Would you get a cruise tattoo?

New cruise ships launch fairly frequently these days with cruising increasing in popularity every year. Each new vessel tries to have something a bit different on board to differentiate and stand out from the rest. Over the past few years, we have seen water slides, zip wires, bumper cars, robots and so many quirky additions.

When Richard Branson announced that his latest contribution to the travel industry was to be a new cruise line, Virgin Voyages, I suppose we should not be surprised that he would be adding a tattoo parlour on Scarlet Lady who sets sail in 2020 and will be called Squid Ink. In association with World Famous Tattoo Ink, two resident tattoo artists and several guest artists will be able to provide you with a genuine lasting memory of your holiday. Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages has said that this will reflect the long tradition of sailors getting inked (although it has been said that many did all they could to remove the names of their lady friends when they returned back home to their wives after a long voyage).

In line with this, Virgin Voyages have also said that crew will not have to cover up any tattoos that they have.

We have probably all bought something on holiday that makes us question our decision once home. You may also have some things that you have done whilst away that are probably best forgotten. Whilst we are relaxed and maybe have had a couple of tipples, we can be braver than usual and agree to try that parachute jump or dive with sharks.

So, would you get a tattoo and would you still love it when back to reality at home? I collect Pandora charms from around the world but would I want a picture of Sydney Opera House on my arm? What design would you get? I would imagine that they will be busy with anchors and ship designs….