Now I am a fan of Richard Branson. I do think he will always be a people person and I think most people actually like him. I do like Virgin Atlantic and I believe he should have had the Lottery instead of Camelot. Now I see he’s looking to build a couple of Cruise ships. This I have mixed opinions of. Virgin Atlantic is great for all. Excellent kids packs for the little ones and Premium Economy as well as the lush Upper Class Suites.
However, I am a bit concerned with his reputation and Virgin being fun for all if we really need this in the Cruise market. A lot of Ocean liners already cater for everyone and I’m up for fair competition but I would hate to see him get this project wrong.
We’ve had Ocean Village for those who don’t do Cruises and although we have fun ships like Carnival I would just hate to see the famous Virgin logo looking a bit cheap and tacky. I just get the feeling the ships would be just replacing the old Ocean Village style of cruising. Of course there is a market for it now Ocean village has gone but I’m just not so sure if Virgin should be the ones to fill the gap.
I may be wrong and it could be an awesome ship but I just can’t imagine a big ocean liner with the Virgin logo on the ship with a name like Hot lips like he seems to name all his planes. Would the staff also be in traditional Virgin uniforms? Easily recognisable. I can even imagine the bars being in colours of Purple like the mood lighting on the planes.
I don’t think Branson does anything being poor quality I personally would just wouldn’t want one of his ships to be the replacement for Ocean Village.
I think it would attract the wrong clientele and I think Virgin is better than that. What do you think?