Monaco

cont.- 2008 Carnival Splendor--Genoa to Dover

7/3/2008

We arrived Monte Carlo at around 7AM. After getting off the ship, instead of following the other passengers along the pier, we saw a sign that says "Boat Bus". So we spent the next 5 minutes looking for the place to board this 'bus'. The signs were not very clear as far as direction goes and we had no companions going on this search with us. We finally found it and paid 1 euro each to take the boat bus across the harbor to the bottom of the casino. 

We were the only ones on this boat bus. Now, we are on the other side of the harbor, at the bottom of the casino. There is an elevator not too far from where the boat dropped us off which takes people up to the casino level. Not actually inside the casino, but the garden outside. This is an easy way to get to the casino instead of walking from the pier, around the waterfront, and then trekking up the hill.

This was where we were dropped off.

Here is the front of the casino. We did not go inside because of Christian's age, and we were definitely not dressed up for it.

It was very quiet because we were one of the few who got there first. Most people were still in the port area.

Looking at the view from the front of the casino. 

Hotel Paris to the left.

The back side of the casino.

From here we walked down back to the waterfront. For people who love fancy cars, you won't be disappointed here. Christian took many pictures of fancy cars along the way.

Just follow this road back to the water front.

We needed to walk back to the port area in order to get up to the Rock. 

Imagine if you have to hike up to the casino.

A distant view of the Rock.

We were half way down by now. This part of the city looked a little like Hong Kong but with less traffic.

Once we were back near the port, we took the hike up to the "Rock". Supposedly there is an elevator somewhere but we didn't use it.

Not fun on a hot summer day!

Expensive apartments and yachts.

Grave sites of the royal family inside the Cathedral.

The Cathedral

The Palace

Noon time ceremony

If anyone wants to take the "Boat Bus", you get off the ship make a right turn and follow this strip of docking area, and look for the signs.

This path takes you right back to the pier.

Sailing away from Monaco with a view of the casino.

Dinner at the Black Pearl on board.

Dancing wait staff