216th MONTHLY EDITION
DECEMBER 2023
Good morning, Fellow Members,
As the holiday season approaches, we and our team want to extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering loyalty and support throughout the past year. Your dedication and perseverance have been commendable, and we are truly grateful for the privilege of being part of your journey.
As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the promise of a new year, we understand the importance of equipping oneself with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the cruise ship industry market effectively.
I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you - an Australian Government representative has approached us to provide a facility to circumnavigate Australia regularly! This collaboration marks a significant milestone for us, and we're eagerly anticipating the developments that 2024 will bring.
We want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your continued partnership and trust. We are here to support you every step of your investment journey.
We wish you a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, love, and newfound opportunities. May 2024 bring you the professional growth and success you truly deserve.
Stay tuned for more details as they become available. We're committed to keeping you updated every step of the way, and we look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we're excited to see what the future holds.
Stay Healthy, Wealthy & Wise!!!
Chat soon!
Kindest regards,
Annette & John
215th MONTHLY EDITION
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023
"5 New Cruise Lines That Want To Begin Offering Cruises by 2027"
Good Moring Fellow Members,
As you know, The FIRM International Cruise Lines continues to sell cabins onboard AQUA REGATTA. She continues her world tour after leaving Australia in late January, returning at the end of December/January 2024 to sell the remaining cabins. Stay tuned to receive your invitation. to tour and enjoy a sumptuous luncheon onboard when it arrives at your closest seaport.
Over the past several years, a few new cruise lines started operations and began offering cruises. They include Explora Journeys, Atlas Ocean Cruises, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Virgin Voyages. There have also been several failed startups for new cruise lines with projects that had trouble getting off the ground.
Several more new cruise lines are looking to begin sailing over the next four years. Here is a look at each of them and what we know.
Four Seasons
Four Seasons is the latest luxury hotel brand to launch a cruise line. Four Seasons Yachts is scheduled to sail its first cruise in late 2025 and promises to be unlike any other experience at sea.
The cruise line’s yachts will offer 50% more living space per guest than is currently available, and each suite will cost $4.2 million to build. The ship will have 95 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive terraces. 60% of the suites will have at least 818 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.
The Funnel Suite will be massive at 9,601 square feet, including a private wading pool and dedicated spa area.
Due to limited inventory, initial access to bookings on Four Season Yachts is by invitation only. The cruise line has a waitlist for those who would like to sail with them.
Suites are expected to cost an average of $5,000 per day and will begin sailing from Miami in December 2025. The ship’s maiden season will sail to the Caribbean before heading to the Mediterranean in March 2026.
Ocean Residences
Ocean Residences Development has an exciting project called NJORD, which promises to be “the finest address everywhere in the world”. It will have 117 apartments for those passionate about travel, adventure, and discovery. NJORD will redefine luxury at sea and be one of the most exclusive clubs in the world.
Residences will start at $8.5 million and range from 1,500 to 9,000 square feet. It will be 86,000 gross tons in size and be the world’s largest residential superyacht.
It will have a helicopter, two submarines, an Atmospheric Observatory, zodiacs, autonomous subsea and aerial drones, a fully equipped dive center, a house of worship, and a wet and dry laboratory.
When the ship is completed, a private jet will fly you to your new home onboard NJORD. You will travel the world and experience things only a few dream about.
The ship would be built at Meyer Werft, a shipyard that builds cruise ships for most major cruise lines.
Aman
In 2027, Aman at Sea will launch their first 50 suite luxury yacht enter the world of cruising. There’s not much known about Aman at Sea at this time but it will keep with the company’s core values of privacy, peace, generosity of space, and unparalleled service.
Aman said that this yet-to-be-named yacht will define a whole new category of water exploration and is being designed by SINOT Yacht Architecture & Design.
Aman has been in business for three decades, pioneering resort, hotel, residence, and lifestyle brands.
Storylines
Storylines was announced in 2018 with a plan to offer affordable condos that you can live in starting at $155,000. They had plans to launch in 2019, with a second ship to follow soon after. They would buy older cruise ships and remodel them into homes at sea.
The company has pivoted and plans to build a brand new ship and signed a deal with the Brodosplit shipyard in Croatia to custom-build a new vessel. The new ship was scheduled to debut in 2025, but due to the shipyard's bankruptcy issues, the maiden voyage is now tentatively scheduled for 2026. Construction has not yet begun on the ship, and the shipyard suspended production due to financial problems in May.
