The new cruise line dedicated to active and wellness travel, Blue World Voyages, is seeking funding from travelers and travel agents. Via the Wefunder crowdfunding platform, travelers and agents will be able to invest in the new company, becoming shareholders, as well as having a voice in the product development.
According to Blue World's latest announcement, investors will become members of Blue World Founders Club. Before the launch, they will be asked in advance for their opinions on itinerary selection, cabin design, equipment and menu choices.
Founders Club members receive various perks like the amount of their investment off the first cruise, cabin upgrades (when available), priority booking, sail-away party, discounts on onboard spending, sports and spa credit.
Blue World Voyages was unveiled in May 2017 with a planned launch for May 2018 which has since been changed to May next year for the first cruise ship. The line intends to retrofit an existing vessel that was initially sized for 900 guests down to a capacity of 350 passengers, using the extra space for bigger cabins, an entire deck devoted to spa and wellness, and another to sports and fitness. Plans also include the sale of 26 one- and two-bedroom residences aboard the cruise ship.
Miami-based entrepreneur, Gene Meehan, and the former president of Starbucks, John B. Richards, head the leadership team of the company as chairman and CEO, respectively.
The launch of the new cruise company coincides with a boom in wellness travel. According to latest MMGY Global's Portrait of American Travelers studies, worldwide wellness travel market increased to USD 678.5 billion in 2017, and is forecast to grow another 15% in 2018. In response major lines have been stepping up wellness travel offerings, such as active excursions on river lines like AmaWaterways, and partnerships like the one between Celebrity and Canyon Ranch.