Bloomberg.com has an interesting article about billionaires who bring the love of cruising to the masses.
As you probably know, Micky Arison’s dad Ted Arison co-founded Norwegian cruise line way back in 1966, and left to start Carnival cruise line in 1972.
As reported in the Old Salt Blog (see below) Carnival’s first ship the Mardi Gras didn’t get far on her first voyage.
I’m very excited that billionaire Sir Richard Branson has started Virgin Voyages that will cater to an adults-only clientele.
If anyone can make cruising an exciting and memorable experience, Sir Richard Branson can do it.
His laid-back corporate culture is second to none!
As stated in the Bloomberg article below, “Branson identified one such niche before announcing his intention to start a cruise line in 2014: Virgin Voyages. With significant funding from Bain Capital, he’s spending $2.55 billion to build three adults-only ships for so-called “rebels with a cause,” starting with the 2,700-passenger Scarlet Lady, slated for completion in 2020. It’ll have a naked mermaid on its hull, mostly serving the Caribbean and employing a “Scarlet Squad” that promotes female leadership within the crew.”
Back in the day, you had to be a millionaire to enjoy luxury cruising. Today, you can be an average Joe to enjoy a cruise vacation with your family for less than $2500!
I have to admit that I fell in love with the sea in 1979 when I began my career in the United States Navy.
I’ve had the opportunity to sail in the Mediterranean and go to France, Italy, Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco and other ports of call.
My wife and I have sailed over 150 days on Holland America Line, 75 days on Carnival, 21 days on Norwegian cruise line, 21 days on Royal Caribbean, and 7 days on Celebrity.
We will continue to cruise and bring along our 1 year old grandson, Baby Reed.
Click on the link below for the Bloomberg article referenced above:
