Arrivals & Departures Sexy cruiser's adults-only luxury

Imagine Cruising has partnered with Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages to offer a selection of luxury itineraries aboard the adults-only ship Scarlet Lady which is due to begin cruising on April 1, 2020. 

The ship has been named for the scarlet lady image that was emblazoned on the nose of Virgin’s planes (it was also the name of one of the earliest Virgin Atlantic planes) as well as in the spirit of gender equality.

The cruises are touted as exotic itineraries with a “rock star twist” and they’ll explore places such as Miami, Havana, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. And while there’ll be no kids and no buffets on the 2770-passenger ship, cruisers will be able to get a tattoo, go to a drag show, dance on the tables, cook up a Korean barbecue or, according to Imagine Cruising, “raid the chef’s fridge for late-night snacks”.

The ship is still being built but some of the details are trickling out:

It’s being designed and constructed at shipbuilding powerhouse Fincantieri at Genoa.

Virgin has assembled a “Creative Collective” comprising renowned designers such as Concrete Amsterdam, Roman and Williams and Tom Dixon.

Rooms can be transformed at the touch of a button with mood-matching lights and a seabed that can be reconfigured into a sofa setting. You could stay in the sea bed all day and not feel like you’re missing out. 

With a tablet in every room, a “killer app” and Virgin’s own satellite, travellers can enjoy all the entertainment they would on dry land, dim the lights, order in and make a reservation all while remaining flat-out relaxed. 

Scarlet Lady will have “rock star suites” with features such as a vinyl turntable, “Peak-a- View” showers with ocean vistas and handwoven terrace hammocks. 

“Rock stars” will get private transfers, can devise their own rider and get access to an exclusive lounge area, Richard’s Rooftop while it’s reported the most luxurious suite will have a “guitar-clad music room”.

Virgin calls this guilt-free cruising — and says it’s used sustainable technology, banned unnecessary single-use plastics and Scarlet Lady will carry only “thoughtfully” sourced food and merchandise. 

Fact File

For more, phone Imagine Cruising on 1300 971 302 and click here