Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages confirms big plans for Australia

Richard Branson has made a big announcement after securing a whopping $861 million for his adults-only cruise line.

Sir Richard Branson’s adults-only cruise line is expanding its operations in Australia, after securing $861 million in new funding for a global expansion.

Virgin Voyages has also announced Australian man Nirmal Saverimuttu as its new CEO.

The cruise company, which will operate in Australia for the first time in December after first launching two years ago, confirmed on Friday it would also return Down Under the following season, adding ten new ports.

This summer, Resilient Lady, the brand’s newest ship, has itineraries stopping at Melbourne, Sydney, Hobart and Burnie – as well as New Zealand ports.

But in the 2024-25 summer, Broome, Albany, Adelaide, Newcastle, Mooloolaba, Port Douglas, Willis Island, Brisbane, Eden and Kangaroo Island will join the list.

There will be 15 new itineraries available to book from Monday, September 11.

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady will come to Australia for the first time this year, and has now been confirmed to return the following season as well. Picture: Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages announced it closed on a $US550 million ($861 million) capital raise on Friday, led by funds managed by the Private Equity Group of Ares Management.

It was also revealed Nirmal Saverimuttu, who is currently president and chief experience officer, would take over as chief executive, with Tom McAlpin moving into the role of chairman of the board of directors.

Mr Saverimuttu is originally from Sydney but lives in Florida, where the company’s headquarters are.

He was a founding leader of Virgin Voyages and joined the business as chief commercial officer in 2014 from the Virgin Group after successfully closing the first investment round.

Virgin Voyages new CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu, who is originally from Sydney. Picture: Supplied

As part of the global expansion announced on Friday, there was 27 new itineraries and 19 new ports of call added across the world.

But it wasn’t all good news. Virgin Voyages said it had to make the “incredibly tough decision” to delay the introduction of its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, which was due to set sail in December from Miami.

The company said it was facing unexpected construction, supply chain and staffing challenges.

It did not announce a new launch date.

With the changes announced on Friday, 31 itineraries across Brilliant Lady, Resilient Lady and Valiant Lady were cancelled.

Virgin Voyages said it would offer anyone impacted by the new itineraries price-and-promotion-protected options to re-book and receive $US300 – $US600 ($470 – $940) in Sailor Loot, or a full refund.

Richard Branson will visit Australia for the first time since 2019 later this year for the Australian launch of Resilient Lady. Picture: John Lamparski/Getty Images

Resilient Lady heads Down Under

Chief brand officer Nathan Rosenberg told news.com.au last month you won’t find water slides, a buffet dining area or children running around like most cruise ships as the adults-only Virgin Voyages likes its guests unbothered.

Mr Rosenberg, who has worked alongside Branson on Virgin Voyages for the last decade, said the British billionaire had his hands all over the business.

“He’s sailed with us about 10 or 11 times now and it’s always a list of things he has whenever he leaves the ship, saying ‘we need more chessboards’ or ‘we need more of this.’” he laughed.

“I love those little notes we get after he leaves the ship saying ‘had a great time, here’s what I think we should do now’.”

The ship has a tattoo parlour, catamaran net and highest running track at sea. Picture: Virgin Voyages

One thing Branson wanted in every room of his cruise ships was a hammock on the balcony.

Mr Rosenberg said they were made as part of a women’s empowerment project in the Philippines and can also be purchased on-board.

One thing Branson didn’t want was a buffet, which has been a staple of the cruise ship experience for decades.

The main dining area is still like a food hall but to limit waste, the food is made to order.

“Obviously it’s great from a business point of view because you can manage your costs but also it’s a much better experience for your people and your sailors,” Mr Rosenberg claims.

“It’s fresh food and it’s portion controlled so you’re reducing wastage. It’s a win-win-win basically.”

Branson hasn’t been to Australia since 2019 but is scheduled to visit at the end of the year for the Resilient Lady’s arrival.