- The Scarlet Lady is the new cruise from Virgin Voyages set to debut in Miami, which will be loved even by cruise haters.
- The cruise has more than 20 eateries, spa outlets and salons, and several fitness centres, with a strict adult-only policy.
- Sir Richard Branson’s New Cruise line to Debut an English Pale Ale with a Hint of Scarlet Red to be Served Exclusively on the High Seas at Scarlet Lady’s Draught Haus.
The billionaire business mogul’s new cruise line, Virgin Voyages, announced it will have a brand-new signature craft beer on tap when it launches next year, reports GQ.
The Scarlet Lady
In October of last year, the genius and famed businessman held what organisers called “the world’s first meditation flight” in a new initiative aimed at converting anxious fliers into the most docile of passengers.
Not surprisingly, the confluence of air travel and meditation took off and now, Branson has his sights set on converting another kind of traveller – the cruise hater.
Dubbed ‘The Scarlet Lady‘, a nod to one of the first Virgin Atlantic planes, the new cruise line marks the first from Virgin Voyages.
Targeted at those who hate the idea of a cruise and bratty children running around, sticking their grubby hands into the pastries and sausages at the buffet, the advertisement reads: “no kids, no buffets, and no limits.”
Scarlet Lady debuts in Miami
Slated to debut in Miami in 2020 with voyages to the Caribbean and itineraries that include Cuba, the Scarlet Lady can accommodate more than 2,770 passengers – or sailors, as Branson would have you call his guests – as well as 1,160 crew members.
The 110,000 gross tone ship is being built in Italy and if the description of the facilities and suites is anything to go by, this adults-only cruise is certainly going to be an experience of a lifetime.
Eateries, Spa and Parlour
Included on the cruise are more than 20 eateries, a handful of spa outlets and salons, an eclectic mix of entertainment venues and several fitness centres. For those inclined to get a nautical-themed tattoo, there’s even a tattoo parlour.
The ethos behind the cruise is one of “rebellious luxe,” something fans of Virgin will be all-too familiar with as Branson continues to promote a company that throws out traditional clichés and formalities.
The designs feature nautical nods with a brass glam station and accenting beauty counter and bedhead lighting. They’re also all equipped with a vinyl turntable.
As Branson said in a statement, “Virgin has always avoided stuffy formalities and brought a lot of excitement and a bit of rebelliousness to our customer experiences.”
Highly ornate top suite
While the ship has 78 suites, it’s the Massive Suite that has our hearts pining for a ticket aboard the cruise.
The top suite includes its very own guitar-clad music room, views of the ocean from every corner, and a massive terrace complete with its own peek-a-view outdoor shower, hot tub, hammocks and a runway outdoor dining table.
Tom McAlpin, Chief executive of Virgin Voyages, said of the cruise: “Whether they want to sleep all day, praise the sun with yoga at dusk or party all night, our rock star Suite Sailors can live out their fantasies aboard the Scarlet Lady.”
Adults-only rule
The ship has a strict adults-only policy, requiring guests boarding the ship to be 18-years-and-up. It’s also the first cruise to forego the traditional buffet, choosing instead to go for food halls based on food-centric cities, food “trucks” and fine dining experiences.
English pale Ale
On the day of International Beer Day, the billionaire business mogul’s new cruise line, Virgin Voyages, announced it will have a brand-new signature craft beer on tap.
The new beer, an English Pale Ale, will be one of eight available to guests on-board all of the cruise line’s ships.
Made in partnership with Miami’s Wynwood Brewing Company, the EPA has a hint of red, making it a perfect beverage to enjoy while basking in the sun.
Cruise ship that everyone will love
Branson is confident that Virgin Voyages will be a line that fellow cruise haters will love. As he said in a previous interview with Robb Report, “I’ve never been interested to go on a cruise ship but we decided let’s take a chance, let’s see if we can create the kind of cruise ship that ourselves and our friends would have a blast on. And I’m looking forward to seeing whether we delivered. But I think it looks like it’s going to be absolutely stunning and unlike any other cruise line.”
As of February 14, bookings are open for voyages departing from April 1 through October 25, 2020.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: GQ
