The Monaco Grand Prix is the most glamorous sporting event in the world. The rich, the famous and the connected descend on Monte Carlo each May for a weekend of unbridled glamour and hedonism.
Access to the best vantage points, the best hotels and the best parties is largely only available to the privileged few. But if you’re prepared to spend, and spend a lot, you can take an inside track to the lifestyle of Monaco’s “in crowd”.
One way is to book Crystal Cruises’ grand prix-themed cruise (May 18th to 30th). In many ways it’s a typical luxury Mediterranean cruise, with visits to Mykonos, Santorini, Sorrento, Corsica, Monte Carlo (overnight) and Florence and stops in Istanbul and Barcelona at either end.
The big difference being that the cruise line has secured some serious VIP add-ons for the Grand Prix weekend.
Where to start? You can get your hands on a paddock area pass (where you can mix with the drivers and their teams), hire a chic private track-side balcony and sit in the start/finish line grandstand. They’ve even secured a VIP table at the official Formula One after race VIP party, unlimited Dom Perignon, three-course dinner, free-flowing cocktails, dancing and a private vehicle to take you “home” whenever you choose, all included.
Prices start at an eye-watering £3,530 per person based on double occupancy. We guess that’s the price of a ticket to exclusivity these days.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
