Virgin Voyages Will Debut at New PortMiami Terminal
by Daniel McCarthy
Virgin Voyage's new home in Miami will be complete with the cruise line's own branded terminal. Photo: VV.
Virgin Group’s Founder Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages’ CEO Tom McAlpin were on hand in Miami this morning to announce plans to build a new terminal at PortMiami, scheduled to open in November 2021.
The terminal, which is still awaiting approval from the Board of County Commissioners, is set to solidify Miami as Virgin Voyages’ first home. The brand’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, will arrive in PortMiami in 2020. From there, it will sail the Caribbean on its inaugural season and then throughout 2021. The brand’s second ship, not yet named, is also set to debut out of Miami for the winter cruise season in 2021/22.
“Miami is an incredible city and one of my favorite places to work and play,” said Branson. “From our headquarters for Hotels, Voyages and now Trains USA, South Florida has quickly become another home for Virgin brands in the leisure travel sector.”
The 100,000-square-foot terminal will be inspired by the city where it’s being built — Virgin calls it a “palm grove-inspired designed concept,” which was created by Miami-based Arquitectonica. Its roof will resemble a palm tree grove and its design will allow natural light to flood the terminal, with a bright red Virgin Voyages logo marking the outside.
The terminal will provide space for drop-offs of VIPs, ride-sharing, and more, all “designed to provide a seamless shore-to-ship experience.”
The top of the terminal is palm-grove inspired, reflective of Miami. Photo: VV.
“South Florida is our home, and with our fleet now growing to four ships, we’re humbled and thankful to soon have a gorgeous new terminal overlooking the Miami skyline, an incredible view that will set the stage for the alluring journey that we will take our sailors on,” said McAlpin.
Branson and McAlpin today also revealed that bookings for Scarlet Lady’s inaugural season will be open for sale on Feb. 14, 2019; and on Feb. 5 for anyone holding pre-sale deposits.
A rendering of the cruise terminal with the Miami skyline. Photo: VV.
