Further details of the new generation ships to be deployed by newly-formed Virgin Cruises are due to be unveiled today.
Information about the new entrant’s plans to “shake up the cruise industry” is due to be revealed at a press conference in Miami.
The latest venture by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson (pictured) is expected to include two 170,000-ton ships, which are due to enter service from 2019.
Former Disney Cruise Line president Tom McAlpin was announced as chief executive of Virgin Cruises in December.
The line is to be based in Miami with plans to design a pair of “world class” cruise ships.
Sir Richard said in December: “We plan to shake up the cruise industry and deliver a holiday that customers will absolutely love.
“They’ll be sailing on the latest ships offering great quality, a real sense of fun, and many exciting activities all delivered with the famed Virgin service.”
Leading private investment firm, Bain Capital, is working with Virgin Group on the new venture.
The firm’s managing director, Stephen Pagliuca, said in December: “From our earliest conversations with the Virgin team, we recognised there is a unique opportunity here to help build the next great cruise line serving travellers from around the world.”
He added that Virgin Cruises will “help reshape consumers’ expectations of what a cruise experience can be”.
McAlpin said at the time of his appointment: “Cruise guests deserve something better and different to what is being offered today, and Virgin Cruises is committed to creating breathtaking experiences for them and a new generation of guests.
“Opportunities like this do not come often, so I am very excited to lead this business and introduce the Virgin brand to the cruise industry, as it has always put customers at the heart of what it does.”