Scarlet Lady spent a very wet and windy night in a port of Liverpool in February 2020 so that selected travel agents and press could find out what life was like on board, before she headed off to her new home in Miami. It felt good for me to see her now that she is finished, as Virgin Voyages had invited me on board just over 12 months ago, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa. At that time, she was of course only partially constructed, as you can see if you watch my second video, at the bottom of this page.

Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages have always said that things on board Scarlet Lady would be very different to other cruise ships, and they weren’t joking. She is very bright and daring in many aspects, but I liked the overall feel of the ship. While I have to say that she wouldn’t be the right ship for many of my customers, I can also say that she will 100% be the right ship for some of my customers. This adult only ship, and everything about her, will appeal to a younger generation, as well as those that are ‘young at heart’, and I am sure that she will bring many people to cruising for the very first time. If you aren’t sure if Virgin Voyages is for you, give me a call. We can chat about the things you like and dislike on cruise ships, or general holidays, and I can help you to decide if it is right for you or not.

In the following sections I give you some facts and figures, as well as my thoughts on the ship, in addition to a video I have produced. You can also click on these links to look at the Scarlet Lady itineraries, and sister ship Valiant Lady itineraries, as she will enter service in 2021. When you have had a look, call GoCruise & Travel with Ian on 08002922850 or 01455821770 to book your Virgin Voyages cruise. You can also see my photos of Scarlet Lady on Facebook.

Scarlet Lady is 110,000 gross tons, and she will carry c2,770 passengers (adults only) and c1,160 crew members. It isn’t just the shape of the hull that is different to most other cruise ships, but nearly everything on board is different too. Virgin Voyages themselves describe Scarlet Lady as ‘a yacht-inspired boutique hotel at sea’.

The Virgin Voyages philosophy is for fairer, more transparent pricing, with no hidden extras. The price you pay for your cruise includes all of your food in all dining venues, gratuities for the crew, Wi-Fi for accessing emails and social media, basic bevvies (filtered still and sparkling waters, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and drip coffee), group fitness classes (vinyasa, meditation, cycling, HIIT and more), and a great selection of entertainment.

There has also been a lot of thought put into caring for the environment, and here are just a few of the things they are doing – using technology to turn heat from the ship’s engines into clean energy, cabin sensors to close curtains, turn off lights and change AC settings when unoccupied, and unnecessary single-use plastics are banned from the ship.

Dining Options

There are more than 20 eateries to choose from, and they are all included in the cost of your cruise. No set dining, and no traditional serve-yourself buffet restaurant, mean that you eat what you want, when you want. Each eatery has its own kitchen and executive chef, and all food is made-to-order.

The Wake – Steak And Seafood , Razzle Dazzle  – Vegetarian-Forward, The Test Kitchen – Cooking Lab And Restaurant, Gunbae – Lively Korean Bbq, Pink Agave – Upscale Mexican, The Dock – Mezze Lounge, The Dock House – Casual Mediterranean, Extra Virgin – Elevated Italian, The Pizza Place – Fresh-Made-To-Order, Bento Baby – Japanese Cuisine, Well Bread – Pastries And Flatbreads, The Daily Mix – Healthy Dishes, Sun Club Cafe – Hawaiian Poké Bowls, Pop Star – Popsicle Shop, The Taco Shop – Taco Stand, The Sweet Side – Pastries And Desserts, Noodle Around – Miso And Tonkatsu Ramen, Hot Off The Press – Sandwiches And Toasties, Diner & Dash – 24-Hour Classic American, Burger Bar – Every Kind Of Burger, Grounds Club – Thoughtfully Sourced Coffee

Accommodation Choices

There is a great range of accommodation to choose from to suit all budgets. I give brief details below, as well as one chart showing the sizes and layouts of them all, and another showing the inclusions you can expect, dependent on which grade you book.

• RockStar Suites – there are around 80 of these suites, including 15 Mega RockStar Suites (2x Massive, 2x Fab, 2x Posh and 9x Gorgeous).
• There will be 4 more grades of RockStar Suites, with the ‘smallest’ being the Seriously Suite
• You can also choose an Insider, Sea View or Sea Terrace cabin, and you will have a Seabed, which is a transformational cabin bed, meaning more room in the cabin during the day

Vitamin Sea for Health, Fitness and Rejuvenation

If you like to keep active while on board, or want to pamper yourself, there is bound to be something here to suit you.

• The Runway – this will be a running track, which will circle the ship
• The Perch – a private sundeck, hosting sunrise and sunset yoga
• The Athletic Club – featuring gym equipment, and outdoor boxing ring, cabanas and a sports bar
• B-Complex Gym – enjoy spin, yoga and cardio classes, while facing out to sea
• Well-being Pool – with fitness equipment, and a ‘Gym & Tonic’ bar
• Redemption Spa – spa with hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, quartz beds, and cold plunge pools
• Gym & Tonic – the place to go for a cold-pressed fresh juice
• Stubble & Groom – gentlemen’s barber shop
• Dry Dock – salon and studio

Entertainment

There will be a great selection of entertainment to, and I give brief details below of just some of the things you can expect to find.

• The Manor – a nightclub inspired by Richard’s career in the music business
• The Red Room – this is a transformational multi-form theatre
• Serendipity All Around – Unexpected pop-up performances around the ships
• Night-Time DJ Parties – will be held in the spa’s thermal suite
• Scarlet Night – wear a splash of red, and prepare to be amazed
• Tread the Starboards – immersive experiences, with never-before-seen stage productions
• Duel Reality – a fast-paced retelling of Romeo and Juliet, with an elaborate circus twist (this amazing show is featured in the last 60 seconds or so of my video)
• Another Rose – you’re invited to an exclusive and seductively mysterious dinner party and performance

The following video was made by me in February 2019, when I visited the ship in Genoa mid-construction.