Four Seasons Yachts launches, to be led by Larry Pimentel

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is working with partners Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, whose principals are Philip Levine, former Miami Beach mayor and a cruise industry veteran who founded Onboard Media and Royal Media Partners, and Miami-based real estate/hospitality developer Nadim Ashi of Fort Partners.

'Nothing else like it'

Veteran luxury cruise executive Larry Pimentel will lead the new venture as CEO.

Veteran luxury cruise executive Larry Pimentel

'There will be nothing else like it on the open seas,' said Pimentel, past president and CEO of Azamara, SeaDream Yacht Club, Cunard and Seabourn, and a board member of Virtuoso Travel.

He elaborated: '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.'

One plus two options

The first 190-passenger, all-suite ship was ordered at Fincantieri in July, with delivery planned by the end of 2025. Including an option for two additional vessels, the order is valued at €1.2b.

'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, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. '... Together with our partners at Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd., we are creating something extraordinary that combines their expertise with what Four Seasons does best – delivering unmatched quality and excellence, surrounded by beautiful acts of service and love for our guests.'

At the reveal — From left, Four Seasons' Christian Clerc, Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings' Nadim Ashi and Philip Levine, and Larry Pimentel

Details were announced today during the Monaco Yacht Show.

14 decks

The 14-deck yacht will stretch 207 meters/679 feet. At a cost of $4.2m per suite, Four Seasons said 'no expense' is being spared in terms of the remarkable custom design. The Four Seasons Yacht promises nearly 50% more living space per guest than currently available, offering privacy in an all-suite nautical residential setting.

95 suites

The vessel’s 95 accommodations will feature an extensive network of joining suite combinations creating adaptable, villa-like residences with ceiling heights of more than 2.4 meters/7.9 feet. Each suite will offer floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terrace decks.

Suite accommodations will start at an average of 54 square metres/581 square feet of indoor/outdoor living space. Sixty percent of the vessel’s inventory is in excess of 76 square metres/818 square feet of indoor/outdoor space.

The four-level Funnel Suite

Four-level Funnel Suite

The most expansive residence, the Funnel Suite, will be an astonishing four levels, offering more than 892 square metres/9,601 square feet of combined indoor/outdoor living space, including a private wading pool and dedicated private spa area.

Pool deck and marina

The Four Seasons Yacht's canoe-shaped aft will be home to an expansive pool deck. This area will also transform into an outdoor movie theater or space for an array of private events. The elegant and industry-first transverse marina is also a place to enjoy the inviting water, sunbathe or explore the specially-designed aqua leisure toys and accessories.

Expansive pool deck on the canoe-shaped aft

Other amenities announced include a full-service spa, salon and wellness programming – from fitness to health, and nutrition.

Tillberg Design of Sweden, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, Prosper Assouline

Tillberg Design of Sweden is serving as lead architect responsible for the design of exterior and suites, and London-based Martin Brudnizki Design Studio will handle many of the public areas. These design partners will be paired with the creative direction of Prosper Assouline.

'We are delighted to bring our expertise in both yacht and cruise ship design to this unique and exciting project,' said Fredrik Johansson, partner and executive director, Tillberg Design of Sweden. 'It is a collaboration with a brand that understands the expectations and desires of the yachting world and is dedicated to creating a guest experience that is unparalleled.'

Reservations to open in Q3 2023

Reservations are expected to open in third quarter 2023.

Four Seasons follows Ritz-Carlton into the cruise space. Aman Resorts has also announced a yacht in partnership with Cruise Saudi.