The ultra-luxury line said McCue, an industry veteran with more than 30 years’ experience, will be tasked with overseeing the vessel’s safe navigation as well as establishing best-in-class onboard service culture, ensuring both guests and crew have the best experience. Four Seasons I is due to enter service in January 2026.
Four Seasons global operations president Rainer Stampfer said McCue’s “passion for hospitality, commitment to excellence and trailblazing leadership” align with the company’s own ethos.
“Captain Kate McCue is the ideal leader to helm Four Seasons I as we embark on this exciting new chapter in luxury yachting,” he added.
The hotel chain first announced plans to enter the luxury cruise market in September 2022, with then-president Christian Clerc saying the venture represented the next chapter in the brand’s history.
“This role is both an incredible honour and an exciting opportunity to shape the Four Seasons Yachts experience from the very first voyage,” McCue commented. “I look forward to doing what I love most – connecting with guests, leading an exceptional crew, and engaging with local communities.”
Prior to joining Four Seasons, McCue spent almost 10 years at Celebrity Cruises, where she served as captain of Celebrity Beyond and helped increase female representation on ships by more than 30%. In 2015, she also made history as the first US female captain of a mega-ton cruise ship.
McCue, who has one million followers on Instagram, has also held relevant positions at the likes of Disney Cruise Line.
"The selection of Captain Kate for this leadership position is reflective of our mission to attract and retain a first-in-class team of exceptional crew and top talent in the industry,” added chief talent and culture officer Tony Faso.
