April 15, 2025 is not only Tax Day in the USA it was also our Port day in Villefranche – Santo, France. The is port is where we docked to explore the country of Monaco. I have also wanted to see the small country of Monaco. Perched dramatically along the French Riviera, Monaco is one of the world’s smallest countries—and one of its most glamorous. Known for superyachts, Formula 1, luxury hotels, casinos (including Monte Carlo Casino) , and the spectacular Mediterranean views. Monaco packs an extraordinary amount into just a few square miles.
We arrived in Port and decided to share a small van with our friends Dee & Peter for our trip to Magical Monaco. Our first stop was in the heart of historic Monaco known as Monaco-Ville. Perched high on the Rock overlooking the Mediterranean, here you can wander through narrow, winding streets, visit the Prince’s Palace, see the Cathedral of Monaco, and enjoy panoramic views of the harbor.
We had hoped to arrive at the Palace in time to see the “Changing of the Guards”. The ceremony takes place every day at 11:55 a.m. in Place du Palais, directly in front of the Prince’s Palace. It is performed by the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince, the unit responsible for guarding the Sovereign Prince, his family, and the Palace. The tradition dates back to the 19th century, and the Carabinieri still wear their distinctive ceremonial uniforms for the occasion.
Next we walked down from the hilltop towards the harbor and the streets of Monaco. Many people have seen Monaco on TV once a year for the famous Formula 1 Race held here annually… For Formula 1 Each year, the streets of Monte Carlo are transformed into one of the world’s most famous racing circuits called “The Monaco Grand Prix.” Walking the circuit when the race isn’t taking place gives you a fascinating appreciation of just how extraordinary it is to race through such a densely built-up city.
Next up the Casino de Monte-Carlo: The Heart of Monaco’s Glamour. The casino opened in 1863. Even if you have no interest in gambling, the casino is worth visiting simply to admire the architecture and atmosphere. The famous Casino Square outside is almost as entertaining as the casino itself. Luxury cars regularly pull up in front of the entrance, while the surrounding Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, designer boutiques, cafés, and palm-lined gardens create the quintessential Monte Carlo scene.
After exploring the casino. (Actually we were able to walk into the entrance area but gambling required an entrance fee which we decided not to pursue. Interesting you have to pay to gamble here….) Next we walked Casino Square where some of the most amazing automobiles we have ever seen were lined up. Definitely the cars of the “Rich & Famous” here! We then all decided to catch a late lunch followed by more city touring.
Monaco is an amazing country an Monte Carlo lived up to all I have seen or heard. It’s no wonder the casino has played a starring role in popular culture. Its distinctive setting has appeared in numerous films, most famously in the James Bond movies Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye. Both of these movies and certainly others helped cement Monte Carlo’s reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. The Casino de Monte-Carlo isn’t merely a place to gamble—it is a piece of Monaco’s history and one of the places that helped create the principality’s enduring image of glamour and luxury. Fun to visit though certainly too glitzy and expensive for us.
April 16, 2025 –
Our next port was the city of Marseille, France. Marseille is a city that refuses to fit neatly into a postcard. France’s oldest major city is energetic, colorful, sometimes chaotic, and endlessly fascinating. Sitting on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille combines more than 2,600 years of history with a vibrant port, narrow historic streets, beautiful waterfronts, lively markets, and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in southern France.
Founded by the Greeks around 600 BC, Marseille has always been shaped by the sea. Its enormous natural harbor has connected the city to the Mediterranean and the wider world for centuries, creating a culture influenced by waves of immigration and trade. That history is still visible today, particularly around the Vieux-Port, the Old Port that remains the beating heart of the city.
One of the best ways to experience Marseille is simply to walk and because we love to do this regularly when we explore new cities this was of course our plan. So many unique spots embracing architecture, culture, and the cities history…
The weather in Marseille, France didn’t cooperate for most of the day which had us dodging rain drops… Regardless we clocked plenty of steps this day, covered most of the tourist high points, and arrived back at the Island Princess for our departure.
That evening back on the ship was a Formal night where we had planned to go to the Crown Grill with some fellow World Cruise 2025 friends. Gathering in Good Spirits before dinner our plans were to celebrate and say Goodbye to one of most favorite Island Princess Staff. Rin-Rin from Nepal. Rin-Rin took service to the highest level on our cruise. She went out of her way everyday to provide a smile, incredible service, and genuine caring friendship. She knew exactly what kind of wine Joanne liked best and a particulate wine glass size and she went out of her way everyday to have it there when we entered a venue. She really is an amazing woman and unfortunately this was to be her last day of her contract because she was leaving the ship in Barcelona. We had a poster made for her and all of us gathered to say thanks, wish her well, give her a tip of appreciation and just snap a few pics. We all did love Rin-Rin…
With the countries of Monaco and France now checked off on the the 2025 World Cruise we departed the harbor with our sights set on our next European country…Spain and the city of Barcelona!