Short answer
Many Western Mediterranean itineraries include a stop at Monaco, but not every ship that advertises “Monte Carlo” can berth there. Smaller and luxury ships often dock at Port Hercule. Larger ships commonly anchor offshore and tender passengers in, or call at a nearby Riviera port such as Villefranche-sur-Mer or Nice and sell Monaco as a short excursion. Always read your itinerary and shore excursion list to see which applies to your ship.
How ships reach Monaco
Port Hercule
Monaco’s main harbour is Port Hercule, in Monte Carlo. Cruise ships that dock there generally use the quay on the cruise side of the harbour, and the casino, shops and the Prince’s Palace are reachable from there on foot or by a short ride, though the principality is hilly. Space is limited, and the harbour cannot take every large modern cruise ship at the quay.
Anchoring and nearby ports
When a ship is too large for the quay, it may anchor off Monaco and run tenders to the harbour. Tendering adds time to the day and can be affected by sea conditions. Other ships stop at Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice or Cannes instead, and passengers reach Monaco by train, coach or taxi. Because rules and ship schedules change, confirm with your cruise line before you rely on a particular arrangement.
Cruise lines and itineraries that include Monaco
Smaller premium and luxury lines, such as Azamara, Oceania, Viking and Windstar, are frequently associated with Monaco calls. Larger mainstream lines, among them Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC, Norwegian and Princess, also list Monte Carlo on some sailings. Monaco is most often one stop on a Western Mediterranean route. It may be paired with ports such as:
- Barcelona (see where ships dock in Barcelona)
- Marseille, Cannes, Nice or Villefranche
- Genoa, Livorno or Civitavecchia for Rome (see Civitavecchia and getting to Rome)
Seven-night loops often include several of these. If Monaco is the main reason for your cruise, choose an itinerary that lists it by name and check whether it is a docked or anchored call. For ideas on timing, see our guide to the best months for a Mediterranean cruise.
Getting to Monaco from Villefranche or Nice
If your ship stops at a neighbouring port, the train is typically the easiest independent option. Trains run along the coast between Nice and Monaco, and the trip from Nice takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes. From Villefranche-sur-Mer, there is also a station for coastal trains, and it is a short ride on to Monaco. Check timetables for the day, and leave generous time for the return.
Cruise lines usually also sell coach excursions to Monaco, which reduces the risk of missing the ship if you are on a tight schedule.
What to do in Monaco on a port day
Monaco is small, so a single day covers the main sights:
- Monte Carlo Casino and Place du Casino. The belle-époque architecture is worth seeing from the outside even if you do not gamble. If you want to enter the gaming rooms, bring photo ID, and expect a smart dress code.
- Prince’s Palace and Monaco-Ville (“the Rock”). The old town sits on a rocky headland, with narrow lanes and views over the harbour.
- Oceanographic Museum and gardens. A cliff-side museum with marine exhibits.
- Larvotto Beach. A public beach for a quick swim, if the weather is warm.
- Port Hercule. Walking around the harbour to see the yachts is a free activity.
Prices in Monaco are high, so many cruisers keep to a coffee or a simple lunch and spend more on sights.
Monaco Grand Prix cruises
Some cruise lines, such as Windstar, have offered special Monaco Grand Prix itineraries that bundle event tickets with a Mediterranean cruise. The race is held in late spring. Such packages sell early and cost significantly more than a normal sailing, and on race weekend the principality is extremely busy, so check what is and isn’t included.
Practical tips
- Check whether your call is docked or tendered before planning your day.
- Wear comfortable shoes, because Monaco has steep streets and stairs.
- Carry euros; Monaco uses the euro.
- Know your all-aboard time, and allow time for a tender queue on the way back if your ship is anchored.
- If you cannot decide where to cruise, our guide to the best European cruise destination compares the main regions.