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Is the Virgin Group entering the cruise
industry – finally after years of rumors.
Persistent reports have Richard Branson, Virgin founder and chairman, confirming
that he is in the process of finalizing financing for two ships, with a price
tag of $1.7 billion.
Similar to other start ups, Branson has been quoted as saying that he will
create a different cruise product, catering to those who today will not consider
taking a cruise.
If it is for real this time, it could take from three to four years before the
first ship sails. But does it make sense for Branson to enter a fiercely
competitive market with well-established players? And why does he have to
seemingly work so hard to get the financing in place with a reported net worth
of $5 billion, according to Forbes?
Branson is also involved in developing space travel with Virgin Galactic. |
