Four Seasons Yachts is a luxury cruise line that operates a single vessel, the Four Seasons I, offering residential-style voyages that combine the amenities of a five-star hotel with the itinerary of an expedition cruise. Unlike traditional cruise ships, it carries only 95 suites, has no casino, and follows an all-inclusive, resort-like model with a crew-to-guest ratio near one-to-one.
Background: From Hotel Brand to Cruise Line
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, known for its luxury hospitality, partnered with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and the design firm Tillberg Design of Sweden to create the cruise line. The project was announced in 2018, with the ship originally scheduled for delivery in 2021; delays pushed its debut to late 2023. The Four Seasons I is not a converted hotel ship but a purpose-built vessel, measuring about 207 meters (679 feet) long and 27 meters (89 feet) wide, with a gross tonnage of roughly 34,000. It was built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy, and is operated by a separate company, Four Seasons Yachts, which licenses the Four Seasons brand.
How It Works: Onboard Experience and Itineraries
The ship is designed to feel more like a private yacht than a cruise liner. It has 95 suites, each with a private terrace, and no interior cabins—every room faces the sea. The ship’s layout emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with retractable glass walls in public areas and a marina platform that lowers to allow direct access to the water for swimming and watersports. Dining is overseen by a culinary team led by a chef who previously worked at Michelin-starred restaurants, and all meals are included. The ship also has a spa, a fitness center, a pool, and a library, but no casino or Broadway-style theater, reflecting a quieter, more exclusive atmosphere.
Itineraries change seasonally, with the ship sailing in the Mediterranean during summer and the Caribbean during winter. Each voyage is typically 7 to 14 days, and the ship visits smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot access. The line emphasizes “expedition-lite” experiences, with shore excursions included in the fare, such as guided hikes, private beach visits, and cultural tours. The ship also offers a “residential” option: a small number of suites are sold as private residences, allowing owners to use the ship as a vacation home for a set number of weeks per year.
How to Choose: Is It Right for You?
Choosing a Four Seasons Yachts cruise comes down to your travel style and budget. Consider these factors:
- Budget: Fares are significantly higher than most luxury cruise lines. A week-long voyage typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000 per person, depending on suite category and season.
- Atmosphere: If you prefer a quiet, adult-oriented environment with no casinos or big shows, this fits. Families with young children are less common, though the ship does have some connecting suites.
- Itinerary: The ship visits smaller, less crowded ports, so if you want to avoid tourist crowds, this is a plus. But it does not do world cruises or long transpacific crossings.
- Inclusions: Unlike most cruise lines, Four Seasons Yachts includes shore excursions, all beverages (including premium alcohol), gratuities, and Wi-Fi. You won’t face many extra charges.
Compare this to other luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea, or Regent Seven Seas, which also offer all-inclusive experiences but with larger ships (400–700 guests) and more traditional cruise amenities. Four Seasons Yachts is unique in its small size and hotel-style service.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that Four Seasons Yachts is a hotel on water, but it is a fully functional cruise ship with its own engine and navigation systems. Another misconception is that it is a charter-only vessel; in fact, it sells individual suites per voyage. Some travelers assume that because it is small, it will be rough in bad weather, but the ship has stabilizers and is designed for ocean crossings, though it does not sail in polar regions.
One common issue is the price: many people are surprised that even the most basic suite costs more than a luxury hotel suite on land. Another issue is that the ship does not have a doctor on board 24/7 (though it does have a medical center with a nurse), and it is not suitable for guests with severe mobility issues because of the marina platform and tender boats. Also, because the ship is new, there are limited reviews, so some travelers worry about reliability—but the ship has completed several seasons without major incidents.
Costs and What’s Included
The fare covers almost everything: suite accommodation, all meals in all restaurants, premium beverages, shore excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and most onboard activities. Not included are spa treatments, some specialty dining (though there is no extra charge for the main restaurant), personal shopping, and private charters. The residential suites are sold at a premium, with prices starting around $1 million for a 25-year lease, according to the company’s sales materials. For a standard cruise, you can expect to pay roughly $1,500 to $2,500 per person per night, which is about double the cost of a luxury hotel stay but includes all meals and excursions.
Safety and Practical Details
The ship is built to international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards and is flagged in the Bahamas. It has a full bridge crew and a safety drill at the start of each voyage, as required. The marina platform is only open in calm waters, and life jackets are provided for water activities. For medical needs, there is a small infirmary with a nurse, but no full-time doctor; serious cases are referred to shore facilities. The ship has a doctor on board only during certain transatlantic crossings, but this is not guaranteed. Guests are advised to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as the ship may be far from major hospitals.
Alternatives to Four Seasons Yachts
If the price or exclusivity is not for you, consider these alternatives:
- Seabourn: Smaller ships (up to 600 guests), all-inclusive, but with more traditional cruise activities like guest lecturers and a pool deck.
- Silversea: Similar luxury, but offers expedition cruises to polar regions, which Four Seasons does not.
- Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: A direct competitor with a similar hotel-brand concept, but ships are larger (around 300 suites) and have a casino.
- Windstar: Smaller sailing ships with a more casual vibe, but far less expensive and not all-inclusive.
For a truly private experience, you could charter a superyacht, but that costs tens of thousands of dollars per day and requires you to plan your own itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Four Seasons Yachts owned by Four Seasons Hotels?
No, it is a separate company that licenses the Four Seasons brand. The hotel chain has a minority stake, but the cruise line is operated independently, with its own management and staff.
Can children sail on Four Seasons Yachts?
Yes, children are welcome, but the ship is not designed with kids’ clubs or babysitting services. The atmosphere is adult-oriented, and most guests are couples or older travelers. There are a few connecting suites for families.
What is the dress code on board?
There is no formal night. The dress code is “resort casual” during the day, and in the evenings, smart casual is fine—no jackets or ties required. This is a departure from traditional luxury cruises that often have formal nights.
How far in advance should I book?
Because the ship has only 95 suites, popular itineraries sell out months ahead. For peak summer Mediterranean dates, booking 6–12 months in advance is recommended. Last-minute deals are rare, though occasionally suites open up due to cancellations.
Are gratuities included in the fare?
Yes, gratuities for the crew are included in the cruise fare. You do not need to tip anyone, though you can leave extra if you wish. This is stated in the company’s terms and conditions.
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