Step Aboard Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Cruise Ship

Virgin Voyages have unveiled their first ever adult only cruise ship, the Scarlet Lady. Aimed at millennials, the Scarlet Lady cruise ship is set to reinvent the way we cruise its making major waves within the industry. Scarlet Lady is also the first of four Lady Ships from the Virgin Voyages luxury fleet!

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virgin Voyages Scarlet lady

When I received an email entitled ‘A Special Invitation from Richard Branson‘, you can imagine my curiosity. In truth, cruises have never held much appeal. I’ve always associated cruising with the retired and those whose priority is not exploring destinations. Don’t even get me started on the environmental impact.

This is exactly where Virgin Voyages is deviating from the classic stereotypes. Virgin is known for shaking up industries and this foray is no different. It’s a brand I’ve enjoyed repeatedly as a traveller. I still dream about my stay at Virgin Limited Edition’s incredible property The Lodge in Verbier.

Could the Virgin Group alter my viewpoint on the cruising world? Only an overnight stay aboard the rebellious luxury liner would hold the answer.

READ NEXT: SWISS BLISS AT RICHARD BRANSONS LODGE!

WHy ARe Virgin Voyages so different?

The launch of the Scarlet Lady cruise ship marks a life-long ambition for Richard Branson, who has dreamed of starting his own cruise line since his twenties. Scarlet Lady was four years in the making and the 17-deck ship will accommodate 2,770 passengers or sailors as Virgin Voyages like to call them and 1,160 crew.

Sustainability at Sea

Being green is a hot topic in the world of travel and no more so than in the cruising industry. Sustainability is at the core of Virgin Voyages, it’s the first ship to offset its carbon emissions from its first cruise.

The innovative cruise liner has banned all single-use plastic, there will be no plastic straws, water bottles, stirrers, shopping bags, takeaway cups or condiment packets onboard. Cabins will have refillable shampoo and shower gel bottles as well as tree-free disposable products like facial tissues, hot cups, napkins and paper towels. Made from 60 to 100% tree-free material, products are made with unique technology by suppliers Emerald Brand.

Music to my ears when I heard buffets are no more on the Scarlet Lady. Just another reason cruise life has never appealed. The poor hygiene levels associated with mass amounts of food left out whilst people breath over and handle it before even reaching the plate – well, I’ve never been a fan. Most importantly, the move eliminates food waste and instead diners will enjoy made-to-order dishes at over 20 restaurants on the Scarlet Lady cruise ship. Even the food and drink available is sustainability sourced like the coffee beans from Intelligentsia Coffee.

The cutting-edge technology onboard with Climeon means any food waste can be turned into biofuel used for energy onboard. Along with all the heat produced by the ship which will be converted back into electricity to help power the gigantic liner – Clever.

Even on land their green credentials continue, there will be no swim with activities available. Instead, sailors will be offered small group experiences which will take into account the surrounding ecosystems and communities and help local businesses thrive.

Money-saving Included Perks

Virgin Voyages try to include as much as possible in the overall price. All dining, and fitness classes as well as some standard wifi (guests can pay extra for premium wifi), gratuities and non-alcoholic beverages are part of the package. The latter three items can cost a hefty amount on other cruises so an added bonus.

WHat are the Cabins like on Scarlet Lady

In total, Scarlet Lady offers 1,330 cabins and 78 Tom Dixon-designed RockStar Suites. Advocating the importance of a healthy dose of Vitamin Sea 93% of the cabins have windows to the ocean, while 86% have a sea-facing balcony. There are very few windowless cabins.

The standard cabins are categorised as, Sea Terrace Cabins, Sea View Cabins and Insider Cabins.

The sea terrace cabin is where I lay my head for the night and was rather excited as I used the touch card to enter my abode. Standard cabins are brightly decorated and minimalist in design. Unlike traditional cabins which feature a standard bed, Virgin have opted for a configurable seabed. During the day it’s a corner sofa to encourage socialising and transformed into a bed during night down service. Maximizing space by creating two rooms in one is something not everyone will be on board with. I adore my little siestas when on holiday mode as do many others. This design would cause problems with a longer stay.

All sea terrace cabins come with a private outside balcony as well as a hand-woven hammock made by women from villages in rural Thailand. Perfect to catch the rays on a sunny cruise of course, but it didn’t have the same appeal on a wet day in Dover.

The bathroom is very compact and comes with basics like bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and tissues. Special makeup towels were a nice touch as was the rain shower. Storage space is limited, with a very small curtained wardrobe so I’d seriously consider your suitcase size if sharing a room.

Low energy-saving devices are at work, including sensors to turn off lights and lower air-conditioning when cabins are unoccupied. Each cabin also has its own steward to replenish the water carafe or other items. The cost for a standard sea terrace cabin starts from £1290 per cabin.

Book Now: Sea Terrace Cabin and Receive an Additional $100 Bar Tab

If you really want to want to splash the cash the Rockstar Suites are a world unto themselves. Found on the 15th deck these Tom Dixon designed high-end rooms come in four categories, Massive Suite, Fab Suite, Gorgeous Suite and Posh Suite

The Massive Suite certainly lives up to its credentials being the biggest suite on the ship and covering a whooping 2147 sq ft, accommodating up to four people.

Featuring a master bedroom, a music room full of electric guitars, which can also double up as a second bedroom, living room and a large wraparound marble bathroom.

The balcony attached has two hammocks, a private cabana, a hot tub and an outdoor shower. These suites are definitely the place to live out your inner rock child dreams.

Tempted?

Expect to pay anything from £15,000 upwards for a 5-6 night cruise. Other privileges include further Rockstar perks to enhance your Virgin Voyages cruise. From private transfers to a hair and makeup team (hellooo!), complimentary pressing service, exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop and keys to onboard events. This is next-level cruising at its best.

