I’m thrilled to embark on a Four Seasons Yachts cruise
Usually, I undertake review trips solely to evaluate airlines, but in this instance, I’m opting for a slightly different strategy. I need to travel to and from Europe to catch a cruise, but I’ll be flying there and back in the most convoluted manner possible.
First, let me clarify that we’re set to enjoy a Four Seasons Yachts cruise. Earlier this year, we experienced a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise, and it was fantastic. I’m genuinely intrigued by the recent surge in luxury hotel branded cruise offerings, so I’m eager to see what this one has in store.
For what it’s worth, we paid the complete fare for our cruise. Well, sort of — we were initially scheduled to sail in March, but due to ship delays, they offered reductions to everyone affected for future cruises.
I’m keen to explore this and will share some initial impressions from onboard. On one hand, the ship appears extraordinary, representing luxury at a new level. On the other hand, I find it peculiar that most food and drinks are not included, so I’m interested to see how I feel about that in practice. Reviews thus far have varied widely, with some very positive and some notably negative, so I’m eager to experience it firsthand.
I recognize that cruising may not attract everyone, but in the coming year, I intend to explore most of the major luxury cruise lines (including established non-hotel branded operators like Explora), as it’s a fascinating facet of the travel industry that I haven’t thoroughly examined.
I’m intrigued by the Four Seasons Yachts experience
The entertaining route I’m taking to & from Europe
Ordinary travelers would naturally fly from the United States to Europe via… well, the Atlantic Ocean. I’m doing that, but I’m adding a little detour both ways to the Middle East, Central Asia, India, etc.
Here’s the itinerary I’ve arranged for the outbound journey:
– First, I’ll be flying Lufthansa’s new Boeing 787 Allegris business class to Europe; I’ve previously flown Lufthansa’s Airbus A350 Allegris business class, but I’m curious if there are any differences on the 787, and I’m also looking forward to reviewing Lufthansa’s updated business class soft product.
– Then I’ll be realizing a dream I’ve harbored for years, flying from Europe to India via Ashgabat on Turkmenistan Airlines; I believe this will be the most unusual itinerary I’ve ever flown, both in terms of the onboard and ground experience, and I’ve encountered some odd airlines… I just hope I don’t encounter any issues.
– Following that, I’ll be making my way back from India to Europe in Air India’s first class; it’s expected to be an ex-Etihad Boeing 777 with first class suites, but what I’m most eager to check out is the new Air India Lounge in Delhi, particularly the new first class lounge, which looks impressively good, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it ranks among the world’s best first class lounges.
New Air India first class lounge Delhi
Then here’s my plan for the return:
Riyadh Air Boeing 787 business class cabin
Anyway, that’s the current status, so stay tuned for many updates in the following days. Have I mentioned I’m excited to fly Turkmenistan Airlines? 😉
I do have one quick question concerning a portion of the trip that I haven’t finalized — any recommendations on where to stay in Riyadh for a brief visit? I’m contemplating between the Four Seasons, the St. Regis, and Bab Samhan (Marriott Luxury Collection), but I’m open to other suggestions as well? The Four Seasons appears to be the most central, the St. Regis is new and the priciest (and is linked to a mall), and Bab Samhan looks quite interesting and is the least expensive, but the location might not be ideal for my needs?
Bottom line
I’m just embarking on a review trip, and I’m very enthusiastic about the airlines I’ll be flying and the lounges I’ll be visiting, in addition to the cruise we’ll be taking.
For me, the most thrilling trips from a review standpoint are those where I genuinely don’t know what to anticipate, and that perfectly encapsulates the essence of this journey. Perhaps excluding Allegris business class, everything here feels somewhat unknown to me.
Turkmenistan Airlines? WOOT! Startup Riyadh Air, featuring a flagship lounge? I’m excited! Air India’s lounge and ground experience? That should be an adventure! And flying Alaska on a plane that isn’t a 737? What will that even be like?!
Thank you for reading