Agents invited to invest in new cruise line
Travel agents are being invited to back a new cruise line devoted entirely to active and wellness travel.
Blue World Voyages, led by former Starbucks president John B Richards, is seeking investment through the Wefunder crowdfunding platform, where agents and passengers are being encouraged to become shareholders in the company.
Those who invest will also have a say in the cruise line’s product development by becoming members of the Blue World Founders Club. They will be asked their opinions on cabin design, menus, itineraries and equipment and other items.
Founder Club members will also get perks such as discounts to match their investment, sports and spa credit, priority booking, cabin upgrades, an invitation to a sail-away party and discounts on onboard purchases.
Blue World Voyages was due to launch in May, but it’s first ship is now due to be launched in May 2019. The cruise line is planning to refit an existing 900-passenger ship with larger cabins for just 350 guests. One deck will be devoted to sports and fitness and another to spa and wellness services.
In its pitch on Wefunder, where it values the company at $100 million, Blue World states: "Consumers are tired of the traditional, one-size-fits-all cruise experience. The market for specialty, single-focus cruises has grown 21% each year for the last 5 years.
"At Blue World, we’re creating a new market within specialty cruises: active living cruises. In the U.S. alone, there are an estimated 41 million people ages 35 to 65 dedicated to healthy lifestyles. To serve this growing market, we plan to have three ships in 5 years – and we have the executive leadership to make this happen."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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