Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder, and Tom McAlpin, Virgin Voyages President and CEO, announced the appointment of Capt. Wendy Williams as Scarlet Lady's Master.
When Captain Williams takes the helm of the newbuild in spring 2020, she is due to become the first Canadian woman to be captain of a vessel for a major cruise brand.
The cruise line also announced a new lineup of itineraries for the premier 2020 season.
In response to the new restrictions of the US Government on travel to Cuba from the USA, Virgin Voyages developed new itineraries (excluding Havana) with destinations that the Sailors (passengers) expressed interest in exploring while on their Scarlet Lady cruise. The new itineraries will offer multiple late-night departures (including a midnight departure) on all new/revised itineraries.
Virgin will now offer 5-night Riviera Maya cruises to Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen in Mexico, with opportunities for some of the best diving in the world, as the area homes 26 coral species. The line's sailors will also have the chance to explore archaeological and ecological treasures, including Mayan ruins, or opt to explore neighboring Tulum, the Bohemian sanctuary with diverse nightlife and picturesque beaches.
For travelers who want a quick getaway, Virgin Voyages’ 4-night cruises will become Fire and Sunset Soirees including a sunset departure out of Key West and a midnight departure out of Bimini. Sailors will be pampered by a late-night beach bonfire soiree.
In response to demand for longer sailings, Virgin Voyages developed special 7-night itineraries for the 2020 festive holiday season, including all-new Holidaze and Nights and New Year’s Ahoy cruises, which fall over Christmas and New Year’s holidays and feature visits to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic) and late-night sail-aways in both Bimini and San Juan Puerto Rico.
All Virgin voyages offer a stop in Bimini, Bahamas, which is the home to The Beach Club, a private club for Virgin Sailors while Scarlet Lady is visiting the island.