How to get a Hot Ticket for the Monaco Grand Prix

For one weekend in May, fans of Formula 1 gather in an enclave of the world’s most desirable real estate as it reverberates to the roar of finely tuned engines and the popping of champagne corks. The famous and the fabulous hobnob with champions, while super-yachts gather along this most glamorous coastline for the chance to be part of Monaco's spectacle of speed.

In 2025, seven-time F1 World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton will race for Scuderia Ferrari after 12 years with Mercedes. It will be thrilling to see how this speedster steers his iconic red Ferrari around the challenging Circuit de Monaco, the world's most spectacular and glamorous motor race.

At just 2.074 miles long, this is the shortest route in the F1 World Championship, but it's also the most challenging. The street circuit is narrow and winding, with impossibly tight hairpin corners. It climbs past Belle-Époque hotels and the Beaux-Arts Casino, down to the sun-dappled harbour, and into the dimly lit road Tunnel where drivers engage full throttle. There's no room for error as the machines, engines screaming, tyres smoking, loop and snake around 78 laps, covering 163 miles.

In the first race in 1929, the winner, William Grover-Williams, achieved the fastest lap of the narrow circuit in his supercharged Bugatti with a time of 2 min 15 sec. Today, the record is 1 min 12.909 sec, set by Lewis Hamilton in his Mercedes-AMG in 2021. Champions have included Schumacher, Senna, Prost, Fangio, Hill, and Hamilton, who has won on the Monaco circuit three times. The pace and fashions might have changed, but this miniature Principality is still the place to see and be seen on race weekends. 

With visitors from all over the world flocking to this sovereign state that covers less than a square mile, the 82nd Monaco Grand Prix is set to be a showstopper. Between 23 and 25 May, practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the final race itself will test drivers' mettle to the limit.

The rich and famous snap-up lavish suites in the Hôtel de Paris, Hôtel Hermitage, and Hotel Metropole. Gilded hangouts for the ‘Riviera Set’ who nibble at caviar-topped blinis and sip Dom Pérignon, while outside, Ferrari Monzas. Bugatti Chirons, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Bentleys, and Aston Martins - two a Euro - await their whip-smart owners.

With off-the-charts hotel rates, several cruise ships plan their itineraries to coincide with this most enthralling event in the sporting calendar. These much-sought-after sailings offer unrivalled opportunities for guests to enjoy this high-energy race up close and personal without breaking the bank in Monte Carlo. In 2025, there will be a new superstar in town.

In 2022, MSC Cruises signed a multi-year deal to become a Formula 1 Global Partner. This collaboration has been extended to Explora Journeys, with the presence of the brand-new EXPLORA II, conveniently docked in the heart of Monaco's famous Port Hercule, close to the F1 Paddock. This strategic location, just 165 yards from the racetrack, across the natural harbour from the Tunnel exit and Nouvelle Chicane, ensures a prime vantage point throughout race week. Adrenalin-junkies, petrolheads, and pit babes never had it so good.

With the port side of EXPLORA II facing the city and the action, the ship will host several high-profile events, providing a steller venue to behold the most anticipated race in Formula 1. Those with less interest in life in the fast lane can kick back and explore the beguiling byways of this ravishing coast far beyond the gin-palaces and high-rollers. Whatever lights your fire, this boutique residence is a titleholder for next-level, luxurious accommodation.​  

At the intersection of architecture and design, this 922-guest ship reflects a sleek, cool style. The noted British designer Martin Francis, who’s created some of the world’s most iconic yachts, conceived the dapper profile with its contoured silhouette. This is every bit a sophisticated European hotel that has its home on the ocean.

The 461 ocean-front Suites, Penthouses, and Residences all have a spacious terrace with comfortable daybeds and an alfresco dining area. These are available as Ocean Suites, which are among the largest entry-level suites at sea; Ocean Penthouses; Ocean Residences with private whirlpools; and a stunning Owner’s Residence.

Bon viveurs embarking on this all-inclusive seagoing sophisticate can expect gastro delights that rival the finest restaurants and acclaimed brasseries in Monaco. The corps of 129 chefs infuse fine dining with more than a soupçon of gusto. One of several revelations is 'Anthology by Franck Garanger', where a seven-course epicurean menu features fine regional Italian gastronomy worthy of a dusting of Michelin stars.

Explora Journeys is offering a range of cruise options to coincide with the Grand Prix. There's a 5-night stay on board EXPLORA II entitled 'Heart of FORMULA 1  GRAND PRIX DE MONACO' from 21 to 26 May. The ship will be docked for the entire event-packed five days at Port Hercule, a pole position if ever there was one. Guests can take a break from the action on the tarmac and join tours to idyllic Grasse, which is synonymous with perfume, and the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This cruise can be extended by two days, sailing from and returning to Civitavecchia, the port of Rome.

