Renowned Cruise Captain to Lead New Ultra-Luxury Yacht Experience

When Captain Kate McCue announced her departure from Celebrity Cruises, it took the cruise community by surprise. Known for being the first woman to captain a large cruise ship, Captain Kate had spent an impressive 22 years with Royal Caribbean Group, rising through the ranks from cadet to captain of the Celebrity Beyond, which hosted 3,260 guests.

On her last day, February 24, 2025, she shared her big life changes, reassuring her followers, “Are my sailing days over? Absolutely not! I’ve got too much salt in my veins to leave the sea behind.” Keeping her audience engaged, she hinted at an upcoming project called “Captain’s Log: New Seasons,” creating anticipation for what was next.

On March 18, 2025, the announcement came that Captain Kate would become the captain of Four Seasons Yachts’ inaugural luxury cruise vessel, Four Seasons I. Four Seasons’ President, Rainer Stampfer, expressed excitement regarding her leadership, noting that her dedication to hospitality and excellence perfectly aligns with their vision for a luxurious yachting experience.

Captain Kate expressed her honor in shaping the Four Seasons Yachts experience and shared her excitement for the opportunities ahead. She stated, “Together with our crew, we’ll craft unforgettable journeys and set new standards in luxury yachting.”

Four Seasons I is currently being constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and is set to launch in January 2026. The vessel will include 95 residential-style suites and an impressive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, allowing a luxurious experience for up to 190 passengers.

The vessel promises remarkable itineraries through the Caribbean and Mediterranean, with its maiden voyage scheduled from Bridgetown, Barbados, to Oranjestad, Aruba, starting on January 25, 2026. This journey will offer stops at picturesque destinations like Mayreau in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Marigot Bay in St. Lucia.

Captain Kate’s influence is anticipated to enhance the overall experience aboard Four Seasons I, as she shares the ship’s journey from construction to its inaugural sailings on her social media platforms. The voyage’s suites begin at $32,500, signifying a high-end offering in the luxury market.

As this new chapter unfolds, Captain Kate McCue looks set to redefine luxury at sea with Four Seasons I.

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