248th MONTHLY EDITION - October 2026
248th MONTHLY EDITION — OCTOBER 2026
WE’RE BACK — AND THERE IS A LOT TO UPDATE YOU ON!
Dear Members and Friends,
After what was an incredibly difficult September for Annette and me, October has been about picking ourselves up, getting back to work and continuing the journey we started together.
Thank you again for the wonderful messages, calls and support following the loss of Annette’s uncle and, just two days later, her Mum, Denise. We are still coming to terms with everything that happened, but we know that life must continue — and there is certainly no shortage of work ahead of us!
VOYAGER I — THE PROJECT IS MOVING FORWARD
There is now considerable activity behind the scenes as we continue working towards making VOYAGER I a reality.
Our objective remains unchanged:
To create something Australia has never had before — a luxury residential cruise concept designed specifically for the over-60s market.
September may have slowed us personally, but the project itself continued to progress.
We have been working across a number of important areas including:
- Ship acquisition and negotiations
- Funding and investment options
- Technical and certification requirements
- Shipyard and refurbishment discussions
- Legal and corporate structure
- Cabin ownership and residential concepts
- Marketing and member engagement
- Future onboard facilities and experiences
Importantly, we are continuing to examine more than one vessel opportunity, ensuring that we ultimately select the right ship rather than simply the first ship that becomes available.
THE OCEANA OPPORTUNITY
One of the most significant areas of activity has been our continued work around the former P&O Oceana.
We have been in detailed discussions regarding the vessel, its condition, certification, refurbishment requirements and the commercial structure necessary to bring her back into service.
We have also continued discussions around her sister ship, which gives us another potential pathway to consider.
This is a major decision, and we are approaching it carefully.
Our philosophy has always been:
Buy the right ship, structure the right deal and then build the right product.
FUNDING
Funding discussions have also continued internationally.
We are assessing several potential funding structures rather than relying on a single source of capital. This is particularly important given the scale of the project and the substantial investment required for acquisition, certification, refurbishment and working capital.
We are deliberately taking our time to ensure that any funding partner is properly aligned with the long-term vision for VOYAGER I.
We are not simply looking for money. We are looking for the right financial partner.
THE FIRM MEMBERS — OUR GREATEST ASSET
One thing has become even clearer to me during the past few months.
The greatest asset behind this project isn't the ship.
It is you — our members.
For approximately 30 years, The FIRM has built a community of successful property investors and retirees. That community gives us something very few new businesses could ever replicate.
It is that existing relationship and trust that gives VOYAGER I its foundation.
The vision is to eventually give our members the opportunity to participate in something that goes far beyond a conventional cruise holiday.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF CRUISE LINE
VOYAGER I is being developed around a very different philosophy.
It is intended to combine:
RESIDENCE + TRAVEL + COMMUNITY + LIFESTYLE + INVESTMENT
Rather than simply taking a holiday for a few weeks each year, the concept is to create an environment where our members can spend meaningful periods of their retirement travelling the world — while maintaining the comfort, familiarity and community of a home at sea.
And importantly, we want to create a vessel where age is not something to hide — it is something to celebrate.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
There is still a long way to go.
There will undoubtedly be challenges, negotiations, surprises and probably a few more sleepless nights along the way!
But after everything Annette and I have experienced recently, I am even more conscious of how precious time is.
That makes the VOYAGER I vision even more meaningful.
We are not building this simply to operate another cruise ship.
We are trying to create somewhere our members can make memories — while they are still young enough to enjoy them.
So, after a very difficult September, The FIRM is back at work.
And I believe the months ahead could be some of the most exciting in our history.
Thank you for continuing to believe in us, supporting us and, most importantly, being part of the journey.
Warmest regards,
John Ibbitson
Founder & President
The FIRM International Cruise Lines
