Four Seasons announces entry into...

The largest residence, the Funnel Suite, will comprise four levels and 892 square metres of indoor and outdoor space

Four Seasons has announced a move into the cruise sector with the launch of Four Seasons Yachts.

The hospitality group will partner with luxury entrepreneurs Nadim Ashi and Philip Levine, long-time cruise executive Larry Pimentel and Fincantieri. The inaugural ship will set sail in 2025 and feature 95 suites with a capacity of 180 guests.

With its inaugural journey anticipated for late 2025, the first Four Seasons Yacht will be 207 metres long and 27 metres wide with 14 decks. The all-suite vessel will offer nearly 50% more living space per guest than currently available at sea. Starting at an average of 54 square metres, each suite will have floor-to-ceiling windows providing unobstructed natural light and access to expansive terrace decks.

The largest residence, the Funnel Suite, will comprise four levels, offering more than 892 square metres of combined indoor and outdoor living space.

The yacht will also have restaurants, lounges and bars, with details yet to be announced.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts president Christian Clerc said: "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 capitalise on new opportunities to extend the world of Four Seasons.

"True vision rests in the ability to imagine the possibilities while always remaining loyal to one's values. Our vision for this new venture does exactly that. 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."

Larry Pimentel, a veteran luxury travel industry expert responsible for leading the new venture, commented: "In partnership with Four Seasons, we are creating a new category of luxury lifestyle travel that appeals to discerning guests. 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. When we launch in 2025, there will be nothing else like it on the open seas. Our shipbuilding partnership with Fincantieri rounds out a triumvirate of industry leaders in this unprecedented luxury lifestyle project."

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The first vessel of a planned fleet due to launch in the next five years is currently being designed in Trieste, Italy by Fincantieri.

Fincantieri general manager, Merchant Ships Division, Luigi Matarazzo said: "This project is in a class of its own, combining the best of passenger ship construction and yacht design to create a new benchmark for ultra-luxury vessels."

Fincantieri CEO and managing director Pierroberto Folgiero said: "We are excited to embrace this new opportunity with Four Seasons that will allow us to strengthen our global leadership position. With a reputation built on innovation and reliability, Fincantieri combines groundbreaking engineering and technology to create the finest vessels in the world, ensuring sustainability practices are integrated throughout the design and guest experience."

For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com