Captain Kate McCue, everyone’s favourite cruise captain and social media sensation, has announced she’s swapping Celebrity Cruises for a brand-new adventure with luxury newcomer Four Seasons Yachts.
Starting in January 2026, McCue will take the helm of the line’s inaugural vessel, the elegantly named Four Seasons I, guiding it through its debut sailing season.
A Luxurious New Direction
This move marks a significant win for Four Seasons Yachts, which aims to redefine the luxury cruise experience. While other hotel giants like Ritz-Carlton have ventured into cruising, Four Seasons promises to elevate the game even further.
Four Seasons I, will accommodate just 222 passengers, offering suites starting at an impressive 581 square feet, with pricing structured per suite rather than per passenger. Notably, unlike typical luxury cruises, all meals (except breakfast) and alcoholic beverages will be available à la carte.
Captain Kate: An Icon at Sea
Captain Kate is no ordinary hire; she has become an icon within the cruise industry, and she is admired for her warm personality and engaging social media presence. Over her decade with Celebrity Cruises, she broke barriers, notably becoming the first American female captain of a mega cruise ship in 2015.
Onboard Celebrity Edge and Beyond, she became beloved by passengers for her casual meet-and-greets, quirky trivia sessions featuring her hairless cat, Bug Naked, and insightful behind-the-scenes content on TikTok and Instagram.
Yet Captain Kate’s influence goes beyond her social media fame. She actively championed female empowerment in maritime roles, significantly contributing to Celebrity Cruises’ milestone of 30% female bridge officers. Her dedication has left a lasting impact on the cruise industry.
A New Chapter with Four Seasons
In her new role with Four Seasons Yachts, Captain Kate expressed excitement about the more personal cruising experience she will offer guests.
“Yachting truly embodies the essence of the sea—calm, effortless, and deeply rejuvenating….This philosophy underpins Four Seasons I. I’m eager to connect with guests, lead an exceptional crew, and engage deeply with local communities. Together, we’ll craft unforgettable journeys.”
Captain Kate McCue
Four Seasons is equally enthusiastic about their new captain. “Captain Kate McCue is the ideal leader for Four Seasons I,” said Rainer Stampfer, President of Global Operations at Four Seasons. “Her passion for hospitality, commitment to excellence, and pioneering leadership align perfectly with our vision. We’re thrilled to welcome her aboard.”
With Captain Kate at the helm, Four Seasons Yachts is poised to introduce an extraordinary new chapter in luxury cruising—and we can’t wait to follow along.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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