Sir Richard Branson’s Virtuoso Preferred cruise line, Virgin Voyages, this week embarked on its “first official” and long overdue sailing from PortMiami, Florida.
Virgin Voyages’ first ship, Scarlet Lady, had initially been earmarked to sail from its Florida homeport in April 2020, however the pandemic caused ongoing launch setbacks for the ship’s debut. After many months in limbo, Scarlet Lady recently offered a preview season of voyages to the English market based out of Portsmouth during August 2021.
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This week’s first cruise from PortMiami has been dubbed Scarlet Lady‘s “MerMaiden” voyage, and the new cruise line is promising its passengers – known as Sailors – “an experience of a lifetime, full of surprise and delights, mermaid-forward experiences woven throughout the voyage, and of course, mermaids and mermen celebrating alongside guests”.
Virgin Voyages is offering a collection of four- and five-night itineraries, with the brand pitching its product as a “mega yacht-inspired boutique hotel at sea”.
“This adult-only experience presents the perfect backdrop for the vacation everyone needs, with no reason to stay home,” Virgin Voyages said.
Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, said:
“For more than 50 years, Virgin companies have been bringing innovation to industries. Virgin Voyages is very much charting our own path, offering a fresh perspective on cruise travel with a mix of the familiar and a healthy dose of Virgin satisfaction.”
“After many years in the making, we are excited to officially launch Scarlet Lady and welcome Sailors in the US aboard for an unforgettable experience,” said Tom McAlpin, President and CEO of Virgin Voyages.
“With Michelin-starred dining, incredible spa, phenomenal on-board entertainment and amazing crew, our promise is to deliver a sophisticated, yet relaxed, adult-only experience — free of formality, where ordinary becomes extraordinary.'”
During her inaugural season, Scarlet Lady will sail a mix of Mexican and Caribbean voyages, including:
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- Five-night “Riviera Maya” sailings to Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen.
- Four-night “Fire & Sunset Soirees” to Nassau, Bahamas.
- Five-night “Mayan Sol” voyages to Costa Maya, Mexico.
- Five-night “Dominican Daze” voyages to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Scarlet Lady features 1,330 cabins and 78 RockStar Quarters, with 86% of the cabins featuring a balcony and 93% percent with an ocean view.