5 of the best luxury Grand Prix cruises
Monte Carlo is a quintessential Mediterranean port which features on many cruise itineraries and the timing of the Monaco Grand Prix in late May works perfectly with certain cruise lines' summer season in this area. This makes it a great choice to experience on board a luxury cruise and indeed there are several cruise lines which call in to Monte Carlo, or nearby, during the iconic event.
Some cruise lines offer packages with included Grand Prix tickets and special events, but others may not include Grand Prix tickets in the fare, instead simply featuring Monte Carlo in the itinerary across one or more days during the Grand Prix race and you would have to purchase tickets separately. With some Grand Prix cruises for next year already sold out, and others with very limited availability, it pays to plan ahead, so here's some inspiration for luxury cruises to experience the Monaco Grand Prix 2025 or 2026.
1. Windstar Cruises
Windstar operates their 'Prix du Monde of Monaco' itinerary aboard Wind Surf for both 2025 and 2026, and they are very popular. The itineraries do differ, with 2025's voyage taking in Palamós, Sanary-sur-Mer, and Cannes, and in 2026 you can enjoy calls in Corsica, Portofino, and Saint Tropez, with both voyages enjoying an overnight in Monte Carlo during the Grand Prix.
Windstar's exclusive package includes a Formula One racing expert guest speaker on board to provide insights to the event, tickets to both Saturday's time trials and Sunday's final race, plus special themed events and gifts to enhance this exhilarating experience.
Enjoy the romance of a tall ship on board Windstar's flagship sail-assisted yacht, Wind Surf, carrying up to 342 lucky guests. Experience a relaxed atmosphere on board with a welcoming crew and several dining options, plus the benefit of the yacht's water sports platform, where conditions and regulations allow.
2. Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys have recently announced that the newest ship in their fleet, the 922-guest Explora II will be docked in Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix 2025, unusually staying for six days, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the excitement in the lead up to the big event.
This exciting announcement follows Explora Journeys' parent company MSC becoming a Formula 1 Global Partner in 2022, a collaboration which has enabled Explora II to act as a floating luxury hotel during this iconic event.
Fares include three-day tickets to the Grand Prix from Friday to Sunday, with seats in the Tribune T2 Grandstand, and you can choose the itinerary just taking in Monte Carlo or combine voyages to create an extended Mediterranean journey. On board enjoy beautiful cuisine in a range of dining venues, spacious suites, all with private terrace, and an intimate luxury atmosphere.
3. Emerald Cruises
Fitting in perfectly with the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera and the Grand Prix, Emerald's luxury 100-guest yacht Emerald Sakara sails round-trip Nice on a 5-night 'Monaco Grand Prix and the Italian Riviera' itinerary in May 2025 and 2026. Grand Prix tickets are not included in the cruise fare, but the itinerary features a call into nearby Menton, allowing you to visit Monaco for the Grand Prix should you wish to.
On board, enjoy the colourful vistas of the Mediterranean from the comfort of your stylish yacht, featuring spacious accommodation and expansive deck space - we love the open-air Sky Bar on deck 7 which is perfect for a sunset cocktail, and the Aqua Café and Pool for light bites and a refreshing dip.
4. Silversea
Silversea operate some fantastic Mediterranean itineraries and their 12-night voyage on 18 May 2025 takes in Monte Carlo during the iconic race weekend. Tickets to the Grand Prix are not included in the fare but Silversea offer some optional packages to purchase, ranging from grandstand seating tickets to exclusive terrace viewing experiences.
Sail aboard the brand-new Silver Ray, which joined the Silversea fleet this year, and experience the innovative design and stylish interiors as you sail historic Spanish cities and the French Riviera. The ship's asymmetrical design means that the pool deck enjoys expansive vistas, and sea views are a prominent feature throughout the ship - perfect for soaking in the destination.
5. Crystal
Crystal have been sailing again for over a year now since their highly anticipated relaunch last year, and many believe the new Crystal experience is better than ever. May 2025 sees the 606-guest Crystal Symphony sailing a week-long voyage featuring Corsica and Sardinia, visiting Monte Carlo when the qualifying sessions take place on Friday, and spending the Grand Prix race weekend in nearby Villefranche for convenient travel into Monaco.
In 2026, 740-guest Crystal Serenity sails from Athens on 17 May, visiting Sicily, Naples, and Portofino before an overnight in elegant Beaulieu-sur-Mer for race weekend which once again provides a base to travel into nearby Monaco for the Grand Prix.
Grand Prix tickets and transportation are not included the cruise fare so these would be an additional cost. On board you can expect personalised service from the dedicated crew, fantastic enrichment and entertainment, and exceptional cuisine including Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa.
