Four Seasons Yachts has taken a bold approach to luxury cruising by offering a unique a la carte pricing model. Unlike traditional luxury cruise lines that include all meals and drinks in their pricing, Four Seasons Yachts charges guests separately for lunch, dinner, and alcoholic beverages. This departure from the norm aims to align the cruising experience more closely with the exceptional service and luxury found at Four Seasons hotels and resorts. Nils Lindstad, the vice president of business development and sales excellence for Four Seasons Yachts, emphasizes that this approach is designed to cater to the high net worth individuals seeking a distinct and personalized experience.
Another distinguishing feature of Four Seasons Yachts is its per-suite pricing structure rather than charging per person. This pricing ranges from under $3,000 per night for a standard suite to a staggering $45,000 per night for the lavish four-deck, 10,000-square-foot suite. Despite the a la carte pricing for meals and drinks, guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, nonalcoholic beverages, WiFi, watersports activities, marina toys, gratuities, taxes, and port fees. Additionally, each of the seven signature suites will come equipped with a complimentary bar stocked with guests’ preferred beverages, including alcohol. This carefully curated list of inclusions reflects extensive research and feedback from advisors and consumers to meet the expectations of the discerning clientele.
While Four Seasons Yachts aims to set itself apart in the luxury cruise market, the a la carte pricing strategy has drawn skepticism from some luxury cruise specialists. Concerns have been raised about the sustainability of this model in an industry that is increasingly moving towards all-inclusive offerings. Advisors like Dennis Nienkerk and Mary Jean Tully have expressed reservations about promoting a product with separate charges for meals and beverages, citing potential customer reluctance. Despite these initial challenges, Four Seasons Yachts remains committed to its vision of redefining luxury lifestyle travel at sea.
Despite the reservations from some quarters, there is anticipation and curiosity surrounding the entry of Four Seasons Yachts into the luxury cruise segment. With Larry Pimentel, former CEO of Azamara, steering the brand towards creating a new category of luxury lifestyle travel, expectations are high for a unique and exclusive cruising experience. The brand’s upcoming ship, currently under construction with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, is set to sail in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, offering a blend of sophistication, comfort, and personalized service. Carlos Edery, CEO and founder of Luxury Cruise Connections, views Four Seasons Yachts as an appealing option for ultrahigh-end consumers seeking a distinctive and tailored cruising experience.
In the wake of leadership changes within the company, including the departure of key figures like Larry Pimentel and Philip Levine, there have been concerns raised by travel advisors regarding the future of Four Seasons Yachts. However, the assurance from Nils Lindstad that the departures have not affected the progress or timeline of the brand’s launch instills confidence in the project. With the parent company, Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, actively seeking a new CEO and enlisting the expertise of former Seabourn president Josh Leibowitz, Four Seasons Yachts is poised to navigate these changes and emerge as a trailblazer in the luxury cruising industry.