Prices for condos on MV Narrative start at $875,000 and go up to $8,000,000 and have up to four-bedroom configurations.
MV Narrative will have 20 dining and bar concepts and a marina in the back of the ship to launch kayaks and jet skis.
Storylines are also offering fractional shares on a limited number of residences.
Villa Vie Residences
Villa Vie Residences was announced two months ago, and their first ship plans to circumnavigate the world every three and a half years. Prices will start at $89 per day, or you can buy a cabin for as cheap as $100,000. The cruise would visit 420 ports and be 1,301 days long.
The cruise line gave a maiden voyage date of May 2024, but the cruise line told Cruise Fever that they currently do not have a ship.
New Cruise Lines With Projects That Look to Be Dead or On Life Support
Life at Sea Cruises
Cruise Fever stated - Billed as the world’s first three-year cruise, Life at Sea Cruises was announced earlier this year with a planned maiden voyage of November 1, 2023. The voyage was delayed until November 11 and, as of November 18, has yet to set sail. Why?
Life at Sea Cruises was in talks with Carnival Corporation to buy AIDAAura but could not close the deal. They planned to buy the cruise ship, renovate it during an 18-day dry dock, and begin the three-year cruise. Cruise Fever reached out to Life at Sea Cruises last week asking about the ship and received a response saying that “they were unable to provide commentary” at this time but would have an answer for us soon.
However, the cruise ship was purchased by another cruise line, Celestyal Cruises, a couple of days ago and is no longer on the market.
While Life at Sea Cruises’ website is still promoting the cruise even though it’s unlikely to sail, some of their social media links point to another new cruise line, Villa Vie Residences.
Blue World Voyages
Blue World Voyages promised to be the world’s first cruise line fully dedicated to sports and wellness. It would be a cruise for active people with an entire deck designed around sports and fitness.
Like many other startups, they would have some cabins on the ship that you could buy and live in.
This all-inclusive cruise line has given several dates on when they would start offering cruises. However, they have yet to purchase a ship, and their website has no longer a start date. The last start date they gave was 2023.
In 2018, the cruise line said they had plans to purchase three ships and begin sailing in 2019. Unfortunately, this cruise line dedicated to sports and wellness will never sail.
214th MONTHLY EDITION
SEPTEMBER 2023
"Australian retirees living out golden years on cruise ships amid cost of living crisis"
Retirees are giving the traditional aged care home a miss and instead choosing a life on the high seas.
Good morning, Fellow Members,
An interesting article is about how other corporations now follow The FIRM International Cruise Lines by example. Yet, our cabins and body corporate fees are more affordable than they are for all your investment portfolios we have managed over the past 30+ years. Not to mention the BUY BACK OPTION to provide our members an exit strategy for the future.
Have a wonderful month and chat to you soon as both Annette & I have booked to see Paul McCartney live on the Gold Coast.
213th MONTHLY EDITION
AUGUST 2023
Good morning members,
What a nail-biting experience for the team, especially for Ellie Carpenter, who we have known for many years.
Great to see this special bond between Scott and Ellie, which reflects on the entire team who have established a beautiful legacy for Australian sporting children and parents. The sponsorship industry has certainly been stimulated thanks to the massive media coverage and Government support.
Australia went on to defeat France 7-6 on penalty kicks, with the Matildas becoming the first senior Australian team to make a world cup semi-final. The quarter-final match between Australia and France also saw the longest penalty shootout in the FIFA Women's World Cup history.
The Matildas were defeated 3-1 by England in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals on the 16th of August. Matilda's campaign ended with a 2-0 loss to Sweden to finish fourth. Australia's fourth-place finish marked the highest-ever finish of any Australian soccer team at senior level.
Stay safe until we speak again.
Good morning Fellow members,
Words can not express how I am feeling today seeing Ellie Carpenter #21 ... YES, speechless :) ....GO MATILDA'S!!!!!
Ellie Carpenter is Annette's sister's husband's daughter who we have followed for many years. The whole team performed exceptionally well especially when the entire Australian population was there to support them with record attendance at the Gabba compared to the 300 to 600 fans in their earlier days.
Now they are in the semi-finals against England which will be the greatest game ever setting the milestone for Australian sport.
212th MONTHLY EDITION NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2023
"Thank You SYDNEY"
Good afternoon Fellow members,
Thank you, Sydney for turning on the perfect weather as we were all welcomed onboard OCEANIA REGATTA.
