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monaco f1® race weekend reimagined with explora journeys

2nd Jun 2026 | 6 nights | Explora Journeys | Explora I

This package can be tailored to suit you
Financially protected by the ATOL scheme
Luxury, modern & all-inclusive cruising
Monte Carlo
This package can be tailored to suit you
Financially protected by the ATOL scheme
Luxury, modern & all-inclusive cruising

3-day Grandstand access tickets included (save up to £940pp)

Why do we love this cruise holiday? One way to enjoy the thrill of Formula 1 without compromising on comfort is by swapping the usual trackside chaos for a stay aboard a luxury ship in Monaco’s harbour. This isn’t your average city break. With the cruise serving as your luxury floating hotel, guests can come and go with ease, avoiding the crowds while enjoying access to one of the most iconic events in motorsport. A 3-day grandstand ticket is included, placing you right by the circuit’s most technical corners and the pit lane. Giant screens keep you close to the action, even when the cars are out of sight. When you consider what's wrapped into the price, it becomes clear this isn’t just a good getaway—it’s a smart one too.

What's included?

  • Return flights with a generous checked baggage allowance
  • 1-night 4* hotel stay in Nice
  • 3-day Grandstand access ticket
  • 5-night all-inclusive cruise
    • Unlimited fine beverages
    • 9 Culinary Experiences
    • In-Suite Dining
    • All on-board gratuities
    • Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
    • Shuttle services from port to city centre
    • Bottle of wine and spirit of the guests’ choice upon arrival
  • Financially protected by the ATOL scheme

What's included with the cruise

  • In-suite welcome bottle of champagne and sweet treats
  • Bottle of wine and spirit of the guests’ choice upon arrival
  • Unlimited fine beverages
  • 9 Culinary Experiences
  • In-Suite Dining
  • Thermal Spa Access
  • Wellbeing and fitness programmes
  • All on-board gratuities
  • Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
  • Shuttle services from port to city centre
  • Authentic, cultured, intuitive service

Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 7 point charter:

  • Up-front, honest pricing
  • No hidden fees
  • No booking fees. Ever.
  • A personal service
  • Educational trips and ship visits
  • Good quality accommodation
  • No unreasonable flight times
Learn more about our charter

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View Package
Day
Date
 
Arrival
Departure
 
1
2nd Jun 2026 Tuesday
Fly UK to Nice, France
 
 
Nice, France
 
 
Fly UK to Nice, France
Flights

Today your holiday begins with an outbound flight to Nice.

Nice, France
Hotel

Check-in to your 4* hotel for a 1-night stay before your cruise embarkation tomorrow.

2
3rd Jun 2026 Wednesday
Included: 3-day Grandstand access tickets
 
 
Monte Carlo
 
18:00
Included: 3-day Grandstand access tickets
Experience

The Grandstand is ideally positioned along Monaco’s Harbour and right at the heart of the spectacle. Located between the Swimming Pool chicane and Rascasse corner, it offers uninterrupted views of the circuit’s most technical turns, as well as the pit lane, where you can witness the teams in action before, during, and after the race. A giant screen ensures you will not miss a single moment of the drama.

Monte Carlo
Cruise
Monte Carlo

Arriving by ship into the Monte Carlo harbor is an amazing experience. If your docking time is before dawn, you'll see the lights of the principality twinkling throughout the mountains that surround the harbor and the beautifully lit Grand Casino at center stage. If you arrive during daylight hours, you are faced with the sight of one magnificent yacht after another vying for space in the little harbor.

Monaco is a self-governed sovereign nation under the protection of France. It has been ruled by the Grimaldi family for the past 700 years (with a slight diversion during the French Revolution), and its 1918 treaty with France decreed that if the prince -- any Grimaldi prince -- failed to produce a son, the territory would be ceded back to France upon his death. This was changed in 2002. If Albert II, the current prince, fails to produce a male heir, the throne will be passed to his sister Caroline.

Monaco, which comprises a miniscule 485 acres in total, and is Europe's smallest state after the Vatican, is barely west of the Italian border and surrounded by France on all sides except for the 2.5 miles of coastline. If you are looking at Monaco from your ship in the harbor, you can't tell where the principality ends and France begins. (Hint: Somewhere around the Middle Corniche.) As tiny as it is, it contains five sectors, of which Monte Carlo is the best-known. The principality, which is home to the most millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the world, has no natural resources; its national economy is based on tourism and banking.

