Cruises to Monte Carlo with Silversea: A Refined Way to Experience the Riviera

From the moment you set foot in Monte Carlo, Monaco, you let go of preconceived notions. Sure, it offers French sophistication, Italian heritage, and unmatched glamour. Of course, James Bond has returned repeatedly to sip martinis and enjoy a game of baccarat. But this, the second-smallest country in the world, offers so much more.

Stretching from Toulon, France, to the border of Italy, the French Riviera boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, which guests enjoy on a variety of Silversea itineraries. Still, Monaco is a highlight of any Mediterranean cruise.

At less than one square mile (about the size of Central Park), Monaco is easily navigated, especially from where Silversea ships dock at Port Hercule. Just step off the ship for a short walk to the diverse and exciting sites found only in Monaco. Venture further out for a S.A.L.T. foraging trip with Michelin star chef, Mauro Colagreco. Especially exciting is experiencing the world-renowned Monaco Grand Prix from a private rooftop nestled above the circuit, offered as part of its Immersive Events & Festivals.

Read on to learn about the many sides of Monte Carlo, Monaco, and why a cruise to Monaco elevates your experience.

What to see in Monaco: from museums to botanical gardens, from casinos to palaces

Perhaps the biggest surprise about a cruise to Monaco is the variety of sites and activities. Step ashore and you’re in the center of it all. Exploration is at your doorstep, with museums, casinos, cathedrals, and, of course, a palace all nearby. Stroll along the waterfront and marvel at some of the world’s finest yachts. Climb cactus-lined, cliff-side paths reaching spectacular overlooks of the expanse of the Mediterranean Sea. I suggest these highlights for your visit.

Prince’s Palace of Monaco

As a principality, Monaco is governed by a constitutional monarchy, so it would be rude not to pay a visit to the palace during your visit. The State Apartments at the palace, the official royal residence, are a treat for art lovers, who appreciate the Italian frescoes, restored after being hidden for nearly 500 years. Architecture aficionados can admire the changing styles added throughout the centuries since 1215, when the palace was first constructed. And royal watchers will be enthralled by the Hall of Mirrors, inspired by Versailles, along with the Throne Room, still used for royal ceremonies. Don’t miss the changing of the guard.

Casino de Monte-Carlo

While you may not run into Pierce Brosnan or Sean Connery, you can play punto banco, a form of James Bond’s favorite, baccarat, while drinking a martini (shaken, not stirred, of course). Still, the casino is more than just a place to lose your money. Designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of both the Palais Garnier (the Paris Opera House) and Opéra de Monte-Carlo, the ornate Belle Époque architecture is something to behold.

The Atrium, covered in marble and lined with 28 Ionic columns, takes your breath away, while paintings and frescoes cover the walls and ceilings of the various lounges. Come for the gambling, stay for the beauty.

Café de Paris Monte-Carlo

Immediately adjacent to the casino sits the legendary brasserie, Café de Paris Monte-Carlo. Open for over 150 years, it’s one of those places to see and be seen, and everybody feels welcome. Here, artists, writers, high-rollers, and families dine on classic French dishes in a stunning setting of checkerboard marble floors, terrazzo mosaics, and jeweled light filtering through stained glass windows.

The beauty of the café is matched by the gastronomic works of art prepared by Chef Victor Marion. The seasonally changing menu ensures the freshest ingredients are used in thoughtfully designed dishes.

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Inaugurated in 1910, this museum, showcasing all things sea-related, holds permanent exhibitions, including a shark lagoon, a sea turtle area, and themed aquariums. Dedicated to preserving rare specimens and species in a variety of settings, the museum has all you’d expect from an aquarium. But this museum is more than your average city aquarium.

Visitors also enjoy objects, art, and documents relating to the sea and environmental policy, and a cabinet of curiosities sharing objects from the past, including skeletons, fossils, diving suits, and instruments.

Jardin Exotique de Monaco

Set on a steep cliff face, this garden, home to over 1,000 species of succulent plants, changes by season, with winter blooms, spring color explosions, and typical summer spikes. Climb the winding path, admiring the various flora from around the world, while marveling at the cerulean waters of the Mediterranean Sea far below.

Just below the garden, discover the Grotte de l'Observatoire, with its stalactites, stalagmites, and columns carved over thousands of years.

The garden and grotto are a wonderful place to get a good workout while enjoying nature to the fullest.

Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Monaco

The Roman-Byzantine cathedral is a place of prayer, contemplation, beauty, and history. Built of white stone in 1875 and filled with a high altar of white Carrara marble, the cathedral is filled with artistic heritage. A 16th-century altar piece, stunning stained glass windows, and a nearly 7,000-pipe organ beautifully decorate the space.

It’s here that American actress, Grace Kelly, married her prince, and the couple was forever known as Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco. Sadly, it’s also where their tombs can be visited, as well as those of most of the sovereigns of the Grimaldi dynasty.

Experience exciting events, including the Grand Prix de Monaco, Fete de la Musique, and Monaco Yacht Show

From yacht shows to music festivals to the world-famous Grand Prix de Monaco, a Monaco cruise is the way to experience celebrated events and festivals.

Let’s begin with arguably the most famous Monaco event: the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Monaco Grand Prix. Now in its 83rd year, this storied race takes drivers through 78 laps of a two-mile track, which includes 19-tight bends, a tunnel, and other obstacles. The best part? It all happens just steps from your Silversea ship. While you can enjoy the race from the grandstand, Silversea also offers an elevated experience to catch the sights and sounds from a private apartment terrace overlooking the track. Be sure to visit the nearby Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco.

While the Grand Prix might be the pinnacle of Monaco events, it’s surely not the only one worth attending. Enjoy a celebration of the summer solstice and World Music Day at Fete la Musique. From morning until late at night, the sounds of jazz, opera, Latin, soul, rhythm and blues, rock, pop, DJs, and more fill the principality.

September brings the Monaco Yacht Show, which is, again, conveniently held in Port Hercule. While you can marvel at the many mega-yachts on display from the comfort of your Silversea Monaco cruise ship, you’ll no doubt wish to take a walk to tour the insides of these dreamy floating palaces. Back on board, the Silversea fleet’s intimate ships offer their own sense of refinement, with elegant spaces designed for relaxed conversation, quiet comfort, and a front-row view of the harbor.

A gastronomical cultural connection

Immerse yourself in a gastronomic experience with growers, fishermen, and bakers when joining a Silversea S.A.L.T. program. The Sea And Land Taste program offers a deeper connection to place by introducing guests to chefs and local experts to understand the local agriculture, preparation methods, and food profiles. Discover the flavors of the coastal Mediterranean with a world-class team of farmers and bakers on this excursion designed by Chef Mauro Colagreco, the owner of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur.

Exclusive to Silversea, this experience brings guests to the market in nearby Menton, France, where they explore with Mirazur’s suppliers, sharing their knowledge of local produce and regional food culture before heading to Colagreco’s sustainable, artisanal bakery. Learn about Sanctuaries del Mirazur, five biodynamic vegetable gardens at varying altitudes owned by the restaurant. Finally, savor a nine-course tasting menu in Mirazur’s private tasting kitchen. It’s truly an experience guests revisit in their minds and taste buds for years to come.

Be in the center of the action while enjoying the pampered experience on a Silversea ship. Immerse yourself in local culture while ashore, and return to the highest level of service and comfort on board.

Explore cruises to Monaco with Silversea and experience the Riviera from a more intimate point of view — close to the harbor, the culture, and the celebrated moments that make Monte Carlo unforgettable.