Are you looking to combine your love for Formula 1® with your next cruise holiday? We’ve put together a list of some of the races which allow you to experience a bucket-list cruise and Grand Prix experience. From the season opener in Bahrain right through to the incredible finale in Abu Dhabi, as well as previous favourites such as Barcelona, Monaco and Canada, we’ve got you covered. This is cruising in the fast lane as you’ve never experienced before!
Spanish Grand Prix & Cruise
Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona
Barcelona is the busiest cruise port in Europe, and with the Circuit de Catalunya, the home of the Spanish Grand Prix, just an hour outside of the city, it’s no surprise why this event pairs perfectly with a cruise holiday. Getting to and from the circuit can be slightly tedious via public transport, which is why our Paramount Packages always include coach transfers to and from the race track.
Over the years we’ve sat in pretty much every stand around the circuit, however we’d always recommend stands J or K, towards the end of the pit straight you’ll have a great view of the action as the cars hurtle towards turn 1, as well as some of the sweeping sections between turns 5 and 8. It is a short walk to the fan zone which is located behind the main grandstand, and at the end of the race itself, you’ll have easy access to the pit straight where you can head towards the start-finish line to witness the podium celebrations.
Monaco Grand Prix & Cruise
Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo
Monaco is a unique Grand Prix experience as the track is in the heart of the city. If you’re arriving by train from Nice, you’ll arrive at Monaco train station from here you can enjoy a stroll down into town, on the way you’ll get some fantastic harbour views as well as no doubt spotting a few supercars parked outside the Principality’s luxury hotels. If you’re arriving by tender boat from your cruise ship you’ll be dropped off at the port of Fontvieille, from here it is just a short walk to the track. En route, you’ll pass by Place d’Armes where you’ll find a small F1 fan village. Whilst this doesn’t compare to traditional circuits, as the stalls here are limited, it is still worth having a look around, you will also find plenty of places selling merchandise throughout the Principality in particular along Rue Grimaldi and Rue Princesse Caroline.
In Place d’Armes you’ll also find an indoor market full of food stalls, this is a great place to grab a bite to eat. You have plenty of choices when it comes to food and drink, whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal or just grabbing a sandwich from a supermarket you’ll find an option to suit your tastes and budget. You are also able to take food and drink to your seat, just be aware that glass bottles are not allowed. There are also food and beverage stalls within the grandstands and the prices are fairly reasonable.
To the right of Place d’Armes, you’ll see the hillside and road which leads up to Le Palais des Princes de Monaco, this is possibly the best viewpoint in town, however, you will need to show your tickets to get the best vantage point as it also acts as a general admission area. The real beauty of the Monaco Grand Prix is being able to wander around soaking up the atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Canadian Grand Prix & Cruise
Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montreal
Named after legendary Canadian racing driver, Gilles Villeneuve, the circuit is one of the most unique on the calendar, situated on the Île Notre-Dame a man-made island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. The views from the grandstands are spectacular, with fans being able to get as close to the action as possible thanks to the barriers which run close to the circuit and often catch out even the most experienced drivers. One such location is at the exit of the final chicane before the start-finish straight which has been dubbed “The Wall of Champions” having ended the races of several drivers including Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve and Michael Schumacher to name but a few.
Montreal’s efficient public transport system means the circuit is easily accessible by metro from the downtown area. The closest metro station, Jean Drapeau, is located near the Biosphere which was built to house the United States pavilion at Expo 67, from here is is around a 20-minute walk to the track. There is also a ferry service which crosses the St. Lawrence River from the Old Port to Isle Ste. Helene, the island right next to the circuit, however, this service only runs hourly so may not be as convenient as the metro.
A select number of cruises sail all the way down the St. Lawrence River, docking in the heart of Montreal, however, with numerous convenient flight connections it is also possible to pair the Canadian Grand Prix with a Canada & New England cruise from New York, or even an Alaska cruise departing from Vancouver.
Australian Grand Prix & Cruise
Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne
Since 1996, the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne has been the home of the Australian Grand Prix. It’s no surprise Melbourne is known as the sporting capital of the world hosting the legendary Boxing Day cricket test at the MCG, the Australian Open as well as the world-famous horse race, the Melbourne Cup. Staying in Melbourne’s Central Business District you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking establishments, make sure to stroll through the bustling Queen Victoria Market, a food lover’s paradise offering fresh produce, gourmet treats, and unique souvenirs.
The easiest way to get to Albert Park from the city centre is to take a tram. Tram travel to and from the Grand Prix is actually free for ticket holders and only valid on the day of admission. Whilst they can be busy trams run to a higher-than-usual frequency meaning it is the most convenient way to get to and from the circuit.
