Four Seasons I completes first sea trials

Four Seasons Yachts’ first newbuild, what the company calls an ultra-luxury yacht, has made it through its first set of sea trials at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy.

Fincantieri and Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd, joint owner and operator of Four Seasons Yachts, began construction of Four Seasons I in July 2024, and the yacht, or small cruise vessel, looks to be on schedule for delivery by the end of 2025, with first passenger itineraries set for early 2026.

Four Seasons Yachts confirmed the successful completion of a first round of sea trials for Four Seasons I, which it called "a landmark moment". Over five days at sea off the shipyard in Ancona, Italy, the yacht underwent more than 60 evaluations, including propulsion, navigation, mechanical, electrical, safety, environmental and comfort-system tests, ending in a six-hour endurance run at full power.

"The results validated the yacht’s technical integrity, operational stability and seaworthiness," the line said. 

In addition to the ship’s technical systems, the shipowner said the trials "assessed comfort and guest-facing systems across suites and public areas, including vibration and noise levels, and climate control".

“The results of these trials speak to the level of craftsmanship and technical rigour behind Four Seasons I,” Four Seasons Yachts chief executive Ben Trodd said. “Seeing the yacht perform as intended gives us real confidence as we move into the final stages ahead of welcoming our first guests. The successful conclusion of this first phase brings Four Seasons I closer to its inaugural season, with a second sea trial planned later this month in preparation for launch."

The cruise brand announced it has agreed a financing package to build a sister vessel to its soon-to-launch ship. The new vessel will be called Four Seasons II and is also being built at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard.