A company is turning former cruise ships into floating hotels — see inside its largest 'floatel'

Brittany ChangApr 17, 2024, 21:03 IST

Bridgemans Services Group operates a fleet of former cruise ships that have been converted into workforce "floatels."Jeff Vinnick, Bridgemans Services Group

Bridgemans ServicesGroup operates a fleet of former cruise ships turned into hotels.
Its "floatels" are designed to house workers during long-term projects.

Some old and unwanted cruise ships meet their demise at ship-breaking yards, where they are disassembled and sold for scrap.

Other vessels find a more fortunate fate, receiving a second chance to do what they already do best: serve as floating hotels.

Canada-based Bridgemans Services Group buys and charters former cruise ships to turn into "floatels," outfitted with standard cruise amenities like daily housekeeping, buffets, and relaxing lounges.

But the ships aren't designed to transport tourists from one destination to another anymore. Instead, companies turn to Bridgeman when they need to house workers for a long-term project, whether it be the construction of an offshore wind farm in Europe or the shooting of a major film in a remote destination.

Floatels can accommodate workers in remote destinations where hotels might not be an option.

The company also charters vessels long-term.Bridgemans Services Group

Over the last decade, Bridgemans has deployed its ships for 15 projects on every continent, Brian Grange, the company's president, told Business Insider.

As former cruise ships, the vessels already come with necessities like water and sewage treatment, auditoriums, and bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.Bridgemans Services Group

The company's three ships range from 150 to 652 cabins.

Isabelle X is docked at the construction site, allowing workers to walk to work. Bridgemans Services Group

Isabelle X underwent a six-month retrofit before it was sent to Howe Sound.

MV Isabelle X's dining room before (left) and after (right) its refit.Bridgemans Service Group

During their free time, workers can play billiards, relax in the outdoor lounge, or use the ship’s WiFi to catch up on social media.

The ship has several scenic lounges and a "game" lounge.Bridgemans Services Group

The 'quiet lounges' are the go-to space for people who need to unwind after a long work day.

The Isabelle X has also been upgraded with eco-friendly measures like the ability to run on shore power at the port, which is widely considered more environmentally friendly than relying on fuel and engines. Bridgemans Services Group

Like a typical cruise ship, Bridgemans' vessels have buffets with live cooking stations, a dessert bar, and the occasional themed night.

Isabelle X can house 70 Bridgemans' crew, including cooks, housekeeping, and safety systems operators.Bridgemans Service Group

Unlike most cruise lines, Bridgemans can pre-purchase all the food it needs before deployment.

Isabelle X's interior spans 450,000 square feet including spaces like a "VIP dining room."Bridgemans Services Group

He wouldn’t disclose the cost to rent one of Bridgemans’ floatels.

Bridgemans charges a premium for deployments in remote destinations.Bridgemans Services Group

The company’s most recent acquisition, the 150-cabin Diamond XI, is currently being retrofitted and would be ready for deployment this year.

Diamond XI is being refitted in Europe.Bridgemans Services Group

"The world has opened up to this as a valued alternative to housing," Grange told BI.

The company currently has 2,300 beds on the water, Brian Grange, president of Bridgemans Services Group, told Business Insider.Bridgemans Services Group

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A company is turning former cruise ships into floating hotels &mdash; see inside its largest 'floatel'