Monaco Cruise Port Disabled Access Review by John Sage

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Monaco Cruise Port Disabled Access

Monaco disabled access is excellent, and I gave it my highest accessibility rating…5 stars. Disabled cruise passengers will encounter few ports that are more welcoming to handicapped visitors.

Four elevators and a 500 meter flat walkway provide a step-free route from the accessible Monaco cruise dock to the tourist sights in Monaco-Ville. The path has minor cobblestones and minor hills to reach.

Most of the Monaco disabled accessible tourist attractions are located in Monaco-Ville with small distances between them.

Choose from 5 accessible shore excursions in Monaco

I gave the Monaco cruise port a 5 Star Sage Accessibility Rating because the tourist attractions are a short walk/roll from the cruise dock and can be reached using step-free routes. Disabled cruise passengers will encounter fewer accessibility challenges here than in less disabled-friendly ports like Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Naples.

Sage Travel Tip: Ask your cruise line if they will be using tenders in Monaco,
and be sure they will let disabled passengers onboard.

There is only space for one cruise ship to Monaco dock, and the rest of the cruise ships arriving that day will have to tender.Some disabled passengers may not be allowed to board the tenders depending on the cruise line rules and the sea conditions.

Monaco Wheelchair Accessibility Map

Getting from the Cruise Dock to Monaco-Ville

If your ship is docked, you will get off at the Quai Ranier III pier and walk/roll towards the shore using the flat, smooth pavement shown in the photo on the right.

You will need to go into the cruise terminal and past the information desk where you will exit the building (shown in the photo on the left). If you have booked an accessible Monaco tour, this is where your tour guide will meet you. After leaving the cruise terminal, you’ll take your first left into the building to the elevator. Take the elevator up to street level.

Continue on flat smooth walkway towards Monaco-Ville.

Take the ramp to left and continue on the walkway that curves around the cliff.

Stay to the left of the parking garage. Don’t forget to pause and admire the great views of the Mediterranean!

The last part of the walkway is covered in small cobblestones with 4 Star Sage Smoothness.

The 500 meter flat, smooth, and scenic accessible route
from the cruise terminal to the elevators

When you turn the corner after the parking garage the Oceanography Museum will be towering overhead!

There are multiple doors into the building. Most are narrow with a lip. Go to the last door (shown in the photo on the right) which is wider and has smooth access.

The map on the left shows the location of the parking garage that you will have just entered. There is an elevator to go up to the upper level.

After exiting the elevator, you will proceed down a corridor where you will need to take another elevator.

When you exit the elevator, the final elevator will be directly in front of you.

When you take it up, you will arrive next to the elevators near the Oceanography Museum.

Disabled Access in Monaco-Ville

Most sidewalks in Monaco-Ville are made of smooth brick with curb cuts where they intersect the street.

Some parts of the city, including the streets in central Monaco-Ville have cobblestones with 3 star smoothness.

Monaco-Ville has very few places with steps, but here is one of them (located across the street from the Oceanography Museum.

The sidewalk leading from Oceanographic Museum up to the Monaco Cathedral (on the south side of Monaco-Ville) is slightly uphill.

The sidewalk on the north side of Monaco-Ville (overlooking the port) has smooth brick.

Drivers will find several handicapped parking spaces throughout Monaco-Ville

Wheelchair Access at Monaco’s Oceanography Museum

The first attraction in Monaco-Ville that you’ll come to after you go up the 4 elevators is the Oceanographic Museum. It has steps at the main entrance.

The wheelchair lift is located just to the left of the ticket booth. Ask for the “entrée handicappée” and the staff will point you in the direction of the accessible entrance.

Elevators connect the 3 levels of the museum where you’ll find some fascinating exhibits!

Accessibility at Monaco’s Jardin Botanique

Right next to the Oceanographic Museum is the Jardin Botanique. The paved paths have some slopes that range from slight to moderate. There are few tourists and great views!

Disabled Access at Monaco Cathedral

The next tourist attraction that you’ll come to is the Monaco Cathedral. It has steps at the main entrance.

To reach accessible entrance, walk/roll up the left side of the church to reach the gate with the wheelchair symbol where there is a step-free entrance.

Wheelchair Access at Monaco’s Palace Square

Monaco’s Palace Square is found directly in front of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. If you’re in Monaco-Ville at mid-day, head here for the Changing of the Guard at 11:55!

The bathroom near Palace Square is located down a sidewalk with small steps.

On the north side of Palace Square is a small section with cobblestones (about 10 meters long) leading to look-out over port.

Great opportunities for photos to send home to loved ones! And fully accessible!

Getting from the Cruise Dock to Monte Carlo

If you’re trying to go to Monte Carlo (where the Casino is located) instead of Monaco-Ville, the best way for disabled cruise passenger to get there is to use the accessible Bateau Bus. It brings passengers from the cruise/tender dock across the harbor. It has a ramp to reach it.

The Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour in Monaco has steps to get into it. The small tourist train also does not have a wheelchair ramp.

Choose from 5 accessible shore excursions in Monaco

View 5 accessible shore excursions in Monaco

Summary

Reviewer

John Sage

Review Date

2013-04-09

Reviewed Item

Monaco Cruise Port

Author Rating

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