by Ralph Grizzle

After departing Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) on Saturday, Emerald Princess docked in Monte Carlo Sunday morning. The fact that we docked was a surprise, because the ship was scheduled to tender passengers ashore. Among the more popular shore excursions:

• A Visit To Nice, France, less than 1 hour from Monte Carlo. This half-day tour was designed to give guests time in the cosmopolitan city. Price, per adult, $72. A full-day Nice and Cannes combination was priced at $143 per person.
• Medieval Village of Eze: The half-day tour visits a charming hilltop village overlooking the Cote d'Azure. Highlights include walks along winding, narrow, cobbled streets and visits to shops and perfumeries.
• Old Monaco and The Royal Palace: This guided half-day tour (cost $57 per person) visits the top attractions in Monaco, a sovereign (postage-stamp-sized) state that is less than one square mile in area.

Though hilly, Monaco is small and easy to get around. Sustained by gelato (the wonderful Italian ice cream), I spent a couple of hours wandering along the sea cliffs, up to the Royal Palace and around to the world-famous casino and such famous hotels as Hotel de Paris (pictured). Tonight, we have a special dinner planned and will be among the first to experience a new program for Princess called, The Chef's Table. I can already feel my belt bulging!