With the highly anticipated debut of its first-ever luxury yacht set for early 2026, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is already making waves by announcing plans for a second vessel. The company has secured approximately $830 million in funding to build Four Seasons II, underscoring its commitment to establishing a strong presence in the burgeoning luxury yachting sector.
Expanding the fleet: The vision behind Four Seasons II
Four Seasons’ first yacht is poised to redefine luxury at sea, featuring 95 spacious cabins across 14 decks, each meticulously designed as a luxury suite. The ship will be captained by the social media star and seasoned mariner Kate McCue, promising an exceptional and personalized cruising experience.
Donald Mason, chief financial officer of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD — the joint owner and operator of Four Seasons Yachts — expressed enthusiasm about the new development: “With financing secured for the creation of a second Four Seasons Yacht … we are thrilled to be expanding our fleet to include Four Seasons II. This milestone reflects our continued growth and commitment to delivering Four Seasons’ legendary service at sea.”
While details of the new vessel remain under wraps, this substantial investment signals Four Seasons’ confidence in the market demand for ultra-luxury cruising experiences that blend the brand’s hotel expertise with innovative maritime hospitality.
Breaking conventions: A fresh approach to luxury cruising
Interestingly, Four Seasons is choosing a different path from traditional luxury cruise lines by not adopting the typical all-inclusive model. Instead, passengers will find a hotel-like pricing structure where only breakfast is included in the base fare, with other dining and amenities offered à la carte.
This approach may appeal to a new generation of affluent travelers who value transparency and flexibility, preferring to customize their experience rather than commit to an all-inclusive package.
The move also highlights Four Seasons’ broader strategy of integrating its renowned hotel service standards into the cruise experience, aiming to attract loyal guests who appreciate the brand’s personalized approach.
Luxury hotel brands setting sail on the high seas
Four Seasons is part of a growing wave of prestigious hotel brands venturing into luxury cruising. Iconic names like Ritz-Carlton, Aman, and Orient Express have all announced or launched plans to introduce their own luxury yachts.
This trend reflects a wider shift in the luxury travel industry, where experiential and destination-focused journeys are gaining traction. Traditional cruise lines face new competition as these hotel brands bring their deep expertise in hospitality and service to the maritime arena.
As the luxury yacht market evolves, industry watchers will closely observe how these hotel giants translate their land-based legacies into compelling sea voyages, potentially reshaping the expectations and experiences of luxury travelers.
What the future holds for Four Seasons at sea
With the launch of Four Seasons I just months away, anticipation is high among travel enthusiasts and industry insiders. The addition of Four Seasons II promises to accelerate the brand’s footprint in luxury cruising, offering more itineraries, destinations, and unparalleled service.
This expansion aligns with a broader trend where affluent travelers seek smaller, more intimate vessels that offer privacy, exclusivity, and a curated luxury experience — a niche that Four Seasons aims to master. Ultimately, Four Seasons’ venture into luxury yachting is about more than just ships; it’s about redefining what luxury travel means in the 21st century, blending the comforts and standards of world-class hotels with the freedom and adventure of the open sea.
Four Seasons is set to expand its luxury yacht fleet with the addition of a second vessel, backed by $830 million in funding. The first yacht, launching in January 2026 and featuring 95 luxury suites across 14 decks, will be captained by social media star Kate McCue. Unlike traditional all-inclusive cruises, Four Seasons is introducing a hotel-style pricing model that includes breakfast in the base fare while offering other services à la carte, appealing to travelers seeking flexibility and personalization. This move places Four Seasons among prestigious hotel brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Aman, and Orient Express that are entering the luxury yacht market. The expansion reflects a growing demand for intimate, bespoke cruising experiences that combine the legendary service of luxury hotels with the adventure and exclusivity of life at sea.
