The era of luxury cruising is about to reach new heights as the construction of the first mega yacht for Four Seasons Yachts has officially startet. The Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy, witnessed a historic moment as the initial steel cut marked the beginning of a groundbreaking venture. Four Seasons, renowned for its opulent hotels, is expanding to the sea with a new cruise brand that promises to redefine luxury.
According to Fincantieri, the Four Seasons cruise yachts will be at the forefront of design innovation, pushing the boundaries of luxury on the open seas. The vessel, measuring an impressive 207 meters in length, 25 meters in width, and towering 14 decks high, will be a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation.
With a focus on guest comfort, Four Seasons Yachts aims to set a new standard in the cruise industry. The vessels will accommodate a maximum of 180 passengers, 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, ensuring personalized service for each guest. The 95 spacious suites, averaging 54 square meters each, showcase the commitment to providing a lavish and comfortable onboard experience.
Larry Pimentel is Back
One of the driving forces behind this ambitious venture is Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd., joint owner and operator of Four Seasons Yachts. Larry, a well-known and respected figure in the cruise industry, returns from his third retirement to spearhead this unique project. Having previously shaped the Azamara brand and enhanced the guest experience on boutique cruise ships, and numerous other cruise brands, Larry's return is met with anticipation and excitement.
Pimentel expressed his enthusiasm during the steel-cutting ceremony in Ancona, stating, "This is the birth of a new luxury yacht standard at sea! A unique 'Category of One' yacht is delivered in two years and is our commitment to excellence and innovation."
With Larry at the helm, the industry expects nothing short of groundbreaking ideas and a redefined concept of luxury cruising. With his past accomplishments cruise industry experts eagerly anticipate his visionary ideas to materialize with the launch of Four Seasons Yachts.
Emilio Freeman, Vice President of Itineraries & Destinations at SeaDream Yacht Club, expressed his enthusiasm "Larry is a visionary, and I'm eager to see his plans in action. Just envision the possibilities of shaping a new luxury brand from the ground up, and with Larry leading the way, nothing is impossible."
Future Plans
With a firm order for two cruise yachts and the first set to be delivered in 2025, Four Seasons Yachts has already secured contracts for a sister ship with a 2026 delivery date. Furthermore, the brand has wisely kept its options open with an additional option for a third cruise yacht, showcasing confidence in the success and demand for their unique product.