Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin corporation has a slew of subsidiaries including hotels, hyperloops, mobile, racing, and even space tourism with Virgin Galactic. The billionaire’s latest venture is Virgin Voyages, a cruise line that wants to be a different kind of cruise line.
The worldwide cruise industry enjoyed revenue of nearly $38 billion in 2017 and it is expected to grow to $57 billion by 2027. Branson definitely wants to snag a part of this vastly growing sector and Virgin Voyages will launch their first cruise ship in 2020.
Their first vessel is the 2,700-passenger Scarlet Lady and it is currently being constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Virgin Voyages will be an adult-only cruise line that focuses on unique experiences. The 18+ cruise line will not allow any children onboard or any single-use plastics such as straws or plastic water bottles. Virgin Voyages will put an emphasis on conservation and not adding any more waste to the oceans.
Virgin Voyages will highlight their “Vitamin Sea” ideology, which focuses on health and fitness. There is the Crow’s Nest that offers 360-degree views from a secluded sundeck where sailors can do yoga or enjoy the sunset. In the video below you’ll notice that gyms and The Runway, a track designated for jogging, walking, and skating, are front-and-center on the Scarlet Lady. The B-Complex offers areas with ocean views for strength conditioning, as well as spin and yoga classes.
There’s even the Stubble & Groom barbershop where you can get a fresh trim or a male pedicure while you watch the waves crash over the open blue waters.
“We are all so busy with life, work and family that vacations are critical for us to be able to rebuild our energy, so that we can live our best lives,” said Thomas Michael McAlpin, the president and CEO of Virgin Voyages. “With well-being at the heart of everything we do at Virgin Voyages, sailors will come back feeling rejuvenated, not like they need a holiday from their holiday.”
Here is our first peek at the Scarlet Lady.
This video takes a look at the pools, two hot tubs, and the Gym & Tonic bar. The gym is so close to the bar that you can get a refreshing vodka and water after your strenuous workout.
You’ll notice that the Scarlet Lady puts an emphasis on physical fitness with their Athletic Club, that even offers exercise equipment and boxing ring outside. Plus the jogging path is separated from other areas, which is way better than the normal running track that is normally found in a populated general area.
There will be a VIP area on the ship with cabanas.
The Redemption Spa boasts a hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools, and quartz beds.
The Scarlet Lady will set sail to the Caribbean from Miami starting in 2020. Virgin Voyages expects to launch a second ship in 2021.
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