I think we are going to stay in Provence for two nights prior. I have booked the same hotel RSSC uses, but for about half the cost they charge. Even adding transfers from Nice to the hotel and then back to Monte Carlo, its like $1100 - $1200 less, so at this point thats what we will do.

Looks like all sorts of different plans out there, will be fun to hear everyone's adventures when we get on the ship.