It’s official. You’ll soon be able to fly Virgin to your Virgin Cruise using Virgin Money after months of working out at your local Virgin Active Health Club.
NOTE: The image above is a mockup created by KarryOn using an image of a ship designed by Oliver Hoffmann/Shutterstock
That’s right, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group has confirmed the entrepreneur is moving into the cruise business with his very own cruise line, Virgin Cruises.
Starting up with two new-build ships, the new Virgin off-shoot is being backed by asset management firm, Bain Capital and is expected to set sail in 2017.
It is the first major cruise line to enter the sector since Disney Cruise Lines in 1996.
Branson’s company said further details are being withheld until closer to the launch for competitive reasons.
However based on the fun spin he put on flying, it’s safe to assume Branson is going after the mass-market.
Meaning he’ll be going up against lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines.
If that’s the case, he’ll need to put on his innovative hat [which we assume he will anyway] because existing cruise companies like Royal Caribbean are already making waves at sea with robotic bartenders, dancing robots and satellites that follow ships around the world to offer high-speed internet.
We cannot wait to see him top that [no pressure]!
Meanwhile, Branson has appointed Tom McAlpin, a former Disney Cruise Line president as the first chief executive of Virgin Cruises.
“We plan to shake up the cruise industry… and deliver a holiday that customers will absolutely love.”
Sir Richard Branson