Captain Kate McCue Joins Four Seasons Yachts for Inaugural Voyage
Captain Kate McCue, one of the most recognized figures in the cruise industry, is leaving Celebrity Cruises to take on a new and exciting challenge with Four Seasons Yachts.
Starting in January 2026, McCue will captain Four Seasons I, the luxury brand’s first vessel, marking the beginning of a new adventure for both her and the cruise line.
A Luxurious New Chapter for Four Seasons
With this transition, Four Seasons Yachts is stepping into the luxury cruise world, aiming to set a new standard for exclusive and personalized cruising. The Four Seasons I will accommodate just 222 passengers, ensuring an intimate experience for guests.
The suites, beginning at 581 square feet, offer an abundance of space, with pricing structured per suite, rather than per passenger, for a more tailored experience. Unlike typical luxury cruises, Four Seasons I will offer à la carte dining, with all meals (except breakfast) and alcoholic beverages available for guests to enjoy.
Captain Kate McCue: A Maritime Icon
McCue has long been a trailblazer in the cruise world. Her tenure with Celebrity Cruises saw her rise to the position of the first American female captain of a mega cruise ship, Celebrity Summit, in 2015.
Beyond her commanding presence at sea, McCue has won the hearts of passengers through her social media presence, where she shares personal stories, quirky content with her cat Bug Naked, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into life as a cruise captain.
Her social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, helped her build a fan base, allowing fans to connect with her on a personal level.
Not only is McCue admired for her leadership, but she has also played a pivotal role in supporting gender equality in maritime careers. Her efforts contributed to Celebrity Cruises achieving the milestone of having 30% female bridge officers, a remarkable accomplishment in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
A New Direction in Yachting
For McCue, joining Four Seasons Yachts is an exciting opportunity to create a more personalized cruising experience.
Reflecting on her decision, McCue shared, “Yachting represents the true essence of the sea—calm, effortless, and deeply rejuvenating. I’m eager to connect with guests in new and meaningful ways, lead a talented crew, and immerse ourselves in local communities to deliver exceptional voyages.”
Four Seasons Welcomes McCue
Four Seasons Yachts is equally excited about McCue’s role in leading Four Seasons I. Rainer Stampfer, President of Global Operations at Four Seasons, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Captain Kate McCue embodies everything we stand for—hospitality, excellence, and visionary leadership.
We are thrilled to have her as part of our team and look forward to seeing the impact she will have on our guests’ experiences.”
As Captain McCue embarks on this new journey with Four Seasons, the luxury cruise world watches with anticipation, knowing her leadership will help redefine what it means to sail in style. With her experience, passion, and engaging personality, she is set to leave an indelible mark on the future of luxury cruising.
