Day 6 26th August 2022 Cannes and Monte Carlo

We have enjoyed our cruise to date and today’s visit and excursion to Cannes and monte Carlo brings back many memories from our time when we lived in UK some 30 years ago.

Our day commenced with an early arrival into the harbour in the area of Cannes where the crew used our tender boats to transfer the passengers to shore. We woke as we heard the Tenders being lowered by the winches.

Then to breakfast where Jeanette enjoyed having waffles whilst Ken enjoyed fruit and Yoghurt with a salmon baguette.

Following breakfast we went to the Ship’s theatre to queue for Tender tickets, which were categorsed in various colours according to tome. Our excursion group was then requested to return to the Theratre to await our scheuled departure. The tender ride was about 12-15 minutes and then a short walk fro m the pier where the Tenders were docked. Our bus was comfortable and our guide was excellent.

We drove into and then through Cannes and see all of the many sights and key focal points. Then we alighted and walked for some 30 minutes around areas of interest.

Following this we again boarded the Bus

So we are again on the bus and movig further into the bustling area of Monte Carlo and you cannot be anything but impressed by the magnificent homes and boulevards.

We are dropped at the Casino and have the opportunity to take photos of the amazing array of exotic vehicles. Ken didn’t wish to take in any more of the Casino or pay the US70 admittasnce fee. We visited many years ago and were underwhlemed by the whole casino process. This occaion Ken walked around to the Opera House and took photos of the view over the harbour with the many boats of all sizes and worth.

We then walked to and then through the Gardens and to the Cathedral. All impressive and enjoyable.

then a period for lunch and our guide took us to an area where there were less toursits and more of the locals.

Ken purchased rolls and then fruit for lunch. He sat in the gardens watching the “rich and famous” pass by. Then walked back to the Conference Centre and Aquarium area where he enjoyed an ice-cream.

The bus had moved and sunsequently parked at a parking station under the Confernece and Aquarium area.

It was an enjoyable trip and an excellent excursion.

The group on the excursion reconvened and we drove back through the major residential areas of Monte Carlo. From here we drove back along the Coast toward Cannes and we again stopped for a photo opportunity.

It was an enjoyable trip on a perfectly clear afternoon

Our arrival back at the ship, occurred after many had enjoyed an afternoon rest or sleep on the bus.

The challenges were yet to be faced as we had to return via the transfer of people using Tenders from the Port to the Ship.

The buses dropped us off and we were surprised that there appeared no queue, but little did we realise that they were only allowing the equivalent numbers of people for 2 tenders .and then there was an extended line of some 400 metres along the forecourt to the pier. This took over an hour to get from the beginning of the queue to the departure point where you were allocated to the individual tenders..

So it took almost 90 minutes from arrival back at the port to then get tendered back to the ship and there were also long queues intending to enter the ship.

It seemed everyone had arrived back at the Port at the same time and the tenders and staff resources were under immense pressure and the passengers were expressing real angst as it was hot in the sun in the queue.

After recovering from this unusual approach to reboarding and the farse of the tender queues, we changed and then had a drink in a lounge which we hadn’t come across previously, before then going to the upmarket restaurant at the front of the ship.

We secure seating at a table overlooking the key front of the ship and in a similar position to the bridge. We have a front-row seat overlooking the ocean and the restaurant is just superb and we enjoy an outstanding meal. Just a great night.!

All in all a wonderful evening and a spectacular meal . We will long remember this night on the first part of this holiday.