Sir Richard Branson has announced that Virgin Voyages is now officially open for business, as its first ship Scarlet Lady opens for bookings.

“I’ve dreamed of starting my own cruise line since I was in my 20’s, and now the launch is finally getting close,” said the always-inspired Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Voyages.

Today, his dream comes closer to reality as the company’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, accepts bookings for her inaugural season departing from 1 April through 21 October 21 2020.

“We have taken the time to think about every detail and craft an experience that brings the Virgin brand to life and disrupts the travel industry,” added Branson.

In conjunction with opening bookings for sale, Virgin Voyages revealed that all voyages will feature The Beach Club at Bimini, a Virgin Voyages experience in Bimini, Bahamas. Furthermore, guests of the ship will have the opportunity to choose from a festival-like line-up of original Events & Gigs developed by accomplished producers, directors and artists in the expansion of the company’s Creative Collective.

Keeping close to the Virgin brand, Virgin Voyages will offer a cheeky and cheerful approach to service, as well as “an inclusive approach” to sea travel. Its guests will be given free food at the 20+ eateries onboard, free group fitness classes, no gratuities or service charges, free Wi-Fi and free basic beverages like soda, teas, and drip coffee, as well as still and sparkling water.

“That you’re never being nickel and dimed”

“At Virgin Voyages we are going beyond just great design, to defy and redefine luxury to be rebellious luxe,” said Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages.

“This new luxury is about knowing you are taken care of, that you’re never being nickel and dimed, and what you want, even some of the things you didn’t know you wanted, are already taken care of for you.”