Ya know, sometimes a little ‘friction’ can be fun… not after paying $35,000, though. Glad you did this so some of us don’t have to!
Even if I felt it was a wise choice of resources to spend $35,000 for a short cruise (with your group of 12 not even receiving some kind of group discount or Ford given a travel agent FAM rate) - I don't - my concern would be about the lack of demographic diversity of the guests, their obvious search for exclusivity, leading to a certain degree of snobbishness. Just FYI, Four Seasons had said when establishing their non inclusive policies, that their ships would spend more time in port allowing guests to dine on land.
I find it absolutely stunning that- after paying tens of thousands of dollars- one is still expected to provide gratuities. Even THIS price point is not sufficient to ensure that workers are paid a decent wage, it would seem. The expectation of "rewards for good service" (which is then, apparently, lacking) is still present even at the "luxury" level.
I find it absolutely stunning that- after paying tens of thousands of dollars- one is still expected to provide gratuities. Even THIS price point is not sufficient to ensure that workers are paid a decent wage, it would seem. The expectation of "rewards for good service" (which is then, apparently, lacking) is still present even at the "luxury" level.
100%. At this price point EVERYTHING should be included. Gratuities, meals, drinks. All of it. Spa treatments should be the only extra they charge you for.
Any plans to review Orient Express cruises? Frankly they look more attractive than 4S cruises.
For 35k plus the price of the item, the pizza should be perfect. That's not hospitality. You could literally go to any pizza place in the world for the same price. You choose the Four Seasons, and they failed. The vacation should be bliss.
Interesting review; looks like an experience to try at some point. Though when I see a yatch of that size I can't help of being reminded of Triangle of Sadness, not only of the people who go to these cruises but the vomiting scene. But I digress...I'm curious about what on earth is that reddish minuscule soupy thing on the gigantic plate on the second "Four Seasons Yatch Miuna Restaurant dinner"? Also curious about the pizza, which already came precut into slices since you say couldn't cut into the crust, do you mean with knife/fork or with your teeth? Cause pizza is eaten with your hands, right? Right? And did you get to taste it?
Outside of "pan pizza", sold by weight as street food, in Italy at least, pizza is eaten with a knife and fork.
Ben going to Dubrovnik IN JULY (!!), ON A CRUISE (!!!), ON AN EXPENSIVE CRUISE (!!!!) is the ultimate sacrifice. And some of thought that flying T5 was taking one for the team. Kudos for the courage 🙂
@ Samo -- Hahahah, a European cruise in July wasn't our initial plan, but it ended up being the best of the options when our initial sailing was canceled. Our older son starts school soon, and we already had plans for June, so...
How did your kids do on the cruise?
$7k a night. Insane.
Although it sounds like they were prepared to pay the $35,000 (which would be $21,000 after the tax deductibility is figured in, although that's not applicable to other travelers) they actually only paid about $24,000 due to the discount -- about $14,400 after you figure in the tax effects. So the net cost was closer to $2,000 a night than the $5,000 a night sticker price.
The table spacing at the Terrasse restaurant is disappointing. If traveling as a couple, there's no opportunity for private conversation while dining.
I get it's not the fine dining venue, but on an experience like this I would have expected spacious seating in all venues.
@ Greg -- In fairness, I don't think I ever saw the indoor tables all full, especially at lunch and dinner. So we ate there several times, but never sat within "conversation distance" of other tables.
What was the occupancy level on your sailing? Do you or Ford have information as the current occupancy levels?
What was the occupancy level on your sailing? Do you or Ford have information as the current occupancy levels?
Ben , the hard crust on the pizza might be explained by perhaps using cement powder rather than baking powder .
Thanks for the initial notes. All sounds pretty consistent with initial general feedback. One point though - "Obviously a lot of people aren’t a fan of that concept, but the argument is that the Four Seasons Yacht is intended to be like a Four Seasons resort, and a vast majority of guests are first time cruisers, so they may not be conditioned to that “norm.”
- not quite. The argument is that they are trying to promote the destinations you're visiting and to dine on land (while not feeling like you're losing out on the money you already spent if it were all inclusive). At first I couldn't believe it wasn't all inclusive, given the rates, but I actually can appreciate that reasoning. However, this has also lead to one of the big complaints I've received, which is that the tender rides were not flexible and ended at 10pm or so, which doesn't give guests much time to actually stay on land/enjoy dinner and so on.
