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Branson aims to ‘make waves’ in cruise industry
Sir Richard Branson has confirmed plans to launch two cruise ships, promising to ‘shake-up’ the cruise market.
No time frame has been disclosed for the Virgin Cruises venture, but a spokesman said it was a ‘few years away’.
It will be based in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area, with the initial focus on the Caribbean.
Tom McAlpin, a former president of Disney Cruise Line, has been appointed chief executive.
Most recently he worked at The World, Residences at Sea in the same position.
"Cruise guests deserve something better and different to what is being offered today, and Virgin Cruises is committed to creating breathtaking experiences for them and a new generation of guests," said McAlpin.
"Opportunities like this do not come often, so I am very excited to lead this business and introduce the Virgin brand to the cruise industry, as it has always put customers at the heart of what it does."
Virgin said the ships would be ‘brand new, offer exciting new activities, more choice, great service, and the sense of fun and adventure associated with Virgin’.
It added that it would work closely with its airline and tour operator business.
Bain Capital Partners, a New York-based private investment firm, is investing an undisclosed sum in the business.
No details have yet been disclosed about ship design, planned itineraries or start date.
A cruise line venture will give the Virgin Group a major presence on land, sea and air.
It already operates Virgin Trains in the UK, airline brands in the US, UK and Australia, and also the currently grounded space tourism venture Virgin Galactic.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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