Sir Richard Branson is not one to shy away from the limelight. So when Virgin Voyages had their keel-laying ceremony last week in Italy, those in attendance knew it was going to be more than a push of a button and clicks of camera shutters.
With 80’s pop icon Boy George spinning tunes, Branson arrived decked out in a Virgin-red tuxedo jacket while being lowered to the stage in a construction cage alongside the new cruise line’s CEO Tom McAlpin. The party-like atmosphere of the maritime tradition that celebrates the first block of the ship being put into drydock, was what one would expect from Virgin.
But besides the photo ops and the welding of the coins in the ship’s keel for good luck, there were a few other details revealed about the line and its ships.
First, the ship’s design. Sleek, modern, sexy. Tinted glass, a silver hull, Virgin-red funnel and aft. The ship is designed to be unique, just like the brand, and to make sure heads turn when she’s in port.
On the bow, a whimsical mermaid, or as Virgin puts it, “our ship’s muse. The soul of the voyage. Our elegant leader. The feminine spirit of the ship.”
Speaking of that feminine spirit, the first of three ships in the fleet hasn’t been named, however, each is referred to as a “Lady Ship” and will be “Lady-class” vessels built by Italian shipbuilder, Fincantieri.
The next unexpected announcement was an “adults only” one. As in, “adults only” can cruise on Virgin. No kids allowed. Passengers, or sailors as Virgin calls them, must be 18 years old to set sail. No kids running wild on deck making the soft-serve ice cream machine flow all over the floor, or screaming in the dining room.
18 or over to sail.
I kind of like it.
No, I love it.
When launched, Lady-class ships will hold 2,800 passengers and 1,100 crew. McAlpin noted that while passengers are going love cruising Virgin, the crew will be “the happiest crew at sea!”
The first ship is expected to be delivered in 2020 and will sail the Caribbean from her homeport of Miami. Itineraries have not been announced, however, for $500 per couple, those looking to be one of the first to sail on the new Lady Ship can be put on a list that will entitle them to book their voyage before reservations open to the masses.
Virgin Voyages seems poised to shake up the cruise industry, especially in the Caribbean where giants Carnival and Royal Caribbean dominate. It will be interesting to see what the future looks like for this upstart line. If it’s anything like the keel-laying ceremony, it’s going to be wild!
Party on!