@ pstm91 -- Regarding eating on shore, on only two of our seven nights were we at a destination past 7PM (and that means you need to be back by 6:30PM). So that narrative is rather questionable.
Interesting... Could that possibly just be the itinerary you were on? My boss was on the inaugural and this was the exact point told to her by management.
The amount of money you spent on this is obscene. Sorry, but that’s the reality. Now, would you mind sharing how much you spent on food, beverages, etc? If you really want to give an honest review, you have to tell everything. My biggest problem with the cost is that you are literally trapped inside the boat for 7 days so you have to eat and drink there and even you saying the prices were “unreasonable”, I cannot imagine they charged what you can get in some amazing restaurants in Europe where locals eat. You still have to probably pay Four Seasons prices. I am happy to stay at a Four Seasons hotel but have the optionally to eat and drink wherever I want at the prices I want to pay.
I think he said the prices were *not* unreasonable, and I expect he'll have (interminable? comprehensive?) photos of the menus in his eventual full review (which is where I'd expect him to give out-of-pocket specifics). Also, other commenters have noted that part of the idea is that the boat remains docked so that you can have dinner on shore, although last tenders at 10pm doesn't sound very realistic for European summer dining.
Sorry, typed on my phone. Yes, I meant "prices were not unreasonable" so I will wait to see what Ben thinks "not unreasonable" is for food. I spend at least 2 months in Europe every year for the last 20 years so I have a very good idea about how much I have to pay for very high quality food in many different countries there so will wait to see what prices were on board of the cruise. And you are correct, 10pm is usually time to start dinner in many European cities in the summer months.
@ Santastico -- I'll disclose everything in the full review. We had $2,500 in onboard credits ($500 for booking through Preferred Partner, and another $2,000 due to our delayed sailing), and that roughly covered our food and beverage spending (and we had a good number of drinks). 😉
I will wait for it. Now, I understand you disclosed the discounts you had BUT you have to understand that it is not the reality for your readers or Ford's customers. They WILL NOT get a 30% discount for a delayed trip and will not get $2,000 credit for the delayed trip. So, a regular customer will pay full price for everything which is a different experience than what you had.
I have to say the food in the pictures looks rather uninspiring. Based on the looks of things, Virgin Voyages or Explora serves better food. Particularly the pictures from the fine dining restaurant looks rather run of the mill food you could get anywhere. Beyond having a credit, I hope that the full review gives some insights into the pricing of the food. It is hopefully not equal to fine dining pricing on land, but a good deal lower.
I have been very fortunate in life to have enjoyed many lux experiences in travel be it it the air, fine hotels and suites on cruises.
I cannot fathom paying what FS charges for these cruises and then having to pay for food and beverages.
And then the service mistakes.
I am glad, Ben, that you did this and I understand the business decision (wise) that Ford made but I am quite grateful that I cannot afford this experience for myself and my husband but sure did enjoy reading about it.
Thanks. (but no thanks)
Well said. Extremely. I could not agree more, and have had the same experience, Brad.
I couldn't see an espresso machine in the coffee shop
I recommend you sail on an established luxury line (viking), pay half the price, and provide a comparison
@ Duncan -- The coffee shop absolutely did have an espresso machine, and had the best coffee onboard (I wish the coffee in the main restaurant at breakfast was barista made, though).
Sounds terrible. Four seasons has never gotten their F&B right. It’s always almost very good but not really. “Just good enough food is…. good enough” is their philosophy. For 7k a night, I can stay at most Singita, Cheval Blanc, Amans with mostly flawless execution in a suite bigger than 500 sqft. Why would anyone go on Four Seasons cruise? I rather spend few nights at Xigera lodge for 35k.
Huh. FS didn't charge enough to provide clear ice cubes for cocktails? Wow. That shows the overall level.
Why don’t you stick to reviewing ships that most people can afford. I’m sure you enjoy going on a comped trip but means nothing to more than 99.5% of people who could never afford it. Stick to major cruise lines and ships
Why should he? There are hundreds of reviewers of major cruise lines. Find one you like, problem solved.
Most people cant afford International First or Business class, but they still read this blog.
Sorry Ben (and Ford) but this looks horrible for the price charged. I’ve had better service and similar looking food on mass market lines that are 90% cheaper than this nonsense.