Author: Sibi

What happens when a seasoned entrepreneur, a wellness pioneer, and a rugged ice-class explorer yacht set off together on a global mission? You get BlueCruise—an 18-month longevity expedition aboard the 45-meter Prometej, designed to push the boundaries of how we age, live, and connect.

This journey was first introduced on the Longevity by Design podcast, where Tobias Reichmuth, co-founder of Maximon and a serial entrepreneur, shared his bold vision. Alongside co-creator Aleksandra Jovanovic, founder of Powercube and a biohacker in her own right, the two have transformed Prometej from an ex-Soviet icebreaker into a roving, high-tech wellness hub. Their shared mission: to live better, not just longer—and bring others along for the ride.

But this is no luxury cruise. BlueCruise is a living laboratory, navigating both tropical waters and Blue Zones—Okinawa, Nicoya, Sardinia, Loma Linda, and Ikaria—where people routinely live past 100. Along the way, the handpicked crew of health experts, entrepreneurs, researchers, and creatives dive deep into healthspan research, real-time diagnostics, and immersive local experiences.

Each guest undergoes full-body profiling—DNA, blood panels, microbiome, epigenetics—powered by AYUN Longevity Clinics. The data is used to craft a custom wellness protocol onboard. There’s chef-prepared precision nutrition, hyperbaric oxygen, red light therapy, cold plunges, Technogym training, and even IHHT (intermittent hypoxia–hyperoxia training).

The vibe? Equal parts biohacking retreat, think tank, and adventure collective. There’s no ticket to buy. Participation is based on curiosity, contribution, and a shared passion for solving the longevity puzzle together.

This isn’t just a podcast idea or a press headline—it’s happening now, at sea. And it’s rewriting what it means to travel, age, and thrive in the 21st century.

Photo credit: Megayacht News

Coral reefs are among the planet’s most biodiverse ecosystems—and some of the most endangered. Rising temperatures, unchecked tourism, and destructive fishing practices have pushed many reefs to the brink. But Dr. Camilla Floros, marine biologist and Program Manager for Oceans Without Borders, is at the forefront of efforts to turn the tide.

In a recent episode of the BOAT Briefing podcast, Dr. Floros shared how her work combines cutting-edge science with grassroots stewardship. The goal? Rebuild reef systems in East Africa—and ensure local communities benefit from protecting them.

A Scientist Rooted in Place

Though raised inland in South Africa, Dr. Floros’s fascination with coral began during childhood visits to Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. Over time, that fascination evolved into a career in marine biology and hands-on conservation.

Today, through the Oceans Without Borders program—run by luxury travel brand andBeyond and nonprofit Wild Impact—her team operates in both Bazaruto and northern Zanzibar. Their work focuses on restoring damaged reef systems while putting local people at the center of marine protection.

Community First, Always

What sets this program apart is its integrated approach. Local residents aren’t just consulted—they’re trained as marine rangers, involved in data collection, reef construction, and daily protection efforts.

“We rely on our rangers for everything,” says Dr. Floros. “They’re not just participants—they’re leaders.”

Education plays a major role too, with marine conservation woven into local school curricula to ensure the next generation grows up as stewards of their environment.

Turning Science Into Resilience

Dr. Floros and her team are also leveraging a new ally in the fight against reef collapse: heat-resistant “super corals.” These strains have shown a remarkable ability to survive bleaching events and are being cultivated in nurseries before being replanted across damaged sites.

One standout success: the protected reef system around Nemba Island, which was once overwhelmed by tourism. After community-led reform—including visitor caps and conservation levies—the reef has begun to recover. Coral cover is growing, fish populations are returning, and tourism revenue is being redirected into local development.

Why This Matters

Coral reefs aren’t just scenic backdrops—they’re essential infrastructure. They protect coastlines, support marine life, and generate billions in global tourism and fisheries. The loss of coral would be a humanitarian crisis as much as an ecological one.

“We need to stop thinking of reefs as someone else’s issue,” says Dr. Floros. “This is about livelihoods, climate resilience, and justice.”

What You Can Do

The advice is simple: be aware of your footprint. Whether you’re at sea or hundreds of miles from the coast, reducing waste—especially plastics—makes a difference. Trash travels, and even small individual actions have ocean-wide impacts.

Photo credit: Oceans without Boarders