The two go hand in hand in this idyllic slice of the Cote d'Azur. The wealthy Europeans who do their banking here expect -- no, demand -- the best, and cost be damned. This makes it harder for workaday folks to enjoy a stay (rooms go for an average of $700 a night in a nice hotel), but coming in on a cruise ship for the day gives one a sense of James Bond cool.

If you're lucky enough to be in Monaco during the third week in May, you can actually see part of the Grand Prix Formula One race from the comfort of your cruise ship. We were surprised to see that the track is actually in the middle of the city and goes under an overpass within direct view of the cruise ship dock.

However, whenever you are fortunate enough to visit Monaco and the dazzling district of Monte Carlo, you'll find plenty to do. In fact, these 485 acres offer so much, you'll need to come back to explore again.

3
4th Jun 2026 Thursday
Monte Carlo
 
 
Monte Carlo
Cruise
Monte Carlo

Arriving by ship into the Monte Carlo harbor is an amazing experience. If your docking time is before dawn, you'll see the lights of the principality twinkling throughout the mountains that surround the harbor and the beautifully lit Grand Casino at center stage. If you arrive during daylight hours, you are faced with the sight of one magnificent yacht after another vying for space in the little harbor.

Monaco is a self-governed sovereign nation under the protection of France. It has been ruled by the Grimaldi family for the past 700 years (with a slight diversion during the French Revolution), and its 1918 treaty with France decreed that if the prince -- any Grimaldi prince -- failed to produce a son, the territory would be ceded back to France upon his death. This was changed in 2002. If Albert II, the current prince, fails to produce a male heir, the throne will be passed to his sister Caroline.

Monaco, which comprises a miniscule 485 acres in total, and is Europe's smallest state after the Vatican, is barely west of the Italian border and surrounded by France on all sides except for the 2.5 miles of coastline. If you are looking at Monaco from your ship in the harbor, you can't tell where the principality ends and France begins. (Hint: Somewhere around the Middle Corniche.) As tiny as it is, it contains five sectors, of which Monte Carlo is the best-known. The principality, which is home to the most millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the world, has no natural resources; its national economy is based on tourism and banking.

The two go hand in hand in this idyllic slice of the Cote d'Azur. The wealthy Europeans who do their banking here expect -- no, demand -- the best, and cost be damned. This makes it harder for workaday folks to enjoy a stay (rooms go for an average of $700 a night in a nice hotel), but coming in on a cruise ship for the day gives one a sense of James Bond cool.

If you're lucky enough to be in Monaco during the third week in May, you can actually see part of the Grand Prix Formula One race from the comfort of your cruise ship. We were surprised to see that the track is actually in the middle of the city and goes under an overpass within direct view of the cruise ship dock.

However, whenever you are fortunate enough to visit Monaco and the dazzling district of Monte Carlo, you'll find plenty to do. In fact, these 485 acres offer so much, you'll need to come back to explore again.

4
5th Jun 2026 Friday
Monte Carlo
 
 
Monte Carlo
Cruise
Monte Carlo

Arriving by ship into the Monte Carlo harbor is an amazing experience. If your docking time is before dawn, you'll see the lights of the principality twinkling throughout the mountains that surround the harbor and the beautifully lit Grand Casino at center stage. If you arrive during daylight hours, you are faced with the sight of one magnificent yacht after another vying for space in the little harbor.

Monaco is a self-governed sovereign nation under the protection of France. It has been ruled by the Grimaldi family for the past 700 years (with a slight diversion during the French Revolution), and its 1918 treaty with France decreed that if the prince -- any Grimaldi prince -- failed to produce a son, the territory would be ceded back to France upon his death. This was changed in 2002. If Albert II, the current prince, fails to produce a male heir, the throne will be passed to his sister Caroline.

Monaco, which comprises a miniscule 485 acres in total, and is Europe's smallest state after the Vatican, is barely west of the Italian border and surrounded by France on all sides except for the 2.5 miles of coastline. If you are looking at Monaco from your ship in the harbor, you can't tell where the principality ends and France begins. (Hint: Somewhere around the Middle Corniche.) As tiny as it is, it contains five sectors, of which Monte Carlo is the best-known. The principality, which is home to the most millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the world, has no natural resources; its national economy is based on tourism and banking.

