Five years ago, Virgin Voyages’ first lady, Scarlet Lady, finally set sail. Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri had delivered her to Virgin Voyages in February 2020, but the Covid pandemic had kept her docked until August 2021 when she was able to sail from Portsmouth. With that sailing, Virgin Voyages became the first new cruise line in more than a decade.
Scarlet Lady sailed six preview voyages from Portsmouth between August and September 2021 known as the “Summer Soirée Series” giving Sailors a sneak peek into Virgin Voyages before her grand MerMaiden voyage from PortMiami. Scarlet Lady sailed an empty transatlantic voyage before a brief stop in New York City to prepare for her MerMaiden voyage from PortMiami–her homeport.
In 2024, Scarlet Lady returned to Europe for a Mediterranean season making calls throughout France, Spain and Italy. From November 14 through November 28, 2024, she entered dry dock for a “full-on glow up.” She received new suites, expanded dining and lounge space, new VIP cabanas, updates to the casino and spa area and a new Mermaid on her bow–a symbol of strength and safe passage.
From her drydock at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Palermo, Italy, Scarlet Lady returned to PortMiami to offer 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Eastern Caribbean voyages. Sailors will be treated to ports like St. Croix, Roatan, San Juan, and the Beach Club at Bimini through April. From April through October, 2025, Scarlet Lady will return to Europe and visit new destinations–the Balearic Islands, British Isles, Ligurian coast and Iceland.
Virgin Voyages has continued to grow since Scarlet Lady first set sail. In February 2022, the cruise line opened its own terminal in Miami. In March 2022, the fleet expanded by one with Valiant Lady. In May 2023, Resilient Lady brought the fleet to three, and 2025 will round out the fleet with Brilliant Lady.
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to Virgin Voyages and Scarlet Lady!