Blue World Voyages has announced the acquisition of its first cruise ship from an undisclosed five-star line, marking a significant milestone for the sports and wellness startup.
- The ship will undergo an $80 million refurbishment to include luxury residences, passenger suites with wellness amenities, and eco-friendly features.
- Aimed at tapping into the $1.1 trillion wellness tourism market, the ship will boast extensive athletic and fitness facilities at sea.
- Planned itineraries will focus on the Mediterranean and Portugal, with an emphasis on adventure and personal enrichment.
- Blue World Voyages will collaborate closely with travel agents, emphasising their importance in the company’s forward strategies.
Blue World Voyages, a pioneering startup in the sports and wellness cruise industry, has secured its first ship from a five-star cruise company, although the seller remains undisclosed. This acquisition is a pivotal development for the company as it aims to revolutionise the cruise experience with a focus on wellness and active lifestyles.
The ship is set to undergo a comprehensive $80 million refit, which includes the introduction of 30 luxury residences available for long-term stays. Each residence is designed to cater to the modern traveller’s needs, offering spacious one- and two-bedroom units equipped with premium amenities. Additionally, the ship will feature 160 large passenger suites, each averaging around 352 square feet, nearly double the size of typical cabins, complete with generous balconies and in-room wellness features.
In its pursuit of sustainability, Blue World Voyages plans to incorporate energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials throughout the ship. A seawater lap pool and a marina deck designed for water sports will complement what is anticipated to be the largest athletic and fitness conditioning deck at sea, reflecting the company’s commitment to a healthy and active onboard lifestyle.
The intended itineraries cover sought-after destinations such as the Mediterranean and Portugal, aligning with the company’s vision of providing enriching travel experiences that fuse wellness with exploration. A spokesperson from Blue World Voyages stated that they are “enthusiastically” seeking collaboration with travel partners, underscoring the vital role of agents in their strategic plans.
Gene Meehan, the founder and chairman, emphasised the unique nature of their offering, stating, “Nothing like this exists. We intersect wellness, personal enrichment, and adventure travel to place something new in the water.” Co-founder Fredy Dellis, noted for his leadership in hospitality and service industries, highlighted the appeal of the residential component, with several units already reserved, illustrating a promising interest from potential buyers.
Blue World Voyages is poised to redefine cruise travel with its innovative ship focused on wellness and active living.
