Plans have been announced for a new cruise line venture focussing on health, fitness and activities at sea, earmarked for a 2018 Mediterranean sailing launch.
Blue World Voyages is being mooted as a first-of-its-kind floating ‘sports and wellness complex’ and the first cruise startup to leverage crowdfunding.
Miami based founder and CEO Gene Meehan says it will use an all-suite 350-passenger ship and plans to launch next year.
Meehan explained: "Our attention to sports/wellness and our focus on health are not options or add-ons. They are the core of the overall cruise travel experiences we offer, embedded in the design of the ship.
"Crowdfunding provides an excellent platform for connecting with potential customers, and the process gives proof of concept. We are creating a community of like-minded travellers ."
It hopes to raise about $10 million and is seeking investment of $500 to $5,000 per person.
There will also be a residential investment concept with condominiums for sale which give buyers a stake in the new company and opportunity for rental income.
In addition to planned Med itineraries next year, Cuba sailings are also being considered.
