Richard Branson is to launch a new concept called Virgin Voyages, which will specialise in adults-only cruises.
The entertainment on board will combine “killer beats” with an extensive well-being offering “inspired by the oceans”. The company are referring to their wellness offering as ‘Vitamin Sea’.
The ships, which will be based in Miami Florida, are being particularly designed with open spaces and sea views in mind as the operators believe natural light is essential to well-being.
Marrying affordability with comfort, Branson has revealed that 86 percent of the guest rooms available will have sea-view balconies and 93 percent will have ocean views.
Although exact pricing isn’t yet clear, it seems that balconies and windows will be almost standard features, rather than expensive bolt-ons.
The first ship, set to launch in 2020, will be named Scarlet Lady as a tribute to one of Branson’s earliest aeroplanes of the same name.
And the Virgin brand’s mermaid logo recognisable from the aeroplanes will also be etched onto the edge of the cruise ships, which have been confirmed to head to Caribbean destinations as a starting point.
A closer look at Scarlet Lady
Plenty of open spaces will be filled with natural flora and fauna.
A Twenties Art Deco atmosphere is planned for the evening entertaining spaces, which will feature high ceilings and glamorous fittings.
All well-being offerings, including a variety of gyms, will be sea-facing.
Clean, minimal spaces for daytime relaxation, wellness and eating and drinking will feature across the ship.
Relaxation will be a traditional focus of the ship, with an on-board pool and sun loungers commanding much of the early imagery as well as ample space for yoga.
Private cabanas will be bookable and hireable for more of an exclusive feel.
A Sports Bar will feature retro sports games, and show key sporting events.
A focus on wellness
Exercise classes will be free on board, including sunrise and sunset yoga, and there will be a red running track, an outdoor boxing ring, a gymnastics space and an adult’s ‘play’ area as well as a series of different gyms.
A fully-equipped spa will feature a hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools and quartz beds.
Now recruiting
The company are recruiting and are advertising a variety of positions online, ranging from machinery inspectors to creative leads and project managers.
The roles currently being recruited for are based only in the States and Italy.
Sustainability a key focus
At a recent launch event Branson smashed an oversized single-use plastic bottle in an aggressive statement of intent for his new business.
“Nothing makes me prouder than seeing companies like Virgin Voyages striving to make a positive impact on the world we live in,” Branson said.
“Business is a force for good and can and must be the catalyst for global change.”
Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpine added: “We must make a commitment to building ships and experiences that do everything possible to look after the well-being of our precious oceans. We are delighted with what we’ve achieved so far…”.
The ships will feature high concept interior design by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio.
Branson’s team have chosen to work with designers who have never designed a cruise ship before. They have been inspired by the work of heralded designer Tom Dixon and his studio. Their portfolio includes several high profile international restaurants, stores and entertaining spaces.
Virgin Voyages expect to release further information on the cruises, including booking details, by the end of 2018.
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