Question for Bill about Monaco Excursions

[alabama ghost]

We're looking at excursions next year for our May 7 Azamara Quest cruise and can't understand something. We'll be in Monaco May 11 and an excursion to the casino is $74, where you're picked up by a city bus (just for Azamara passengers), delivered to the casino and can return at a specific time by the same bus. Is this so high because of the Historic Grand Prix or is there some other reason? This seems a lot of money for a shuttle!:confused:

 

Also, will the HoHo bus and train and city bus lines be working during the Historic Grand Prix?

 

Any info would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

Pam

[ellbon]

you can taxi there for 13 Euros each way per taxi. we put 3 in one taxi- we had more so we had 2 taxi's. the building is lovely inside but you can only go into the main rooms. take a camera for outdoor pictures.

i had two drinks there at 16 Euros each. They were the best Cosmos i had anywhere all summer. Then we walked around -went to the Buda bar. not sure what food was like but the drinks sucked. Heard there is another section that I missed that more cluby.

I rather spend money at the Hotel de Paris or the lovely outdoor place that serves very late.

You can do all this on your own even at these prices for less or the same as the ship /plus you can come and go at will.

 

In that city ship tours are a waste of money as you can do it all for less.

[Bill Leiber]

We're looking at excursions next year for our May 7 Azamara Quest cruise and can't understand something. We'll be in Monaco May 11 and an excursion to the casino is $74, where you're picked up by a city bus (just for Azamara passengers), delivered to the casino and can return at a specific time by the same bus. .... Also, will the HoHo bus and train and city bus lines be working during the Historic Grand Prix?

 

Any info would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

Pam

 

Hello Alabama Ghost -

 

I'm checking your question with our shore excursion team.

 

Interestingly, I visited the Pdf Land Discoveries brochure and did not find a tour to the Casino listed for May 11, 2014.

 

I'm asking if there has been a modification to that particular page.

 

Pam, I'll let you know when I can. I expect you'll be busy for Halloween!

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[midwestchick]

Hello Alabama Ghost -

 

I'm checking your question with our shore excursion team.

 

Interestingly, I visited the Pdf Land Discoveries brochure and did not find a tour to the Casino listed for May 11, 2014.

 

I'm asking if there has been a modification to that particular page.

 

Pam, I'll let you know when I can. I expect you'll be busy for Halloween!

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

 

Isn't it a little too early for the land discoveries to be updated for that particular cruise?

I think I was told 6-7 months prior to sailing they are updated.

[uktog]

Isn't it a little too early for the land discoveries to be updated for that particular cruise?

I think I was told 6-7 months prior to sailing they are updated.

 

No, Azamara post there's earlier and people will be keen to make plans given the price changes that have been announced.

[Wacktle]

Isn't it a little too early for the land discoveries to be updated for that particular cruise?

I think I was told 6-7 months prior to sailing they are updated.

 

It'll be November on Friday, and that May sailing is less than 7 months away!

[midwestchick]

No, Azamara post there's earlier and people will be keen to make plans given the price changes that have been announced.

 

 

I don't like to differ with you, uktog, but I was specifically told by Azamara that it is too early to see the full range of shore excursions for later cruises. I also just saw on FB that there may be no charge for excursions as of Nov.1, 2013...supposedly a new promo coming out...I thought this was strange. From the E-mail I did recieve, it stated as long as I am currently booked on a 2014 sailing, I will still be eligible for the 25% off shore excursions, as long as I book prior to my cruise.

I'm truly sorry so many things are different for those of you from the UK compared to the U.S.

I do not have the cruise experience you do and I am relatively new to cruising, but I try to be very diligent about getting the "most bang for my buck" as we all do.

[uktog]

Unfortunately some Azamara staff default to the Royal Carib/Celebrity message which what you were told is. The only times on Azamara that it will be late is when it is a new itinerary, we have had the details for our 2014 trips for several months now (one is July). What does happen is what is offered can change nearer the time and prices can also change. Azamara recognises as a destination line guests want to plan ahead and may want to make private arrangements.

