Casinos in Monte Carlo

[Queenzena]

We're taking a Mediterranean cruise this summer, and want to go to Monte Carlo. Does anyone know what time the casinos open, and is there a dress code?

[CathyCruises]

I think it's about 2 PM, and yes, there is a dress code. No shorts, flip flops, etc. You also have to have picture ID to get in, and pay a cover charge.

 

FYI they were playing table games that I had never seen before (and I have spent a lot of time in Vegas!) and the slots were all the electronic variety. The most imporessive part is the building itself.

 

Cathy

[kwhite7]

I have not been to Monte Carlo nor do I know anyone who has, so take this as you wish. I read in the Shore Excusions book from Holland America that the casinos in Monte Carlo require a passport to go in. I am not sure if this is the case of if this really isnt enforced, but just something I read in preparations for a cruise. Have a wonderful trip!

[cherylakers]

I have been to the casino and was very disappointed. Not at all like our Vegas casinos. You do need to show your passport and the cover charge was around $25/person and that was back in 2005. We stayed about 30 minutes and left. The place was really small and had very few slot machines. They did have game tables but the stakes were very high. The building on the other hand was beautiful and the area surrounding the casino was very nice. There were a couple of smaller casinos that had a few slot machines just outside the front entrance, but we did not go in.

 

Basically, don't expect Vegas.

[Fblack]

And no cameras. They will force you to check them. The smaller casino to the left of the Grand casino is free and less restrictive.

[CathyCruises]

I have not been to Monte Carlo nor do I know anyone who has, so take this as you wish. I read in the Shore Excusions book from Holland America that the casinos in Monte Carlo require a passport to go in. I am not sure if this is the case of if this really isnt enforced, but just something I read in preparations for a cruise. Have a wonderful trip!

 

It's just a type of photo ID. We used our drivers licenses and it was fine.

 

And no, do NOT expect the glitz of Vegas. This is the real deal, authentic, not the schlock of the Strip.

 

Cathy

[English_in_Spain]

There are several casinos in Monte Carlo. The famous one (Grand Casino in Casino Square) is the one that is formal.

 

The rest are just like other provincial, hotel casinos in Europe. Image the size and style of a casino on a large cruise ship. You will not need formal wear in these, just smart casual will do.

[BigGuy25]

As you walk into the Grand Casino there will be a small (by other casino standards) room of slot machines to your right. You don't need to pay an entrance fee, or be dressed up in any way, to play the slots. The "main" casino is to your left. You will need to pay an entrance fee to go in there. I thought that men needed a jacket in that room ... but I could be wrong. You will hear than no cameras are allowed ... but if you just leave your camera in your pocket or purse you'll be fine. No one will search you looking for one in your possession.

[Cruise Junky]

We usually hit the casino by Cafe du Paris, facing the Grand Casino, it's on your left. No dress code and I don't believe we've had to show our passports to get in.

[YoHoHo]

We'll be there for a first visit in Oct so was looking at CC's Port reviews.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=180 answers your questions and more.

 

I found the "ID required" interesting:

"Monagasques are not allowed to gamble in their casinos, so a passport check is requisite." Perhaps not too strongly enforced though.

[Cruise Junky]

We'll be there for a first visit in Oct so was looking at CC's Port reviews.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=180 answers your questions and more.

 

I found the "ID required" interesting:

"Monagasques are not allowed to gamble in their casinos, so a passport check is requisite." Perhaps not too strongly enforced though.

 

Yep, a passport is definitely required for the Grand Casino, just not the one with slots only by Cafe du Paris.

[sonalanjaria]

We too were disappointed with the Casino at Monte Carlo, very small, not much action.

 

Buildings were beautiful, the cars parked outside were impressive.

 

Sonal.

[CLE-B]

The casinos sound a little disappointing........any other suggestions on to spend the day there??? Thanks, Mary

[CDRMark]

The casinos sound a little disappointing........any other suggestions on to spend the day there??? Thanks, Mary

Not disappointing if you are expecting what it is, not what it isn't. It is a gem to look at and if one is a gambler of any type, one must "pay one's respects".

See the Palace and changing of the guard, eat at Cafe de Paris and people watch. Amazing.

Have a great trip.

Mark

[Cruise Junky]

I'd also add the Aquarium if you're going to stick around Monaco, it's pretty impressive.

[luvz2run2000]

Depends on which casino you are talking about. In 2006 we had to skip the casino we wanted to visit because one of the couples in our private tour did not bring their passports off the ship with them that day. Dresscode, fees and id requirements seem to vary depending on the time of day and the specific casino. It was beautiful from the outside.