What is silvery-grey with smoked glass and distinctive touches of red? It is the “Scarlet Lady,” the first of four new, distinctive cruise ships from Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages.
In early March of 2020, the Scarlet Lady sailed from Europe to Miami to start her inaugural season — scheduled to begin April 1 with an inaugural cruise with Richard Branson leading the party. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted those plans.
When cruises can begin sailing out of U.S. ports again, the Scarlet Lady will sail out of Miami, Florida on a mix of mainly 4- to 5-day Caribbean voyages:
- 5-night Riviera Maya sailings to Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen;
- 5-night Mayan Sol voyages to Costa Maya, Mexico;
- 5-night Dominican Daze voyages to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic;
- 4-night Fire and Sunset Soirées sailings, including a sunset departure from Key West and a midnight departure from the Bimini Beach Club.
Booked twice on sailings that were canceled, we cannot wait to check out the Scarlet Lady and all her unique features.
14 Ways Virgin Voyages is Different from Other Cruise Lines
1. Virgin Voyages uses new terminology. Cruise guests are known as “sailors” and their travel agents are known as “first mates.”
2. A big ship but not a mega ship. At full capacity, the Scarlet Lady holds 2,770 sailors (not counting third and fourth sailors occupying the same cabin.) Plus, a crew of 1,150 from many locations around the world. NOTE: When the Virgin Lady starts to sail, post the COVID-19 pandemic pause, capacity may be limited for improving physical distant among sailors and crew.
3. No children are allowed onboard. The Scarlet Lady is “Adult by Design.” No guests under age 18 are allowed on the ship. All the ships’ public spaces are dedicated to stress-free adult relaxation.
4. The Scarlet Lady offers a wide range of accommdations suited for Mega Rock Stars to thethriftiest of sailors. The ship has 78 Rock Star Suites and 1,330 cabins. There are “Insiders” — interior cabins as small as 105 sq. ft to Mega Rock Star suites as large 2147 sq ft that includes a private hot tub on the terrace and a collection of electric guitars in the suite.
Of course, there is a major range in prices: On the 5-night Mayan Sol cruise departing Miami on January 26, 2021, prices (including tax) for two sailors range from $2,182 for an Insider interior cabin to $20,132 for two sailors in a Massive Mega Rock Star Suite.
5. It’s not a penthouse, it is a Mega Rock Star Massive Suite. For those sailors who demand the absolute best, Virgin Voyages offers two Massive Mega Rock Star Suites on Deck 15 forward. Sailors who book this suite get “rebellious luxury” at sea with a three room suite measuring 830 sq ft suite, combined with a 1317 sq ft terrace that includes a private hot tub, outdoor shower and a dining table that’s strong enough to accommodate table top dancing. There is a collection of electric guitars to play, a complimentary bottomless in-room bar and a dedicated RockStar Agent to handle the sailors’ every need. And in true Virgin style, a private transfer from the Miami airport or hotels to the ship.
6. No more key cards. Virgin Voyages “Sailors” will receive a modern “bracelet” to manage their onboard experience. Called “The Band,” this wearable device is shipped to sailors at home before their voyage.
A wrist-band device made from recycled ocean plastic; The Band serves as digital ticket for sailors to board the Scarlet Lady cruise ship.
Once onboard, the “The Band” serves as your key card, personal GPS, a form of payment for onboard purchases, a casino player card, and a VIP pass for Suite Sailors to access areas only open to them. Post cruise, sailors get to keep their wristband
7. A Late-Night Port Stay at a Private Beach Club. Every Caribbean sailing of the Scarlet Lady — whether 4, 5, or 7 days — will include a port call at Bimini, Bahamas where Virgin Voyages sailors can experience The Beach Club at Bimini from a morning arrival through a late evening departure. Food is complimentary at the Beach Club.
8. Dining is different on the Scarlet Lady. There are 20+ dining choices with no extra charges, no buffets, and no assigned seating. Sailors on board the Scarlet Lady can choose to dine at 20 different food locations, some of which will stay open late into the evening, even after midnight.
9. On Virgin Voyages, all restaurant food is made to order and included in the voyage fare. Examples of some of the unique places to eat on the Scarlet Lady include:
- The Test Kitchen– This restaurant is part cooking school and part restaurant with a laboratory feel.
- Pink Agave offers a variety of Mexican specialties like you would find in Mexico City.
- Gunbae features flameless grills built into each table. Cruise guests can grill their meat exactly to their liking. They can also participate in lively Korean drinking games.
- Extra Virgin– the ship’s Italian trattoria.
- The Galley – A food hall with a mix of eight shops and food carts, each offering a unique concept such as a pastry shop, a panini shop, a burger grill, a taco shack, a sushi bar with bento boxes, a noodle bar, a soup and salad stand, and a 24-hour American diner.
- The Dock is a rustic beach club-inspired space with Mediterranean-inspired small plates, dips, and mezzes as well as fresh skewers flame grilled to order.
- The Pizza Place– Down on deck 7, this is where Sailors can build their pizza just as they like it by selected the dough, sauce, cheese and of course all their favorite toppings.
10. More Inclusive Pricing. On Virgin Voyages, the standard cruise fare includes:
- Group fitness classes
- Unlimited Wi-Fi (suite guests get faster, premium internet service)
- All restaurant meals at 20+ different dining locations
- Tips for the crew are included in the standard cruise far.
11. Basic “bevvies” are free. Sodas, filtered and sparkling water, non-pressed juices and drip coffee are all included in the standard cruise fare.
12. No Beverage Packages. Rather than pushing unlimited drink packages, The Scarlet Lady offers affordable, quality beer, wine, and cocktails for those who want them. You can purchase a beverage credit in advance of your cruise and get an extra bonus for doing so.
13. The Scarlet Lady has a tattoo studio. Squid Ink, the first tattoo studio on a cruise ship, will offer temporary and permanent tattoos and makeup, and offer body piercing services.
14. There is a drag queen brunch. At the Razzle Dazzle mainly vegetarian restaurant, sailors are treated to a performance by the Scarlet Lady’s resident drag queen and friends.
What is your favorite way that Virgin Voyages is different from other cruise lines?
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