A record breaking Monaco drone show turned the skies above Port Hercule into a moving canvas on June 4th, as Explora Journeys and Formula 1 opened the FORMULA 1 LOUIS VUITTON GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2026 weekend with an official party aboard EXPLORA I. The luxury ocean travel brand hosted the celebration in the heart of Monaco’s iconic harbor, setting a glamorous tone for one of the most closely watched weekends on the motorsport calendar.
This marked the second consecutive year that Explora Journeys partnered with the Grand Prix de Monaco, and the brand used the occasion to deepen its presence in the Principality. EXPLORA I was the only ship of its kind docked in Port Hercule for the entire race weekend, anchoring the event as an elegant base set against the backdrop of Monte Carlo. The vessel became a floating hub of sport, hospitality and entertainment during the days surrounding the race.
Inside The Record Setting Monaco Drone Show
The centerpiece of the evening was billed as Europe’s largest ever drone display. According to Explora Journeys, 3,050 separate drones lifted off over the harbor and lit up the night in a 10 minute choreographed sequence. The show was designed as a visual journey through Formula 1’s present and future, blending the worlds of high speed motorsport and refined ocean travel in a way rarely seen at a single gathering.
The Monaco drone show did not simply fill the sky with light. After a dramatic mass take off, the drones recreated the Monaco cityscape and its famous street circuit, before forming the shape of the Monaco Grand Prix trophy. The largest animation measured 600 feet high and 800 feet wide, and it pointed to Formula 1’s planned extension in the Principality through 2035. Aerial displays on this scale have become a growing trend, and another record drone show recently pushed the limits of what these formations can achieve, giving the Monaco event a new European benchmark to match.
Star Studded Party Aboard EXPLORA I
As twilight fell over the Côte d’Azur, the celebration drew a gathering of international guests, cultural tastemakers and sporting icons for the private soirée. The evening paired refined hospitality with world class entertainment, including curated cocktails and panoramic views of the riviera that were framed by the glowing formations overhead. Guests staying aboard the EXPLORA I ship were given a rare vantage point on the harbor, with the vessel serving as both a luxury hotel and a front row seat to the action. Throughout the weekend it also offered bespoke shore excursions and a program of exclusive onboard events.
The music lineup brought the energy to its peak. Global DJ Bob Sinclar took to the decks for an unforgettable set, while supermodel and style icon Naomi Campbell made a special appearance with an exclusive set of her own that kept the crowd moving late into the night. Motorsport legends Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill and David Coulthard were among the prominent figures in attendance, joined by senior executives from both Formula 1 and 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.” Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys
For Explora Journeys, the Monaco drone show and the party that surrounded it provided a high profile stage during one of the racing world’s most watched weekends. The brand, which launched EXPLORA I in 2023 and is part of the MSC Group, continues to expand a fleet of luxury ships built around what it calls an Ocean State of Mind.
