Virgin Voyagesthe luxury cruise company of tycoon Richard Branson, has commissioned its second ship, the Valiant Lady, only for adultswhich will end up in Barcelona from May and throughout the summer season and which plans to leave up to 1.8 million euros in the city on each trip.
Virgin Voyages, which has seen bookings on its cruise ships increase by 178% in the last six months, aspires to be able to return to pre-pandemic occupancy levels thanks to the Valiant Lady, which will offer up to three different itineraries through Europe and will depart from the Catalan capital.
demand increases
The president and CEO of the shipping company, Tom McAlpin, explains in an interview with EFE that this increase in reserves is the result of the end of the restrictions after the pandemic, as well as the unique experience offered by the company, specialized in luxury travel exclusive for adults.
“Things are starting to change. People have been cooped up at home for a long time and are itching to get out, and we’re seeing that in terms of bookings. Plus, we offer a experience that we think and know they’re going to love,” says McAlpin.
The cruise Valiant Ladywhich has a capacity of up to 2,700 passengerswill offer until May 2022 a series of trips from Portsmouth (United Kingdom) before leaving for the port of Barcelona, from where it will travel through Europe during the summer, and then return to Miami (United States) to spend the winter season.
Thought for adults
through the concept “adults only”the company has created a cruise that mixes the ideas of ’boutique’ and hotel and that offers up to 20 restaurants different, instead of the traditional free buffets, as well as a entertainment aimed at a public of legal age, such as tattoo studios, vinyl record stores and nightclubs.
“Everything is designed exclusively for adults. In fact, we are the only major brand that offers this type of product and that allows us to create a experience more sophisticated and luxurious that we believe will delight the American, British and Spanish markets”, says the CEO.
Despite the fact that the first trips will leave with 50% of the occupation, McAlpin points out that they already have travel reservations available on the web until 2024, which will start in Barcelona and will reach countries like France and Italy or other points of the Spanish coast.
One of the trips offered by the company from Barcelona, the “Mediterranean MerMaiden”, includes stopovers in cities such as Toulon, Cagliri or Ibiza for a price of 1,653 euros, while the “Spanish Obsession” route visits different coastal cities of the Peninsula, such as Malaga, Palma de Mallorca or Gibraltar, from 1,740 euros.
Support for local business
The cruise company assures that it is working together with local businesses in Barcelona to create trips and excursions “exceptional” that allow passengers to experience the culture of Barcelona and that will have a “fantastic impact” on the economy.
“If we take into account all the materials, food or fuel that we will buy there, we will have a great impact on the local marketalong with that of the passengers that we will take to Barcelona and to the rest of the scales,” says McAlpin.
multimillion dollar investment
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In a few months, the company will also put into operation its third ship, the resilient ladywho will travel from Greece to Australia making stops in Egypt, Dubai or Singapore, in addition to a fourth ship in 2023 whose name and itinerary will soon be announced.
“Each boat costs around 800 million dollars, in addition to the cost of development or design and the cost of a business that has had no income for the last three or four years. Is a investment significant, but we are sure that once we launch it it will be very successful,” concludes McAlpin.