Virgin Voyages Postpones Inaugural Season

Virgin Voyages is postponing the inaugural season of Scarlet Lady as the threat of the coronavirus impacts all sectors of travel.

Virgin Voyages said it after discussions with its team, future travelers and travel partners it has decided to postpone the Showcase Tour inaugural season of Scarlet Lady until July 15, 2020, with the Maiden Voyage now taking place on August 7, 2020.

Guests can receive 200% in a future cruise credit, which can be applied to another sailing, rather than a refund, doubling the value of an existing booking. They can also receive up to $500 in onboard credit by re-booking before June 30, 2020.

If a traveler prefers to get a 100% refund on a voyage fare for an impacted sailing, Virgin Voyages will issue one plus offer a 25% Future Voyage Credit on the value paid to use for a future booking.

“We want to assure you that we have absolutely no health issues aboard our ship and have elevated protocols in place as we continue to put your well-being first. This is a once in a lifetime launch and a once in a lifetime customer experience, and we will do it together when we can all feel free to enjoy ourselves,” Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin said in a joint statement.

Virgin Voyages was slated to shake up the cruise industry, from eliminating non-commissionable fares to offering 20-plus eateries with no surcharges to sailing with the first ever tattoo studio at sea.

The new cruise line has three other ships on order, set to debut in consecutive years following Scarlet Lady.