Editor’s note: Larry Pimentel and project co-founder Phil Levine abruptly departed Four Seasons Yachts in February, 2024. Reservations have not yet opened. The Cruisington Times is investigating how this affects plans for these luxury ships.
Four Seasons Yachts hasn’t even opened bookings for its first ultra-luxury ship, but it’s so confident that it’s already ordered a second.
The holding company developing the cruise line branded by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has signed a $437-million contract with Italian shipyard Fincantieri to build a sister to a 95-suite ship that is due to be delivered at the end of 2025.
There is a plan to eventually add a third ship to the fleet that will feature yachts 14 decks high but with a capacity of just 180 guests. Accommodations are described as villa-like residences with floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terrace decks. More than half of the 95 suites will feature more than 800 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, says cruise industry veteran Larry Pimentel, the president and CEO of the developer, Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings.
“There will be nothing else like it on the open seas,” Pimentel says. “We are bringing together the very best across industries to create the pinnacle yachting offering, through world-class design, curated experiences and truly exceptional service. ” The most expansive residence, the Funnel Suite, will be an remarkable four levels, offering more than 9,601 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor living space, including a private wading pool and dedicated private spa area.
The agreement is a sign that ship orders are recovering from the pandemic, said Pierroberto Folgier, CEO of Fincantieri.
The future order book has slimmed in the post-pandemic uncertainty, with 19 new being delivered this year, down from 20 in 2022. But only 12 ships are expected to be delivered in 2024, and 18 are expected to follow in 2025, according to Cruise Industry News.
Industry leader Carnival Corp. has no plans for new ship deliveries in 2026, a decision it made as it works to financially recover from the lockdowns.
As for Four Seasons, going to sea follows other hotel companies building upscale cruise ships. The first of three Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection ships has started service with a second being built to start sailing in 2024. Meanwhile, Aman Resorts has announced it plans a yacht in partnership with Cruise Saudi due to arrive in 2025.
“Four Seasons Yachts represents the next chapter of our long history of industry leading innovation, and a milestone moment for our company as we continue to capitalize on new opportunities to extend the world of Four Seasons,” said Christian Clerc, president of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
The Four Seasons Yacht’s canoe-shaped aft will be home to an expansive pool deck. This area will transform into an outdoor movie theater or space for an array of private events. The industry-first transverse marina will feature specially-designed aqua leisure toys and accessories.
The company says the restaurants, lounges and bar concepts will celebrate the excellence and creativity that has been the hallmark of Four Seasons history of culinary innovation and attention to guest preferences. “A perfect cappuccino in the lobby, a Mediterranean-inspired lunch, a dinner tasting at the sushi bar or a glass of champagne on the breathtaking terrace – guests will never be far from a perfect bite always paired with remarkable sea views, renowned intuitive service, and much more.”
Tillberg Design of Sweden is the lead architect responsible for the design of exterior and suites, and London-based Martin Brudnizki Design Studio will design many of the public areas, along with Prosper Assouline.
Reservations are expected to open in late 2023.
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