Virgin enter the Cruise market

Richard Branson is a self-made man, with many fingers in many pies. He is now entering the cruise market to further strengthen his quest for global domination. (Or that’s what I think!)

In fact, he is so confident of being a success he boldly predicts that “other cruise lines will copy Virgin Voyages in “five to six years” time.” He then added, “Competition is always good in any industry” he said. “It takes years to build new ships. So I think we will have five to six years then people will start copying us but by then we will have reinvented what we have.”

The first of Virgin Voyages 3 adult-only ships, Scarlet Lady,  is due to be released in 2020. It aims to employ more female crew in roles normally dominated by males. Sir Richard Branson revealed the name at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa where it is being built.

Scarlet Lady will also do its bit for the environment by aiming to convert all waste on board into clean re-usable energy.

This initiative includes banning plastic items on board including straws, bottled water, other beverage bottles, condiment packets, shopping bags, food packaging, stirrers, and take-away coffee and tea cups. Instead, the company will emphasize the use of recyclable and reusable materials across the ship.

Tom McAlpin, the Chief executive and president added “As the (cruise sector) got bigger it had to appeal to a lot of segments but we have an opportunity to create something different and very special. The power of the Virgin brand is very important and we think we can attract people who have never cruised before.”

In a bid to make the passengers think more about healthy living, it was revealed that complimentary filtered still and sparkling water will be available in all bars and restaurants. Also, Natura filtered water stations will be available across the ship.

Does the prospect of a Virgin cruise ship appeal to you? Do you like the brand? I would love to hear your thoughts.

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