From its first announcements (or as they called it, a “Ship Tease”) in October 2017, Virgin Voyages made it obvious that they were going to be different from most other cruise lines:
- It would be adults only (18+)
- They would partner with Scanship, to turn ship waste into energy
Scheduled to launch out of Miami in Spring 2020, they, of course, had to delay their virgin Virgin voyage (you see what I did there?). #thanksCOVID. But after a little over a year, during the summer of 2021, the Scarlet Lady finally went on her maiden voyage, not out of a U.S. port (the CDC was still making their plans for cruise ships sailing out of the U.S. at that time), but from Portsmouth, England. And that’s when people really started to see the differences:
- The beds convert into couches upon request (the initial plan was for the cabin stewards to switch them back and forth each morning/evening but guests weren’t using the couches much, so now it’s only upon request).
- Guests can control everything in the room with a tablet.
- Balcony rooms have hammocks.
- The ship stays in port for 10 to 16 hours (as opposed to 6 or 8 for most cruise lines).
- The Scarlett Lady has the first tattoo parlor at sea, called Squid Ink. You can get piercings there, as well
- Sailors who are 18 – 21 can drink alcohol while in international waters (Royal Caribbean and Carnival don’t allow this)
- They have over 20 specialty restaurants where passengers can dine for no additional cost.
- Fresh juices, soda, tea and premium coffees (YAAAAASSS!) are included in the cruise fare.
- They have no drink packages or “unlimited drinks” option. Instead, they have a system called a “Bar Tab,” which they offer at a discount (and their prices are pretty decent, too!)
- Gratuities are included.
- Internet is included.
- Fitness classes are included.
No wonder why they won Cruise Critic’s Editor’s Pick for Best New Cruise Ship in 2021!
All of Virgin’s ships, current and future, feature the design of a mermaid. Virgin Voyages calls its mermaids “leading ladies” and they’re an important symbol of the brand, meant to keep passengers safe on their voyage.
Scarlet Lady’s mermaid is a blonde, with very light skin.
In July, 2021, Virgin Voyages announced their next ship, the Valiant Lady, would feature a Black mermaid. Here’s more about that ceiling-shattering announcement.
And now? Virgin Voyages is again going where no cruise line has gone before. Their third ship, Resilient Lady, is scheduled to set sail in Greece this summer. She will offer a series of seven- and nine-night voyages.
And HER mermaid will be Latina.
“Created by the exceptional artist Jodie Herrera, our new mermaid represents strength and resilience — capturing the essence of a woman who knows exactly who she is and what she wants, no matter the obstacle. Throughout @chromaj‘s career, her work has focused on connecting and uplifting women by highlighting feminist issues, with each story portraying remarkable people who have persevered throughout their lives. And Resilient Lady’s mermaid is no different.
A hero of the seas who is courageous, curious, and..resilient 💪”
From Virgin Voyages’ Ahoy! Blog:
Herrera’s work is deeply inspired by her New Mexican roots and her Latin, Jicarilla Apache, and Comanche ancestry. Herrera’s photorealistic oil paintings and murals connect and uplift women by highlighting feminist issues, with each story portraying remarkable people who have persevered throughout their lives. And Resilient Lady’s mermaid is no different; celebrating the culture, history, and people of some of the amazing regions our newest ship is so fortunate to visit.
Virgin Voyages’ mission is to showcase diversity and their mermaids continue to reflect the beauty and diversity of their Sailors, Crew, and the world.
Joe and I had a reservation on the Scarlet Lady for the summer of 2020. That, obviously, was canceled and we rescheduled for the summer of 2021. Also canceled. Third time’s the charm in the summer of 2022?
Feature Photo (cropped): Sidvics
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