Virgin Voyages is Shaking Up the Cruise Industry
Written by: Michelle on March 04, 2019
There’s something new coming to the high seas in 2020, and we can’t wait to meet her! The Scarlet Lady will be the first Virgin Voyages’ ship to take to the water. Though her inaugural sailing is more than a year away, our travel agents and clients are already booking spots on upcoming voyages. See why everyone is talking about this bold new ship.
Dining Without Boundaries
There will be no main dining room on board the Scarlet Lady, and no assigned seating or assigned dining times. Best of all: there will be no extra charges for the ship’s specialty restaurants. With 20 dining options on board, your clients will want to try it all!
A few of the highlights include Geobae, a Korean barbecue restaurant, and Pink Agave, which features dishes inspired by Mexican street food. The Galley provides a food-hall option offering everything from bento boxes to burgers. Razzle Dazzle will feature vegan and plant-based dishes, to cater to all diets.
Filtered water and soda are also included in the cruise fare, though there will be additional fees for alcoholic beverages, like the bottomless cocktails offered during spa treatments and at Razzle Dazzle’s drag-inspired brunch. The good news is that gratuities are included in the cruise fare!
Wellness on the Water
The Scarlet Lady is a fitness lover’s dream, and many classes are included in the fare. The Training Center at Athletic Club will focus on strength through gymnastics equipment and a boxing ring, while B-Complex will encourage cruisers to stay energized with weights, spin, cardio, and yoga. The Crow’s Nest, a secluded sundeck with 360-degree views, will provide a perfect spot for sunrise and sunset yoga sessions.
When it comes to relaxing on board, the Redemption Spa will feature a hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, quartz beds, and a variety of spa treatments. In the evenings, the spa’s thermal suite will host a DJ to transform the space into a party. Additional pampering can also be had at Stubble and Groom barber shop, The Dry Dock hairstyling bar, and Mani-Pedi Spa on board.
Cruising for the 21st Century
The Scarlet Lady and her sister ships (set to sail in 2021, 2022, and 2023) embody a thoroughly chic, adults-only experience. The “modern yacht” design of the ship’s cabins and suites offer flexibility and ease on board. Staterooms range from single cabins to accommodate solo travelers, to ultra-posh Rockstar Suites that will truly leave guests feeling like VIPs.
Virgin Voyages has also made a commitment to more sustainable cruising, taking measures to reduce emissions and transform waste heat into clean energy. Notably, the Scarlet Lady will have no single-use plastics on board, including disposable water bottles, condiment packets, shopping bags, and food packaging.
Perhaps the most talked about feature of the Scarlet Lady is Squid Ink, the first tattoo parlor at sea. Two resident tattoo artists will provide tattooing, permanent makeup, and piercing services to cruisers. Special guest artists will join the resident artists on select voyages, though these guest artists are not announced yet.
Travel Agents Earn More
Travel agents, or First Mates as Virgin Voyages calls them, are about Virgin’s new cruising endeavor, for several reasons. Virgin Voyages announced that no part of the booking is non-commissionable. This means agents earn commission for add-ons like flights, hotel stays, voyage protections (travel insurance), shore excursions, spa treatments, and even taxes and fees!
Once she sets sail, the Scarlet Lady will sail through the Caribbean stopping in Havana, Costa Maya, and Virgin Voyages’ private island: the Beach Club!
Are you interested in helping clients experience Virgin Voyages and the joy of cruising? KHM Travel Group can help you start and run your independent travel business. Fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 1-888-611-1220 to learn more.