Branson unveils first cruise ship as he shrugs off coronavirus fears

Virgin Voyages line poised to set sail as founder downplays threat of virus to new venture

Sir Richard Branson has launched his first cruise ship and brushed off concerns that the coronavirus outbreak will dissuade younger holidaymakers from embracing his latest venture.

Despite the unfortunate timing - with passengers on one ship quarantined in Japan after hundreds caught the virus, and another turned away by five countries over fears someone on board may be ill - Branson said at the launch of Scarlet Lady that he saw cruises as a growth area.