Virgin Voyages has postponed Scarlet Lady’s showcase events in New York City because of coronavirus fears and diverted its new ship to Miami.
The new ship is currently on a shakedown cruise in the Atlantic en route to the US and her new home in Miami.
New York officials warned on Monday that the virus was likely to spread in New York City after confirming on Sunday that a Manhattan woman had contracted the virus while traveling in Iran.
In a statement, Virgin Voyages said: “We believe delaying the launch celebration is the right thing to do given public sentiment and focus at this time. We have absolutely no health concerns or issues on board and there are no issues with our passengers or crew.”
Scarlet Lady, pictured top of page, the first ship in the Virgin fleet and delivered on Valentine’s Day in Italy, will sail to New York at a later date for a launch celebration.
Virgin added in the statement: “With no other events scheduled in New York at this time, we will instead sail the ship to her new home in Miami.
“The 850 passengers currently on the ship are friends and family of our crew and were invited to join a complimentary test sailing with us. We are working with those who need assistance for travel home from Florida.”