Richard Branson launches his own cruise brand, Virgin Voyages

Sir Richard Branson has added yet another venture to his ever-growing business portfolio, with the launch of his very own line of Virgin-branded cruise ships.

The 66-year-old billionaire - who is a keen sailor himself - revealed on Tuesday that his new cruising brand will be called Virgin Voyages.

Three ships are currently being built, with production costs coming it at close to $2 billion (£1.63 billion).   

The first sailing is planned out of Miami in 2020 to the Caribbean.

The vessels are being built by the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri with a capacity of at least 2,700 passengers, considered mid-size by the cruise industry.

Note

Richard Branson 's other ventures include the Virgin airline brand, Virgin Trains, a Chicago hotel and a game reserve and lodge in South Africa