When fun-loving billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson — the world’s most admirable pursuitist — invites you on a special, never-to-be-forgotten Virgin Voyages cruise to celebrate the 50+ year history of Branson’s Virgin brand, there’s only one thing to say: Aye aye, captain!
Branson is inviting fans of the Virgin brand to join him onboard the company’s second-annual “Virgin Celebration Voyage” this month. In honor of Branson’s astonishing achievements as an innovator in music, publishing, aviation, retail, hotels, cruises, space exploration and other zeitgeist enterprises, guests will have the opportunity to sail the Caribbean this month on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise.
Actually, it’s a thrice-in-a-lifetime cruise
Not one, but three cruises are planned for 2024’s impossibly epic “Virgin Celebration Voyage” on Virgin Voyages’ best three Lady Ships and three distinct itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe.
- Valiant Lady – August 30 – September 4: Dominican Daze (Miami – Puerto Plata – Beach Club at Bimini – Miami)
- Scarlet Lady – September 1-8: French Daze & Ibiza Nights (Barcelona – Marseille – Cannes – Palma de Mallorca – Ibiza – Barcelona)
- Resilient Lady – September 3-8: UK to Zeebrugge & Amsterdam (Portsmouth – Amsterdam – Zeebrugge (Bruges) – Portsmouth)
Paired with modern, tech-savvy cabins, designer suites fit for a rockstar, and a mermaid-inspired spa and thermal suite, the brand continues to take the industry by storm.
“Not only are we excited to bring back this special Virgin Celebration series, but we’re making a splash, doing it bigger & better than in 2023 with not one, but three incredible voyages,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, who will join cruise celebrants. “Once a year, our Sailors have unprecedented access to immerse themselves in the magic of both Virgin Voyages and the Virgin brand. They’ll be rubbing elbows with visionary leaders from across the Virgin family and this year’s very special guests.”
The special guest list is out of this world
It’s a good thing Branson has his own commercial airline fleet — Virgin Atlantic — at his disposal, because Sir Richard will be jet-setting between his three favorite Lady Ships to celebrate with sailors on all three anniversary cruises. Not only does the man know how to throw a party, he’s not shy about joining fellow cruisers for all the action, unique pop-up entertainment, and thrilling surprises that only a dreamer like Branson can dream up.
And because the more is the merrier, Branson is bringing along an incredible line-up of special guests to mix and mingle with Celebration Cruise sailors in dozens of unique activities. VIPS on board will include a variety of Virgin company executives, and a distinguished cohort of Virgin Galactic astronauts who recently returned from space. Astronauts Jamila Gilbert and Ron Rosano will be on-deck to host such fun on-board events as a boozy painting session and evening stargazing; Virgin Voyages COO Michelle Bentubo and The Diva (Virgin Voyages’s resident drag queen) will lead a hilarious bingo game; a leader from remarkable altruistic foundation Virgin Unite will lead workshop to guide attendees on finding their charitable purpose; the innovative David Tait will present a behind-the-scenes look at Virgin Atlantic, one of Virgin’s most successful companies; and Sir Richard himself will lead intimate talks, retoxing parties, and a detoxing “Eight Legs Run Club” workout on the jogging track.
To make sure these soon-to-be-legendary voyages totally rock, Virgin’s rock ’n’roll history will be front and center with the appearance of legendary Virgin Records artist Boy George — the iconic karma chameleon from Culture Club — for music, dancing and a poolside chat about his career-long relationship with Branson. Together, these esteemed guests will lend their star power to this memorable adventure celebrating Virgin’s musical history with unparalleled brand insights…and will simply join in on the fun.
Underwater safaris with sharks and astronauts
When it comes to port visits, 50th anniversary sailors will have the opportunity to dive into immersive experiences that capture the disruptive essence of the Virgin brand. Called “Hosted Shore Things,” these once-in-a-lifetime on-shore experiences are almost too good to be true, thanks to special astronaut guides from Virgin Galactic. On the first 2024 Celebration Voyage in the Caribbean, for instance, daring sailors can don their snorkels to explore the famous wreckage of the SS Sapona with Virgin Galactic Astronaut Ron and the (gulp) many reef and nurse sharks that guard the site at Triangle Rock.
For milder pursuits, creative do-gooders can, for instance, paint at the beach or participate in a Recycling Art Project with Virgin Galactic Astronaut Jamila (the third Virgin Galactic woman to fly to space), and a group of Dominican Republic women who transform recycled paper into art.
Endless entertainment, eateries, and exclusive action on board
Music and fun are at the heart of the Virgin brands’ DNA so plan to sleep when you’re dead because you’re not going to want to miss a minute of the exclusive Virgin Celebration Voyage shows, parties and what-did-I-just-see moments as only Virgin can produce. A festival-like line-up of intimate and larger-than-life shows are on the agenda, including a DJ set by Boy George, exclusive fireside chats, interactive workshops, energetic workouts, and daily happy hours.
Fuel up with 20 eateries on board (including culinary experiences from Michelin-star chefs) then work off the extra pounds with stylish workout spaces and daily group fitness classes. And of course no Virgin voyage would be complete without the famous Scarlet Night extravaganza, an immersive celebration with eye-popping pop-up performances, and live music that culminates in a drenched-in-red pool dance party you’ve never seen before. That is, unless you’re a repeat Virgin Voyages sailor.
Virgin Voyages’ Lady Ships are the coolest ships at sea
Inspired by superyacht design, Virgin Voyages’ fleet of Lady Ships exemplify an elevated, boutique hotel at sea with contemporary spaces that strike an exciting balance of nautical chic, glamor and cool. From private cabanas to floaty pool parties and personal hammocks on every balcony stateroom — it’s all a resort-like experience where you can really let your salty hair down.
Currently departing from the sun-soaked cities of Miami, Barcelona, and Athens, the adults-only fleet offers more than 60 unique itineraries, sailing to 100 incredible ports of call. In 2023, Virgin Voyages won Travel + Leisure’s highly coveted World’s Best Award for the best mega-ship ocean cruise line and swept the Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards – the first time a brand has won in all five categories.
For more information about Virgin Voyages, or to book a cabin during the “Virgin Celebration Voyages,” visit www.VirginVoyages.com.
Photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages
