Monaco Grand Prix race day?

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi all,

I’m considering the 27th May 2023 Dream cruise as it’s our 25th wedding anniversary whilst we’d be in Cannes, and I love visiting Monaco and Monte Carlo.

I see that the Monaco Grand Prix final is pencilled in for the same day, which would be amazing even just to soak up a bit of the atmosphere.

Does anyone have any experience of being in port during a race day? Will DCL still arrange tours to Monaco/Monte Carlo?

Just considering my options!

Many thanks

 

[Rob1872]

I don't know if you'll find anyone with first hand experience of being in port with a Grand Prix race that day.

My initial thought would be that the crowds would make it a nightmare experience for a port call; however, if you view the 'atmosphere' as a positive, then by all means book the anniversary cruise.

One thing to consider is the inherent danger of doing an independent excursion to the race; there is a higher than normal chance that transportation options could be delayed for your return. I'd be a lot more comfortable with a DCL booked excursion under the circumstances so I'd know that if I missed the ship that Disney would get me from Cannes, France to Livorno, Italy for the next day's port call.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Yes I wouldn’t go to Monaco from Cannes With anything but a Disney excursion.

 

[BadPinkTink]

I have been to Monte Carlo the week before the Grand Pix. The streets of the city are the race track and they have steel barriers up along the sidewalks. The sidewalks are the spectator areas.

This is a course map



While it is a very unique place to visit, I would not go there during race week if I just wanted to see the sights and not pick a spot to see the race.

The race route goes along the bay and the main town square area. You wont be able to walk anywhere on the red because the sidewalks will be fill with spectators.

The upper streets are beautiful and there are some very cool shops, but due to the road closures, traffic will be a nightmare. Most of the streets in Monte Carlo are narrow and winding and hilly.

If I was on a cruise I defiantly would not not go anywhere near the area on a port excursion, either an official cruise excursion or a private one.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

I have been to Monte Carlo the week before the Grand Pix. The streets of the city are the race track and they have steel barriers up along the sidewalks. The sidewalks are the spectator areas.

This is a course map

View attachment 669330

While it is a very unique place to visit, I would not go there during race week if I just wanted to see the sights and not pick a spot to see the race.

The race route goes along the bay and the main town square area. You wont be able to walk anywhere on the red because the sidewalks will be fill with spectators.

The upper streets are beautiful and there are some very cool shops, but due to the road closures, traffic will be a nightmare. Most of the streets in Monte Carlo are narrow and winding and hilly.

If I was on a cruise I defiantly would not not go anywhere near the area on a port excursion, either an official cruise excursion or a private one.

Thank you for that. I have been to Monte Carlo a couple of times, so I wouldn’t be so bothered about seeing the sights this time,

Although I’m guessing from what you’ve said that DCL may not bother going there at all on race day.