The Best View of the Upcoming F1 Monaco Grand Prix is on a Boat?
With the help of a luxury cruise line, you can experience this year’s Grand Prix de Monaco like never before. Hop aboard the Explora II, the only cruise ship docked in Monaco’s Port Hercule, for front-row race views.
By Nate Chapnick
Contributor
While the 2025 F1 racing season (this year with TAG Heuer as a prominent watch sponsor and Official Timekeeper) has a few events prior to the Monaco Grand Prix, which runs May 23 to 25 but has an entire week of events is in the offing, it is really the BIG spiritual starting gun of the season, in luxurious earnest.
Imagine an unparalleled viewing and leisure experience watching the race from the deck of the only cruise ship docked in the heart of Monaco’s harbor. The Explora II offers a front-row seat to the most thrilling race of the year.
More than a cruise vessel, this ship is a home-away-from-home for your Monaco adventure. It is the most exclusive address from which to experience the sights and sounds of the high-speed thrills and opulent galas that only an F1 race week can offer.
The View from the Harbor
Step aboard and be welcomed with champagne as you take in breathtaking views of the Monaco skyline. Your stay aboard features elegantly designed suites with private oceanfront terraces, allowing you to unwind in absolute comfort.
Each suite and residence is a sanctuary of sophistication, offering floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious living areas, and lavish furnishings. The vessel’s Ocean Penthouses and Residences, in particular, provide an elevated experience with butler service, panoramic sea views, and curated in-suite dining experiences.
More Than a Race
Indulge in eleven world-class dining experiences, each crafted to tantalize your taste buds. From exquisite sushi to Mediterranean-inspired dishes prepared by master chefs, the culinary offerings are nothing short of extraordinary.
Whether dining al fresco under the stars or savoring a multi-course meal in one of the elegant restaurants, every bite is a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship. Unlike some of the latest upscale cruise ships, Explora II is large enough to offer a variety of dining and entertainment options while still feeling like an intimate and luxurious cruise ship. Expect serene spa moments and unwinding by the pool in peaceful solitude as a counterpoint to the racing excitement you will witness.
The ship will host glamorous events throughout race week featuring racing legends, celebrities, and motorsports enthusiasts. Enjoy vibrant entertainment and live music, unlimited premium beverages, and the impeccable service that defines Explora Journeys.
So, whether you choose Grandstand Tickets at the Tribune T2 venue or the ultra-exclusive Paddock Club access, you will be at the heart of the action, just 150 meters from the racetrack.
Downtime
Between race sessions, take advantage of the ship’s ocean-inspired wellness facilities, offering rejuvenating spa treatments and luxurious pools. Take on-shore excursions to Monte Carlo’s legendary landmarks, including the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the historic Prince’s Palace, and the breathtaking Oceanographic Museum. Or you can simply relax on deck sipping signature cocktails as super yachts glide by.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of the parent MSC Group, expressed his excitement for this industry-first experience: “This is one of the most prestigious events in the calendar, and it is only fitting that this would be where we offer sporting enthusiasts an unforgettable experience that brings together the world of motorsports with the luxury of maritime travel.”
Meanwhile, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, echoed the sentiment: “The arrival of Explora II to the Monaco Grand Prix scene for the first time will offer fans a truly unique and luxurious experience that will make this iconic event even more special.” For race fans, it truly doesn’t get any better than this.
Hop Aboard
This seamless fusion of motorsports and maritime luxury elevates the race to new heights, offering an unforgettable way to witness the pinnacle of racing while enveloped in supreme comfort.
Prices start at $14,600 per person, including race tickets, luxurious accommodations aboard the all-suite vessel, and all-inclusive gourmet dining with premium beverages throughout the seven-night voyage. Visit the Explora Journeys website to secure your place now.