Page 22 - November2026LifeInNaples

Chasing the Checkered Flag by Sea:
The Ultimate Sports Vacation
Lisa Spiller, Luxury Travel Advisor
Preferred Travel & Co.
his summer, I gathered a
dozen of my fellow Formula 1
Tenthusiasts for a journey that
traded traditional grandstands for the
open ocean. Booking a voyage with
Azamara, our goal was the crown jewel of
motorsport: the Monaco Grand Prix. Our
adventure began in Nice, France, where
we boarded our ship to cruise through the
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sun-drenched ports of the French and Nice, we awoke our first morning to the
Italian Rivieras before arriving in Monte postcard-perfect Ligurian coast of Italy.
Carlo and ending our journey along We joined a small-group boat tour to
the golden beaches of Spain’s Costa del the charming seaside villages of Rapallo,
Sol. While there are countless ways to Santa Margherita and Portofino, where
witness the glitz of Monaco, combining we discovered that the definitive way
the adrenaline of the track with a four- to experience these destinations is to
country Mediterranean cruise proved simply wander the cobbled pedestrian
to be the absolute pinnacle of a sports alleys. We shopped the local boutiques,
vacation. ducked beneath the shade of vibrant
Arriving by cruise or luxury yacht bougainvillea to sip espresso and
has become virtually synonymous with limoncello and savored warm pizzetta
the Monaco Grand Prix experience. slices from neighborhood bakeries while
Azamara Cruises stands out as one of people watching and snapping photos.
the few ocean lines providing dedicated, After an evening of wining, dining,
F1-themed itineraries during race week. and dancing on board, we awoke to the
However, discerning travelers can also ancient castle walls guarding the harbor
find ultra-luxury race week packages of Porto Venere. Seeking to explore the
through lines like Explora Journeys and Cinque Terre, we boarded a small ferry,
Aman at Sea. securing prime spots on the top deck
The Azamara Journey felt intimate to watch the lush landscape unfold.
yet lively, boasting a choice of dining Though rough waters made navigation
venues, cozy lounges, and a vibrant a challenge, we caught close-up views
night club. The real surprise was the of Riomaggiore and Vernazza tucked
exceptionally talented Filipino trio tightly into the steep, vine-lined cliffs.
anchoring the "disco" each evening. Reaching Monterosso al Mare, we gladly
They drew a standing-room-only crowd, stepped onto terra firma to wander past
and we found ourselves dancing nightly its cabana-striped beaches and shop for
alongside a spirited group of fellow local olive oil and limoncello. From there,
Gen X and Baby boomer travelers. It we braved the choppy waves to Lerici, a
was a remarkably young, high-energy picturesque waterfront village guarded
demographic for a cruise—a lively by its own historic fortress. We rewarded
atmosphere likely driven by the premium our rocky journey by indulging in the
nature of the Formula One itinerary. local specialty: fresh, exceptionally salty
Azamara is celebrated for its oysters just unloaded from the fishing
destination-immersive itineraries, and boats. Shucked on the spot and washed
ours delivered a spectacular lineup of down with local wine, they were the
Riviera superstars. We began our trip in perfect precursor to the afternoon ahead,
Nice and spent the afternoon drinking where we returned to Porto Venere to
rosé, strolling the waterfront promenade savor fresh frutti di mare and house-
and exploring the lively street markets made pasta at a sun-spattered trattoria.
before a champagne sunset dinner on our Continuing up the Italian coast
private verandah. overnight, we awoke in the port of
After setting sail on our ship out of Livorno, the gateway to Florence, Pisa,
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