After bringing disruptive changes to the taxi industry, Uber is ready to shake up another sector...
In a few weeks, you will be able to rent a luxury yacht using the Uber app. Just in time for the peak summer season in Europe, the ride-sharing company has announced the expansion of its Uber Boat offering to include Uber Yacht in the Mediterranean paradise of Ibiza. In the Spanish tourist destination, Uber users can book a private yacht for up to eight people for the entire day via the app. “At Uber, we want to give our users the opportunity to go anywhere, wherever they travel,” said Anabel Diaz, Vice President of Mobility EMEA. “This summer, we’re adding a series of bucket-list-worthy sea experiences to the Uber app in some of Europe’s hottest destinations, helping tourists make the most of their trip on the open sea.”
The 21.7-meter-long Sunseeker luxury yacht will depart daily from the marina in Ibiza town at noon, offering its passengers a unique sailing experience around the White Isle. The Uber Yacht service will be available for pre-booking from July 26 and will be available in August. It can be booked directly in the app for just 1,600 euros ($1,723) and comes with a private skipper, a luxury food and drink package, Uber gift bags, and door-to-door transport in an Uber Black van. The experience offers exceptional value for money, costing just over $200 per person. However, individual tickets cannot be booked; the entire Sunseeker yacht must be reserved for an eight-hour trip.
Uber’s decision to enter the sea experience market has sparked controversy. Sticking to its disruptive business model, Uber has priced its yacht service in a way that traditional players in the industry find hard to match. According to a report by La Voz De Ibiza, a Sunseeker Predator 72 yacht, almost identical to the one offered by Uber, is available for rent during the high season for about 6,500 euros (~$7,000), nearly four times Uber’s offer. Additionally, the price typically does not include fuel, which can cost an additional $650. Local yacht rental companies believe this is legal but unfair to them and fear that Uber’s arrival could destroy their business.
In addition to the yacht experience, Uber has also launched “the first water transport service of its kind” in Venice. Users can book a “Limo Boat” on demand to explore the Venetian lagoon. The boat can accommodate up to six people and will cost 120 euros (~$130) per ride. For those visiting France during the Summer Olympics, the company has introduced Uber Cruise. The service will include free one-hour tours of the City of Light on fully electric boats and will be available from July 12 to August 3.
