The www.CRUISE.co.uk team have been in Genoa today where Richard Branson revealed the official name of the very first Virgin Voyages cruise ship!
The adult-only ship is due to arrive in 2020 and will go under the name Scarlet Lady.
Branson confirmed at Fincantieri shipyard that the name will reflect the “brand’s iconic mermaid image” which will appear on the ship’s hull.
Virgin will launch a “Scarlet Squad” initiative with the intention of recruiting and mentoring female crew in onboard areas such as marine, technical and hotel management,
These areas statistically show low numbers of female staff and senior management.
www.CRUISE.co.uk were lucky enough to join the cruise line’s construction milestones today in Italy.
This included the flooding of the ship’s drydock and a ceremony to cut the first pieces of steel for its second ship.
The brand will launch their first ship in 2020, their second ship in 2021 and their third ship in 2022.
“Across the maritime industry, we can do better in onboard recruiting and leadership representation for women,” McAlpin stated.
“I want all future crew to know that Virgin Voyages will create an onboard environment that is fair, inclusive and where everyone has an opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Branson and McAlpin announced the decision to eliminate the use of passenger-facing single-use plastics, including straws, bottled water, other beverage bottles, condiment packets, shopping bags, food packaging, stirrers, and take-away coffee and tea cups.
Instead, Virgin Voyages will emphasize the use of recyclable and reusable materials across the ship.
Complimentary filtered still and sparkling water will be available at all bars, restaurants and Natura filtered water stations on the ship.
“Nothing makes me prouder than seeing companies like Virgin Voyages striving to make a positive impact on the world we live in,” Sir Richard commented.
“Business is a force for good and can and must be the catalyst for global change.”
McAlpin added: “We believe that in order to fulfil our purpose of creating an ‘Epic Sea Change for All,’ we must make a commitment that is bigger than just eliminating straws.
We must make a commitment to building ships and experiences that do everything possible to look after the well-being of our precious oceans.
We are delighted with what we’ve achieved so far and will continue to push ourselves to look for innovative ways to do things that will make a difference.”
What do you think of the name Scarlet Lady for Virgin Voyages’ first ship? Are you glad the vessel will be adult only? Will you definitely cruise on one of them? Leave us your comments below…
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