Places to Eat on the Scarlet lady

Dining onboard is refreshingly different and includes an impressive choice of places to eat. Gone are the buffets, sailors will only be served freshly prepared food on demand surrounded by incredibly stylish interiors. From gastronomic fine dining to ordering a pizza and a Korean BBQ to a posh Mexican, to name a few.

And the bonus. The restaurants are inclusive and come with no upcharge. The meals across all the eating venues are included in the fare. Many also offer a treat yourself option where you can add something special for an additional fee.

I dined at the Pink Agave aka Mexican heaven serving up delights from the street food scene.

The striking Instagram-worthy light bulb doorway is a showstopper. Once through, the classy interiors continue with electric blue lighting fixtures and sleek curved loungers, designed by Tom Dixon’s Research Design studio.

Laboratory style fine dining takes place at The Test Kitchen with a six-course tasting menu, naming only single ingredients.

The most glamorous restaurant award on the Scarlet Lady cruise ship goes to The Wake, a sophisticated steak and seafood place. Indulge in a raw bar, table-side drink cart service and champagne poured by the glass from a magnum bottle.

Razzle Dazzle wins on being the most vibrant eating space, reflected also in the plant-based vegetarian and vegan menu.

The naughty side menu is also offered for meat add-ons and boozy shots in smoothies. Guaranteed to help liven up a healthy meal.

During the day this is where you’ll find the Drag Brunch with the Scarlet Lady’s resident drag performer.

If you fancy a 2 am snack (like I did) head to the 24-hour diner for burgers and all-day breakfasts. Located in The Galley, if I’m honest it did look suspiciously like a buffet. During the day grab everything from pizza, bento boxes, sushi, tacos, salads and soups, catering to all your cravings.

Can’t be bothered to leave your cabin? Have it delivered straight to your bed via room service.

Places to Drink on the Scarlet lady

Let’s just take a moment to appreciate the plethora of watering holes on the ship. Never will you complain about being thirsty.

Head to Sip the chic champagne bar for a glass of sparkling Moet. Cocktails are more your thing, make a beeline for On the Rocks or grab a pint at Draught Haus. The Grounds club is home to some lovely public spaces where you’ll find some tasty brews and ethically sourced coffee.

Throughout the ship are also water filling stations with still and sparkling on offer. The plan I think is to provide all sailors with their own bottles.

Fun Places to Hangout on the Scarlet lady Cruise Ship

Never a dull moment, there is a multitude of really cool and fun places to hang out.

Take on Donkey Kong or Super Mario Bros in the retro gaming arcade, they even have their own High Street for a spot of shopping as well as the first vinyl store at sea, Vinyl Voyage.

The casino onboard offers traditional slot machines, table games and a bar. Now you can even get inked or pierced at sea, Scarlet Lady brings the first tattoo parlour to the high seas, with vegan ink aptly named Squid Ink.

Fitness and well-being on the Scarlet Lady Cruise Ship

Virgin Voyages encourages self-care for all its sailors. There is something to suit everyone on board. Tone up on the ships running track or boxing ring and enter the sleek black gym with floor to ceiling windows looking out to sea.

The outdoor yoga space and well-being zone will help keep those limbs supple and nimble. Try a spot of sunrise yoga or get your sweat on in a HIIT class. And on the subject of classes all group work classes are free.

The Aquatic Club was a talking point on the ship, or more so it’s very small pool on the top deck in comparison to the size of the ship. When the Caribbean sun is shining and the ship is full, this will be one crowded area. There is also a well-being pool featuring a large whirlpool and two other plunge pools for a dip.

Relaxation more your scene? The Redemption Spa is a stylish black, white, marble haven complete with hydrotherapy pool, mud and salt rooms, warm quartz beds, cold plunge pools, saunas and rejuvenating spa treatments. A delightfully tranquil spot and where you’d find me for sure if I set sail on a cruise.

Entertainment on board the Scarlet lady

Expect the unexpected once onboard a Virgin Voyage cruise. Leave any ideas of classic broadway productions and traditional cruise entertainment at the gangway. Think contemporary, immersive experiences where sailors choose from a festival lineup of original entertainment developed by some of the world’s most cutting-edge producers, directors and artists. Six original shows will feature in The Red Room, a transformational, multi-form theatre – a first at sea.

We were treated to a beautiful high energy, acrobatic retelling of Romeo and Juliet called Dual Reality produced by 7 Fingers.

Later in the evening, the space transformed into a club where a fluorescent-clad dance troop entertained the crowds with podium dancing and a giant neon whale. Different indeed.

Don’t forget your dancing shoes for the nightclub The Manor, named after Richard Branson’s first recording studio. Walk through a spectacular twinking mirrored corridor (if you can get past the Instagrammers). Enter a two-storey, three-bar nightclub exuding a moody 70s vibe. Perfect place to dance the night away.

Is Virgin Voyage for YOu

Virgin Voyages has definitely delivered on creating a unique experience on the high seas. Throwing away the rulebook, the strictly adult only cruises won’t be for everyone. They cater to the young heart and those looking for hedonistic fun alongside eco-friendly travelling.

Would I book a Virgin Voyages cruise? With a larger cabin, perhaps for a short child-free break with my girlfriends and I’m not even a millennial.

Bookings for cruises departing in April 2020 are now open. Scarlet Lady will take up permanent residence in Miami and operate four and five-night voyages out of Miami to the Bahamas and Caribbean. Many of the sailings include stops in Cozumel, Mexico and the Dominican Republic as well as a private island experience at The Beach Club at Bimini with its huge pool in the Bahamas.

Click for more info on Virgin Voyages and to book your first cruise

Are you onboard with the new age of cruising with Virgin Voyages?

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