Richard Branson is launching his first super yacht-inspired cruise – and kids are BANNED
IF you've ever fancied yourself sailing the high seas like a billionaire - the dream might be closer than you think.
Sir Richard Branson is launching his first cruise ship and it's modelled on the world's top super yachts.
The fancy Virgin Voyages ship can't be enjoyed by everyone though - kids are banned.
Set to launch in 2020, the ship, know as her "lady ship", will accommodate 2,700 passengers (or “sailors” as they call them) — all of whom will need to be over 18.
While many cruise lines market themselves to families — with water slides, rides and kids’ activities a key part of the on-board offering — Virgin is taking a different tack, pitching its ship as “adult by design”.
It follows the lead of another relative newcomer to ocean cruising, Viking, which has already launched two adults-only ships and has plans for more.
Virgin says the decision to ban children was based on feedback from travellers who are “looking for a more elevated and premium experience, with a few Virgin style surprises”.
Branson reckons his Virgin Voyages vessels will be “the most recognisable ship sailing the seven seas”.
At the start of the ship’s construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa, Italy, this week, which they called a "ship tease", Virgin Voyages president and CEO Tom McAlpin called the ship “a place where rejuvenating day-life meets exciting night-life”.
He added: “The entire ship will be built with an attention to detail, reflecting the craftsmanship and materiality inspired by super yachts."
Along with smoked glass windows, 86 per cent of all cabins will feature a sea terrace and 93 per cent an ocean view.
The ship will feature distinct livery, a sleek grey hull and a topless mermaid at the bow of the ship.
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While the details of the cruise ship’s itineraries are yet to be revealed, the company is already taking deposits.
Potential customers can sign up to secure access to an exclusive pre-sale before Virgin Voyages goes on general sale, by making a £381 refundable deposit.
Richard Branson said: "We basically decided, ‘Let’s have a blank sheet of paper, let’s create the kind of voyage company that we would like to go on,’ and that’s what we’ve done.”
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