What To Expect From A Virgin Voyage

After much anticipation Virgin Voyages have finally gone on sale with their first ship, Scarlet Lady.

It has to be said that the Virgin brand is pretty hip & cool and they’ve certainly gone down this route when designing their ships and shaping what’s offered on board.  There are a few quirky things that make them very different to traditional cruise lines. I mean…I can’t see P&O adding a tattoo parlour to their list of facilities any time soon.

Firstly they don’t seem to want to be associated with the word cruise, but prefer voyage. Passengers are not passengers or guests, but sailors. They are adult only. This is music to many people’s ears. I don’t think this is a bad thing and there’s definitely a market for it. There are plenty of other ships that cater fantastically for families. They profess to be committed to gender equality and have a ‘green’ outlook on things with sustainability being high on their list of priorities. Cabins (yes, we are allowed to use this word) are fitted with mood lighting and all kinds of techy things that enable you to order room service in bed from a tablet. The bathrooms are all fitted with Rainshowers.

There are 20 eateries on board – all with no cover charge. They include steak, vegetarian, Korean barbecue, Mexican and an outdoor Mezze lounge. They won’t be having the traditional buffet restaurant, instead there is The Galley which is more like an international food market serving food-truck inspired goodies.  Soft drinks are included – teas, coffees, pressed juices, sodas plus still and sparkling water.

Paying for gratuities and wifi is also a thing of the past with Virgin as both are included in the fare.

Here are some facts :

Due to launch April 2020

Maximum number of passengers 2770

Number of crew 1150

Number of cabins & suites 1408

Length 912 feet (that’s apparently 155 Richard Branson’s)!

Weight 110,000 Tonnes

The ship will be based in Miami and is offering 4 and 5 night sailings around the Caribbean with calls at Costa Maya, Mexico, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic & Havana (including overnight stays). Like other cruise lines they also have their exclusive island. Here’s how Virgin describe it:

‘Our private beach club in Bimini, Bahamas is an experience you (literally) can’t get anywhere else. It’s like if Mykonos had a love affair with St. Tropez — the energy intentionally amplifying as the day goes on. You can choose between ecstacy-inducing DJ sets, quiet beach-lounging with a perma-cocktail in hand, or embrace your inner explorer and seek out secluded and undiscovered corners of the island’.

Just when you thought you knew what a balcony cabin was, along come Virgin and re-name them a Sea Terrace. Entertainment is no more! It is now called ‘events and gigs’. And if getting a tattoo or having a body part pierced is high on your holiday to-do list then you need to visit Squid Ink tattoo studio.

I know I’m mocking, but I must say that if the finished article is as good as it promises to be on the promotional material I’ve seen then it will be amazing, but bear in mind you wouldn’t get much change from £2000 for a cabin for 2 on a 4 night sailing.

I, for one am certainly interested in trying out The scarlet Lady. If you are too then call me on 0330 303 8205 or e-mail me at [email protected].