Blue World Voyages

Blue World Voyages is a new cruise line focused on health and wellness.

This cruise caters to the more than 41 million healthy, active U.S. adults by offering what the company calls “Active Lifestyle Cruising.”

Instead of water slides and slot machines, Blue World Voyages cruise ships offer decks devoted entirely to sports and fitness. These decks feature stationary bikes, batting cages, golf simulators, and sea-water lap pools.

Blue World Voyages aims to fill its cruises with a combination of passengers and full-time residents. The company projects sales of its permanent residences to bring in up to $105 million in revenue, while passenger revenue will reach approximately $1 million per week when the ship is sailing.

This company is led by co-founder Fredy Dellis, the former President International of Hertz Corporation and CEO of World at ResidenSea, the first-ever residential ship to enter the cruise industry.

Blue World Voyages plans to set sail on its maiden voyage in 2021.

Team Background

Fredy Dellis - Co-Founder

Fredy brings extensive business experience to Blue World Voyages, including leadership roles with companies in the cruise industry.

He was the former President and CEO of The World of ResidenSea, the first luxury residential cruise ship. In addition, he served as CEO of Ocean Star Cruises, where he developed and launched a line of ships.

He formerly served as President International of Burger King, and of Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HRI).

Fredy studied Advanced Management and Business Administration at Harvard Business School.

John Richards - Co-Founder & CEO

John has significant domain experience, having served as Vice President of Marketing for Royal Viking Cruise Line.

Prior to that, he worked as a sales manager for Procter & Gamble and a strategic developer for McKinsey and Company.

For 10 years, he served as Executive Vice President of Four Seasons Hotels (NYSE: FS), managing the company’s North American and European operations.

He formerly served as President of North American Operations for Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), where he grew the company from 500 stores to 3000 in three years.

John was the former President and CEO of Dean and DeLuca, a chain of upscale grocery stores. In addition, he served as an advisory partner for The New England Consulting Group, a company providing marketing and counsel to Fortune 500 businesses.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Bucknell University and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania.

Hal Gassenheimer - Chief Financial Officer

Before joining Blue World, Hal served as Treasurer for Cunard Seabourn Cruise Line.

Prior to that, he spent more than 23 years as an executive with ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM).

Hal served as Chief Financial Officer for several companies, including Littlebanc Advisors, an investment bank, and Avalon Research Group, a financial business.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Harvard.

Gene Meehan - Co-Founder & Chairman

Prior to starting Blue World Voyages, Gene served as President and Founder of The Downtown Athletic Club. This was the largest commercial health club serving executives in the Miami, Florida area.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from St. John’s University.

Co-Investors