My First Four Seasons Cruise in the Mediterranean

A Special Beginning

March marked a significant milestone as the first Four Seasons cruise ship officially set sail in the Mediterranean. I was fortunate enough to attend the inauguration a few days prior, where the founder of Four Seasons, Isadore Sharp, along with his wife, Rosalie, performed the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony against the ship's hull. This stunning scene unfolded against the backdrop of Malaga's azure waters and brilliant golden sunshine.

The Anticipated Dinner

After the ceremony, a select group of guests returned to the ship for an extravagant dinner. The celebration featured two long tables adorned with fresh peonies and elegant placemats made from real seashells and pearls (of course, this is a Four Seasons cruise!). And the food? It was undoubtedly one of the finest meals you could ever enjoy aboard a ship.

Culinary Delights from Top Chefs

One of the fantastic perks of traveling with Four Seasons is their guest chef program—meaning you can savor dishes crafted by top chefs from luxury hotels worldwide, from Florence to Hong Kong. I was treated to a flawless dinner prepared by Chef Christian Le Squer, who has earned three Michelin stars at Four Seasons George V in Paris.

Exquisite Dishes

He presented an incredible four-course meal, featuring wild-caught sea bass with truffle and potatoes. Another standout dish was the caramelized onion tart with Parmesan gelato, crafted by Executive Chef Armando Toledo—"the best onion tart we've ever tasted," was the collective sentiment of my travel group.

Exceptional Wine Selection

We can't forget about the wine—I struggled to keep up with the exquisite bottles, including the perfect Chateau d'Yquem 2019 paired with a saffron lemon dessert. The following evening, I once again enjoyed Chef Christian Le Squer's culinary creations at Sedna, a restaurant with breathtaking ocean views.

Luxurious Accommodations

As for accommodations, I stayed in one of the 95 suites, each boasting ocean views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a private balcony with sun loungers. The suite included a walk-in closet, a wall full of books, an iPad to control everything, a signature Four Seasons bed, double sinks, a soaking tub, a shower, and even a Dyson hairdryer.

Relaxing at the Spa

I also spent a good amount of time at the spa, trying out the La Mer facial and Margy’s Monte Carlo body treatment, along with various options like a hair and nail salon, infrared room, sauna, and even cryotherapy. The gym was impressive, featuring ocean views and fully equipped with Technogym equipment.

Unique Design

Four Seasons mentioned that the ship's design draws inspiration from the golden era of travel in the 50s and 60s—but I felt that the Swedish design team, Tillberg, surpassed typical comparisons. The ship features a sparkling cigar lounge and bar, an elegant omakase restaurant, and even a 4,000-year-old fossil displayed outside a restroom (not kidding).

Special Guests

This cruise is sure to attract Four Seasons' wealthy clientele, along with a few celebrities. However, during my trip, no one was talked about more than Captain Kate McCue, the first woman to captain a large cruise ship and a strong advocate for women at sea. Every detail, from the crew to the design, aims to push new boundaries in an industry still evolving.

A Journey to Look Forward To

The Four Seasons I will cruise throughout the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean and Bahamas in winter, with itineraries covering 130 destinations in over 30 countries and territories. It’s not quite a traditional cruise, nor is it a private yacht experience, but something in between—elegant interiors, caviar upon boarding, and a charming piano artist in the lounge each evening—everything cleverly convinces even those who have sworn off cruising to give it a try.