Virgin has revealed the name of its first cruise ship
Virgin Voyages unveiled the long-awaited name of its first ship today - “Scarlet Lady” - at its shipyard in Genoa, Italy.
Founder Sir Richard Branson and president and CEO Tom McAlpin revealed further details about the cruise line’s debut ship, including a ban on single-use plastics on board, renderings and animations of nine new public spaces and the plans for its wellbeing programme, “Vitamin Sea”.
The single-use plastics ban will range from bottled water to take-away coffee and tea cups as Virgin Voyages strives to create one of the cleanest fleets at sea.
Mr McAlpin said: “We believe that in order to fulfill our purpose of creating an ‘Epic Sea Change for All’ we must make a commitment that is bigger than just eliminating straws.
“We must make a commitment to building ships and experiences that do everything possible to look after the well-being of our precious oceans.”
Virgin Voyages describes its Vitamin Sea wellbeing programme for passengers as being inspired by the oceans and their importance in health and well-being for the planet and our daily lives.
Images of the nine new on-board spaces include those that will host the many group fitness classes (all of which will be included in the cruise fare). The Crow’s Nest, for example, which offers 360 degree views around the ship and is shown strewn with exercise mats in Virgin’s signature red, will host sunrise and sunset yoga.
Also on board will be The Runway running track, The B Complex with rooms for spin, yoga and cardio and The Athletic Club, which includes a boxing ring and gym equipment modelled on what you’d find in 1920s New York sports clubs.
Passengers will have ample opportunity for pampering in the ship’s Spa, Redemption, and in the blow dry bar, barber shop, male pedicure spa and mani-pedi spa.
At the shipyard, Virgin Voyages celebrated construction milestones with the flooding of the ship’s drydock and a ceremony to cut the first pieces of steel for the cruise line’s second ship, due in 2021.
