The recent departure of key members, including president and CEO Larry Pimentel, from the leadership team at Four Seasons Yachts has left many wondering about the future direction of this luxury cruise brand. Nils Lindstad, the vice president of business development and sales excellence, shed some light on the situation in a recent interview. According to Lindstad, the search for a new CEO is underway, with hopes of finding someone to oversee the seasoned leadership team that has been established. Despite the changes at the top, Lindstad voiced optimism about the upcoming inaugural voyage scheduled for January 2026. The steel cutting has already taken place, the keel is set to be laid this summer, and delivery from Fincantieri is expected by the end of 2025. Lindstad emphasized that the demand and bookings for the yacht have been positive despite the recent shake-up in leadership.
Travel advisors have expressed unease about the leadership departures at Four Seasons Yachts. Lindstad acknowledges that such changes are not uncommon in startup projects but reassures advisors that the momentum of the project remains strong. He emphasized that the construction of the vessel and the involvement of other investors are still on track. While the search for a new CEO is ongoing, Lindstad highlighted the need for a candidate with extensive experience in passenger shipping and luxury travel. Despite the leadership uncertainty, the team remains focused on the goal of delivering a successful inaugural year for the yacht.
Four Seasons Yachts initially began with invitation-only bookings targeted at loyal guests who have experienced the brand’s other offerings such as hotel stays, residences, and jet travel. The response to these invitations was positive, leading to the opening of bookings to the public in March. With limited inventory and high demand, the team is carefully managing availability. Advisor engagement has been a key part of the strategy from the start, with a significant number of bookings coming through the advisor community. The brand has seen nearly 2,000 advisors register through their portal, showcasing the importance of these partnerships in driving bookings.
As Four Seasons Yachts looks to expand its offerings, outreach to travel agencies and establishing preferred relationships are on the horizon. The brand is set to release additional voyages for sale, presenting new opportunities for advisor engagement and client outreach. The focus remains on maintaining strong relationships with travel partners and ensuring that advisors are included in the brand’s growth strategy. The team is gearing up for the next phase of development, with plans to deepen relationships with the travel agency community and enhance the overall guest experience.