When Blue World Voyages debuts in 2019, it will certainly make waves in the cruise industry with its bold, distinctive Active Lifestyle Cruising theme. The company is following in the wake of other cruise lines that have added more spa, fitness and wellness options to activities, but it is taking it a cardio step farther.
Blue World Voyages will become the first cruise company completely dedicated to active, healthy lifestyles, from ship design to onboard programs, healthy dining options and even the itineraries and shore excursions.
The line’s initial ship will be an all-suite, 350-passenger five-star vessel with luxury standard suites, single staterooms and 26 one- and two-bedroom owners residences.
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 other fitness tools. It will sport an entire spa deck with therapy tub, pool, indoor/outdoor treatment rooms and a solarium.
And guess what? A dozen private Bali beds will be available for any passengers who want to sleep under the stars and wake up to breakfast in bed, served by a butler.
Blue World introducing shipload of firsts
Blue World is also introducing a shipload of firsts:
The first full sports deck at sea
Whatever your sport, chances are, you’ll be able to play or practice it while cruising with Blue World Voyages. One entire deck (not just a portion) is designated as the Sports Deck. This bow to stern space is outfitted with hi-def golf and soccer simulators; batting cages; a functional training center; yoga, spinning and TRX studios and more.
The first full spa deck at sea
Amenities include a relaxing therapy tub, spa pool, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and solarium. For an extraordinary experience, 12 private Bali beds provide the option to sleep under the stars and wake up to a butler-served breakfast.
The first seawater 'lap pool'
Seen only on a few private luxury yachts, this floating platform is ideal for open-water swim training. For those who prefer kayaking, the platform has docking ports for watercraft. Bonus: space for lounging and watching the ocean glide by.
A residential/passenger hybrid ship approach
In addition to the double and single guest staterooms, 26 suites are reserved for purchase as Owner Residences. As interest in cruise-travel surges, sophisticated travelers are looking to own a home at sea as well as on land. By offering Owner Suites, Blue World Voyages provides an option for active, athletic and health-focused travelers to own (and relax in) their own space at sea while traveling the world with other like-minded individuals. This is an extension of the Blue World Voyages “Passengers as Partners” concept.
One of the first companies to downsize a cruise ship
By reducing the passenger capacity of a larger vessel, Blue World can offer staterooms that are twice the conventional size with beautiful large bathrooms, and walk-in closets designed for all kinds of active gear and equipment. The result: luxury cabins for all passengers and much more activity space.
What’s more, the concept will head to shore with itineraries and ports of call based on local availability for activities such as cycling, hiking, running, golf and watersports such as snorkeling, kayaking and kite-surfing as well as locations ideal for activities such as yoga and meditation.
“We are creating a cruise line that responds to the preferences of active, athletic-minded individuals. or for those looking to move in that direction,” John B. Richards, Blue World co-founder and CEO and former president of Starbucks, said in a statement.
Eventually, three ships will join the line each of which will be designed to access smaller ports — places the large ships can’t go. For its inaugural season, Blue World Voyages is considering various routes throughout Europe and the Mediterranean and possibly Miami-Cuba and Costa Rica.
“One of the most unique features of Blue World is our Founders Club,” explains Gene Meehan, Blue World co-founder. “Here we have established a group of investor/early adopters to help bring this vision to life. From cabin layout to itinerary planning, menu and equipment choices to guest lecturers, we ask for input from our Founders Club members both before and after their cruise in designing the perfect vacation experience.”
Green-friendly ships for health-conscious cruisers
Meehan, an experienced health and fitness entrepreneur, has assembled an A-Team of cruise, spa, marketing and hotel professionals with a goal to expand to three ships within five years. “Along the way, we can never lose sight of our mission: to operate an environmentally friendly ‘green ship‘ where we care as much about our passengers’ good health as we do about our crew,” he said.
There are currently 42 million so-called "conscious consumers" in the U.S. alone. These are people who eat well, exercise, and are actively interested in staying healthy, learning new things and traveling the world. “This is not a trend, it's a lifestyle, and it's growing quickly all around the world. Currently, there are no ships in the global cruise fleet that cater exclusively to this market,” adds Meehan. “Blue World has the opportunity to be the first and we will scale up to lead this new niche market.”
The first ship will offer seven-day cruises for roughly $3,500 per person that includes tips, house wines and beer at lunch and dinner; laundry services; most shore excursions and the special events on each sailing'
Destinations will be based on availability for activities such as cycling, hiking, running, golf and watersports (snorkeling, kayaking and kite-surfing), as well as locations ideal for activities such as yoga and meditation.
For this avid cruise and health and fitness enthusiast, this cruise line sounds like a dream. Just hope they can pull it off. Stay tuned for more developments, including itinerary information.
