Branson's Virgin To Pilot New Cruises Venture

[Clydebuilt1971]

Looks like a derivative of the axe bow design - would be interested to see what is under the water though..

http://www.damen.com/innovation/projects/sea-axe-bow

[June Ingram]

Just spotted this article with an artist rendering of Sir Richard Branson's new "cruise ship".

http://cruisefever.net/0601-virgin-cruises-close-to-contract-for-two-170000-gross-ton-ships/

[Peter Mugridge]

Oh good grief..... 

[cameroa]

Yuck........cordless turbo STEAM IRON!

[June Ingram]

WCBS New York Radio had a single statement news item saying that Sir Richard's new cruise line, Virgin Cruises, would start operating out of Port Miami in 2020.

[June Ingram]

Press release -

http://maritimematters.com/2015/06/virgin-cruises-to-build-three-ships-with-fincantieri/

[cameroa]

Roll over Cunardival.............I wonder (should the Virgin Cruise ships get built) how long it will be before they too come under the grasp of the Carnival Corporation??

[Hank Hargrove]

I think the ships would look better without the red and gray paint. I never would have imagined myself screaming for a neutral like white! Black might balance it out too, but it will still look funny without the bow.

[Rob Lightbody]

When I saw this image - attached - It totally reminded me of QE2.  Can anyone else see what I mean?

More images here - they surely have been inspired by the original QE2 designs.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/galleries/inside-virgin-voyages-first-cruise-ship/

The "dance music space" looks very like the grand lounge / double up room.

[Thomas Hypher]

When I saw this image - attached - It totally reminded me of QE2.  Can anyone else see what I mean?

More images here - they surely have been inspired by the original QE2 designs.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/galleries/inside-virgin-voyages-first-cruise-ship/

The "dance music space" looks very like the grand lounge / double up room.

I agree, for the interior spaces - along with some inspiration from QM2 with the chandeliers in the dance room. Will be interesting to see the real, finished product in 2020.

[Scott Ebersold]

I can definitely see what you mean. Certainly the mid-ship's bar/Chart Room! This makes sense as it seems Virgin seems to pull inspiration from a mid-century modern design and glam to create its forward looking aesthetic.