The two go hand in hand in this idyllic slice of the Cote d'Azur. The wealthy Europeans who do their banking here expect -- no, demand -- the best, and cost be damned. This makes it harder for workaday folks to enjoy a stay (rooms go for an average of $700 a night in a nice hotel), but coming in on a cruise ship for the day gives one a sense of James Bond cool.

If you're lucky enough to be in Monaco during the third week in May, you can actually see part of the Grand Prix Formula One race from the comfort of your cruise ship. We were surprised to see that the track is actually in the middle of the city and goes under an overpass within direct view of the cruise ship dock.

However, whenever you are fortunate enough to visit Monaco and the dazzling district of Monte Carlo, you'll find plenty to do. In fact, these 485 acres offer so much, you'll need to come back to explore again.

5
6th Jun 2026 Saturday
Monte Carlo
 
 
Monte Carlo
Cruise
Monte Carlo

Arriving by ship into the Monte Carlo harbor is an amazing experience. If your docking time is before dawn, you'll see the lights of the principality twinkling throughout the mountains that surround the harbor and the beautifully lit Grand Casino at center stage. If you arrive during daylight hours, you are faced with the sight of one magnificent yacht after another vying for space in the little harbor.

Monaco is a self-governed sovereign nation under the protection of France. It has been ruled by the Grimaldi family for the past 700 years (with a slight diversion during the French Revolution), and its 1918 treaty with France decreed that if the prince -- any Grimaldi prince -- failed to produce a son, the territory would be ceded back to France upon his death. This was changed in 2002. If Albert II, the current prince, fails to produce a male heir, the throne will be passed to his sister Caroline.

Monaco, which comprises a miniscule 485 acres in total, and is Europe's smallest state after the Vatican, is barely west of the Italian border and surrounded by France on all sides except for the 2.5 miles of coastline. If you are looking at Monaco from your ship in the harbor, you can't tell where the principality ends and France begins. (Hint: Somewhere around the Middle Corniche.) As tiny as it is, it contains five sectors, of which Monte Carlo is the best-known. The principality, which is home to the most millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the world, has no natural resources; its national economy is based on tourism and banking.

The two go hand in hand in this idyllic slice of the Cote d'Azur. The wealthy Europeans who do their banking here expect -- no, demand -- the best, and cost be damned. This makes it harder for workaday folks to enjoy a stay (rooms go for an average of $700 a night in a nice hotel), but coming in on a cruise ship for the day gives one a sense of James Bond cool.

If you're lucky enough to be in Monaco during the third week in May, you can actually see part of the Grand Prix Formula One race from the comfort of your cruise ship. We were surprised to see that the track is actually in the middle of the city and goes under an overpass within direct view of the cruise ship dock.

However, whenever you are fortunate enough to visit Monaco and the dazzling district of Monte Carlo, you'll find plenty to do. In fact, these 485 acres offer so much, you'll need to come back to explore again.

6
7th Jun 2026 Sunday
Monte Carlo
 
 
Monte Carlo
Cruise
Monte Carlo

Arriving by ship into the Monte Carlo harbor is an amazing experience. If your docking time is before dawn, you'll see the lights of the principality twinkling throughout the mountains that surround the harbor and the beautifully lit Grand Casino at center stage. If you arrive during daylight hours, you are faced with the sight of one magnificent yacht after another vying for space in the little harbor.

Monaco is a self-governed sovereign nation under the protection of France. It has been ruled by the Grimaldi family for the past 700 years (with a slight diversion during the French Revolution), and its 1918 treaty with France decreed that if the prince -- any Grimaldi prince -- failed to produce a son, the territory would be ceded back to France upon his death. This was changed in 2002. If Albert II, the current prince, fails to produce a male heir, the throne will be passed to his sister Caroline.

Monaco, which comprises a miniscule 485 acres in total, and is Europe's smallest state after the Vatican, is barely west of the Italian border and surrounded by France on all sides except for the 2.5 miles of coastline. If you are looking at Monaco from your ship in the harbor, you can't tell where the principality ends and France begins. (Hint: Somewhere around the Middle Corniche.) As tiny as it is, it contains five sectors, of which Monte Carlo is the best-known. The principality, which is home to the most millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the world, has no natural resources; its national economy is based on tourism and banking.

The two go hand in hand in this idyllic slice of the Cote d'Azur. The wealthy Europeans who do their banking here expect -- no, demand -- the best, and cost be damned. This makes it harder for workaday folks to enjoy a stay (rooms go for an average of $700 a night in a nice hotel), but coming in on a cruise ship for the day gives one a sense of James Bond cool.

