Together, the group will "shape the future" of the line’s product and experience, Virgin Voyages said on Thursday.

The tie-in is being coordinated by Patricof Co, a private investment platform for pro athletes.

Virgin said the firm and its roster of stars would help the line establish an athlete advisory council to design active experiences for Virgin Voyages’ guests.

They will also collaborate with the line on sustainability initiatives.

Other athletes involved include Blake Griffin, Kemba Walker, Travis Kelce, CC Sabathia, Xavien Howard, George Kittle and Trea Turner.

It follows the launch of the Virgin Voyages brand in the US, where the line’s first ship Scarlet Lady has made its debut. Several of the new investors attended the launch, with the ship sailing from PortMiami.

Virgin Voyages president and chief executive Tom McAlpin said: “It’s exciting to welcome these superstar athletes onboard who will bring great energy and ideas as we grow globally and add three new ships to our fleet by 2023.

"It’s also proof of how entrepreneurialism is at the heart of this brand as we evolve to have investors who are more than just people who write cheques, they are part of the business and helping us navigate the future.”

Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group founder, said: “Launching Virgin Voyages has been an incredible journey and it’s exciting to align with superstar athletes who bring undeniable energy and ideas to Virgin Voyages as we expand our fleet globally.

"It was so much fun welcoming some of them onboard Scarlet Lady earlier this year and sharing the wonderful experience onboard the ship.”

Williams added: "Travelling and taking in different cultures is so important to me, and I’m excited to work with this team to deliver that opportunity to more customers.”