10 Things to Know Before Booking Four Seasons Yachts
10 Things to Know Before Booking Four Seasons Yachts
The debut of Four Seasons Yachts is one of the most anticipated launches in the world of ultra-luxury travel. Combining the legendary service of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts with the exclusivity of small-ship yachting, this new fleet is designed for travelers who expect nothing less than personalized perfection. But before you book, there are a few key details that can help you secure the right suite, choose the perfect itinerary, and make the most of your onboard experience.
Whether you're upgrading from traditional cruising or comparing Four Seasons Yachts with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection or Explora Journeys, here are the 10 most important things to know before booking.
1. Four Seasons Yachts Are Not All-Inclusive
Unlike some luxury cruise lines, Four Seasons Yachts do not operate on an all-inclusive model. This may surprise travelers accustomed to ocean or expedition lines that bundle excursions, drinks, and gratuities into one fare.
Here’s what is not included in your base fare:
Beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
Specialty dining
Shore excursions
Spa treatments
Gratuities/service charges
Transfers
What is included:
Your suite accommodation
Dining in select venues
Standard Wi-Fi
Access to pools, lounges, and core onboard activities
Signature Four Seasons service standards
Why this matters:
Rates for Four Seasons Yachts can appear significantly higher than traditional cruises. But think of the pricing structure similar to a Four Seasons resort, not an all-inclusive hotel. Guests pay for elevated, à-la-carte experiences tailored to their preferences, rather than sharing the cost of shared offerings.
For many travelers, this means greater flexibility and a more bespoke experience—but you should plan and budget accordingly.
2. The Most Requested Suite Is the Seaview Suite + Studio (Only 2 on the Entire Yacht)
Four Seasons Yachts offer some of the most spacious accommodations at sea, with an emphasis on residential-style living, outdoor space, and split-level designs. But one category stands apart in terms of demand: the Seaview Suite with its adjoining Studio.
There are only two Seaview Suite + Studio combinations on the entire yacht—making them arguably the hardest accommodations to secure.
Why this suite sells out first
Perfect for families, multigenerational travel, or VIP assistants
Allows for a private two-bedroom configuration
Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views
Expansive indoor + outdoor living spaces
Priority disembarkation and concierge-level attention
If you're targeting this layout, book 12–24 months in advance—especially for Mediterranean summer, holiday sailings, and inaugural-year voyages.
3. Four Seasons Yachts Are Built for Under-Explored Ports
Unlike mega ships, Four Seasons Yachts are intentionally small—around 190–200 guests depending on configuration.
This size allows access to exclusive destinations such as:
Patmos
Hydra
Capri
Saint-Barthélemy
Portofino
Dominica
Anse de Colombier
Virgin Gorda’s North Sound
Instead of crowded ports, you’ll see hidden beaches, yacht anchorages, and high-end island communities typically reserved for private vessels.
For travelers who love Four Seasons resorts like Nevis, Anguilla, Maldives, or Seychelles, this yacht is designed to replicate that same secluded, understated luxury at sea.
4. Expect Four Seasons–Level Dining (But Not Unlimited Food)
There will be multiple dining venues onboard, but this is not a mega-ship with a dozen restaurants or round-the-clock buffets. Think boutique luxury instead of abundance for abundance’s sake.
What to expect:
Elevated Mediterranean-inspired menus
Chef-driven culinary concepts
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients from each port
No large-scale “main dining room” feel
Dining that mirrors a luxury resort, not a cruise buffet
Four Seasons has emphasized a curated, not gluttonous, approach to cuisine—expect exceptional quality and service, but not limitless offerings.
5. The Marina Deck Is the Star of the Ship
Perhaps the most innovative design element is the aft marina deck, a multipurpose open-air space that extends close to the waterline.
Guests can enjoy:
Direct ocean access for swimming and water sports
Sea pools
Padded daybeds and shaded lounges
Elevated seaside dining
Paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear, and more
It’s like staying on a super-yacht where the ocean becomes part of your living room.
If you’re booking specifically for wellness, water access, and open-air living, prioritize itineraries with multiple anchor days—you’ll use the marina much more often than in port-heavy routes.
6. Suites Are Exceptionally Large Compared to Other Luxury Lines
One of the biggest selling points of Four Seasons Yachts is the square footage.
Highlights include:
No interior cabins—every suite has ocean views
Oversized bathrooms with soaking tubs
Large walk-in closets
Residential finishes inspired by Four Seasons Private Residences
Floor-to-ceiling glass across nearly all layouts
Average entry-level suites already exceed many competitors’ mid-tier categories, while the top suites rival penthouses at Four Seasons resorts.
If space and privacy matter to you, this yacht is positioned at the top of the ultra-luxury segment.
7. Expect High Crew-to-Guest Ratio and Personalized Service
Four Seasons is known for anticipatory service—remembering your preferences, personalizing your stay, and handling the small touches you didn’t even know you needed.
Onboard, you can expect:
Butler-level suite hosts
Priority embarkation/disembarkation
Poolside attendants
Concierge and itinerary customization
Private arrangements for dining and celebrations
This is not a cruise experience—it’s a floating Four Seasons resort, with staff trained in the same service philosophy.
8. Itineraries Will Change Based on Season—and Sell Out Quickly
Four Seasons Yachts will follow a seasonal deployment model similar to high-end charter yachts:
Mediterranean: May–October
Caribbean: November–March
Special repositioning voyages between regions
The Mediterranean months (especially June–September) are already seeing waitlists and early sellouts. Caribbean holiday weeks follow tightly behind.
For the best suite selection, most luxury agencies recommend booking 12–18 months ahead—especially for Seaview Suites, Explorer Suites, and any category that sleeps more than two guests.
9. Shore Excursions Will Emphasize Culture, Exclusivity, and Access—Not Mass Tourism
Four Seasons is designing their shore program around exclusive access, not group tours. Expect curated experiences such as:
After-hours museum visits
Private vineyard tours
Chef-led market walks
Luxury small-group catamaran sailings
Local artisan workshops
Wellness immersions and guided hikes
Private chauffeurs and bespoke itineraries
If you prefer travel that feels immersive, quiet, and high-touch, this line fits you much better than traditional cruise tours.
10. Book With a Four Seasons Preferred Partner Agency for Added Benefits
This is one of the most overlooked things travelers don’t know when booking Four Seasons Yachts:
Your travel advisor can offer additional perks that Four Seasons does NOT provide when you book direct.
Booking with a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agency typically gives you access to:
Welcome amenities
Priority waitlist and suite upgrades
Advance itinerary access
Insider suite availability
Better positioning for high-demand categories
Onboard credits or extras on select sailings
Because Four Seasons Yachts are capacity-limited and premium-priced, receiving these added advantages can significantly elevate your experience.
Final Thoughts: Should You Book Four Seasons Yachts?
If you love the Four Seasons brand, prefer boutique luxury, and value personalized service over mass-market inclusions, then Four Seasons Yachts will likely become your new favorite way to travel.
But remember:
It’s not all-inclusive.
Suites—especially Seaview + Studio—sell out fast.
Dining and service reflect Four Seasons hotels, not a large cruise ship.
Itineraries focus on exclusive ports and yacht-style anchorages.
The marina deck and suite design set a new standard in ultra-luxury yachting.
Booking early and working with a luxury advisor is the key to securing the best suite and the best value.
