Thursday, October 20, 2016

Sir Richard Branson Announces Virgin Voyages

In his typically splashy style, Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson revealed Virgin Voyages as the inspiring new identity for the company’s soon-to-launch cruise line.

Joined by Virgin’s President and CEO Tom McAlpin, they announced the name, and shared that Virgin Voyages has officially signed a ship building contract for three vessels with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. Also revealed is that the company will be the first cruise line to adopt the clean energy system, Climeon Ocean. The event held at the Faena Hotel Miami Beach featured a stunning theatrical performance where Sir Richard appeared with two performers who danced on deck chairs—pictured above. Sadly, we don’t have a video of that to share.

Sir Richard expressed Virgin Voyages’ commitment to changing cruising for good. “Thousands of future sailors and travel professionals shared their thoughts with us and tasked us with delivering the most irresistible vacation at sea and that our name alone should leave them dizzy with anticipation,” said Sir Richard. “I’m excited to reveal we are now Virgin Voyages, and while we have lots of work ahead to build our three ships, we can’t wait to welcome you aboard the ship of things to come.”

Virgin Voyages is the first major cruise line to partner with Climeon, a world-renowned clean energy innovator. Virgin will install Climeon Ocean, a system that will transform low-grade energy into clean electricity, on all three of its ships. The resulting environmental impact will be an estimated 5,400 tons of carbon dioxide savings annually per ship—an amount that would take 180,000 trees 30 years to absorb.

Virgin Voyages’ first ship will arrive at PortMiami in 2020, hosting more than 2,700 sailors and 1,150 spirited crew members. For the first ship, Virgin Voyages will offer a range of Caribbean itineraries to ports that deliver unique and very social experiences. Future sailors are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting VirginVoyages.com. Note that on a Virgin Voyage you will be a sailor, not simply a passenger. We can hardly wait to see what other surprises Sir Richard has in store!

Image Courtesy Virgin Voyages

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