Scarlet Lady

About Scarlet Lady

Scarlet Lady is a cruise ship owned and operated by Virgin Voyages. As the inaugural ship for the cruise line, the ship has played a significant role in defining the Virgin Voyages brand and its unique approach to cruise travel.

Overview

• Name: Scarlet Lady
• Operator: Virgin Voyages
• Homeport: Miami
• Launched: 14 February 2020
• Inaugural Voyage: 6 August 2021 (Portsmouth Previews), 6 October 2021 (Official from Miami)
• Tonnage: 110,000 GT
• Length: 277.2 metres (909 ft)
• Draft: 8.05 metres (26.4 ft)
• Beam: 41 metres (135 ft)
• Capacity: Over 2,770 passengers and 1,160 crew
• Decks: 17
• Cruising Speed: 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
• Maximum Speed: 22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph)
• Adults-Only: For guests aged 18 and over

View Deck Plans

Construction

Planning

On 4 December 2014, Virgin Group announced its entry into the cruise industry, forming Virgin Cruises. The company signed a letter of intent with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for three cruise ships, with the first scheduled for 2020. The order reportedly cost $2.55 billion. On 18 October 2016, the company rebranded to Virgin Voyages.

Construction and Delivery

Scarlet Lady, initially known as Virgin I and “hull number 6287”, had her steel-cutting ceremony on 22 March 2017. The ship was assembled from 399 sections and floated out from the shipyard on 8 February 2019. After performing sea trials, she was formally delivered on 14 February 2020.

Technology and Specifications

Scarlet Lady is equipped with diesel-electric genset systems, ABB Azipod XO units, and a hybrid scrubber system for environmental sustainability. In 2021, she was equipped with satellite internet connectivity to provide passengers with free ultra-fast onboard Wi-Fi access.

Naming and Debut

On 20 July 2018, the ship’s name was revealed as Scarlet Lady, honoring Virgin Atlantic’s second plane. The debut schedule was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her inaugural voyage finally took place on 6 August 2021 from Portsmouth in the United Kingdom, followed by a second ‘Mermaiden Voyage’ out of Virgin Voyages home port of Miami on 6 October 2021.

Operational Career

• 2020 – Friends and Family repositioning to the UK, launch delayed in March 2020 due to Covid-19.
• 2021 – Soft launches in Portsmouth and Miami as cruising returns to normal
• 2022/2023 – Regular Caribbean sailings with a 4 and 5 night sailings to Bimini and other areas such as Dominican Republic and Bahamas
• 2024 – Transatlantic Sailing to Europe, Mediterranean Season & Dry Dock in November 2024
• 2025 – Sailings in Caribbean followed by Europe with a first port of call in Iceland
• 2026 – Sailings in Caribbean and taking over Resilient Lady’s Greek Isles routes