If you're lucky enough to be in Monaco during the third week in May, you can actually see part of the Grand Prix Formula One race from the comfort of your cruise ship. We were surprised to see that the track is actually in the middle of the city and goes under an overpass within direct view of the cruise ship dock.

However, whenever you are fortunate enough to visit Monaco and the dazzling district of Monte Carlo, you'll find plenty to do. In fact, these 485 acres offer so much, you'll need to come back to explore again.

7
8th Jun 2026 Monday
Monte Carlo
08:00
 
Fly Nice to the UK
 
 
Monte Carlo
Cruise
Monte Carlo

Arriving by ship into the Monte Carlo harbor is an amazing experience. If your docking time is before dawn, you'll see the lights of the principality twinkling throughout the mountains that surround the harbor and the beautifully lit Grand Casino at center stage. If you arrive during daylight hours, you are faced with the sight of one magnificent yacht after another vying for space in the little harbor.

Monaco is a self-governed sovereign nation under the protection of France. It has been ruled by the Grimaldi family for the past 700 years (with a slight diversion during the French Revolution), and its 1918 treaty with France decreed that if the prince -- any Grimaldi prince -- failed to produce a son, the territory would be ceded back to France upon his death. This was changed in 2002. If Albert II, the current prince, fails to produce a male heir, the throne will be passed to his sister Caroline.

Monaco, which comprises a miniscule 485 acres in total, and is Europe's smallest state after the Vatican, is barely west of the Italian border and surrounded by France on all sides except for the 2.5 miles of coastline. If you are looking at Monaco from your ship in the harbor, you can't tell where the principality ends and France begins. (Hint: Somewhere around the Middle Corniche.) As tiny as it is, it contains five sectors, of which Monte Carlo is the best-known. The principality, which is home to the most millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the world, has no natural resources; its national economy is based on tourism and banking.

The two go hand in hand in this idyllic slice of the Cote d'Azur. The wealthy Europeans who do their banking here expect -- no, demand -- the best, and cost be damned. This makes it harder for workaday folks to enjoy a stay (rooms go for an average of $700 a night in a nice hotel), but coming in on a cruise ship for the day gives one a sense of James Bond cool.

If you're lucky enough to be in Monaco during the third week in May, you can actually see part of the Grand Prix Formula One race from the comfort of your cruise ship. We were surprised to see that the track is actually in the middle of the city and goes under an overpass within direct view of the cruise ship dock.

However, whenever you are fortunate enough to visit Monaco and the dazzling district of Monte Carlo, you'll find plenty to do. In fact, these 485 acres offer so much, you'll need to come back to explore again.

Fly Nice to the UK
Flights

This morning your holiday comes to an end as you disembark the ship. At the scheduled time take your return flight to the UK.

Launched in summer 2023, Explora I heralds MSC Group's venture into luxury expedition travel. Part of the new Explora Journeys brand, it promises premium experiences to diverse destinations. With six sister ships planned by 2028, it caters to discerning travellers seeking exploration with sophistication.

Boasting 18 venues, including five complimentary restaurants offering global fare, Explora I offers culinary delights inspired by visited locales. With four pools, expansive outdoor spaces, a spa, and fitness centre, it provides relaxation and entertainment. Innovative features like Steinway pianos and eco-friendly technologies enhance the onboard experience.

Dine lavishly aboard Explora I with five inclusive restaurants serving diverse cuisines. From Mediterranean seafood at Med Yacht Club to grilled specialties at Marble & Co. Grill, each venue offers a culinary journey. Experience live cooking stations, prime aged steaks, and pan-Asian delicacies, complemented by elegant settings and attentive service.

Indulge in spacious comfort with 461 all-terrace suites, each boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and a private veranda. Designed by superyacht experts, these suites offer a luxurious retreat. With a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1.25 to 1, attentive service ensures a seamless and pampering experience throughout the voyage.

Deck 3
Deck 4
Deck 5
Deck 6
Deck 7
Deck 8
Deck 9
Deck 10
Deck 11
Deck 12
Deck 14

Best for...

Explora Journeys is best for luxury travellers seeking bespoke experiences, pampering, and exploration aboard intimate ships.

Not the best for...

Explora Journeys may not suit budget-conscious travellers seeking economical options. It's tailored for luxury voyagers desiring premium experiences. Those preferring off-the-beaten-path exploration or minimalistic travel may find its offerings excessive.

