DAY 110-MONTE CARLO

 When we arrived just off coast of Monte Carlo this morning the weather was terrible with a 35 knot wind.  The entrance to the small harbor is very narrow so the Captain called for a tug boat to be next to our ship as it entered so there was a delay arriving.  The weather front went through quickly so by the time our tug arrived we could safely get docked.  Last time we were here in 2013 the Monaco Gran Prix was going on so we could not dock here.  Had to dock just down the road at Villefranche.
This afternoon the weather has cleared some but still cloudy and a pleasant 65F.

BACKGROUND INFO:
        Yes, we’ve been here a few times also.  It is a very neat port so always glad to return.  Monaco is the second smallest and most densely populated country in the world.  (population 38,000)  (The Vatican is smallest country).  Monaco’s size is just ¾ square mile.  That’s small!!!  It is known as the playground of the rich and famous with 30% of the population being millionaires.  It’s also well known for its yearly Monaco Grand Prix road race.  Probably the most well known landmark is the Grand Casino of Monte Carlo.  It was featured in numerous films including two James Bond movies:  “Never Say Never Again” and “Golden Eye”.
        This evening Regent is hosting a special “2017 World Cruise Event”.  All world cruise passengers, who want, will be going to the famous Café de Paris for champagne and canapés on the rooftop terrace followed by a three course dinner.  After dinner we can visit the legendary Grand Casino.  To get in the Casino you must wear a tie and have your passport.  Local residents of Monaco are not allowed in the Casino.
       Here is a description of the world cruise special event for tonight.  Looks good on paper but was a disaster!

**** NAVIGATOR – 2017 WORLD CRUISE EVENT ****

The famous brasserie-style restaurant Café de Paris welcomes you to a glorious evening of fine dining in the Belle Epoch style of the old Parisian bistros.  Centrally located in the heart of Monte Carlo on the Place du Casino, enjoy a sparkling glass of champagne and delightful canapés on the breezy rooftop terrace before stepping into the more modern Salon Bellevue where a delicious three course dinner will be served. Take in the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the square while creating new memories with newfound friends. After dinner, visit the legendary Grand Casino of Monte Carlo and try your luck on the slot machines or gaming tables. Passports are required to enter the casino and jackets are recommended for gentlemen after 8pm. No gym shoes or flip flops allowed in the casino.

WHAT WE DID TODAY:
       We managed to get out workouts in late this morning and I had a burger for lunch.  I have been working on getting some photos from our previous two trips here organized since we are not doing any tours this afternoon.  Tours get back too late for us to be ready in time for tonight's Event.  We are suppose to be in the show room by 4:45 pm.  They will have nearly 300 of us to bus up to the Casino. It is not that far but too far for us old folks to walk plus never know what the weather will be tonight.
       I am delaying today's posting until after we get back tonight.  I want to try to get those photos also on this post.

Here is the link to photos I took when here in 2011 showing changing of the guard at the Prince's Palace and the "Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception" where Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly were married in 1956 and now both buried there.  https://goo.gl/photos/SAKhp3gPmE9KHm7J9

Here is the link to photos I took when here in 2013.  
https://goo.gl/photos/2ffy8teu7nnU9uvc7

WHAT HAPPENED AT EVENT TONIGHT:
       VERY DISAPPOINTING to say the least.  Poor organization with getting us off the ship and on buses.  On top of that the weather did not cooperate as it was raining when we left the ship.  Then it was a walk in the rain when we got off the bus and headed to the restaurant.  We were all wet by time we got there.  Venue was not that great.  Compass Rose was MUCH nicer.  Food and service was adequate but wines were not good.  We left prior to dessert course as I had had it.  Was going to take a taxi back to the ship but ladies at door said a bus would be here in 10 minutes.  We waited and were the first ones on the bus.
       When we got back we went into Compass Rose for coffee and dessert.  While there several more WC passengers stopped by to say how bad of an experience it was.  So guess it was not just my imagination.  We heard that after we left Jamie fell hard trying to help folks in the rain.  We hope he was not seriously hurt.
       Ok, finished uploading the photos and is only 9:30 pm.  Ship was suppose to sail at 9:00 but they are still bringing people back from the "Event".  I feel sorry for the ship's staff tomorrow as they are going to get an ear full.  Anyway, we are sailing for our next port, Marseille, France.  It is not far away.  Scheduled to arrive there tomorrow morning at 8:00 am.  I have a 5 hour tour departing at 8:15.  Rebecca cancelled again.
       Here is the link to today's photos:    https://goo.gl/photos/UcSGYdqS4Dp2LmEZ9