After bringing about a disruptive change in the taxi business, Uber is ready to wreak havoc in another industry. In a few weeks’ time, you’ll be able to charter a luxurious yacht using the Uber app. Just in time for the peak summer season in Europe, the ride-hailing company has announced that it is expanding its Uber Boat offerings, including the use of Uber Yacht in the Mediterranean paradise of Ibiza. In the Spanish tourist hotspot, Uber users can book a private yacht for up to eight people for the day through the app. “At Uber we want to give our customers the opportunity to go anywhere, wherever they are traveling,” said Anabel Diaz, the company’s vice president of EMEA mobility. “This summer we are adding a series of bucket-list-worthy nautical experiences to the Uber app in some of Europe’s hottest destinations, helping holidaymakers make the most of their trip on the high seas.”
A luxurious 21.7-meter Sunseeker Yacht will depart from Ibiza Town Marina every day at 12 pm, offering its passengers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of sailing around the white isle. The Uber Yacht service will be available to pre-book from July 26 and will be made available in August. It can be booked directly within the app for just 1,600 euros ($1,723) and will come with its own private skipper, a luxury food and beverage hamper, Uber goody bags, and door-to-door pick-up and drop-offs in an Uber Black van. The experience is incredible value for money, considering it costs a little more than $200 per person. However, individual tickets cannot be booked, and the entire Sunseeker Yacht has to be booked for the 8-hour trip.
However, Uber’s decision to enter the nautical experience market has sparked a controversy. Sticking to its disruptive business model, Uber has priced its yacht experience in a way that it will be very to match by traditional players in the industry. According to a report by La Voz De Ibiza, the 22.3-metre Sunseeker Predator 72 – a boat almost identical to the one offered by Uber – is available for rent in the high season for around 6500 euros (~$7000), almost 4 times than that offered by Uber. Furthermore, the price usually doesn’t include fuel, which might cost another $650. Local yacht rental companies believe that it’s legal but unfair to them and are scared that Uber’s arrival might destroy their business.
In addition to the yacht experience, Uber has also launched a “first-of-its-kind water transport service” in Venice. Users can book a “Limo Boat” on-demand to explore the Venetian Lagoon. The boat can fit up to six people and would cost 120 euros (~$130) per trip. For those visiting France for the Summer Olympics, the company has introduced Uber Cruise. The service will include free one-hour tours of The City of Lights on fully electric boats and will be available from July 12 to Aug. 3.
