Virgin Cruises is to launch a new cruise line company in 2020 and has commissioned the construction of three new ‘mid-size ships’ capable of carrying 2,800 guests each to enter the Caribbean cruise market.

 

The new cruise contender has selected PortMiami as its home port after signing a binding letter of intent with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the three new vessels.

 

Each ship will comprise around 110,000 gross tons, with consecutive deliveries in 2020, 2021 and 2022. They will all feature 1,430 guest cabins and be staffed by 1,150 crew. Embarking from PortMiami, Virgin Cruises is currently planning to offer a range of seven-day Caribbean itineraries, with a Sunday sail date.

 

 

“This is a very exciting day for Virgin and travellers around the globe,” said Virgin Group Chairman Richard Branson. “We now have the right partners in place to build a world-class cruise line that will redefine the cruising experience for good.

 

“The Virgin Cruises approach will appeal to cruisers and non-cruisers alike, and we look forward to being in Miami and delivering an experience for people who want a new way to cruise.”

 

Virgin says that its binding letter of intent with Fincantieri is the first part of a two-step process with both companies committed to signing a contract at the end of 2015 and the PortMiami agreement will be presented at the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners meeting on 30 June, 2015.

 

 

“We are committed to making waves in the cruise industry, and partnering with Fincantieri and PortMiami sets Virgin Cruises up to do just that,” said Virgin Cruises CEO Tom McAlpine.

 

“Today’s announcement brings together important ingredients in our future success – Miami’s vibrant culture paired with the excellent Port infrastructure and Port team; and Fincantieri’s expertise in prototyping, their creativity and understanding of our vision.”