Preceding EXPLORA II's stay in Monaco, there's 'A Journey from Duomo Domes to FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2025'. This 13-night voyage departs Barcelona on 13 May and calls at Mahon (Menorca), St Tropez, Ajaccio (Corsica), Porto Cervo (Sardinia), Livorno, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Monaco.

Commencing on 21 May, a 12-night 'Journey from the Heart of FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO to the Blessed Balearics' offers a post-race sojourn that drops down a gear or two. After the five-night stay in this tiny, fairytale Principality, EXPLORA II sails to Civitavecchia (Rome), Sorrento, Palermo (Sicily), Cagliari (Sardinia), Mahon (Menorca), and Palma de Mallorca before arriving in Barcelona.

At the Grand Prix, Explora Journeys' guests can reserve exclusive Grandstand tickets (Tribune T2) or register for F1 Paddock Club access, including VIP Hospitality, via Panache Cruises' special arrangement with the Explora Experience Centre.

It's not just sassy racegoers and posing fashionistas that will be arriving by helicopters, super-yachts, or cool coupés at this über-chic spit of land. The crème de la crème of cruise ships will also be in town. If you want to join Monte's A-listers for that bucket-list dream trip, don't miss the chequered flag. Cruises aboard the much-loved yachts of SeaDream and Windstar are already sold out.

Another scene-stealer anchored just off the shores of the second-smallest country in the world will be Silversea's new Silver Ray. Since 2014, this company has created outstanding land programmes for a close-up of this unique spectacle.

Three exclusive packages are available to witness this legendary sporting event. The first offers guests two days of racing viewed from a reserved seat in the harbour-front K5 Grandstand. There's an unrestricted view of the lower part of the circuit, including the two high-speed chicanes around the swimming pool at the Rainier III Nautical Stadium, as well as the braking point and Tabac Corner.

Somewhat more exclusive, there's a package that opens the doors to the 14th floor of a private apartment in the Caravelles Building, at the heart of Boulevard Albert 1st. With a panoramic terrace overlooking the start and finish lines, just 22 guests can view Sainte-Dévote, the challenging first right-hand turn of the circuit, where Lewis Hamilton pulled off a dramatic manoeuvre up the inside of Michael Schumacher during the 2011 race. Refreshments are included, as is a buffet lunch and afternoon coffee and pastries. An open bar, including champagne, will be open from 11.30 am. On race day, the Formula 1 Drivers' Parade and the National Anthem add to the euphoria.

Another weekend-long exclusive Monégasque experience is a guaranteed winner with racing devotees. The exquisite setting of the private rooftop terrace of the Miramar Hotel is strategically located between the Nouvelle Chicane at the exit of the Tunnel and Tabac Corner. The terrace also fronts onto a section of the circuit near Beau Rivage where there's a right-handed flick as drivers power up from Saint Dévote, one of the highest points of the course. When not immersing themselves in every breathtaking twist and turn unfolding on the tarmac, the superb hospitality includes a buffet breakfast and light lunch, as well as musical entertainment and an open bar, including champagne. Few will be able to resist spraying some bubbly in the air to toast the winner on Sunday afternoon.

It's also possible to visit this playground for the world’s elite as part of Azamara Journey's 'Spring Med & Grand Prix Voyage'. During a call at Nice, the epicentre of the Côte d'Azur, the most glamorous stretch of the Mediterranean coast, there's a day-long trip to the Grand Prix on Sunday, 26 May. Other ports on Azamara Cruises' 12-night sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Lisbon include Livorno, Portovenere (Cinque Terre), Bastia (Corsica), Barcelona, Malaga, Gibraltar, and Portimao.

Also at anchor, close by at picture-perfect Villefranche-sur-Mer, will be Crystal Symphony. This stately ship will overnight here, allowing passengers to visit the Grand Prix in Monaco, just ten miles to the east. For many guests, this will be a highlight of a 7-night cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Marseilles, departing on 21 May 2025, which also calls at Monaco, Ajaccio, and Porto Torres.

The prestigious Monaco Grand Prix has earned its place among the Triple Crown of Motorsports, along with the Indianapolis 500 and the Le Mans 24 Hours. The glitz and glam of this millionaire's playground are fused with precision and skill on a fiendishly challenging circuit. This is a race that champions those who dare to push their limits, and cruise connoisseurs can be at the heart of it.