The Best Seat At The Monaco Grand Prix? Aboard This Luxury Ship
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If you've ever watched the Monaco Grand Prix and thought, this looks incredible—but also crowded and chaotic, you're not wrong. The streets fill with fans, the hotels book out months in advance, and just navigating from your room to the race can feel like an endurance event. But in 2025, there's a way to bypass all that: by staying on EXPLORA II, the only luxury ship that will be docked in Monaco's iconic Port Hercule during race weekend.
That detail changes everything.
Instead of scrambling for taxis or dealing with packed sidewalks, guests on EXPLORA II will quite literally wake up in the heart of the action. Port Hercule isn't just nearby—it's the location. The yachts, the grandstands, the pit lane—it's all right there. You could step off the ship and be trackside in minutes. Or, if you'd rather ease into the day, you could take a pilates class on board, enjoy breakfast on your oceanfront terrace, and watch the buzz of race day unfold below before heading out.
For 2025, Explora Journeys is offering three-night (May 23–26) and four-night (May 22–26) stays aboard EXPLORA II. And while luxury cruise experiences aren't new, the chance to stay aboard a ship docked in Port Hercule during the Grand Prix is. Typically, yachts crowd the harbor, and hotel rooms can be eye-wateringly expensive. EXPLORA II offers a floating alternative—one with all the comforts of a high-end hotel but without the crowds and constant logistics.
The ship itself feels like a boutique hotel at sea. The suites are spacious and designed to be 'homes at sea,' complete with sweeping ocean views and private terraces. There are multiple restaurants (eleven culinary experiences in total), four pools, wellness spaces, and even 64 private cabanas if you need a little peace and quiet between practice laps and qualifying rounds.
But what really sets the experience apart is how seamlessly the weekend unfolds. You arrive in Monte Carlo and board EXPLORA II on May 21, greeted by calm luxury and the chance to unwind before the real excitement begins. It's the perfect moment to slow down—whether with a spa treatment, a sunset cocktail on deck, or simply taking in the views of the harbor before the city transforms.
By the following day, Monaco starts to pulse with anticipation. The streets fill with fans and celebrities, and from your exclusive spot in Port Hercule, you're perfectly positioned to soak it all in. On board, a curated lineup of entertainment, live music, and special events builds the energy without overwhelming you. You can feel the race weekend beginning, but you're in complete control of the pace.
Then comes Friday, and the action is fully underway. EXPLORA II's location places you steps from the F1 Paddock, the Grandstand Tribunes, and the Paddock Club. But this isn't just about watching cars race past. Guests can access behind-the-scenes moments like the ARAMCO Formula 1 Pitlane Walk, where teams prepping cars live. There are exclusive interviews with current drivers and racing legends and intimate, expert-led tours of the F1 Paddock for small groups—a rare window into how strategy, teamwork, and raw talent collide on race weekend.
Saturday brings more adrenaline, with Formula 2 and 3 sprint races and the tension of Formula 1 qualifying. You can witness drivers battling for pole position up close before retreating back to the ship for a night of fine dining, celebratory parties, and vibrant entertainment that continues long after the track falls silent.
And then it's Sunday—the grand finale. The atmosphere builds to a fever pitch, and the final race brings Monaco to life in a way only this city can. Guests can choose to take their seat in the Tribunes or the Paddock Club just steps away or watch the high-speed drama unfold from the ship's elegant deck with a glass of champagne in hand. When the checkered flag waves, celebrations ripple through the entire principality, and you're right at the center of it all.
Of course, this kind of access doesn't come cheap, and bookings are expected to go quickly. But if you've ever wanted to experience the Monaco Grand Prix without the typical hustle—if you want to be in it, not just near it—this is one of the most interesting and exclusive ways to do it.
And really, what could be better than watching the race with the harbor on one side, the track on the other, and your luxury suite waiting just a few steps away?
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