Four Seasons to Launch a Cruise Line

Four Seasons, a high-end hotel chain, is introducing a cruise line that, according to the company, would bring its “renowned hospitality to the seas.”

Larry Pimentel, a veteran of the cruise business and a previous leader of Azamara, Cunard, Seabourn, and SeaDream Yacht Club, will serve as the captain of Four Seasons Yachts.

The first Four Seasons ship is scheduled to depart in late 2025 as part of the new business venture between Italian builders Fincantieri and luxury shipping experts Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings.

The order, which was made public in July, costs roughly €1.2 billion and includes the option for two more ships.

Four Seasons asserted that its boat will bear “bespoke craftsmanship, personalised service and a dedication to excellence, appealing to discerning guests looking to reimagine their love of travel by experiencing the splendour of modern sea voyaging”.

President Christian Clerc said: “Four Seasons Yachts represents the next chapter of Four Seasons’ long history of industry-leading innovation, and a milestone moment for our company as we continue to capitalise on opportunities to extend the world of Four Seasons.

“True vision rests in the ability to imagine the possibilities while always remaining loyal to one’s values. Our vision for this venture does just that.”

The first Four Seasons Yacht will have 14 decks and be 207 meters long by 27 meters wide. It will have 95 units with floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, and enormous patio decks, each of which will cost $4.2 million to construct.

According to Four Seasons Yachts, its first ship would provide “maximum seclusion, freedom, and spaciousness in an all-suite nautical residential setting,” offering close to 50% more living space per guest than is currently offered in the premium cruise market.

The Funnel Suite, which spans four storeys and has a private wading pool and a separate private spa area, will be the largest residence. Along with it, the ship will provide a network of joining suite combinations.

The first Four Seasons Yacht will also include a full-service spa, salon, and wellness programming in addition to a variety of dining, drinking, and lounge ideas.

A large pool deck will be located on the canoe-shaped aft and may be converted into an outdoor movie theater or a private event area. A marina will be located on the back of the boat where visitors can sunbathe, swim, or use the yacht’s aquatic recreational equipment.

Four Seasons Yachts claims that a committed crew will manage and operate the brand’s first ship, which will feature a “industry-leading” worker-to-guest ratio.

Pimentel declared: “In partnership with Four Seasons, we are creating a new category of luxury lifestyle travel that appeals to discerning guests.

“We are bringing together the very best across industries to create the pinnacle yachting offering through world-class design, curated experiences and exceptional service.

“When we launch in 2025, there will be nothing else like it on the open seas. Our shipbuilding partnership with Fincantieri rounds out a triumvirate of industry leaders in this unprecedented luxury lifestyle project.”

Fincantieri chief executive and managing director Pierroberto Folgiero added: “We are excited to embrace this new opportunity with Four Seasons that will allow us to strengthen our global leadership position.

“With a reputation built on innovation and reliability, Fincantieri combines ground-breaking engineering and technology to create the finest vessels in the world, ensuring sustainability practices are integrated throughout the design and guest experience.”

The features and program of the vessel will be unveiled in more detail in the upcoming months, according to Four Seasons Yachts.