– Pictured: Brian Kelly (The Points Guy), Sir Richard Branson, Tom McAlpin (CEO, Virgin Voyages)
-Photo by: Patrick Lewis/Starpix
-Location: New York City
Sir Richard Branson has never been on a cruise, but he is about to disrupt the cruise industry with the launch of Virgin Voyages. Officially open for business today, the Scarlet Lady is open for bookings for her inaugural season with voyages departing from April 1 through October 25, 2020.
The boutique-style, mid-sized ship was designed to reflect a yacht’s sleek luxury and will set sail from PortMiami for her 2020 inaugural season on unforgettable four and five-night voyages Havana, Cuba; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Costa Maya, Mexico, hosting more than 2,770 sailors and 1,160 amazing crew from around the world.
“I’ve dreamed of starting my own cruise line since I was in my 20’s, and now the launch is finally getting close,” said Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Voyages. “We have taken the time to think about every detail and craft an experience that brings the Virgin brand to life and disrupts the travel industry.”
Picture this: free food at the 20+ eateries onboard, free group fitness classes, no gratuities or service charges, free Wifi and free basic beverages like soda, teas, drip coffee as well as still and sparkling water. No buffets. Resident DJ’s. Not your typical cruise vibe.
While on the ship, Virgin Voyages Sailors will have the opportunity to choose from a festival-like lineup of all-new completely original Events & Gigs developed by some of the world’s most-talked about producers, directors and artists in the expansion of the company’s Creative Collective. Virgin Voyages’ entertainment Creative Collective includes Jenny Gersten, Randy Weiner, Sam Pinkleton, Ani Taj, PigPen Theatre Co, The 7 Fingers, Roslyn Hart and Alfredo Guenzani and the Spark Cooperative. No washed-up theater performaces here.
A stop at The Beach Club at Bimini, will be on the agenda, where sailors can feel the sand in their toes and have an epic day at the chic club- researched after visiting the best beach clubs in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez. Designed with Miami-based architects EOA, Inc, the club features natural materials, soft earth tones and a view that overlooks the ocean. Mornings at The Beach Club will begin with yoga and meditation as Sailors enjoy the sounds of the ocean, with the energy gradually amplifying as the day progresses. Afternoon will find you with a DJ-led pool and floatilla parties, while the night brings a beach bonfire with an acoustic musical performance. The founding DJ at The Beach Club at Bimini will be British-born Grammy-Award-winning artist and producer Mark Ronson.
Another perk? Sail with Richard Branson for his birthday bash aboard a four-night Havana After Dark voyage departing July 15, 2020. Sailors are invited to book their passage aboard this one-of-a-kind trip by visiting www.virginvoyages.com,or by entering to win at RichardsBirthday.VirginVoyages.com.
