Four Seasons Yachts Delays Maiden Voyage of Four Seasons I to March 2026
Guests have been notified that January, February, and early March sailings are canceled “for customer service reasons.”
Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include a response from Four Seasons Yachts.
Four Seasons Yachts has quietly delayed the highly anticipated debut of Four Seasons I, its first-ever luxury yacht, with guests reporting cancellations of previously scheduled Caribbean sailings through mid-March 2026. Travelers booked on the affected voyages were recently informed that sailings were canceled “for customer service reasons,” citing the brand’s desire to ensure the “optimal service that their guests are accustomed to.”
As of press time, the earliest itinerary available for booking on the Four Seasons Yachts website is a March 20–29, 2026 Grand Mediterranean sailing from Málaga to Trapani, a shift from the brand’s original schedule, which had included voyages in the Caribbean beginning in late January.
“After careful consideration, we have made the strategic decision to begin our exciting inaugural season in the Mediterranean, rather than the Caribbean. As a result, a limited number of early voyages have been removed from the schedule,” a spokesperson for the company shared with Luxury Travel Report. “We are offering guests affected by the timing shift a range of tailored options, and we remain committed to delivering an unparalleled yachting experience. We look forward to welcoming guests aboard Four Seasons l when we launch in March 2026.”
While the exact reason for the delay has not been publicly confirmed, some affected guests and industry observers speculate the decision may be linked to shipyard timelines or vessel readiness. The 679-foot yacht, currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, completed its float-out in January and was expected to undergo sea trials in July. Delivery had previously been slated for late November 2025.
Despite the setback, guests have reported receiving generous rebooking and compensation offers—described by some as exceeding industry norms—underscoring the brand’s commitment to service, even before boarding begins.
The delay comes at a pivotal moment for the new Four Seasons Yachts division, which is attempting to redefine ultra-luxury cruising with a suite-based pricing model, an invitation-only launch phase, and a departure from the segment’s typical all-inclusive approach. Signature suites on Four Seasons I have been priced up to $350,000 per week, according to Seatrade Cruise News, and bookings through 2026 and 2027 are reportedly strong.
The postponed debut may require proactive communication and itinerary adjustments for advisors, especially for clients with nonrefundable flights or fixed travel windows. It also presents an opportunity to reeducate clients on what’s included and what’s not: daily breakfast, water sports, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are covered, while lunch, dinner, and alcohol are not.
