Richard Branson has made a significant statement following the acquisition of a stunning $861 million for his adults-only cruise company.

After collecting $861 million in additional capital for a global expansion, Sir Richard Branson’s adults-only cruise company is extending its operations in Australia.

Nirmal Saverimuttu, an Australian, has been named CEO of Virgin Voyages.

The cruise line, which will sail in Australia for the first time in December after beginning two years ago, said on Friday that it will return the following season, adding 10 more ports.

This summer, the brand’s newest ship, Resilient Lady, will visit Melbourne, Sydney, Hobart, and Burnie, as well as New Zealand ports.

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

On Monday, September 11, 15 new itineraries will be available for booking.

The Virgin Voyages ship Resilient Lady will visit Australia for the first time this year, and will return the next season as well. Virgin Voyages image

On Friday, Virgin Voyages announced the completion of a $US550 million ($861 million) capital round spearheaded by funds managed by Ares Management’s Private Equity Group.

It was also stated that Nirmal Saverimuttu, presently president and chief experience officer, will take over as CEO, with Tom McAlpin becoming chairman of the board of directors.

Mr Saverimuttu was born in Sydney but now resides in Florida, where the company’s headquarters are.

He was a founder member of Virgin Voyages, and after successfully closing the first investment round, he joined the company as chief commercial officer in 2014.

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

The adults-only Virgin Voyages, according to chief brand officer Nathan Rosenberg, does not include water slides, a buffet eating area, or youngsters wandering around, as other cruise ships do.

Mr Rosenberg, who has worked on Virgin Voyages with Branson for the last decade, said the British tycoon had his hands in everything.

“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 parlor, a catamaran net, and the world’s longest running track. Virgin Voyages image

A hammock on the balcony was something Branson desired in every accommodation of his cruise ships.

They were created as part of a women’s empowerment project in the Philippines, according to Mr Rosenberg, and may also be purchased on-board.

A buffet, which has been a mainstay of the cruise ship experience for decades, was something Branson did not want.

The main eating area is still like a food hall, but the food is created to order to save waste.

“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.