be able to get about better than on the actual race day, which is the 16th. Things will be far more chaotic then.