I Like Big Ships and I Can Not Lie!

“I touched the butt” -Nemo Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages

Ship Happens, and Richard Branson has gone and done it again, his ships have been voted best luxury cruise liner for a 3rd year running, and is about to launch his 4th ladyship into our seas this Autumn, welcome Brilliant Lady. I had the absolute pleasure of being invited onboard Scarlet Lady and wanted to share in its treasures.

If, like me, you enjoy facts and figures of beastly machines, get a load of this. The ship is 278 m long and 38 m wide and has a gross tonnage of 110,000t, which is the equivalent of 22,000 elephants. All 4 ships are powered by two eight-cylinder and two 12-cylinder Wartsila 46F engines and have 17 decks.

All 4 of these luxury sister ships (Scarlet Lady 2021, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady 2023, and Brilliant Lady) are built to the same design and can carry 2,700 passengers and hold 2,700 guests (not including the 1,150 - 1,160 crew).

Whither Do They Journey?

Scarlet Lady sails from Portsmouth, UK, Barcelona (Spain) and Miami (USA) Her routes include Europe: British Isles and Norway cruises via Amsterdam and Bergen, Shetland. Mediterranean: ports in Spain, Italy, France, and stops for one night in Ibiza. In the winter, she shifts over to the Caribbean: 4-7 nights sailing from Miami to The Beach Club at Bimini, Cozumel, Roatán, Puerto Plata.

Valiant Lady is Barcelona-based and sails to Spain, Italy, France and Gibraltar and also likes a stop off in Ibiza too, and the Italian Riviera. In Winter, she sails the Caribbean from Miami or San Juan and visits Puerto Plata, Bimini, St Maarten and Curaçao.

Resilient Lady has sailed to Australia and New Zealand in late 2023, and then repositioned to Portsmouth, UK and then to the Caribbean/USA. Her routes are Europe/Mediterranean: Summer sailings are to Athens, with Greek islands, Croatia and Istanbul stop-offs. In the winter season, she too explores the Caribbean.

Brilliant Lady, the newbie, arrives in October and will call Florida and Miami home, and she’ll explore the Caribbean Islands too.

“You float our boat” Photo credit: Chloe Louise

The best part about these floating islands is that they’re adult by design, a child-proof floating vessel.

How can a Ship this massive, be so Green?

I’m sure you’d salute with me as I type (with one hand, obvs) this next part. Virgin Voyages is the first ever clean fleet in our oceans. They’ve partnered with Climeon, a Sweden-based technology company, with a goal to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by converting engine waste heat into electricity.

Equality and Inclusion (freedom to be you).

I’ve fond memories of working for Virgin Music previously, a company who don’t discriminate for being different but embrace diversity and commit to inclusion, proclaiming “Be yourself – whoever you are.” So I’m delighted Branson’s beautiful 1,150 crew are allowed to flaunt their tattoos and piercings and personalities unapologetically. Oh, and should you envy their permanent artwork, you’ll be relieved to know that Virgin Voyages have teamed up with legendary Tattoo Ink who’ll stamp you with vegan-friendly ink, piercings and permanent make up treatments. The Squid Ink Parlour is the first tattoo studio at sea and will have two resident tattoo artists.

The Rockstar Cabin Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages

Let’s Talk Cabins

Is the Caribbean/Mediterranean sun making you sleepy yet? These ships have got you covered, in your cabin… There are 5 cabin types from an inside cabin to palatial RockStar Suites. No matter where you choose, you’ll have the power in your hands to transform your room at the touch of a button. Mood lighting, a configurable Seabed and in-cabin tech come together to make your life just a little easier. So cosy up, choose a film on your tablet and cast it to the TV.

RockStar Suite guests will be given backstage access for RockStar Suites Sailors at every corner, with early access to onboard entertainment, access to Richard’s Rooftop (think members club meets chic outdoor lounge), restaurants, a private transfer to and from the ship in Miami and an exclusive express VIP pathway to the ship during embarkation. RockStar Suite guests will also have their very own wardrobe team to help unpack and repack, complimentary pressing service and nightly express swimsuit drying service.

Specific Accessibility Features:

Virgin Voyages offers cabins designed for wheelchair users, including wider doorways, turning spaces, roll-in showers, and grab bars.
Mobility Assistance:
They provide assistance with embarkation and disembarkation, pool lifts, and accessible restrooms throughout public spaces.
Hearing Impairment:
TDD kits are available for those who are hard of hearing.
Service Animals:
Service dogs are permitted on board, but they must be leashed and are not allowed in pools, whirlpools, or spas.
Dietary Needs:
Sailors with specific dietary needs should contact Sailor Services to discuss options and potentially submit requests at least 45 days before sailing

Now For The Food (and Chocolate Tacos)

One major turn-off for me about traditional cruising is the ubiquitous buffet. Branson has thrown this rulebook out the window and introduced 20 restaurants on board his ships. I think these may be my favourite ones:

WAKE: Designed by Roman and Williams, Wake offers sailors a dramatic view of the ship’s wake. Serving a theatrical take on steak and seafood, Wake is the most glamorous restaurant on the ship, with a dramatic grand staircase entry.

PINK AGAVE: This vibrant Mexican establishment offers a wide variety of classic Mexican dishes, including tlayudas, memelas, sopes, tortas, esquites, tamales, and an expansive array of smoky, strong mezcals.

RAZZLE DAZZLE: With an interior scheme that nods to the glamorous, the inspiration came from the bold camouflaging of ships in WWI using patterns of black and white paint. Expect vibrant and creative twists on vegetarian fare and a juice bar, but there are also meat options! Also, expect some brunch time drag, I was massively surprised, although I think the clue was in the name!

That was all too much. Can we just chill out, please? Absolutely …

…Grooming and Pampering Spaces?

REDEMPTION SPA – This hideaway is the epitome of chill with a hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools, quartz beds, and rejuvenating spa treatments. By night, sailors can complete their well-being journey by attending one of the voyage’s evening spa parties where a DJ will transform the spa’s thermal suite into a mermaid hideaway extravaganza.

STUBBLE & GROOM – will offer a one-of-a-kind experience at sea with hot-lather shaves, haircuts, beard trimmings and the only maritime male pedicure spa overlooking a porthole ocean view.

THE DRY DOCK – a blow dry and hairstyling beauty bar complete with hair nourishing and scalp treatments.

Other Spaces for Mateys

With 17 decks, there will be a lot to do but here are couple of my finds for now:

THE DOCK – an outdoor lounge designed by Roman and Williams, with a focus on relaxation, chillaxing and an appreciation of the gorgeous views the ship provides.

THE MANOR – the signature nightclub also designed by Roman and Williams, inspired by Richard Branson’s history in the music industry and his first ever Virgin music studio of the same name.

ATHLETIC CLUB – is an expansive space designed by Concrete Amsterdam. Inspired by New York sports clubs of the 1920s, the space features oversized gaming for outdoor adult play, the largest daybed at sea, cabanas for relaxation, a sports bar for socialising post-workout and more.

Yes! Evening entertainment included…. Photo Credit: Chloe Louise

The Beach Club at Bimini

This exclusive 4.5-acre beach club on the island of Bimini (in the Bahamas) will be exclusive to those who sail on any of the 4 sisters. Cascade down to the sea with an expansive lagoon-style pool as the central anchor of the club. Also, it’s not a private island so there is also the option to explore other parts of Bimini.

Sailors, are you ready now?

To discover much more, say no more and sail away, visit: www.virginvoyages.com