Whilst there may be limited options for cruises departing from Melbourne itself, the city is only a short flight away from Sydney, from where you’ll be able to set sail on a cruise to New Zealand, along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, or even to the South Pacific islands of New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
Singapore Grand Prix & Cruise
Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore
Experience motorsport’s original night race as you watch the cars threading their way around the picturesque Marina Bay Circuit under the bright lights of the city. Our Grand Prix Cruise package always included grandstand tickets throughout the weekend, and the action doesn’t stop on the track as you’ll be able to enjoy the post-race concerts featuring world-famous artists, as well as a host of fan zones and special race-themed events and promotions which pop up across the city during the weekend.
Singapore has to be one of our favourite starting points for a cruise to South-East Asia, we know that you’ll also fall in love with this island city-state. From taking a stroll down Haji Lane, jam-packed with funky bars and hip boutiques, to sampling an iconic Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in the infamous Raffles Hotel. Of course, no trip to Singapore would be complete without a visit to the Gardens by the Bay, located by the Marina Bay Waterfront in the heart of the city this architectural wonder spans over 101 hectares, this is a botanical garden like no other!
The only downside is that the race is traditionally held in September which is outside of the usual cruise season in South East Asia, meaning that you will not be able to pair this Grand Prix experience with a cruise holiday every single year.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix & Cruise
Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
Hosting the spectacular finale of the Formula 1® season, Abu Dhabi provides the perfect opportunity to combine your love for motorsports with a cruise holiday. Generally taking place in late November or early December, this falls perfectly with the beginning of the cruise season in the Emirates. So whether you’re embarking in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, you’ll be able to witness the final race of the season, before or after a cruise around the Emirates enjoying some much-needed winter sun.
Our packages always included weekend grandstand tickets which will give you access to one of the various covered grandstands from which to watch the race. No matter which ticket you choose you’ll be able to access the F1® Fanzone with its various food trucks, live entertainment and beer stalls. The South Grandstand is undoubtedly the best value for overtaking as the cars hurtle down the second straight before braking hard at turn 9, it also offers beautiful views of Yas Marina and the sparkling W Hotel. On the opposite side of the circuit, the North Grandstand was the sight of 2021’s controversial last-lap overtake, this is the perfect spot for keen photographers as the cars head around the slow-speed hairpin at turn 5. It’s also a short walk to Ferrari World and the arena where the post-race concerts are held.
Abu Dhabi joined the F1® calendar back in 2009 as the first-ever day-night race, and ever since it’s often proved to be a spectacular finale to the Formula One season. It’s not just the race that attracts thousands of fans to Yas Island as the party carries on into the night thanks to the incredible post-race concerts. Previous acts have included superstars such as Beyonce, Kylie Minogue, Paul McCartney, The Who, Lionel Richie and even Guns and Roses. You’ll have access to the concerts with your race tickets, simply pick up a wristband as you pass through the turnstiles.
Qatar Grand Prix & Cruise
Lusail International Circuit, Qatar
A new addition to the Formula 1® calendar, the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix was announced as a replacement for the cancelled Australian Grand Prix in October 2021, and has now been confirmed for the 2023 calendar and beyond. The race will be the penultimate race on the calendar, preceding the season finale in Abu Dhabi, meaning it take place as the cruise season kicks off in the Emirates.
Qatar has become a staple for cruises in the Emirates, MSC Cruises have two ships homeporting in Qatar from November to March, in fact, 2022 saw the inauguration and naming ceremony of their brand new vessel MSC World Europa in Doha just before the 2022 Fifa World Cup. This means combining a cruise holiday with a Grand Prix has never been easier!
As football fans experienced during the 2022 World Cup, Qatar’s capital Doha has excellent public transport links. Whilst the Losail International Circuit is not directly connected to the metro system, Lusail Metro Station is actually located 10km from the circuit and regular shuttle services are available to take fans to and from the track.
Bahrain Grand Prix & Cruise
Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain
The Bahrain Grand Prix has been on the calendar now for nearly 20 years. In 2014 it joined Singapore to become the second night race and has been held under the floodlights ever since. Traditionally hosting the season opener, this race pairs perfectly with a cruise in the nearby United Arab Emirates towards the later part of the cruise season in this part of the world.
Transportation in Bahrain is very easy, with taxis or Uber rides not only proving convenient but also extremely affordable. During the race weekend, complimentary shuttle buses connect the airport, selected downtown hotels as well as the circuit, perfect for those attending the race, just make sure you have your grandstand tickets to hand in order to take advantage of these services.
Whilst you may not be able to embark on a cruise from Bahrain, the country’s proximity to the United Arab Emirates means you’re only a short flight away from the popular embarkation ports of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. With convenient flight connections to both cities on the Gulf Coast, you’ll easily be able to pair a cruise holiday with the first Grand Prix of the season.