The Nov 1 message on Facebook is actually contradictory I suspect the reality is that for a short time new bookers will bet some free excursions so if you are already booked, you may not have that option, certainly in the UK we have to commit to our bookings from Day one and cannot flip to new deals down the line.

[alabama ghost]

This is the posting on my pdf of Asamara Shore Excursions: It's possible this is just a "generic" listing rather than one for my cruise specifically. I downloaded it about 6 months ago.

 

MP17 An Evening Transfer to the Grand Casino

PRICES: Adult 74.25/Child 74.25 USD

DURATION: 4 hr(s)

RESTRICTIONS: Minimum age: 18 years

DEPARTURE TIMES: 8:00 pm

Page 33 of 45 http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com Last Updated: Tuesday , April 30, 2013

12:39 AM (Eastern)

This tour will give you an opportunity to enjoy the ritzy night life of Monte Carlo. You may choose to gamble at the world famous

Grand Casino for most of the night or make your own arrangements for a gourmet dinner experience at one of the famous local

restaurants.

Your privatized city bus will drop you at the top of the Grand Casino square within immediate walking distance from the famous

landmark. Two different time options for the transfer back to the pier will be offered, so that those who feel "in luck" and wishing to

stay a little longer may do so.

Guests may be asked for a photo ID since persons under the age of 18 are not permitted in the Grand Casino. Beachwear, jogging

suits, jeans and/or tennis shoes is not permitted in the Grand Casino. All attire should be neat and clean. Dress code is smart

casual. Cameras and video cameras are not permitted in the Grand Casino.

Note: Entrance to the Grand Casino is not guided. There is no cost to enter the public rooms. The private salons are at an

additional cost. Guests must bring a photo id.

 

I'm just thinking it might be difficult to get to the casino due to the Historic Grand Prix and looking at options.

 

Thanks!

[ellbon]

well, we never needed to show an I.D. of any kind in the public rooms. The other rooms in Sept were 10 Euros each and I.D. was needed.

There are two resturants there and i never read the menu. Also you can eat outside at one or in the lovely SQ or the Hotel De Paris.

I would taxi both ways...

also to others i can book tours ofr summer of 2014 now. I did notice a couple ports need tours or more of them. but in general you can book now.

[Bill Leiber]

Hello Alabama Ghost -

 

I've heard back from the account manager in global tour operations responsible for all tours in France.

Because of the Historical Grand Prix we will not be able to run tours to or within the vicinity of the Grand Casino.

 

In general, in preparing for and during the Grand Prix the city center of Monte Carlo is closed. Walking is the best way to get around in the day. We are advised by our local tour operator that after approximately 7:00 PM local city buses may be available, however, this is not guaranteed.

 

I hope this information will help you plan ahead. It seems the earlier option (dated 30 April 2013 - a full year prior) to which you referred is no longer being offered in light of this new information from our tour operator.

 

Interestingly, in 2014, there will be two versions of the Gran Prix:

1. The 9th Monaco Historic Grand Prix, conducted by the Automobile Club of Monaco every two years, takes place May 9-11, 2014, and,

2. The 72nd Monaco F1 Grand Prix, operating May 22-26, 2014.

 

As we all know the travel business caveat that most information is subject to change and it's difficult to be current - the website is the tool for the future while printed material, prepared and produced in advance, is subject to unexpected modifications. Nevertheless, last year, we made the decision to publish our Land Discoveries in advance on our website, rather than wait until closer to sailing date. Our guests were eager to learn more about our promise of destination-immersion.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

[riandei]

Hello Alabama Ghost -

 

I've heard back from the account manager in global tour operations responsible for all tours in France.

Because of the Historical Grand Prix we will not be able to run tours to or within the vicinity of the Grand Casino.

 

In general, in preparing for and during the Grand Prix the city center of Monte Carlo is closed. Walking is the best way to get around in the day. We are advised by our local tour operator that after approximately 7:00 PM local city buses may be available, however, this is not guaranteed.

 

I hope this information will help you plan ahead. It seems the earlier option (dated 30 April 2013 - a full year prior) to which you referred is no longer being offered in light of this new information from our tour operator.

