The latest in the long line of hotel chains seeking to capitalise on the success of the superyacht industry is the Four Seasons Yacht. It follows the example of Ritz Carlton whose own fleet of ships are entering service.
Despite the fact that both Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton call their vessels yachts they are in fact ships and would be better and more accurately be referred to as boutique cruise liners for that is what they technically are.
Four Seasons are no strangers to Superyachts and for many years have very successfully run their dive themed yacht Four Seasons Explorer in the Maldive Islands
Along with Four Seasons, this new venture brings together an unparalleled group of partners: Nadim Ashi and Philip Levine, leading luxury entrepreneurs and bold visionaries of this exceptional yacht experience, as well as Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding groups, which will deliver the first new vessel by the end of 2025.
The order, which was announced last July, includes the option for two additional vessels and amounts to approximately EUR 1.2 billion.
The first and as yet unnamed Four Seasons Yacht ship will be marked by bespoke craftsmanship, personalised service and a dedication to excellence, appealing to discerning guests looking to reimagine their love of travel by experiencing the splendour of modern sea voyaging.
“The Four Seasons Yacht represents the next chapter of our long history of industry leading innovation, and a milestone moment for our company as we continue to capitalise on new opportunities to extend the world of Four Seasons,” says Christian Clerc, President, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
With her maiden voyage anticipated for late 2025, the first Four Seasons vessel will be 207 metres long with a beam of 27 metres. At a cost to build of USD 4.2 million per suite, no expense is being spared in terms of the remarkable custom design. Set across 14 decks the yacht / ship will offer nearly 50 percent more living space per guest than currently available, offering ultimate privacy, flexibility and spaciousness in an all-suite nautical residential setting.
The vessel’s 95 spacious accommodations will feature an extensive network of joining suite combinations creating adaptable, villa-like residences. Each suite will offer floor-to-ceiling windows providing unobstructed natural light and access to expansive terrace decks. The combination of generous indoor and outdoor private guest space and ceiling heights of more than 2.4 metres will achieve a new level of guest comfort.
Suite accommodations will start at an average of 54 square metres of indoor/outdoor living space, designed seamlessly to be part of each room. Sixty percent of the vessel’s inventory is in excess of 76 square metres of indoor/outdoor space. The most expansive residence, the “Funnel Suite” will be an astonishing four levels, offering more than 892 square metres of combined indoor/outdoor living space, including a private wading pool and dedicated private spa area, creating a sea view home away from home.
A team of design partners have been engaged including Tillberg Design of Sweden as lead architect responsible for the design of exterior and guest suites, and London-based Martin Brudnizki Design Studio for the design of many of the yacht’s spectacular guest areas. These design partners will be paired with the creative direction of Prosper Assouline.
The vessel’s 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.
The Four Seasons Yacht will also offer guests a full-service spa, salon, and wellness programming – from fitness to health, and nutrition. The classic canoe-shaped aft will be home to an expansive pool deck, allowing for moments of leisure and relaxation. This area will also transform into an outdoor movie theatre or space for an array of private events. The elegant and industry-first transverse marina is also an ideal spot for guests to enjoy the inviting water, sunbathe or explore the specially-designed aqua leisure toys and accessories. Many more of the vessel’s unique features and programming will be revealed in the coming months and up to the vessel’s delivery in late 2025.
The onboard yacht experience will be led and staffed by a dedicated Four Seasons Yacht team to bring each voyage’s itinerary and destinations to life. The vessel will have an industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio to deliver an unmatched standard of highly personalised service.