We will be docking in Villfranche. 3-4 of our party wants to go to the Grand Casino in Monte Carlo. 2 of the party are elderly and have trouble walking. They can't go on the ship's excursion because of the walking and the steps. Would a taxi or a private car take them right up to the door? Which is better to take? I know a private car would wait for you. Is it easy to get a taxi right outside the Casino? Would a taxi be cheaper than a private car? We leave in a week so there may not be private cars available. Where do you find private cars? I read that there are only about 4-5 taxis outside of port. Would the ship hold one?
Posted by
Freedonia
16250 posts
The casino is open to everyone except citizens of Monaco. (I know, I've lost money there...:) )
Here's info about it from their webpage:
All these establishments provide special access for persons of reduced mobility (except for the Salon Grand Siècle at the Casino Café de Paris).
LIST OF GAMES AND OPENING TIMES
Open daily from 2 p.m.
* Salon Europe : European and English Roulette, Trente et Quarante, Punto Banco.
* Salons Privés : European Roulette, Chemin de Fer, Black Jack, Punto Banco on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and official holidays from 4 p.m. Banque à Deux Tableaux from 5 p.m. Trente et Quarante from 10 p.m.
* Salle des Amériques : Black Jack, Craps, American Roulette.
* Supers Privés : opening times by request.
* Atrium : -machines. Admission free for those aged over 18.
* Salle Blanche : slot-machines.
Summer 2009 : the "Salons Privés" are open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and every night from thu. 2nd to thu. 9th, from sun. 12th to thu. 16th and from sun. 19th to 23rd of July.
DRESS CODE
Correct dress mandatory. No uniforms. Jacket recommended after 8 p.m. in the Salons Privés.
TERMS OF ADMISSION
Admission for visitors aged over 18. Individual entrance fee : 10 € (20 € for the Salons Privés). Presentation of an identity card or passport obligatory.
Note: there are a few casinos in Monaco--the above info is for the main Casino.
Here's link to the webpage: Monte Carlo Casinos
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23624 posts
You question is a little confusing. Monte Carlo is some distance from Villfranche. The easiest way to MC is via train but it is an uphill walk to the station just above the port. Villfranche is a pretty sleepy, coastal town. I am sure you will find more than three or four taxis.
The bigger and more important consideration is that you probably will not be allowed to enter the Casino. It is private, not generally open to the public, and has a stiff dress code. Even if you could get in you would not be allow to go beyond a couple of the front rooms. The Casino is a big nothing. There would be taxis from the train station to and from the Casino.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Frank, are you sure about the Casino not being open to the general public? I know Monagasques are not permitted to enter but I thought, with a passport, foreigners could, if they meet the dress code.
Posted by
Cayuga, Canada
124 posts
I checked the Monte Carlo Casino website:
http://en.montecarloresort.com/Casino-de-Monte-Carlo,507.html
which is the main one that people in our tour group went to visit. It has the admission fee, the dress code and the parts of the casino that visitors may enter.
Taxis are always available near the cruise ships and the casinos, not sure of cost though.
Posted by
New Orleans
109 posts
As I recall, vehicles are allowed to drive up but there is still a flight of stairs to climb to the front door. I, too, felt the casino a big nothing inside, no photos allowed and you have to pay to enter.