What Sir Richard Branson wants, he will certainly get. He has plans to launch a fleet of Virgin Cruise ships, so it’s just a matter of time when we’ll see the launch of his two new Miami-based ships, since he’s looking for investors. According to a in the UAE website The National, Branson is looking to tap Arabian Gulf investors, including UAE entities, for a US$1.7 billion loan for the construction of two new ships for the launch of the cruise line.
“We are looking at a very different kind of cruise company. We’re trying to create the kind of cruise ship that would be attractive to the kind of people who would never consider a cruise at the moment,” Sir Richard told The National.
The report added that the cruise line would be based in Miami.
“Most of the money is now committed,” Branson said, according to statement obtained by Reuters. ”We will start by building two big ships from scratch and feel the Virgin brand will work very well in cruises.”
If plans go to schedule, the line could be operational by 2019.
“We would offer more entertainment and leisure opportunities on board the ships, making them attractive to a younger market. We believe we can supply the Virgin ‘touch’ on cabins, leisure and dining facilities,” a Virgin spokesman said.
