Virgin Voyages cancelled all planned for December 2020 departures of its newbuild cruise liner Scarlet Lady.
The company's first departure date (brand's inauguration) is currently scheduled for January 3. The 5-night “Dominican Daze” itinerary is a PortMiami Florida roundtrip to Puerto Plata (Dominicana) and Bimini Island (Bahamas).
Virgin said they were working closely with the industry and the CDC to start passenger shipping operations and "at this time" had made the decision to cancel their December sailings.
“Virgin Voyages will be offering all impacted Sailors (passengers) a variety of generous and flexible options as a way of showing our gratitude for their ongoing support and belief in our brand. We know with certainty that we are a resilient global community and will emerge for a bright future, together. We are committed to being flexible, understanding and human at all times. That's the Virgin way.”
In a note to travel advisors, Virgin Voyages said it will protect commission on paid cruise fares - even those refunded or partially paid for a cancelled sailing.
Virgin accepted Scarlet Lady in mid-February, just as COVID began circulating. In early March, the cruise line canceled launch celebrations.
The adults-only Virgin also created the “Voyage Well” plan including mandatory COVID testing for all passengers and crew members before boarding, reducing ship occupancy to allow physical distancing, and installing an air purification system that disinfects air onboard and is shown to kill 99.9% of viruses. The company has never planned on having communal food sharing or buffets.