Looking Back on 3 Years of Scarlet Lady & Virgin Voyages

Three years ago, on August 6, 2021, Scarlet Lady finally set sail after numerous setbacks, including delays at the shipyard and the global pandemic. This marked the first time Virgin Voyages would set sail, establishing it as the first new cruise line in over a decade. Since then, Scarlet Lady and Virgin Voyages have shaken up the cruising experience with their fresh approach to cruising.

UK MerMaiden & Launch

Here at VV Insider, we were privileged to be part of the inaugural voyages in the UK, known as the “Summer Soiree Series”. This series of sailings offered the first glimpse into what Virgin Voyages was all about, providing a sneak peek before the grand launch in Miami. These early voyages began on August 6, 2021, amidst the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, with long testing queues making headlines. Despite these challenges, feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Sailors were impressed by the unique offerings, such as inclusive Wi-Fi, complimentary fitness classes, inclusive speciality restaurants and a fresh approach to cruising that focused on relaxation, health, and entertainment.

Following these preview voyages in the UK, Scarlet Lady set off on an empty transatlantic journey, stopping briefly in New York for the crew to prepare for her highly anticipated Miami launch.

Miami MerMaiden & Launch

Scarlet Lady’s grand launch from Miami took place on October 6, 2021, marking the beginning of her inaugural Caribbean season. The event was a major milestone, with a celebration that included special guests like Richard Branson. From Miami, Scarlet Lady embarked on a series of Caribbean voyages, offering sailors a variety of itineraries to explore the region. These included destinations like Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic.

A standout feature of these sailings was the exclusive access to Bimini, Virgin Voyages’ private island retreat, where sailors could enjoy a unique, laid-back island experience. This launch firmly established Virgin Voyages in the competitive cruise market, setting the stage for the brand’s continued growth going into 2022.

Expansion with Further Ships

Virgin Voyages continued to expand, they opened their own terminal in Miami in February 2022. Further expanding its fleet with the launch of the Valiant Lady in March 2022 (previously scheduled for 2021), which initially offered select voyages from the UK. They spend Following her came Resilient Lady in May 2023, which embarked on Mediterranean journeys from Athens and further expanding the port offerings with Australia. Looking ahead, Brilliant Lady is slated to join the fleet in September 2025, rounding off the initial quartet of nearly identical ships that have each contributed to solidifying the Virgin Voyages brand.

Return to Europe & Dry Dock

After a successful year of Caribbean cruising from Miami, Scarlet Lady returned to Europe for the 2024 Mediterranean season. This season included ports of call across France, Spain, and Italy. Looking ahead, Scarlet Lady is scheduled for a dry dock on November 14, 2024, which may bring updates to restaurants and other features based on guest feedback. In 2025, Scarlet Lady will explore new territories, bringing Virgin Voyages to Iceland and Northern Europe for the first time.

Virgin Voyages First Three Years

As we look back on the first three years of Scarlet Lady and Virgin Voyages, we extend a special thanks to the crew and the sailors who have joined us on this incredible journey. From the initial UK sailings to the grand Miami launch and beyond, Scarlet Lady has continually pushed the boundaries of what a cruise experience can be. With a new ship, dry dock enhancements, and new ports on the horizon, sailors have many

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