A new render was released of the purported ship.
Blue Work Voyages is stating that they are planning on creating the first line 100% dedicated to sports, fitness, and wellness. CEO Gene Meehan, who’s background is that he ran the now-closed Miami Athletic Club, is spearheading the project. They’ve published a new exterior render and now have pushed back the initial voyages, rumored to be in the Mediterranean, until the summer of 2021. They’re citing difficulty in getting things going with a new, start-up cruise line.
They also brought in an industry veteran, Freddy Dellis, who was the CEO of ResidentSea and helped get that off the ground. I’ve been following this project closely and lately, Freddy has gone from a simple advisor, to the CEO role.
If the renders are to be believed, then there’s only eight possible ships it can be:
Based on the first renders, it was thought to be one of the original Crown Cruise Line sisters:
- Gemini (ex-Crown Jewel, Superstar Gemini, Celestyal Nefeli) – Currently under charter to Celestyal Cruises. [was thought to be the ship intended to be Blue World 1]
- Braemar (ex-Crown Dynasty, Norwegian Dynasty) – Happily sailing for Fred Olsen. And was stretched in 2009 so doesn’t match the renders.
Based on the updated render, it now appears one of the ex/current Holland America mid 90’s vessels. We know these are changing hands lately but this is some serious tonnage (~55-60,000gt and ~1,400pax) for them to be considering:
- Veendam (1996)- Currently sailing for Holland America.
- Volendam (1999)- Currently sailing for Holland America.
- Zaandam (2000)- Currently sailing for Holland America.
- Maasdam (1993)- Currently sailing for Holland America.
- Vasco da Gama (ex-Statendam, Pacific Eden)- Recently (this year) sold to the UK’s Cruise and Maritime Voyages.
- Pacific Aria (ex-Ryndam)- Transfered to P&O in 2015.
I give this about the same chance as Cruise Retirement has at taking off. It’s still strange to see Freddy attached to this project as he lends significant credibility to it.
Their best play would be to drastically downscale the operation and charter one of the old Renaissance-class vessels. These are the small yacht-like vessels built in Italy in the 90’s. (not the French-built much larger R-class currently sailing for Azamara and Oceania.) These 100-200pax vessels would be easy to charter/acquire and are already perfectly configured for active guests. I have no doubt these would be easy to fill these 3-4,000gt ships.