 

Interestingly, in 2014, there will be two versions of the Gran Prix:

1. The 9th Monaco Historic Grand Prix, conducted by the Automobile Club of Monaco every two years, takes place May 9-11, 2014, and,

2. The 72nd Monaco F1 Grand Prix, operating May 22-26, 2014.

 

As we all know the travel business caveat that most information is subject to change and it's difficult to be current - the website is the tool for the future while printed material, prepared and produced in advance, is subject to unexpected modifications. Nevertheless, last year, we made the decision to publish our Land Discoveries in advance on our website, rather than wait until closer to sailing date. Our guests were eager to learn more about our promise of destination-immersion.

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

 

Hey ghost...we are on same cruise.....seems as if monaco may be challenging....to say the least

 

Eileen

[alabama ghost]

Thanks, Bill. We appreciate your looking into this for us.

 

You're right, Eileen. Monaco does sound challenging, walking does seem the way we'll have to go to get to the casino. Some of our group has trouble walking so unless the HoHo is working or the little train, it might mean some real challenges in Monaco. If the city bus is working after 7pm, that might be the way to go. (Big IF here.) It's a beautiful place! See you on board, Eileen!

 

Pam

[Wacktle]

...... In general, in preparing for and during the Grand Prix the city center of Monte Carlo is closed. Walking is the best way to get around in the day. We are advised by our local tour operator that after approximately 7:00 PM local city buses may be available, however, this is not guaranteed. .......

 

Best regards,

 

Bill Leiber

__________________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

 

Hi Bill,

 

Please will you clarify the above extract, if you have the information? We will be in Monte Carlo on Quest on Wednesday 21 May 2014. Your statement implies that we will be able to walk within the city, but that no vehicles will be allowed in the daytime. Is that correct?

 

Thanks

[ellbon]

Hi Bill,

 

Please will you clarify the above extract, if you have the information? We will be in Monte Carlo on Quest on Wednesday 21 May 2014. Your statement implies that we will be able to walk within the city, but that no vehicles will be allowed in the daytime. Is that correct?

 

Thanks

to do the palace, catheral etc you walk up a ton of stairs to the top. and walk back down the same way. also can wak down thru the park and take pictures. very pretty and lots of resturants up top..

 

it will be impossible to get to the wonderful beaches unles you know how to.

[tonyl1956]

If you know where they are, you can reach many places in Monaco using lifts (elevators) and escalators, saving many steps. There is a lift up to the old town, for instance, and one up to the casino level from a point within the tunnel which forms part of the racing circuit. Tom's Port Guide to Monaco has detailed information on many of these.

 

Combining the little boat (bateau bus) across the harbour with the lift up to the Casino allows you to complete the journey without much effort. However, the boat stops running at a certain point in the early evening, so you'd need a taxi back to the ship later on if you didn't want to walk round three sides of the harbour.

 

Tony

[Wacktle]

If you know where they are, you can reach many places in Monaco using lifts (elevators) and escalators, saving many steps. There is a lift up to the old town, for instance, and one up to the casino level from a point within the tunnel which forms part of the racing circuit. Tom's Port Guide to Monaco has detailed information on many of these.

 

Combining the little boat (bateau bus) across the harbour with the lift up to the Casino allows you to complete the journey without much effort. However, the boat stops running at a certain point in the early evening, so you'd need a taxi back to the ship later on if you didn't want to walk round three sides of the harbour.

 

Tony

 

Hi Tony - Where can I find Tom's Port Guide to Monaco? It sounds invaluable. Thanks.

[tonyl1956]

http://www.tomsportguides.com/portguides.html

 

For some reason, Monaco is listed under France.

 

Tony

[Wacktle]

http://www.tomsportguides.com/portguides.html

 

For some reason, Monaco is listed under France.

 

Tony

 

 

Fantastic! Thankyou :)

[Wacktle]

I've just been online and have downloaded some guides for the cruises we've booked for 2014. I had no idea that all this information existed - it's really wonderful. Thank you so much. :)