NEWS
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VIRGIN VOYAGES
AURORA EXPEDITONS
‘First Mates’ head to Dover to join Virgin Voyages’ new Scarlet Lady
Adventure line launches new UK trade website
Virgin Voyages has hosted its first agent guests on board Scarlet Lady in Dover, before it makes its way to Liverpool and the United States. The new 2,770-guest, adults-only ship will be based out of Miami and sail four, five and seven-night itineraries, all of which will call at Virgin’s private Beach Club at Bimini. The company’s early ambition was to create a new category within the industry. All restaurants are included within the fare, as are gratuities, wi-fi, exercise classes and “basic beverages”, which include filtered still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and drip coffee. The food offering is particularly strong given the ship has more than 20 different places to eat, including Razzle Dazzle, a vegetarian restaurant; Gunbae, a Korean BBQ; Pink Agave, an upscale Mexican; and Extra Virgin, an Italian restaurant. There is no main dining room or buffet, although The Galley is a food option with numerous made-to-order
CORAL EXPEDITIONS
food stations within one space. All alcohol is chargeable. The ship comes with a number of unique offerings, including Squid Ink, a tattoo parlour, and retail options that stock brands making a positive impact – such as sunglasses made of upcycled ocean plastic. The ship is also plastic and tree free. Group exercise classes are included while the ship also has a vast gym. Entertainment is immersive and there are specially designed shows in The Red Room, a transformational entertainment space. Beyond that, drag queens and resident artists roam the ship. However, there was concern regarding some of the features on board, including the size of cabins (particularly bathrooms) and the swimming pool. All non-suite cabins have a bed that is turned into a sofa during the day. Feedback from agents was that the ship would be perfect for guests who typically enjoy stays in the likes of Ibiza or Las Vegas.
Aurora Expeditions has launched a dedicated UK website (auroraexpeditions.co.uk) with a live booking portal, which now quotes rates in GBP for their European and Arctic programmes. The Australian line said it was created in response to UK trade demand. The site allows agents to book direct and reserve places with real-time availability, live offers, selection criteria searching and activity requests and now a rate in the enquirer’s local currency. The operator has also announced it is offering solo guests travelling on selected voyages sole use of a cabin with no single supplement. The itineraries are: West Greenland Explorer (May 18), Iceland Circumnavigation (June 2), Inuit Arctic and Beyond (September 23).
Autralian line to explore world’s small islands Coral Expeditions has launched its Small Islands of the World series, which comprises 16 new voyages across four regions. The new itineraries are part of Coral’s celebrations for its 35th year of expedition cruise. The line’s expedition ships Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer will take guests to explore the islands of the Pacific Ocean, including British Overseas Territory the Pitcairn Islands; Japan, including the Ogasawara Islands, dubbed the Galápagos of the Orient; the Philippines; and into Micronesia and New Guinea, where guests can immerse themselves in tribal cultures. Bookings made before April 31 are eligible for a 10 per cent discount.
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