Branson makes Virgin voyage into cruises
The newest ocean cruise line on the block passed a major milestone recently. In an event that was broadcast on Facebook Live, Virgin Voyages cut the steel for its first cruise ship, due to hit the seas in 2020.
The as-yet-unnamed ship — known only as Ship 1 or Hull Number 6287 — is being constructed at Fincantieri’s Genoa shipyard. She will be the first of three ships launched for Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages brand with capacity for 2,700 “sailors” (Virgin’s term for passengers) apiece and a crew of 1,150.
Virgin Voyages has recruited industry veteran Tom McAlpin to serve as president and CEO. McAlpin comes to Virgin after stints at Disney Cruise Line and private residential condominium ship The World.
During his time at Disney Cruise Line, McAlpin was involved with the launch of the line’s debut vessels Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. They were two of the most unique cruise ships to debut in the late 1990s and McAlpin seems equally enthusiastic about Virgin Voyages’ first ship.
“The design collective includes some of the world’s most stylish firms who are creators of design trends, not followers,” McAlpin said. “Together they are imagining a vessel unlike anything sailors have experienced before that will be a complete departure from the ordinary. With this group, we have a depth in creativity that brings a different perspective to space design at sea that will change cruising for good. Irresistible style will finally find its sea legs.”
At this point, little is known about the design and features of Virgin’s debut ship other than a few renderings that have been floating around on the Internet.
What is known, however, is Ship 1 will be based out of Miami in 2020, where she will operate cruises to the Caribbean. The line has stated its intent to target younger passengers and is placing great emphasis on the ship’s unique design.
The steel-cutting ceremony is a huge milestone for any ship, but it is particularly noteworthy for a new line like Virgin Voyages. With the official start of construction, Virgin’s Ship 1 goes from being an idea on paper into a full-fledged cruise ship that you and I can set foot on. All we have to do now is wait three years.
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