Virgin Voyages first ship, Scarlet Lady, sets sail in US after 18 month COVID delay
pushed back multiple times and completed a short series of sailings during a “preview season” in the U.K. that started in August.
“After many years in the making, we are excited to officially launch Scarlet Lady and welcome Sailors in the U.S. aboard for an unforgettable experience,” Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages, said in a release.
The adult-only cruise line announced in March that it would require all crew and passengers to be fully vaccinated to board. While the Scarlet Lady can carry 2,770 passengers, it will sail at 50% capacity to start, spokesperson Michelle Estevam, told USA TODAY. The ship can also carry 1,160 crew members and will sail with 1,153 Wednesday.
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The sailing dubbed one of the Scarlet Lady’s “Fire Sunset Soirées” is a four-night cruise with stops in Nassau and Bimini.
“During her inaugural season, Scarlet Lady will sail a mix of Mexican and Caribbean voyages befitting of any curious traveler’s tastes, with five-night ‘Riviera Maya’ sailings to Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen; five-night ‘Mayan Sol’ voyages to Costa Maya, Mexico, and five-night ‘Dominican Daze’ voyages to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic,” Virgin said in its release.
The ship features 1,330 cabins and 78 suites also called “Rockstar Quarters.”
Virgin Voyages’ second and third ships are set to debut next year. Valiant Lady is now scheduled to debut in March and Resilient Lady is on track to debut in July, Estevam said.