I have to say, without a glimmer of doubt, that REGATTA would have to be one of the most exquisite designs for a small cruise liner that I have ever seen. Everything flowed seamlessly with a well-rehearsed and polished crew, thank you!
The better-than-new Regatta blends sophistication with a contemporary flair to create a casually elegant ambiance that embodies the most treasured elements of their celebrated ships. Every surface of every suite and stateroom is entirely new, while in the public spaces, a refreshed color palette of soft sea and sky tones surrounds a tasteful renewal of fabrics, furnishings, and lighting fixtures that exquisitely encompasses the elaborate style and comfort that we are accustomed to feeling like we are home.
The Executive Chef went all out to impress us with a 4-course luncheon in the GRAND DINING ROOM served by impeccable waiters who had an eye for detail.
Keep your dates available as REGATTA is coming close to your harbour soon.
Contact Our Ambassador for The FIRM Reena Strehle 0412 994 459 for more details.
Chat to you al very soon!
"GET READY SYDNEY"
Good afternoon Fellow members,
Our tour continues, circumnavigating the Australian coastline, with the best welcoming parties eager to board and inspect this beautiful cruise ship Oceania REGATTA.
I have been blown away by the genuine comments that you would have seen on social media and private emails. Some members have woken early and positioned themselves to video her arriving in their harbour as this grand lady drifts past with sheer elegance.
One of our members told me that they had a bad experience on a cruise ship recently so may have been difficult to convince her husband onboard. Well, just before he placed his feet on the deck he turned around to his wife and said, "This is different from what I was expecting" with a smile. After the tour, he said to his wife "I feel like I am home and we can share this with our friends" so they are now considering 3 cabins side by side, two are for their friends.
Another member boarded with his family, and loved it so much that he didn't want his passport back as he wanted to stay on board :))
Cabin sales will be updated daily, we have now 31 members who have already committed with EOI (Expression of Interest) and reserved specific cabins. To secure cabins we require a fully refundable deposit of $1,000 held in the Lawyers Trust Account until settlement. We are targeting mid to late February/March 2023 for settlement.
Most of us are now back to our routine of life, so if your friends/relatives would like to explore the opportunity to consider a cabin we would be honoured to welcome them onboard for a tour and luncheon in our Grand Dining Room to sample the permanent lifestyle of other members.
Oceania REGATTA will only be in Australia until 28th February 2023 leaving SYDNEY to continue her world tour.
To avoid disappointment please note that we are very restricted by Australian Border Force, limiting passengers boarding to be approved from Canberra 10 days in advance.
JANUARY 2023
16th SYDNEY
18th MELBOURNE
20th BURNIE Tas
24th TIMARU NZ
25th CHRISTCHURCH
26th WELLINGTON
27th NAPIER NZ
28th GIBSON NZ
29th BAY of ISLANDS
30th AUCKLAND
31st BAY of ISLANDS
Contact Reena Strehle, Ambassador to The FIRM International Cruise Lines for more details.
I look forward to seeing you onboard very soon!
Kindest regards,
John
Good afternoon fellow members,
What a perfect day today, Saturday 7th January in the lovely Port of Adelaide. It was indeed an honour to be introduced to so many new faces as many of our South Australian members are all still away on holiday, so they referred some close friends and relatives to explore the opportunity to consider purchasing a cabin.
Comments from everyone again were the quality of service and attention to detail from the crew have been outstanding,
Thank you to everyone who has made this possible including a shout-out to Arthur Huis In't Veld and our lovely Ambassador Reena Strehle who flew from Perth this morning to greet all our members. Thank you, everyone!
Heading off tomorrow, the 8th of January to Kangaroo Island, and then it's the members from Victoria's turn to shine.
8th January - Kangaroo Island, South Australia
9th January - Portland, Victoria
10th January - Phillip Island, Victoria
11th January - Melbourne, Victoria
Then we are heading directly to Tasmania so stay tuned for the next exciting episode
We apologise in advance that Australian Border Security has limited us to 25 guests to board per port with at least 10 days' notice.
Chat to you soon!
ONE WEEK ONLY
"Members & VIP Guests are invited before she leaves on her WORLD TOUR"
Oceania Cruise Lines has kindly offered The FIRM the exclusive opportunity for a limited number of its members to come onboard during its stopover around Australia. You are hereby invited to attend this very special occasion.
