Virgin Voyages

Kids-free Virgin Voyages prescribes a dose of Vitamin Sea

The announcement in 2014 that the Virgin Group, synonymous with rail and air transportation, was eyeing the cruise arena was only to be expected.

Following the launch of Virgin Voyages in 2016, the dream was complete with the 2020 inaugural Caribbean sailing from PortMiami of Scarlet Lady, the first of its four ships.

The name will sound familiar as it mirrors that of one of the earliest planes to fly for Virgin Atlantic. And as the Virgin cruise flagship, Scarlet Lady will be paired with the brand’s iconic mermaid image on the hull.

The philosophy of the new line is the well-being of its passengers, which the brand refers to as Vitamin Sea.

As part of an “Epic Sea Change for All”, Virgin Voyages has committed itself to delivering transformational and rejuvenating experiences.

The Vitamin Sea ideology is inspired by the oceans and their importance in the health and well-being for our planet. The approach also places healthy travel at the forefront of the delivery of its Adult by Design experience for the 18+ sailor.

“We are all so busy with life, work and family that vacations are critical for us to be able to rebuild our energy, so that we can live our best lives,” says Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin.

“With well-being at the heart of everything we do at Virgin Voyages, sailors will come back feeling rejuvenated, not like they need a holiday from their holiday.”

Scarlet may be the colour associated with the Virgin brand, but the credentials of Virgin Voyages are green as it aims to create one of the cleanest fleets at sea.

This initiative includes banning plastic items on board including straws, bottled water, other beverage bottles, condiment packets, shopping bags, food packaging, stirrers, and take-away coffee and tea cups. Instead, the company will emphasise the use of recyclable and reusable materials across the ship.

Sailors, as Virgin prefers to call its passengers, will have access to complimentary filtered still and sparkling water at all bars and restaurants, as well as specially designed Natura filtered water stations throughout the ship.

“Nothing makes me prouder than seeing companies like Virgin Voyages striving to make a positive impact on the world we live in,” says Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson. “Business is a force for good and can and must be the catalyst for global change.”

McAlpin adds: “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.”

The Virgin ambition of four ships is now complete following the arrival of Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady.