MONACO, MONTE CARLO – June 6, 2026 – High-octane adrenaline met refined ocean elegance Thursday night 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 during its most iconic weekend for the second consecutive year, the luxury ocean travel brand has deepened its presence, transforming its ship into the ultimate epicenter of glamour, sport and entertainment.
“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 center 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 settled over the Côte d’Azur, EXPLORA I took center stage in Port Hercule, welcoming a prestigious gathering of international guests, cultural tastemakers and sporting icons for the private soirée. The evening blended sophisticated hospitality with world-class entertainment, featuring curated cocktails and panoramic view of the riviera that were illuminated by Europe’s largest ever drone show, featuring 3,050 separate drones that lit up the night. The show featured a 10-minute choreographed visual journey through Formula 1’s present and future. Following a dramatic mass take-off, drones recreated visuals of the Monaco cityscape, and its iconic street circuit, followed by the Monaco Grand Prix trophy, where the 600ft high and 800ft wide animation highlighted Formula 1’s extension in the Principality through 2035.
The energy of the night reached its peak with an extraordinary music lineup. Global sensation Bob Sinclar took to the decks for an unforgettable DJ set, while international supermodel and style icon Naomi Campbell made a special appearance, also spinning an exclusive set that kept the glamorous crowd moving late into the night.
An exceptional array of VIPs, entertainment legends and motorsport personalities turned out to celebrate the start of the race weekend. Among the prominent figures in attendance were Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill, David Coulthard alongside senior executives from both Formula 1 and Explora Journeys.
EXPLORA I is the only ship of its kind docked in Port Hercule for the entire race weekend, anchoring the event as an ultra-elegant sanctuary and a glamorous hub of international prestige. Throughout the legendary sporting event, the ship will provide a unique vantage point and a sophisticated base, offering guests staying onboard an unrivaled perspective on the thrilling action of the Grand Prix, bespoke shore excursions and an exceptional program of exclusive onboard events, bringing to life Explora Journeys’ vision of seamlessly connecting the worlds of luxury hospitality on land and at sea.
