Virgin Cruises Competition for DCL from former President of DCL

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Tom McAlpin, President of Virgin Cruises (and Past President of Disney Cruise Line) and Richard Branson (FINALLY) laid out plans for Virgin ships to entering service in 2020, 2021 and 2022, the first of which will sail from Miami.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article25368637.html

Tell them what you want.....

http://virgincruises.com/

Representatives for the cruise line, which has an office in Plantation, said that they had signed a letter of intent with Italian ship builder Fincantieri for three 110,000-ton vessels that will carry about 2,800 passengers each. The ships are scheduled to start sailing in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

 

[mmouse37]

I'd try it!!

MJ

 

[kaseyC]

I don't see it as competition for Disney. No one does "Disney" but Disney. It will be interesting to see what the ships are like. I'm very intrigued that they decided not build massive mega ships.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

With the former president of DCL I can see DCL watching to see what ideas will come over, but I bet there will be casinos and adult entertainment.

 

[AquaDame]

I too would absolutely sail to Cuba... bring it Virgin! Disney will likely drag their heels...

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I too would absolutely sail to Cuba... bring it Virgin! Disney will likely drag their heels...

Completion ( may) bring prices down. And may force new ships to be ordered.

 

[jlemieu1]

I don't see Virgin creating a line that is family themed. I could see it as a more stylish and trendy line catering to younger affluent adult segment????

 

[RRB]

I don't see Virgin creating a line that is family themed. I could see it as a more stylish and trendy line catering to younger affluent adult segment????

I agree. Nothing wrong with that approach but I don't see a competition for DCL

 

[Quellman]

I don't see Virgin creating a line that is family themed. I could see it as a more stylish and trendy line catering to younger affluent adult segment????

Which is potentially why miami. It seems to fit that demographic for a lot of purposes.

Also large ships aren't probably a good idea if you aren't sure how your product will test out.

 

[eskimoinparadise]

The biggest competition for DCL is DCL. One of these days they're all going to wake up and realize that the market has moved elsewhere (if it hasn't already done so.)

 

[over50visits]

I too would absolutely sail to Cuba... bring it Virgin! Disney will likely drag their heels...

Absolutely. After seeing Cuba from Key West and from cruise ships for so many years, and hearing how welcoming the people are, I can't wait to see a new island in the Caribbean!

 

[Bree]

I'm curious about the ships! From the article it appears they aren't going to be those ginormous mega ships. That interests me. I like smaller ships. The article is speculating no formal nights either which I like too!

 

[dcassetta]

If the service and amenities on the Virgin cruise line are anything like Virgin Atlantic and Virgin America, I think they will be very successful.

 

[anna08]

They will be competition for my cruise dollars for sure.

 

[Alexander Crowe]

It will be interesting to see what the ships are like.

 

[kaseyC]

I don't see Virgin creating a line that is family themed. I could see it as a more stylish and trendy line catering to younger affluent adult segment????

I agree, especially after seeing the recently opened Virgin Hotel in Chicago.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Any new cruise line operating near DCL routes will have an affect. They will have new ships, we see interest here already competing for the cruise $$$$. I think it would be targeted at the DINKYs ( Daul income no kids yet) with more adult theme, it has to as where DCL looses income is on casinos and that gas an affect on prices. Virgin can have a casino and be open 24/7 discos bars all night and then get greater alcohol income. Virgin themes are competitive pricing but with customer service. The size of the shops and the yard where there going to be made make you think of the Magic and Wonder but more modern and less of the classic style.

 

[Flossbolna]

Virgin themes are competitive pricing but with customer service.

I think that is the point where they coudl hurt Disney. Virgin is a company that attempts to use excellent service as their main selling point. Just like Disney. So, that's why I could see them appeal to a similar crowd.

Besides that I could imagine that they would be attractive to a lot of potential new cruisers from Europe who are familiar with the Virgin brand.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I think that is the point where they coudl hurt Disney. Virgin is a company that attempts to use excellent service as their main selling point. Just like Disney. So, that's why I could see them appeal to a similar crowd.

Besides that I could imagine that they would be attractive to a lot of potential new cruisers from Europe who are familiar with the Virgin brand.

100% spot on.

 

[oam]

Tom McAlpin, President of Virgin Cruises (and Past President of Disney Cruise Line) and Richard Branson (FINALLY) laid out plans for Virgin ships to entering service in 2020, 2021 and 2022, the first of which will sail from Miami.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article25368637.html

Tell them what you want.....

http://virgincruises.com/

Representatives for the cruise line, which has an office in Plantation, said that they had signed a letter of intent with Italian ship builder Fincantieri for three 110,000-ton vessels that will carry about 2,800 passengers each. The ships are scheduled to start sailing in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

This would be a competition for DCL. Young upscale client base.