RUMOR: Richard Branson Exploring A Cruise Industry Venture

Several news outlets are reporting that Virgin Group founder and chairman Richard Branson is considering a cruise industry venture. He has apparently hired Allen & Co, a US-based corporate advisory firm, to explore the potential of launching Virgin Cruises.  This is pretty much all that is known at this point.

Either way, if hes making a play against the big 4 (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL & MSC) its going to be extremely difficult especially since his brand has zero maritime experience. This reminds me of Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s failed attempt at entering the cruise market with EasyCruise. If he goes ahead, this will be a huge up hill battle for him. I wish him luck.