Captain Kate McCue, renowned as the first American female captain of a mega cruise ship, is charting a new course, joining Four Seasons Yachts to command their inaugural vessel, the Four Seasons I, set to debut in early 2026.
With over three decades of maritime experience, Captain McCue, who made history in 2015 while at Celebrity Cruises and has amassed a large social media following, will now be at the helm of the luxury yacht, promising to deliver an unparalleled onboard experience. Her responsibilities will encompass the safe navigation of the vessel and ensuring the highest standards of service for all passengers.
The Four Seasons I is designed to offer an exceptional level of personalisation, boasting a near 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio. This dedication to personalized service aligns perfectly with Four Seasons’ reputation for luxury hospitality.
“Captain Kate McCue is the ideal leader to helm Four Seasons I as we embark on this exciting new chapter in luxury yachting,” stated 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.”
Captain McCue expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, “Yachting truly embodies the essence of the sea – calm, effortless, and deeply rejuvenating. This is the same philosophy behind Four Seasons I. This role is both an incredible honor 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.”
The Four Seasons I will make its grand debut in January 2026, offering cruises to the Caribbean before heading to the Mediterranean for the summer season. The yacht will feature 95 luxurious suites, including a spectacular 9,500 sq. ft. suite located within the ship’s funnel. Guests will also enjoy the largest pool deck in its class, featuring a 66-foot-long pool, one of the largest at sea.
Adding to the allure, the Four Seasons I will include a marina, providing guests with direct access to a range of water sports activities and state-of-the-art water toys while in port.