by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 2:26 PM ET, Tue January 22, 2019
The world's first sports and wellness-focused ship is preparing to set sail.
Blue World Voyages announced today that its inaugural voyage will take place this summer aboard a ship that will be the first to dedicate an entire deck to sports, exercise and wellness.
The deck in question will be outfitted with golf and soccer simulators, batting cages, a functional training center and yoga, spinning and TRX studios.
Blue World Voyages also plans to offer a unique ship configuration that includes 26 luxury one- and two-bedroom residences.
"The 350-guest sports and wellness-centered ship will carve an entirely new niche in the worldwide specialty cruise segment: active lifestyle cruising," the company said in a statement.
With the global wellness industry now worth $4.2 trillion and wellness tourism currently experiencing 6.5 percent annual growth-more than double the growth rate of general tourism-the new cruise line is aiming to meet the growing demand of travelers who are seeking to stay healthy and active while on vacation.
"Blue World Voyages was created for health-conscious individuals, sports and fitness enthusiasts and those in search of personal improvement," Gene Meehan, chairman and founder, Blue World Voyages, said in a statement. "Our focus on active lifestyle cruising is not an option or an add-on; it forms the core of our overall cruise travel experience, deeply embedded in every aspect of the product, from ship design and onboard programs to dining options and itineraries."
In addition to a ship deck dedicated to sports, exercise and wellness, a second full deck will be focused exclusively on spa and rejuvenation. The largest per-guest spa afloat will feature a relaxing therapy tub, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and solarium.
The ship will also offer three pools, including, when docked, a seawater lap pool that will be lowered directly into the ocean adjacent to the vessel for guests to swim in the deep blue depths.
Additional highlights of the new ship include locally-sourced farm-to-table cuisine and active shore excursions featuring snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, biking, running and more.
Blue World's inaugural season is slated to kick-off with a tour of the Mediterranean, stopping in such destinations as Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Portugal, Corsica and Croatia.
"As a smaller, more intimate vessel, Blue World Voyages will take guests to ports that larger cruises cannot, allowing them to explore unspoiled reefs, hidden waterfalls, and secluded hiking and biking trails, among other activities," the company said.
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