Four Seasons Takes Its Hotel Formula to Sea
2 min
The luxury-cruise market has spent years borrowing the language of private yachting. Four Seasons I attempts to close the gap more convincingly, pairing the operating culture of a global hotel group with a vessel designed around unusually large suites and direct access to the sea.
The first yacht in the Four Seasons fleet began sailing in March 2026. Its debut year includes 32 voyages and 52 sailings across more than 130 destinations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Bahamas, according to the company.
Accommodation is entirely suite-based and designed with a residential emphasis. The headline Funnel Suite occupies nearly 929 square metres at the forward-facing prow, with panoramic views and extensive private outdoor space. It is less a cabin than a major waterfront apartment that happens to move between countries.
The transverse marina opens across both sides of the vessel, creating direct sea access for swimming, water sports and small-craft activities. This is an important distinction from ships where passengers experience the ocean principally from elevated decks. The value will depend on weather, port restrictions and how often the marina can actually operate on a given itinerary.
Eleven restaurants and lounges move the product closer to a resort, with concepts ranging from Mediterranean seafood to omakase. The challenge is consistency: delivering destination-level cooking across multiple venues while provisioning a moving vessel. Travellers should clarify which dining experiences carry supplements and how reservations are allocated.
The itinerary philosophy combines major ports with smaller coastal stops. That can offer a more varied Mediterranean trip, but buyers should compare time in port, tender operations and excursion inclusions rather than focusing only on the number of destinations.
Privacy is the central luxury. Tilberg Design of Sweden and creative director Prosper Assouline developed an all-suite arrangement with numerous connecting configurations, allowing families and groups to create larger residential zones. The product is still not a private charter, however; public spaces, schedules and operating decisions remain shared.
Australian travellers should consider air connections, travel insurance that covers the full trip value, cancellation conditions and pre- or post-voyage accommodation. They should also ask exactly what the fare includes, because dining, beverages, transfers, excursions and service charges can materially alter the final cost.
Four Seasons I is compelling because it does not merely decorate a conventional ship with a hotel badge. Its suite scale, marina and service model attempt to make the vessel itself feel like a new Four Seasons destination.
Fact box
– Vessel: Four Seasons I
– Debut: March 2026
– Accommodation: All-suite residential-style layout
– Largest suite: Funnel Suite, approximately 929sqm
– Dining: 11 restaurants and lounges
– Signature feature: Transverse marina opening on both sides
– Debut programme: 32 voyages, 52 sailings, 130+ destinations across 30+ countries and territories
– Regions: Mediterranean, Caribbean and Bahamas
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Ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruising is about seamless experiences, exceptional service, and the freedom to explore the world, knowing that every detail has already been taken care of.
3 min
From unlimited shore excursions and Michelin-inspired dining to premium drinks, butler service and spacious suites, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® is redefining what all-inclusive, ultra-luxury really means.
For today’s affluent travellers, true luxury is no longer measured by extravagant extras or lavish upgrades.
Instead, it is about effortless experiences, exceptional service and the freedom to simply enjoy the journey without constantly reaching for your wallet and having to unpack more than once.
That philosophy sits at the heart of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, whose invitation to “Cruise in All-Inclusive, Unrivalled Luxury™” has redefined what all-inclusive travel can be.
Unlike many cruise holidays where additional charges can quickly add up, Regent includes almost every aspect of the journey in the upfront fare.
Everything from unlimited shore excursions, speciality dining, premium wines, spirits, craft cocktails and speciality coffees to spa access, WiFi, gratuities, valet laundry and 24-hour in-suite dining is all part of the all-inclusive experience.
The result is a holiday where guests can focus entirely on exploring the world rather than managing a travel budget.
Luxury without compromise
Regent’s approach extends well beyond what is included.
Its fleet of intimate ships, ranging from 244 to 411 suites, offers one of the industry’s highest crew-to-guest ratios and some of the most spacious accommodation at sea.
Almost every suite features a private balcony, allowing guests to enjoy uninterrupted ocean views throughout their voyage.
From personalised butler service in Penthouse Suites and above to elegant public lounges, fine art collections and world-class wellness facilities, every detail has been designed to create a relaxed yet refined onboard atmosphere.
Every destination becomes part of the journey
For many travellers, the highlight of any cruise is discovering new destinations, and Regent has built its reputation around making those experiences as immersive as possible.
Guests can choose from thousands of included shore excursions across more than 550 destinations worldwide, ranging from cultural tours and culinary experiences to visits to iconic landmarks and hidden local gems.
Many itineraries also feature extended stays in port, allowing travellers more time to experience each destination at their own pace.
Select voyages can also be paired with exclusively curated pre-cruise land programmes, including experiences aboard the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer™ in Canada or luxury hotel stays throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Dining takes centre stage
Cuisine has become one of the defining features of luxury travel, and Regent places dining at the centre of the guest experience.
Guests can choose from multiple speciality restaurants, enjoy carefully selected wines from their dedicated sommeliers, order in-suite dining around the clock or participate in onboard culinary classes inspired by the destinations they visit.
Several ships also feature dedicated Culinary Arts Kitchens, where guests can immerse themselves in hands-on cooking classes inspired by the destinations they visit.
Led by expert chefs, the highly personalised experiences range from mastering French classics to learning the art of Argentine grilling, while exploring the stories, traditions and local ingredients behind each cuisine.
Guests leave not only with new culinary skills, but with recipes they can recreate long after returning home
A seamless way to see the world
As more Australians seek meaningful travel experiences over material possessions, the appeal of an ultra-luxury cruise lies in its simplicity.
Instead of unpacking at every destination or worrying about hidden costs, guests enjoy the convenience of settling into one elegant suite while waking up somewhere new each day.
It is this combination of generous inclusions, personalised service and carefully curated experiences that has helped Regent Seven Seas Cruises build a loyal following among discerning travellers looking for an effortless way to explore the world.
For more information, call 1300 455 200, visit RSSC.com or request a complimentary brochure at RSSC.com/order-brochure.
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