Something new will be arriving in the cruise industry in 2020 and some of the world’s leading interior design firms, who have never designed for the cruise industry before, have been employed to work on its ‘modern romance of sailing’ concept.
Virgin Voyages first ship will arrive in 2020 and will carry 2,700 passengers and will be an ‘adult only’ vessel.
CEO Tom McAlpin vowed that Virgin Voyages will ‘bring true sea change to the cruise industry’.
McAlpin stressed the want to design something that was for “rejuvenation, reflection, and transformation, without having to worry about the unpredictability of kids, whether they are your kids or someone else’s.”
Is this a bold move by Sir Richard Branson or will he deliver something spectacular?
Take a look at what the new ‘Virgin Voyages’ will be delivering to guests in their public spaces.
Onboard features will include:
- The Athletic Club (this will be across both side of the aft of the ship and claimed to include the largest daybed at sea)
- A 220 square foot area of triple netting (passengers can overlook decks below as if they were sailing on a catamaran)
- Ten cabanas (overlooking the ocean and a bar)
- The Manor (main nightclub for Virgin Voyages, inspired by Sir Richard’s history in the music industry)
- The Dock (outdoor lounge reminiscent of the chicest seaside lounges in the Hamptons, Ibiza and Bali)
- Test Kitchen Restaurant (a laboratory-like environment with metallic furniture, beakers, test tubes and volumetric flasks)
In the words of a product design senior vice president, it will be ‘styled for those thirsty for a wonderfully modern holiday at sea’. ‘Raging from gritty to glamorous, we’ve collaborated with a collection of brilliant interior designers and architects to create a variety of spaces that our sailors will love’.
There will also be an outdoor lounge reserved for the ship’s suite guests – ‘Richard’s Rooftop’ aptly named after the Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson.
The new ships (there will be three in all) will have a sleek new design and will boast an image of a ‘Mermaid guide’ will grace the bow.
The colour scheme will be primarily silver and grey with touches of red and it has been commented that the ship will boast a more intimate feel, inspired by super yachts.
Are you impressed or are there other ships that ‘float your boat’?
Will you be taking a ‘Virgin Voyage’?
Do you think it will live up to its promises?