08 May 2009

Virgin adds Puerto Rico to network

Virgin Atlantic is bolstering its Caribbean presence with the start of flights between Gatwick and Puerto Rico.

A weekly service will run to the capital of San Juan in the winter from November 7 until April 24 via Antigua.

Puerto Rico is a key cruise line departure point in the Caribbean but a lack of direct flights from the UK means travellers on scheduled services usually have to change aircraft in the US mainland first.

Chief executive Steve Ridgway said: "The launch of these services allows our sister company Virgin Holidays to offer a range of fantastic cruise holidays from the island, meaning that even more Virgin travellers can enjoy what this beautiful island has to offer."

Virgin plans to use a Boeing 747-400 on the Saturday service with a configuration of 14 Upper Class, 58 Premium Economy and 379 Economy seats.

Puerto Rico will complement the airline’s presence in the Caribbean with existing flights to Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, Tobago, Havana and Jamaica.

Virgin Holidays Cruises is offering fly-cruises from San Juan with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.

Managing director Robin Deller said: "We are excited to announce this addition to the Virgin Holidays Cruises portfolio.

"San Juan is the cruise capital of the Caribbean and a fantastic destination to explore before our customers hit the waves for their nautical adventure.

"Now more than ever, cruising represents fantastic value for money so this extension in our product portfolio gives our UK customers even more choice"

The company’s sales director Ashley Royston added: "This partnership is a landmark agreement with Puerto Rico, an island that offers the UK traveller a new and exciting destination in the cruise sector and a unique opportunity to discover a new culture, enjoy great value for money, excellent climate and variety of attractions.

"We are confident that the partnership will raise the profile of the destination and will see a marked increase in tourism."

Jaime López Díaz, executive director of The Puerto Rico Tourism Company, said: "We are delighted that Virgin Holidays Cruises has opened the gateway from the United Kingdom to Puerto Rico.

"It’s a vibrant Island that has a lot to offer the European visitor. Our efforts to promote Puerto Rico as the premier tourism destination in the Caribbean are having encouraging results.

"We are reinforcing our product to offer the best experience to our visitors which, at the same time, has an important positive impact on our economy."