Who goes on Explora Journeys cruise ships?

Explora Journeys cruise ships attract discerning travellers seeking luxury experiences intertwined with cultural immersion. Their clientele typically comprises affluent individuals with a penchant for exploration, aged between 30 to 60, who appreciate fine dining, curated excursions, and personalised service. These voyagers value authenticity, preferring intimate settings over mass tourism, and are often well-travelled, seeking unique destinations and meaningful connections with local communities. Explora Journeys caters to those who crave adventure, comfort, and the opportunity to create lasting memories in elegant surroundings, making it a choice for those who seek refinement and discovery on the high seas.


Do I have to dress up on a Explora Journeys cruise?

On an Explora Journeys cruise, there's no formal dress code. While smart casual attire is recommended for dining and public areas, there's no strict requirement for formal wear. Feel comfortable in elegant yet relaxed clothing, suitable for both onboard activities and exploring destinations. Enjoy the freedom to express your style while maintaining a respectful atmosphere onboard.


Is everything included on Explora Journeys cruises?

Explora Journeys cruises offer a nearly all-inclusive experience, covering accommodation, dining, beverages, gratuities, and select shore excursions. However, some premium experiences, such as certain shore excursions, spa treatments, and exclusive dining options, may incur additional charges.


What are Explora Journeys's most popular activities?

Explora Journeys, renowned for bespoke travel experiences, offers a plethora of captivating activities. Their most sought-after include immersive cultural excursions, where guests engage with local customs and traditions. Nature enthusiasts relish in guided hikes through breathtaking landscapes, discovering hidden gems and wildlife encounters. Culinary delights await with exclusive cooking classes, showcasing regional cuisines. Relaxation is paramount with luxurious spa treatments and wellness retreats, rejuvenating both body and mind. For the adventurous, thrilling water sports and adrenaline-fueled activities provide exhilarating experiences. With meticulous attention to detail, Explora Journeys ensures unforgettable adventures tailored to every traveller's desires.


Prices based on:

Ocean Terrace Suite
Ocean Terrace Suite

Our Ocean Terrace Suites elegantly combine space and light.

Features

  • Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
  • Lounge area with coffee/dining table
  • In-suite welcome bottle of champagne
  • Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
  • Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
  • Pair of binoculars for guests' use during their journey
  • Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops

Outdoor

  • Spacious ocean-front terrace with a dining area
  • Comfortable daybed for relaxation

Bedroom

  • Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 180 x 200 cm (71 x 79 in). Some suites with twin beds - size: 2 x 90 x 200 cm (35 x 79 in)
  • Down duvets and pillows
  • Fine bed linens
  • Extensive pillow selection
  • Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area

Bathroom

  • Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and heated floors
  • Plush bathrobes and bath linens
  • Custom bath toiletries and amenities
  • Dyson Supersonic TM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror

Stats

  • Total Suite area: 35 sqm (377 sq ft) 
  • Suite: 28 sqm (301 sq ft) 
  • Bathroom: 4 sqm (43 sq ft) 
  • Terrace: 7 sqm (75 sq ft) 
  • Maximum capacity: 2 adults and 1 child under 18 years old (baby cot or rollaway bed)

*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.

The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.

Some suites feature bathtubs and accessible facilities:

Ocean Terrace Suite Accessibility Features

  • Roll-in shower with grab-bar and fold-down seat (height of seat from the floor is 450 mm / 17.7 in)
  • Grab-bar next to the toilet seat
  • Portable toilet seat risers available onboard
  • Hand-held shower wand
  • Lowered towel racks
  • Accessibility equipment for hearing impaired (Assistive Listening System (ALS) and/or TTY devices)
  • Lowered wardrobe bars and shelving
  • Lowered safe
  • Double peephole on entrance door
  • All doorways are wheelchair accessible
  • Entrance door width 900 mm (31.5 in)
  • Bathroom door width 900 mm (31.5 in)

Stats

  • Deck 8, 9, 10 - Forward, close to lifts
  • Number of Suites OT2 - 4, OT3 - 4, OT4 - 1 
  • Total Suite Area: 49 sqm – 526 sq ft 
  • Suite: 39 sqm – 419 sq ft 
  • Terrace: 10 sqm – 107 sq ft

*Features may vary by suite.

Please inform your Travel Advisor or the Explora Experience Centre Ambassador of your requirements when reserving your journey.

Cat Cabin Grade
Cruise

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