THE Virgin Group has ventured into the cruise line business, announcing yesterday the formation of Virgin Cruises with two new purpose-built ships.
The company, led by Tom McAlpin as CEO, is a partnership with Bain Capital and will be based in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area.
McAlpin said: “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.”
Stephen Pagliuca, a managing director with Bain Capital, said: “We know that thanks to the strategic vision laid out by our collective team, Virgin Cruises will help reshape consumers’ expectations of what a cruise experience can be.”
At press time, the company is yet to confirm its date for commencement of operations, citing competitive reasons.
