High-octane glamour met refined ocean elegance in Port Hercule as Explora Journeys hosted the official opening party of the FORMULA 1 LOUIS VUITTON GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2026 aboard EXPLORA I.
Returning to the Principality for the second consecutive year as a partner of the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO, Explora Journeys brought its distinctive vision of luxury ocean travel to one of the most exhilarating weekends in the global sporting calendar. Docked in the heart of Monaco’s iconic harbour, EXPLORA I became the most exclusive address in Monte Carlo for an evening of speed, style, music and cinematic Riviera spectacle.
As the privately owned luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys is built on the Aponte family’s 300-year maritime heritage. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand has quickly established itself as one of the most elegant new names in luxury travel, guided by its signature Ocean State of Mind: a philosophy that connects discerning guests with the sea, with themselves and with one another.
“Maybe the most exciting new address in Monaco this weekend isn’t on land,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “As one of the newest brands in luxury travel, Explora Journeys is redefining what it means to experience the ocean. Hosting the official opening party of Formula 1 aboard EXPLORA I places our brand, our ships and our vision centre stage during one of the world’s most iconic events and reflects the momentum we are building as we continue to redefine ocean travel.”
As twilight fell over the Côte d’Azur, EXPLORA I took centre stage in Port Hercule, welcoming a prestigious gathering of international tastemakers, sporting icons, senior executives and cultural figures. The evening unfolded with curated cocktails, sophisticated hospitality and panoramic views across Monte Carlo, where the legendary street circuit, superyacht-lined harbour and illuminated cityscape created a scene of unmistakable drama.
One of the night’s defining moments came from the sky. Guests were treated to Europe’s largest-ever drone show, as 3,050 drones rose above Monaco harbour in a breathtaking 10-minute choreographed display. Following a dramatic mass take-off, the drones formed a luminous visual journey through Formula 1’s present and future, recreating the Monaco cityscape, the iconic street circuit and the Monaco Grand Prix trophy. At 600 feet high and 800 feet wide, the animation also celebrated Formula 1’s extension in the Principality through to 2035.
The energy on board reached its peak with an exceptional entertainment line-up. Global music icon Bob Sinclar took to the decks for an electrifying DJ set, filling the night with the unmistakable rhythm and glamour of the Riviera. International supermodel and style icon Naomi Campbell also made a special appearance, performing an exclusive set that kept the crowd moving late into the evening.
The celebration drew an extraordinary array of VIPs, entertainment legends and motorsport personalities. Among those in attendance were Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill and David Coulthard, alongside senior leaders from Formula 1 and Explora Journeys.
Throughout the weekend, EXPLORA I holds a singular position in Port Hercule as the only ship of its kind docked in Monaco for the full Grand Prix. More than a place to stay, she becomes an ultra-elegant sanctuary and a glamorous social hub, offering guests an unrivalled perspective on the race, bespoke shore excursions and a programme of exclusive onboard events.
This sense of refined immersion lies at the heart of Explora Journeys. Each private-yacht-inspired ship is conceived as a floating luxury hotel whose address is the ocean. All suites are oceanfront, with private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious European-designed interiors that evoke relaxed, contemporary elegance. The result is a true Home at Sea, where the glamour of travel is balanced by privacy, space and calm.
On board, guests can choose from 11 distinct culinary experiences, including six restaurants, an experiential Chef’s Kitchen, 12 bars and lounges and 24-hour in-suite dining. Ocean Wellness – The Spa is complemented by five heated indoor and outdoor pools, an extensive holistic wellness programme, generous outdoor deck spaces and refined entertainment designed to create the perfect mood for every moment.
Inspired by its European roots and guided by elevated Swiss hospitality, Explora Journeys offers intuitive service and a modern, effortless approach to luxury. Its immersive itineraries balance celebrated destinations with lesser-known ports, creating journeys that inspire curiosity, discovery and a deeper connection to place.
The brand launched its first ship, EXPLORA I, in July 2023, followed by EXPLORA II in September 2024. The LNG-powered EXPLORA III will join the fleet in July 2026, with EXPLORA IV arriving in 2027. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will follow in 2027 and 2028, each incorporating advanced environmental technologies as part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
From her privileged position in Monaco’s most famous harbour, EXPLORA I brought to life Explora Journeys’ vision of seamlessly connecting the worlds of refined hospitality on land and at sea. During a weekend defined by speed, precision and spectacle, the ship offered something equally powerful: stillness, space, beauty and the rare pleasure of experiencing Monaco from the water.
In a city already synonymous with glamour, EXPLORA I became a new kind of Riviera address: not fixed to the land, but floating elegantly at the centre of it all.
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