Boats in Mykonos? Uber expands travel options

Uber continued to expand its travel options this week with the announcement of new features that will allow users to reserve a boat on the Greek island of Mykonos or concierge service at partner hotels around the world.

The news came as part of the ride-hailing company’s third annual Go-GET product rollout. The event largely focused on family-oriented features, including the introduction of teen accounts within a family profile, plus an option to reserve rides with car seats.

“There’s nothing better than connecting with family, whatever that may look like to you,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a promotional video released by the company. “That’s why this year we’re unveiling a suite of products that are rooted in connection.”

Those connections also included group grocery orders on Uber Eats and ride-sharing options that allow users to invite others to plug in their addresses to share in the ride – and the cost, which will be calculated based on each person’s time on the trip.

But the connections aren’t restricted to close-to-home journeys. The launch of Uber Boat allows users to reserve a boat for up to eight people on the island of Mykonos.

“As easy as reserving a ride, you can reserve a boat direct in the Uber app,” Sarita Varouch, Uber general manager for Greece, said in the video. “Uber Boat gives you the ability to plan a day on the water. You can even see reservation details right in the app, making it an ideal way to visit Mykonos and tour around the island.”

Only Mykonos is included for now in the new program, which the company distinguishes from its existing Uber Boat by Thames Clippers because the boats on Mykonos are private charters as opposed to a ferry service.

For the other new feature, Uber Central, the company has teamed up with select Marriott properties around the world so that hotel concierges can arrange rides for their guests, whether it be to and from the airport or touring around town.

“Tell them where and when you want to go, and they’ll take care of the rest,” said Li Qiao, Uber for Business product manager. “Once your ride is booked, you’ll be able to follow it along in your app on the way to your destination.”

Uber’s expansion into more travel options follows a first quarter earnings report in which the company announced $8.8 billion in revenue, up 29% from the same quarter last year, and $31.4 billion in gross bookings, a 19% increase year over year.

Earlier this month, Uber announced the addition of flight booking functionality to its app in the United Kingdom powered by Hopper.