Sparkle with Crystal at Monaco GP

When it comes to shore excursions, they don’t come much classier or more extravagant than those offered by Crystal Cruises. They can arrange to send passengers flying at more than twice the speed of sound in a Russian MiG fighter jet, for example, or cage-diving among great white sharks off the coast of South Africa for the even more intrepid.
During next year’s Monaco Grand Prix, when Crystal Serenity will be in port for two days, guests won’t just be able to watch the race, they can sign up to stroll the pit lane and even party through with the drivers and celebrities.
“At Crystal, luxury and choice are two of our biggest brand definers,” says Philip Ordever, vice president of international sales and marketing. “With the Monaco Grand Prix considered one of the most exciting events in the world, we planned a cruise that would not only take our guests there, but also bring them inside, with a variety of incredible options to enjoy the festivities.”
Three options offer different, intimate ways to watch the world’s most prestigious motor race: from either the uber-exclusive driver/team-prep paddock area, a chic private balcony above the principality’s Casino, or the best of the grandstands near the start/finish line.
A fourth new excursion brings guests to the official Formula One VIP party celebrating the race’s end, where guests can dance until dawn. The four Crystal Adventures were created exclusively for Crystal Serenity’s May 18-30 Esprit du Grand Prix-themed Mediterranean cruise. The itinerary features two days in Monte Carlo, starting on race day, Sunday May 26.
In addition to the finest locations for viewing the race, the Grand Prix Adventures include gourmet meals and knowledgeable hosts to enlighten guests and escort them to and from the events. Premium champagne, open bar and indoor-outdoor comfort are also offered for the two more private options. The most exclusive “Team Paddock” viewing choice also brings guests shoulder-to-shoulder with Team Ferrari or Team Pirelli, to the pit lanes for driver-eavesdropping, behind-the-scenes to the garage and to a private stand and hospitality area to watch the driver parade.
After the cars complete the race, many drivers head to the Amber Lounge for the F1 party; Crystal guests can too, via the fourth Grand Prix Adventure, which offers a VIP table, unlimited Dom Perignon, three-course dinner, free-flowing cocktails, dancing and a private vehicle to take them “home” to their ship whenever they choose.
Naturally enough, the excursions don’t come cheap; prices range from about £520 to to £8,800 per person. That’s on top of the cruise fare which starts at £3,530 for the 12-night voyage which starts with an overnight in Istanbul and also visits Mykonos, Santorini, Sorrento, Corsica, and Florence before finishing with an overnight in Barcelona.