Virgin billionaire Richard Branson says it is easier to blast into space than to berth in Sydney

Richard Branson would love to base his brand new cruise liner in Sydney but there’s one big problem – there’s nowhere to berth it. But he has left the door open to a Sydney HQ if things change.

Sir Richard Branson would love to base his brand new Virgin Voyages cruise liner in Sydney but there is nowhere to berth it.

The Virgin billionaire took an Italian wooden speedboat out towards the heads to greet the grey and red Resilient Lady cruise ship as it pulled into Sydney Harbour yesterday on the way to its Melbourne base for the summer.

“I think they just didn’t have the space for us,” the 73-year-old entrepreneur told The Daily Telegraph when quizzed about being based in Melbourne.

“We’ve got more than one ship. Maybe one day well, we’ll operate out of Sydney as well.”

Sir Richard Branson on the Sydney Harbour Bridge with the first Virgin Voyages cruise ship, the Resilient Lady arriving in Sydney for the first time. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Transport Minister Jo Haylen has ruled out putting a new terminal on the current Garden Island naval base as the NSW Government struggles to identify another alternative for a cruise terminal in the Harbour.

Sir Richard’s Virgin Galactic company has blasted into space but he quipped that space is one thing in short supply on the congested Sydney Harbour.

“Being somebody that’s used to space problems, we should be able to overcome that,” he said.

Research has shown Sydney has suffered a 14.5 per cent drop in the value of cruising with companies instead basing ships in Brisbane and Melbourne, despite the port authority in Victoria pumping up prices.

Cunard and Princess Cruises have pulled out of stopping in Melbourne because of the increase in port fees from $28.50 to $32 a passenger. Sir Richard said the increase was “not the best timing” and begged the question as to why Virgin Voyages was basing itself in Victoria.

“It’s a very good question. And they just put their rates up so maybe we need to talk I think,” he said.

Sir Richard Branson on the Sydney Harbour with the first Virgin Voyages cruise ship, the Resilient Lady arriving in Sydney for the first time. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Virgin Voyages will stop just four times in Sydney over the summer before heading back to the Mediterranean for the European summer.

Virgin Voyages chief brand officer Nathan Rosenberg said booking berths in Sydney was complicated and a challenge for the NSW Government to overcome.

“We would love to be based here,” he said. “Sydney as a home base is something we care about.

“There needs to be more berthing facilities and more opportunities for ships to come here,” he said. “We would love to talk to Defence and the NSW Government to work a way together given the proximity of Garden Island to the city.”

Virgin Voyages chief executive Nirmal Saverimuttu grew up in Killara on Sydney’s north shore and said it was emotional to see the new $1 billion Resilient Lady liner cruising into his home port.

Monday 4 December, Virgin Cruise liner Resilient Lady arriving in Sydney Harbour today. Photo: Supplied

“But it is a business decision as well,” he said. “We have sent our flagship to Australia

because we believe Aussies deserve a better cruising option.”

The new adults-only ship has Michelin starred fine dining restaurants and no buffets. It currently has 2,500 passengers on board enjoying a relaxed atmosphere with no dress code and red hammocks swinging on every balcony.

“We would of course love to call into Sydney more and we are in discussions with the Port Authority to see if we can find a way to come here more often,” he said. Fiercely contested berthing slots remain booked out years in advance.

“There is an enormous economic benefit to the city when we visit,” Mr Saverimuttu said. “Over the next three nights those 2500 passengers will go out, visit bars and restaurants and spend money in the city.”

Sir Richard was one of those enjoying the best Sydney had to offer, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to see his Virgin Voyages liner dock at the Overseas Passenger Terminal as a Virgin Australia jet rumbled overhead.

“It is the most beautiful harbour in the world,” Sir Richard said. “It is absolutely and utterly stunning. I have never seen it with a Virgin Voyages ship coming in which is pretty magical.”

But not everything went according to plan. A flyover by a Virgin Australia jet did not happen because of Transport for NSW regulations, and a passenger with long-term heart problems dropped dead on the ship’s pool deck as it came in todock.

A statement from Virgin said: “We’re extremely saddened to learn that one of our passengers suffered a cardiac incident while on board.

“Our ship’s medical team responded swiftly, but unfortunately were unable to resuscitate. Our entire Virgin Voyages team sends their deepest sympathies to our passengers family and loved ones during this very difficult time.

“This ship was nearing the end of its 44-day repositioning voyage, arriving in Sydney Harbour for the first time.”

Sir Richard, who flew in from Necker Island in the Caribbean where he lives with wife Joan, said he had no intention of slowing down or giving up creating companies.

“I don’t miss anything in life. But I have got lots of great memories,” he said. “I would be a sad person if I missed anything and I live on an island now which is quite nice.”

Originally published as Virgin billionaire Richard Branson says it is easier to blast into space than to berth in Sydney