Virgin cuts steel on ship one

Virgin Voyages has cut the steel on “ship one” the first vessel in its much-anticipated fleet, which will launch in 2020.

Tom McAlpin, the line’s president and CEO, was at the ceremony with representatives from Fincantieri and the recently hired design team.

“Today is the moment when our intrepid, romantic and irresistible vision for Virgin Voyages starts to become tangible,” McAlpin said. “I’ve been inspired by the passion from all those involved, it’s so exciting as we continue to work together to bring true sea change to the cruise industry.”

The ship will hold about 2,700 passengers and 1,150 crew.

The design team, which was also revealed, includes the firm Roman and Williams, who have worked on a number of ACE boutique hotels.

Concrete Amsterdam, Design Research Studio, Gem SRL, Softroom and WORKac are among the design companies which were also unveiled as being partners on the project.

McAllen added: “The design collective includes some of the world’s most stylish firms who are creators of design trends not followers. Together they are imagining a vessel unlike anything sailors have experienced before that will be a complete departure from the ordinary. With this group, we have a depth in creativity that brings a different perspective to space design at sea that will change cruising for good.”