Four Seasons Yachts has appointed pioneering maritime leader Kate McCue as Captain of Four Seasons I, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of luxury travel at sea. The first American woman to command a mega-ton cruise ship in 2015, Captain McCue brings nearly three decades of exceptional maritime expertise to this groundbreaking vessel.
“Yachting truly embodies the essence of the sea – calm, effortless, and deeply rejuvenating,” says Captain McCue of her new role. Her leadership will shape an unparalleled experience where technical precision meets the art of hospitality, creating journeys that transcend ordinary luxury travel.
The appointment reflects Four Seasons’ commitment to redefining the yachting experience through exemplary leadership. “Captain Kate is the ideal leader to helm Four Seasons I,” notes Rainer Stampfer, President of Global Operations, Hotels and Resorts at Four Seasons. “Her passion for hospitality, commitment to excellence, and trailblazing leadership align perfectly with our vision.”
Captain McCue will oversee both the vessel’s navigation and the guest experience. This will be supported by an extraordinary 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio that ensures personalized attention throughout Four Season’s Caribbean and Mediterranean voyages.
Her impressive career includes roles with Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, where she championed female representation in maritime leadership, increasing it to over 30% across the fleet.
We were fortunate to attend a meet and greet with Captain Kate and her late hairless cat Bug on a Mediterranean voyage on board Celebrity Beyond. She took time to interact with everyone and to pose with photos for many of the guests.
About Four Seasons Yachts
Four Seasons I promises an immersive journey that celebrates culture, history, and natural splendor at each exclusive destination.
This visionary venture unites Four Seasons’ legendary hospitality expertise with Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD and acclaimed Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. Design partners Prosper Assouline and Tillberg Design of Sweden contribute their creative expertise.
Industry veteran Damien O’Connor has been appointed Senior Vice President of Yacht Operations to ensure that Four Seasons’ renowned service extends from onboard experiences to thoughtfully curated shore excursions.
Unprecedented Luxury at Sea: The Vessel’s Extraordinary Design
Four Seasons I will welcome its first guests in January 2026. It will feature 95 residential-style suites designed to set new standards in maritime luxury.
The vessel showcases unprecedented architectural innovations, such as a bespoke transverse marina with expansive port-to-starboard openings.
The meticulously crafted residential-style suites are designed to dissolve boundaries between guests and the sea. Every accommodation features expansive terrace decks ranging from 100 square feet to nearly 5,000 square feet.
The crown jewel of this floating masterpiece, the remarkable Funnel Suite, spans four levels with over 9,900 square feet of combined indoor/outdoor living space. This includes a private splash pool and outdoor gym. Its revolutionary floor-to-ceiling curved glass windows offer breathtaking 280-degree panoramic views.
The yacht’s innovative transverse marina provides access to exclusive water adventures typically reserved for private yacht owners. This groundbreaking design features expansive port-to-starboard openings with tiered lounging decks, custom sea limousines, and beach landers, all supported by a dedicated marina team ensuring Four Seasons’ legendary service.
For sun-seekers, the canoe-aft deck showcases one of the largest pools at sea – a 66-foot saltwater masterpiece that transforms into a multi-function space for performances, fashion shows, and celebrations through ingenious hydraulic technology inspired by the classic Christina O yacht.
Caribbean and Mediterranean Journeys: An Exclusive Invitation
Given the demand for the Four Seasons I inaugural voyages, priority access is being extended by invitation only to loyal Four Seasons guests and valued travel partners. A dedicated private client service division with an elite team of personal yacht consultants will manage reservations, with a waitlist available at fourseasonsyachts.com.
The inaugural season begins in early 2026 with Caribbean explorations before transitioning to Mediterranean destinations including the French and Italian Rivieras, Adriatic coastline, and Greek Isles. The first year encompasses 33 countries and 137 destinations with an average journey of seven days, allowing for extended 21-day voyages with distinct daily deployments.
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