Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady to undergo epic glow-up

Saturday, Sep 21, 2024 0

While Scarlet Lady will always be the First Lady of Virgin Voyages’ fleet, the ship that earned a coveted spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Gold List is getting a fabulous glow-up. While it’s hard to make a good thing even better, Virgin Voyages’ first vessel is heading into dry dock from Nov. 14-28 for a handful of cosmetic upgrades after her introductory seasons sailing the high seas.

“Since her much-anticipated debut in 2021, Scarlet Lady has sailed the world, welcoming hundreds of thousands of Sailors on-board while delivering irresistible vacations,” said Nicole Huang, VP of Fleet Experience. “We’re listening and giving travelers more of what they’ve asked for – this includes more suites, luxe new cabanas and fresh, vibey dining concepts – so Sailors can truly live the life of a rockstar.”

Scarlet Lady’s signature experiences — like Scarlet Night, epicurious, award-winning dining and breathtaking acrobatics — are here to stay, but the brand’s OG vessel is reimagining a couple of its eateries. Razzle Dazzle, currently admired for its veggie-friendly brunch and bold interiors, will introduce a new evening concept with enhanced ambience that comes alive at night. On the heels of the wildly successful Asian Night Market, “Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle” will welcome a daring, Chinese-inspired menu with delicious craft cocktails. Paired with a distinctively stylish design that swaps communal tables for intimate, loungey booths, Scarlet’s amplified space brings an elevated dining hideaway to sea.

Matching the overwhelming demand for suites aboard the Lady Ships, several Sea Terrace cabins on deck 11 are being converted to create 24 “Seriously Suite” RockStar Quarters. The most popular among the suite categories, Virgin Voyages’ Seriously Suites measure 352 sq. feet with a European king bed, Peek-a-Boo shower, glamorous vanity, in-room record and vinyls, a stocked bar and the brand’s trademark Yellow Leaf hammock.

“We wanted to give our Sailors a taste of the rockstar life and worked with Tom Dixon to design the 78 RockStar and Mega RockStar Quarters. They did such an amazing job, and there’s so much demand – our Massive Suite is often booked a year or more in advance. We’re answering in a big way by adding suites, so more people can live their best lives,” Huang added.

The glam-up isn’t just for Scarlet’s interiors. On deck, VIP cabanas flanked by breezy white curtains and luxe daybeds overlooking the Aquatic Club will offer a front-row view for A-listers to see and be seen or by anyone wanting to treat themselves. The six bookable cabanas can be reserved individually or connected for larger group celebrations.

Ground Club Too, the sought-after coffee bar in The Galley (Virgin Voyages’ modern food hall), will still serve Intelligentsia Coffee to jumpstart Sailors’ day, but by night, transform into a full-service bar with intimate lounge space and elevated cocktails. Countertop seating, sleek emerald benches, rust-colored couches and wood-slatted accents take the space from energy-inducing breakfast cafe to sophisticated nighttime hangout.

At The Wake, a glamorous Roman and Williams-designed steak and seafood restaurant, the raw bar will be readapted to display the eatery’s impressive collection of high-end wines.

The ship’s non-smoking casino will expand, adding additional slot machines along with exclusive spaces for the world’s most competitive players.

Redemption Spa – an enchanting mermaid/merman hideaway offering everything from awakening bamboo and hot mineral massages to vitamin-infused facials – will see the creation of a couples treatment room where duos can recharge. The current Thermal Suite, outfitted with oversized portholes, heated quartz beds, a steamy mud room, cold-plunges, sauna and salt room, remains untouched.

Finally, Scarlet Lady will debut a new mermaid on its bow, a symbol of strength and safe passage for the seafaring brand.

Once the ship has completed all of its renovations, she’ll make the 16-night trans-Atlantic journey from Rome to Miami before embarking on a series of longer Caribbean voyages. The six-night “Western Caribbean Charm” and eight-night “Eastern Caribbean Antilles” will venture into the tropical Caribbean waters of places like St. Croix, Costa Maya, Roatán, San Juan, Puerto Plata and Bimini. Every voyage aboard the refreshed Scarlet Lady includes a stop at Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club in the Bahamas, renowned for its powdery white sands, free-form pools, swaying palms and epic floatilla parties.

To book one of Scarlet Lady’s spectacular long Caribbean voyages and experience her elevated interiors, visit www.VirginVoyages.com or contact your First Mate. Cabins start at $1,790 USD.