Artist's rendering of first Blue World Voyages ship
Blue World Voyages
A growing number of cruise lines—operating riverboats and ocean-going vessels—are redefining their onboard amenities, culinary programs and shore excursions to appeal to the growing number of “active” midlife travelers. They’re crafting menus with healthy options, bringing fitness activities and experts onboard, and designing new excursions and itineraries.
Recognizing this trend in the marketplace, Blue World Voyages—a new five-star luxury cruise line set to launch in May 2019—will be creating a specialty product for these cruisers, every aspect of which is designed to appeal to those interested in health, fitness and wellness.
“Currently, there are no ships in the global cruise fleet that cater exclusively to this market, “ says John Richards, CEO of Blue World Voyages. “We are seizing this opportunity to be the first to address this need. Cruisers will be able to sail with 100% like-minded passengers,” he adds.
Blue World promises sports lovers, fitness buffs and other health-conscious travelers opportunities to maintain and build upon their wellness routines while on vacation; it also hopes to provide transformative experiences for those who want to use their time onboard to improve their lifestyle.
The background of Blue World’s development and management team reflects a mix of experience in cruising, hospitality, and wellness. It includes Richards (a former President of Starbucks N.A.), Founder and Chairman Gene Meehan, Co-Founder Fredy Dellis (former President & CEO of The World at ResidenSea), and VP of Wellness Diane Trieste.
Forbes.com spoke with CEO Richards to learn about Blue World Voyage’s future plans:
Describe the ship briefly. Is it a new build?
The first Blue World Voyages ship will be a beautifully repurposed, completely refurbished vessel, designed and styled by top marine design architects and interior designers in the industry, Tillberg Design of Sweden and Juan Poggi Designs.
We chose to repurpose an existing vessel rather than initiate a new build for two reasons: First, by downsizing a larger ship from 900 to 350 passengers, we can double the size of most cabins resulting in an all-suite ship. Plus, the larger vessel provides more space for spa and sports amenities. Secondly, the difference in cost (between this and a new build) allows for a lower break-even point giving us more flexibility in pricing ourselves competitively.
What special wellness amenities are planned?
Wellness amenities are embedded in our ship design. We will have the highest spa to passenger ratio in the cruise industry plus the largest sports deck at sea, including a unique floating sea water lap pool.
Rendering of Sea Water Pool
Blue World Voyages
The bow-to-stern Sports Deck will be outfitted with hi-def golf and soccer simulators; batting cages; a functional training center; yoga, spinning and TRX studios; a swimmers’ treadmill—and more. The Spa Deck, also occupying an entire deck, will include a relaxing therapy tub,
