Virgin Cruises, the new cruise shipping venture set up by Sir Richard Branson, has selected PortMiami as the home port for its first cruise ship that will set sail in 2020. The company has also signed a binding letter of intent with Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri for three new mid-size ships, its parent company Virgin Group said in a statement.
Cruise ships docked in Miami. Photo: Port of Miami
“Virgin Cruises’ three new mid-size ships, of about 110,000 gross tons each, are slated for delivery in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Each ship will feature 1,430 guest cabins to host more than 2,800 guests,’ the London based Virgin Group said.
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“There will also be 1,150 crew on board to look after the guests and deliver the Virgin service. Embarking from PortMiami, Virgin Cruises plans to offer a range of seven-day Caribbean itineraries, with a Sunday sail date,” the company stated.
Branson has worked on the new venture, which will be headquartered in Miami. He hired former Disney Cruise Line head Tom McAlpin as CEO. Investors from the US and the Middle Eastern Gulf region are reported to have invested in the new company.
This post was sourced from IHS Maritime 360: View the original article here.
