in many ways, Virgin Voyages holds all the traditional trappings, such as shows, music, gambling casino, and a variety of food and drink experiences – but it IS distinctly unique.
Recognized as one of the best ocean cruise lines in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards, Virgin Voyages has made its mark on the travel industry as one of the most sought-after havens for rejuvenation, relax ation and a hint of adventure on the high seas.
Having launched two award-winning ships in recent months, 2023 promises more industry-first milestones for Richard Branson’s newest travel brand.
“This brand was built on innovation, so we’re taking a truly unique approach and developed a unique loyalty program that will give Sailors a taste of what’s to come, while reward ing those who’ve supported the brand all along,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, President and Chief Experience Officer
Virgin Voyages, founded by Sir Richard Bran son, launched at the end of 2021. The brand's four Lady Ships – inspired by 50-plus years of Virgin history – include Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady. Designed for discerning travelers, Virgin Voyages offers relax ing, exclusively adult (18-plus) sailings.
Working with a Creative Collective of the world’s most sought-after designers, performance artists and architects, Virgin Voyages delivers an en chanting boutique hotel at sea with fresh, elevated spaces that strike the perfect balance of nautical chic and glamour, according to Virgin officials. Currently departing from the sun-soaked cities of Miami and Barcelona – and soon to include Athens, San Juan and Melbourne – the fleet offers itineraries to more than 100 awe-inspiring destinations across four continents.
t Stylish, roomy, decorative cabins with the latest elec tronic goodies, including a small laptop computer to operate lights, television, window coverings, etc. Partnering with a Creative Collective comprised of some of the most sought-after interior designers, artists and architects including Roman and Williams, Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio, Concrete Amsterdam, Softroom of London and more—many of whom are responsible for the creation of the most stylish boutique hotels and resorts across major cities in the U.S. and Europe.
t Extremely attentive and helpful cabin attendants, seemingly always available to assist.
Some of the unique attributes travelers find on Scarlet Lady sailing out of Port Miami (Florida) include:
This brand was built on innovation, so we’re taking a truly unique approach…
NIRMAL SAVERIMUTTO President and Chief Experience Officer Virgin Voyages
t Room service that arrives hot and fresh, in a unique manner.
t A festival-like line-up of entertainment, both in the showroom and elsewhere aboard ship.
t Rockstar Quarters, authentic and locally inspired shore excursions, and a dose of Vitamin Sea with well-being naturally intertwined throughout the experience.
t Virgin Voyages also puts sustainability front and center, throughout the ship and the experience.
Oh, and there’s also the food. Sailors may choose from 20 eateries offering Michelin-star culinary experiences all included.
Virgin Voyages bring city-like eating to sea and throw out the traditional cruise dining rule book, with no buffet, no main dining room, no forced formal wear, no assigned seating and no assigned dining times.
This enhanced experience allows sailors the choice to grab a bite by keeping restaurant doors open well into the night – and in some cases the early hours of the morning.
For more information visit virginvoyages.com.
British billionaire, entrepreneur, and business mag nate, Sir Richard Branson founded the Virgin Group in the 1970s – including Virgin Voyages.
In 1970, Richard founded Virgin Records. After the first Virgin artist, Mike Oldfield, released ‘Tubular Bells’, Virgin Records went on to sign household names from the Sex Pistols to The Rolling Stones. There are now more than 40 Virgin companies worldwide in over 35 countries.
Branson has challenged himself with many re cord-breaking adventures, including the fastest ever Atlantic Ocean crossing, a series of oceanic balloon journeys and kitesurfing across the Channel. He has described Virgin Galactic – the world’s first commer cial spaceline – as being “the greatest adventure of all”. Richard has nearly 40 million followers on social media and blogs regularly on issues ranging from entrepreneurship to the environment and adventure to purpose.
“'Virgin is about doing things that really work, not just looking the part,” Branson said. “We are passionate about running our businesses as well as we can, which means treating our customers with re spect, giving them good value and high quality and making the whole process as much fun as it can be.”
t Virgin Voyages’ first fleet will be known as the “Lady Ships,” a play on the term ‘your ladyship,’ giving a nod to Virgin’s British heritage.
t By 2023, Virgin Voyages expects to have four ships in operation.
t 86 percent of Virgin Voyages cabins feature a balcony and 93 percent feature an ocean view.
t The four Virgin “Lady Ships” are Adult-by-Design, serving as a sanctu ary at sea for the 18-plus traveler.
t Virgin Voyages’ first ship, Scarlet Lady was delivered on Feb.14, 2020. It first set sail from Port Miami in 2021 for her inaugural sailing season where she will sail to the Caribbean hosting more than 2,770 sailors and 1,160 amazing crew from around the world.
t The Scarlet Lady’s dynamic design mimics that of a yacht with a sleek silvery-grey hull with smoked glass, and of course, distinctive touches of red. The ship’s livery was conceptual ized by Ben Christie and David Azurdia from the multi-award-winning Magpie Studio in London. RWD from Beaulieu England, who are leaders in super yacht design, created the iconic red Virgin funnel of the vessel.
t Virgin Voyages’ fleet eventually will include Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady.
t Scarlet is the beautiful mermaid design that adorns the bow of the ship. The mermaid, designed by artist Toby Tinsley, will serve as the ship’s powerful spirit guide and is inspired by figureheads on historic vessels.
t Virgin Voyages’ brand design ethos, the Modern Romance of Sailing, seeks to enchant crew and sailors alike by capturing a fresh, contemporary and sleek look, with nods to the glamour and romance of ocean travel.
t The company has banned single-use plastics on board its ships, including straws, bottled water, other beverage bottles, condiment packets, shop ping bags, food packaging, stirrers, and take- away coffee and tea cups. Instead, the company emphasizes the use of recyclable and reusable materials across the ship. While on board, sailors will be provided with access to complimentary filtered still and sparkling water.
t The Virgin Voyages’ fleet are exclu sively adult, offering a sanctuary at sea for travelers 18+.
t Scarlet Lady sails from Port Miami and offers four- and five-night itiner aries to sun-soaked coastal loca tions in the Caribbean and Mexico. Itineraries include five-night “Riviera Maya” sailings to Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen; five-night “Mayan Sol” voyages to Costa Maya; five-night “Dominican Daze” voyages to Puerto Plata; and four-night “Fire and Sunset Soirées” to Key West, all of which include a stop at Virgin Voyages’ signature Beach Club in Bimini (more details below).
t 86 percent of Virgin Voyages’ cabins feature a balcony and 93 percent feature an ocean view.
t Ships can host 2,770 Sailors and 1,160 amazing crew from around the world.
t There are 1,330 cabins and 78 Rockstar Quarters aboard each ship.
t Well-being is at the forefront of the on-board experience, according to Virgin – activated through a mix of high-energy moments coupled with relaxation and rejuvenation.
For more information visit virginvoyages.com.
