In a landmark announcement for the future of luxury maritime travel, Four Seasons and Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd. have appointed Ben Trodd as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Four Seasons Yachts, effective July 1, 2025. This appointment signals a major step forward as the globally respected hotel brand prepares to launch its highly anticipated inaugural vessel, Four Seasons I, in 2026.
With more than 25 years at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Trodd brings a wealth of experience in global sales, marketing, and hospitality operations. His new role positions him at the helm of an ambitious expansion into the ultra-luxury cruise sector, promising to offer discerning travelers a level of sophistication, service, and customization never before seen at sea.
A New Vision for Luxury Cruising
Scheduled to debut in 2026, Four Seasons I will usher in a new era of yachting-style cruising, offering a highly curated and intimate maritime experience. The yacht will feature 95 expansive residential-style suites, a 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio, and 11 unique dining venues curated by world-class chefs. Other standout amenities include a transverse marina, spa and wellness facilities, and an elevated program of “Marina Days,” enabling guests to engage directly with pristine aquatic environments.
Four Seasons Yachts has partnered with Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilders, to construct the 207-meter luxury vessel. Design partners include Tillberg Design of Sweden and creative director Prosper Assouline, ensuring the yacht mirrors the brand’s reputation for refined aesthetics and world-class comfort.
Initially sailing the Caribbean and Mediterranean, the yacht will offer seasonal itineraries designed for immersive exploration. From secret beaches to world heritage sites, Trodd envisions voyages that seamlessly blend authentic destination experiences with bespoke onboard luxury.
Leadership Rooted in Four Seasons’ Legacy
Trodd’s appointment as CEO reflects his long-standing commitment to Four Seasons’ values of personalized service and global excellence. His previous roles include Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing and Regional Vice President for flagship properties across North America. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer at AMAN, where he honed his operational acumen in ultra-luxury hospitality.
His dual expertise in commercial leadership and operational strategy is considered ideal for navigating the complex terrain of launching a new cruise brand while preserving Four Seasons’ legendary guest service standards. According to Trodd, the goal is to deliver a “seamless, integrated guest experience that embodies the spirit of a Four Seasons resort—only at sea.”
Personalized Experiences at Sea
What sets Four Seasons I apart from other cruise ships is not just its design or destination routes—but its unwavering focus on personalization. Guests can expect curated shore excursions, private culinary journeys, and wellness offerings tailored to individual preferences. From onboard sommelier pairings to starlit meditation sessions, every experience is designed to be transformative and memorable.
The ship’s state-of-the-art transverse marina offers direct access to ocean adventures including snorkeling, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding. For those seeking relaxation, the ship’s spa integrates globally inspired treatments with ocean-facing therapy suites.
In alignment with global sustainability efforts, Four Seasons Yachts also aims to incorporate eco-conscious practices. The ship is being built with advanced fuel efficiency systems and will employ waste reduction protocols that support the brand’s broader environmental commitments.
Industry Impact and Global Interest
The announcement of Trodd’s appointment has sparked wide interest across the luxury travel industry, with analysts predicting that Four Seasons I could set a new benchmark for experiential cruising. With increasing demand from affluent travelers for unique and private travel experiences, Four Seasons Yachts is poised to meet this trend head-on.
According to a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report, luxury cruising is among the fastest-growing segments of the global cruise market, with a projected 10% annual growth rate through 2027. The arrival of Four Seasons Yachts could further accelerate this trend, particularly among high-net-worth individuals seeking alternatives to traditional cruising.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
As Four Seasons I prepares to set sail, Ben Trodd’s leadership will be instrumental in steering the brand toward an innovative future in ultra-luxury cruising. His deep understanding of the Four Seasons ethos, combined with his experience in global operations, uniquely positions him to execute a vision that marries luxury with adventure, elegance with authenticity.
“We’re not just launching a ship—we’re launching a new category of travel,” said Trodd in a statement. “This is about creating once-in-a-lifetime journeys that reflect the individuality and expectations of today’s most discerning travelers.”
As the luxury tourism landscape continues to evolve, Four Seasons Yachts stands ready to redefine what it means to travel in style—one exclusive voyage at a time.
