Monaco Grand Prix Cruises
What sports event combines ground-rumbling noise, gasp-inducing life-or-death moments and decadent yacht parties? It can only be the Monaco Grand Prix. Held every May, the Formula One motor competition represents the pinnacle of auto racing -- and best of all, you can save money and hassle by seeing the event by cruise.
Cruising to the Monaco Grand Prix has been an option for race-lovers (and those who love them) since the 1990s. Windstar Cruises is the only cruise line to offer sailings where all passengers booked on the cruise actually receive tickets in the fare; other lines offer Grand Prix excitement through excursions (some of them quite high end).
In 2024, the Grand Prix weekend will be May 24-26, with the qualifying rounds on Saturday, May 25, and the final race on Sunday, May 26. In 2025, the Grand Prix dates will be May 23-25, with qualifying on May 24 and race day on May 25.
Here's a look at the options for Monaco Grand Prix cruises:
Windstar Cruises Offers the Full Experience
The small ship line believes that it pioneered Monaco Grand Prix cruises, holding the first themed sailing in the 1990s. The line offers a true F1 immersive sailing, where everyone onboard receives included tickets to events.
The ship docks overnight in Monte Carlo, with Section K seats for the Saturday time trials, and for Sunday's final, passengers receive higher seats with a program, poncho and cap. There's also a guest speaker onboard who explains the ins and outs of Formula One racing; a special Grand Prix-themed cocktail reception and dinner onboard and a gift package that includes program ticket holder, ear plugs, cap, high-definition binoculars and seat cushion. This is likely the most immersive option for a Grand Prix cruise.
The 2024 and 2025 F1-themed cruises will take place onboard Windstar’s flagship Wind Surf, the largest sailing ship in the world, which will surely be a grand presence in the Monte Carlo harbor.
2024 sailing: Wind Surf, 342 passengers, May 21 – 7 nights from Barcelona to Rome.
2025 sailing: Wind Surf, 342 passengers, May 20 – 7 nights from Barcelona to Rome.
Silversea Has Luxury Excursion Packages for the Grand Prix
Silversea is another line that regularly includes the Grand Prix on its itineraries. In 2024, Silver Spirit is spending two full days in Monaco for the festivities, with a choice of four excursion packages, from basic to extravagant. The Grandstand K package can be purchased for two full days ($2,099) or Sunday’s final race only ($1,699). Each comes with a grandstand seat, and a light packed lunch.
Those wanting a little more comfort and amenities can purchase the two-day Belvedere Deluxe Experience (pricing TBA), with a reserved seat on the covered Belvedere Hospitality Terrace located directly on the Pit Lane, overlooking more than 50 percent of the circuit. Free-flowing food and drink include Champagne aperitifs, an open bar, a gourmet buffet lunch, and snacks.
For even better views and more exclusivity, a package that offers prime F1 circuit views from a private apartment with terrace is available for $4,699. Located on the 14th floor overlooking almost 80 percent of the track, this private apartment in The Caravelles building is only reserved for 22 Silversea guests, who can watch the race from the covered terrace and have full use of the interior spaces. Both days will include morning refreshments, a buffet lunch, afternoon snacks, and an open bar with Champagne.
But when only the best will do, book the $4,999 Formula Silversea package, where you will watch the race from the rooftop terrace of the Miramar Hotel, strategically located to watch the action on the track. The extravagant package includes a buffet breakfast daily, seated three-course lunches created by Michelin-starred chefs, a full open bar, and post-race aperitifs, finger food, and entertainment.
In 2025, the line's newest ship Silver Ray will spend two days in Monaco during the race weekend, but F1 excursions have not been announced.
2024 sailing: Silver Spirit, 608 passengers, May 16 – 12 nights Rome to Barcelona.
2025 sailing: Silver Ray, 728 passengers, May 18 – 12 nights Barcelona to Rome.
SeaDream Yacht Club Has Go-It-Your-Own Options
Both SeaDream I and SeaDream II will drop anchor in Monaco during the Grand Prix weekend. SeaDream II will be there on Saturday only for the F1 Qualifying time trials, while SeaDream I will arrive on Sunday for the race. You can experience the atmosphere, but the line doesn't offer any excursions; passengers who are interested work with the concierge who can arrange tickets. Still, the yachts are small enough that they will fit right in with the partying jet set.
2024 sailing: Seadream II, 112 passengers, May 19 – 7 nights Rome to Nice; SeaDream I, 112 passengers, May 20 – 7 nights Malaga to Nice.
Star Clippers Gives You a Sailing Ship Option
While yachts are the traditional method of seeing the Monaco Grand Prix, a sailing ship is a pretty special vantage point too. In 2024, Star Clippers' Royal Clipper will call in Monaco on race day. In 2025, there will be three sailings that will call in Monaco during the race weekend. The Royal Clipper and Star Flyer will be in Monaco for the Friday Practice session, while the Star Flyer will return on Sunday for the race on its next cruise. The line doesn't sell tickets to the event.
2024 sailing: Royal Clipper, 227 passengers, May 25 – 7 nights Cannes to Rome.
2025 sailing: Royal Clipper, 227 passengers, May 18 – 6 nights Malaga to Cannes; Star Flyer, 166 passengers, May 17 – 7 nights roundtrip Cannes and May 24 – 7 nights Cannes to Rome.
Crystal Cruises: Grand Prix Practice Only
Crystal Cruises will only be at the Monaco Grand Prix on Friday for the first free practice session (although guests will also be able to see the F2 and F3 qualifying sessions that day). The line offers two levels of experience for purchase. The Grandstand experience includes a seat in Grandstand K and lunch at a local Italian restaurant.
The exclusive Belvedere VIP excursion includes access to the Automobile Club of Monaco (ACM), which organized the first Grand Prix in 1929. Passengers have reserved seats at the top of Grandstand L with views of the F1 Pits, and receive access to the Belvedere VIP area where an open bar including Champagne and a lunch catered by Chef Olivier Ribaud of the ACM restaurant.
The Grandstand option is $799 per person and the Belvedere $2999 per person.
Is it worth going on Crystal for just one – and probably the least attended - day of F1? Yes, if you’d like an introduction to F1 racing and get a feel for the excitement of attending a live race event, but if you’re a serious race fan, you’re going to want the full meal deal.
2024 sailing: On Crystal Serenity, 740 passengers, May 14 - 11-nights Athens to Toulon. Note: this sailing is part of Serenity's World Cruise, which is almost sold out.