Car Cruises: An Introduction

Clean lines, the purr of a well-tuned V8 engine, the elegant marriage of sleek design with cutting-edge technology, all the little parts working in tandem to create the ultimate adrenaline-meets-status experience… 

Need we say more? 

Whether you have a need for speed or savour a smooth ride, a car-themed cruise should be next on every autophile’s bucket list, effortlessly fusing the edge-of-your-seat excitement of racing with the leisure and amenities of an ultra-luxury voyage.  

With VIP appearances, carefully curated themed experiences, and exclusive invites to the most distinguished racing events in the world, the bespoke car cruise experience truly exemplifies life in the fast lane for those who have a taste for stellar craftsmanship, high performance and the finer things in life—power, speed, luxury and freedom all tied up in one thrilling package. 

Why book a car cruise?

From guest speakers to black tie evenings inspired by classic concours events, you’re guaranteed the high-octane treatment aboard a luxury car cruise.  Your cruise will start with a bang in the form of themed sail away cocktails (GT Martini anyone?) before coalescing into a week of private events, seminars and supercar showcases, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into some of the most impressive car collections in the world—and that’s all before stepping foot off the ship.

Excursions include track day and exotic car tours in port cities, as well as scenic drives through iconic destinations like Monaco, Tuscany, and the Pacific Coast. For those seeking a behind-the-scenes peek at the heritage and production of the world’s most renowned automobile factories, several brands have opened their doors and now offer exclusive tours, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi in Germany and Ferrari and Lamborghini in Italy.

And that’s just the warm-up lap. 

No car cruise worth its salt would overlook the showstopper: an electrifying Formula One event. With the exclusive access, gift packages, and social buzz you can only find on a speciality voyage, you’ll be in pole position to have the experience of a lifetime.

Which cruise line?

Raring to go? We don’t blame you. 

Lucky for you, as car and racing themed cruises become steadily more popular, many world-class cruise companies have taken the lead and forged exciting partnerships with the crème de la crème of the automobile scene. 

One notable example is Regent Seven Seas, who have recently partnered with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team and now boast themed itineraries and a range of speciality shore excursions. Past voyages have included stops at the racing capitals of the world, talks from Aston Martin representatives about innovation and design, a meet-and-greet with former F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa, and a state-of-the-art onboard racing simulator.

“You’re going to sit in the car and you’re going to see what it feels like to be racing 100-plus miles an hour in one of these race cars, but you’ll be on a ship,” said Regent Seven Seas Cruises president Andrea DeMarco, when speaking about how the line have strived to create a fully immersive experience for car fanatics.

Additionally, Regent Seven Seas offer a host of exciting pre- and post- cruise itineraries, which include helicopter flights and the opportunity to visit the Monaco Circuit and the personal car collection of Prince Rainier, whilst the sailings themselves include race-themed cuisine, cocktails, deck parties and merchandise.

If you’re looking to combine the thrill of the race with the relaxation of a trip to the Riviera, Windstar Cruises are also in on the Monaco F1 action, offering cruises aboard their iconic ship, Wind Surf, the world’s largest sailing yacht. As well as kicking back on the region’s pristine beaches, wandering up and down the promenades, and shopping ‘til you drop, you will also be able to enjoy exclusive grand prix events and prime seats at two days of world-class Formula One qualifiers and racing, as well as Grand Prix themed cocktail receptions, dinners, and gift packages whilst onboard.

Have a craving for the contemporary? Explora Journeys – the luxury division of the MSC group - has a global partnership with Formula One, giving them unparalleled access to select Grand Prix races, including private onboard events and prime viewing locations in the heart of Monaco’s Port Hercule, mere steps away from the F1 Paddock, the Grandstand Tribunes and the Paddock Club. You’ll watch the F1 qualifying shootout from the best seats in the house, heart racing as the best drivers in the world compete for a coveted spot on the grid. From there, you can return to the sumptuous luxury of one of Explora’s ultra-modern vessels, where a night of fireworks and celebrations await.

Offering the chance to meet likeminded individuals and forge lifelong memories, whilst integrating the things you love, a car cruise truly brings a whole new meaning to the word ‘joyride’. You can find out more here.