Virgin Voyages’ presentation of its first ship Scarlet Lady in Miami has been suspended.
A two-night event for the travel industry and media at PortMiami won’t go ahead as planned due to coronavirus fears enveloping the cruise industry.
"We want to ensure everyone feels it is the right time to celebrate with us. While Virgin Voyages has not been affected, we feel that postponing our launch celebration to a future date is the responsible thing to do. We plan to celebrate with you in Miami very soon," Virgin said.
Although events took place in the UK shortly after taking delivery of the ship, the Scarlet Lady Showcase and media preview in New York was cancelled for the same reason.
At the moment the ship’s planned cruise schedule which officially kicks off on April 1 will go ahead but could be subject to restrictions or delay pending any action taken by the US government.
The State Department has issued an advisory to avoid cruise vacations, especially for the elderly with underlying health issues.
That may be less of an issue for the new cruise line which has positioned itself as a younger, hipper alternative to mainstream cruising.
Scarlet Lady will operate four and five-night sailings to Key West, Mexico, and the Bahamas.
