Four Seasons Yachts names trailblazing Captain Kate McCue as captain of its first vessel, Four Seasons I, debuting in 2026. With nearly 30 years of maritime experience, McCue brings her signature leadership to this ultra-luxury yacht experience featuring 95 suites, world-class dining, and immersive design—setting a new standard in hospitality at sea.
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Two powerhouses unite, as Captain Kate McCue is appointed as the inaugural captain of Four Seasons l, the first vessel in the planned Four Seasons Yachts fleet.
According to Nils Lindstad, VP of Business Development and Sales Excellence, and Marc-Henry, Owner and Joint Operator Four Seasons Yachts, “guests can expect the same legendary service, personalized experiences and attention to detail that they would expect at hotels and resorts around the world. What will be new is blending what Four Seasons does best with the very best luxury yachting experiences.”
With an impressive career leading the way for women in the industry, Captain Kate made history in 2015 as the first American female captain of a mega cruise ship. Spending nearly a decade with Celebrity Cruises, she left a lasting impact within the company and played a key role in increasing female representation on ship bridges to more than 30% across the fleet.
“Yachting truly embodies the essence of the sea – calm, effortless, and deeply rejuvenating. This is the same philosophy behind Four Seasons I,” says Captain Kate. “This role is both an incredible honour and an exciting opportunity to shape the Four Seasons Yachts experience from the very first voyage. I look forward to doing what I love most – connecting with guests, leading an exceptional crew, and engaging with local communities. Together with our crew, we’ll craft unforgettable journeys and set new standards in luxury yachting, ensuring every milestone is a celebration of Four Seasons legendary service and innovation.”
Bringing nearly three decades of maritime expertise, Captain Kate is a success story of persistence, working her way up through numerous maritime positions from cadet and deck officer to Master Mariner and Captain.
“Captain Kate McCue is the ideal leader to helm Four Seasons I as we embark on this exciting new chapter in luxury yachting,” says Rainer Stampfer, President, Global Operations, Hotels and Resorts, Four Seasons. “Her passion for hospitality, commitment to excellence, and trailblazing leadership align perfectly with our vision to reimagine the yachting experience. We are thrilled to welcome her aboard as we prepare to set sail in 2026, knowing she will inspire both our guests and employees alike.”
The first within its brand, Four Seasons I is expected to take to the seas in January 2026. In alignment with the luxury and elegance of the FS portfolio, the mega yacht will feature 11 restaurant/bar concepts across various cuisines, including Omakase to Mediterranean. Intimate retreats can be found across the vessel from the Arabic-inspired cigar lounge to the Morocco-inspired Horizon Lounge with a plunge pool at its heart.
The 14-deck yacht will feature 95 outside suites with elegant designs. To effortlessly blend indoor/outdoor living and create a sense of space, each stateroom will feature floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings, measuring nearly eighty feet. The luxurious Funnel Suite will cover four decks and include a wading pool and private spa area.
The Four Seasons I will feature a state-of-the-art transverse marina; a 66-foot pool (one of the largest at sea), set on a canoe-shaped aft deck; a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio, and most importantly Four Seasons legendary service for all guests.
“We are thrilled that Captain Kate has assumed the leadership position for Four Seasons l and will be responsible for the overall operation, safety, and navigation of our first luxury Yacht,” says Tony Faso, General Counsel and Chief Talent and Culture Officer, Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, Joint Owner/Operator, Four Seasons Yachts. “The selection of Captain Kate for this leadership position is reflective of our mission to attract and retain a first-in-class team of exceptional crew and top talent in the industry. She brings a wealth of experience, expertise, dedication, and passion for excellence that aligns perfectly with our commitment to being leaders in luxury hospitality at sea.”
A differentiator in the ever-competitive yachting world, Four Season I will be charged by the suite and not by person.
“Four Seasons Yachts is a natural extension of what the brand does best, building on its 60-year plus history in luxury hospitality. Our inspiration is to create an immersive, end-to-end Four Seasons travel experience on board an exceptional yacht, allowing guests to discover new and beloved destinations in a way only possible at sea,” says Nils Lindstad, the Yacht’s VP of Business Development and Sales Excellence, Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, Owner and Joint Operator Four Seasons Yachts.
Learn more about the brand here.