Oceania Regatta is a fine example of the exact type of vessel The FIRM International Cruise Lines plans to purchase in the future.
Call our Ambassador to The FIRM - Reena Strehle 0412 994 459 to book your tour and enjoy the hospitality of the Executive Chef's luncheon in the Grand Dining Room.
Book early as very limited availability for this special event!
See you onboard soon!
Kindest regards,
John
"Historic Day for The FIRM & our Members"
Good afternoon fellow members,
Well, today was one of the most exciting days to commence the New Year for many of our members in Western Australia who had the opportunity to tour AQUA REGATTA today.
The weather was picture-perfect, the Border Security was thorough, then everyone boarded. The immediate comments were WOW from everyone as they were greeted by the crew who made everyone feel extra special.
Comments from Reena, our Liasion Officer -
"The crew of the ship gave us a memorable experience. They refer to all on the ship as a family. I picked up the vibes of great culture and willingness to work as a team.
The food was so delicious and beautifully presented. Everyone just wanted to give us a fabulous time. Beautiful Christmas decorations and gingerbread houses around the ship gave it a wonderfully festive feeling".
I had the opportunity to meet everyone after they enjoyed the sumptuous luncheon that the chef prepared in the Grand Dining Room. The crew arranged for a ZOOM call on the screens in the Lounge. I could only imagine how scary that must have been seeing me larger than life on the 3 giant screens...Ha-ha!!!.. Sorry about that :(
Judging from the response of everyone today, they were all very excited to proceed to the next level to reserve a cabin of their choice.
I look forward to catching up with members at Margaret River port tomorrow and then on the 4th of January we are in Albany, Western Australia.
We then cross the Great Australian Bite to South Australia to Adelaide on the 7th of January and on the 8th of January Kangaroo Island.
Hope to see you whilst we are on tour!
Chat to you all very soon!
1st of January 2023"
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all the members of Western Australia who are excited to explore the opportunity to purchase a cabin onboard.
We would be honoured for you to join us onboard Oceania REGATTA for a Tour and sumptuous luncheon prepared by the Executive Chef in our Grand Dining Room for NEW YEARS DAY.
Call me on 0414 888 186 or Reena in Perth for details as we are required to supply details to satisfy Freemantle's Border Security.
Oceania Cruise Lines has kindly offered The FIRM the exclusive opportunity for a limited number of its members to come on board the Oceania Regatta during its stopover in Port of Freemantle on the 1st of January 2023.
You are hereby invited to attend this special occasion. Oceania Regatta is a fine example of the exact type of vessel The FIRM has plans to purchase in the future.
Enjoy this opportunity with Reena and look forward to receiving plenty of pictures and comments after your inspection.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our members, friends, and relatives as this year will be the most memorable year in the history of The FIRM, thank you for playing an important part in this most memorable day!
Thank you for your ongoing dedication & support as The FIRM continues its exciting journey into the future.
Kindest regards,
John & Annette
211th MONTHLY EDITION
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
"Fair Winds & Following Seas"
Good afternoon Fellow members,
Firstly, I wish to thank all of you for your ongoing support to explore AQUA SAPPHIRE for retirement. Thank you also for providing pictures of her entering your harbour in Australia.
VIP GUESTS - GRAND TOUR of AQUA SAPPHIRE
We are organising a Grand Tour at most seaports around Australia & New Zealand for the month of January and February 2023. This will include the cabins that you are considering purchasing.
Then join us in the Grand Dining Room for a sumptuous luncheon that the Executive Chef has prepared especially for you. This is also the chance to meet other members of your community who have been members of The FIRM for as long as you have been members, perhaps a neighbour. :))
We are limited to only 30 guests onboard at one time, so if you are considering inspecting your cabin then you need to register your name to become a VIP GUEST, please contact me ASAP!!!
On behalf of our dynamic team at The FIRM and my family, we wish each and every one of you a beautiful Christmas and a safe, happy holiday.
Your thoughts and contributions of constructive ideas throughout the year have been the benchmark for us to continually improve our standards of excellence towards you and your family. We are honoured that you are part of our ever-expanding community of over 16,854 family members.
Wishing you, your family, and your friends a wonderful Christmas, with love, continual blessings, laughter, and a prosperous year ahead for 2023.
Have a great Christmas holiday and hopefully see you onboard AQUA SAPPHIRE over the next couple of months :)
Stay HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE until next time!
Chat soon!
Kindest regards,
John & Annette Ibbitson
