Blog | Charter News: Is It a Cruise Ship, or a Superyacht?

Earlier this year we reported on how the Ritz-Carlton hotel chain had launched a venture that known as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which created a kind of experience that was a cross between a luxury yacht charter, a five star hotel, and a cruise ship.

The venture was one of the first of a growing trend of luxury hotels and other travel businesses that cater to ultra-high net worth individuals, that are diving into the yachting industry, to create a whole new level of luxury travel.

Now, another name that is no stranger to yachts and superyachts, Sir Richard Branson, has jumped into the mix. Branson, a superyacht owner himself and founder of the “Virgin” group of companies, including Virgin Atlantic Airways, and the first company to offer space travel to the general public, Virgin Galactic, has announced his plane to launch of a luxury travel option a little closer to the earth. Speaking to the press, Branson says he plans to launch Virgin Voyages, by 2020, to give practically anyone the experience of what it could be like to be a billionaire cruising aboard your own superyacht. There is just one catch though. Virgin Voyages will be adults only, with no one under 18 allowed onboard.

Branson says that the ship is designed to accommodate 2700 people, who he refers to as “sailors,” and not passengers, and while it will be the size of a cruise ship, it is modelled in every way after the world’s top superyachts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2BUvc6RI-Q

More About the Superyachts From Virgin Voyages

The first of the ships are under construction in Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa, Italy. She is yet unnamed, but is expected to set sail from right here in South Florida out of PortMiami in 2020. Virgin Voyages president and CEO Tom McAlpin, said the decision to ban children was based on feedback from travelers who are “looking for a more elevated and premium experience, with a few Virgin style surprises.” He added that the Virgin Voyages vessels will be “the most recognizable ships sailing the seven seas.” The ships will sport distinctive smoked glass windows, 86 per cent of all cabins will feature a sea terrace and 93 per cent an ocean view. Other iconic features include a sleek grey hull and a topless mermaid at the bow of the ship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9deYkQ7KOI

While no specific destinations have been named yet, Virgin Voyages is taking deposits for travel on what it currently refers to as its “Lady Ships.” From the way the concept has been described, it is probably safe to assume that the itineraries are being developed with the intent to combine the experience of a stay at an exclusive upscale resort, with the casual freedom of a yacht charter vacation.

Virgin Voyages is poised to offer something truly unique to the discriminating traveler. However, if you just can’t wait until 2020 to experience upscale luxury at sea, why not consider booking one of our day or longer term yacht charters.

Between now and the end of the year we are running day charters in and around Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, for as little as 3000.00 per day!

Reliable Information on Superyachts and Yachting

As 2017 draws to a close, we have posted some exciting news for the yachting industry and the yachting community. Keep reading these pages for some of the other amazing superyachts to look out for as we head into the Holiday season and for some of the most reliable information on motor yachts, anywhere on the internet – all year long!

Whether you are interested in market intel, or tips on buying or selling your yacht, or the latest info on yacht charters, you can find it all right here at 26 North Yachts!

It’s not always easy to stay on top of what’s new in motor yachts. If you would like to benefit from our expertise in these areas, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Sales Specialists, or call us at 954-900-9988.

All Images Courtesy of Virgin Voyages