The excitement of top motorsport competition merged with the elegance of the sea in an exceptional evening in Port Hercule, where Explora Journeys celebrated the official opening party of the FORMULA 1 Louis Vuitton Monaco Grand Prix 2026 aboard EXPLORA I.
Returning to the Principality for the second year running during one of the most iconic weekends on the international calendar, the luxury ocean travel brand reaffirmed its presence in the destination, transforming EXPLORA I into a meeting point between sophistication, sport and entertainment.
“Perhaps the most exciting new direction in Monaco this weekend isn’t on dry land,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “As one of the newest brands in the luxury travel industry, Explora Journeys is redefining what it means to experience the ocean. Hosting the official Formula 1 opening party aboard EXPLORA I puts our brand, our ships, and our vision at the heart of one of the world’s most iconic events, and reflects the momentum we are building as we continue to redefine ocean travel.”
As night fell over the French Riviera, EXPLORA I took center stage in Port Hercule, hosting a distinguished group of international guests, cultural figures, and sports icons for an exclusive private party. The evening blended exceptional hospitality with world-class entertainment, including a curated cocktail menu and panoramic views of the Riviera, illuminated by the largest drone show ever staged in Europe, with 3,050 drones lighting up the night sky.
The show offered a choreographed, ten-minute visual journey through the present and future of Formula 1. Following a spectacular simultaneous takeoff, the drones recreated images of Monaco's cityscape and its iconic street circuit, followed by the Monaco Grand Prix trophy. The animation, approximately 183 meters high and 244 meters wide, highlighted the extension of Formula 1's agreement with the Principality until 2035.
The energy of the night reached its peak with an extraordinary musical lineup. International phenomenon Bob Sinclar took the reins to deliver an unforgettable DJ set, while supermodel and style icon Naomi Campbell made a special appearance and also performed an exclusive set that kept attendees dancing until the early hours.
Numerous VIPs, entertainment legends, and motorsport icons gathered to celebrate the start of the race weekend. Among the attendees were Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill, and David Coulthard, along with senior executives from Formula 1 and Explora Journeys.
EXPLORA I was the only ship of its class docked in Port Hercule throughout the Grand Prix weekend, solidifying its position as an elegant waterfront retreat and an exclusive international meeting point. Throughout this legendary sporting event, the ship offered its guests a privileged view of the on-track action, personalized experiences ashore, and a carefully curated program of exclusive onboard events, bringing to life Explora Journeys' vision of seamlessly connecting luxury on land and at sea.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
