Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady Successfully Sails Through Sea Trials

Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady has passed a major milestone in the ship’s completion. Just as planned, Scarlet Lady aced through the first round of sea trials in the Mediterranean.

The first round of Scarlet Lady sea trials traveled between Genoa and Marseille from November 15 to 18, and then returned from Marseille to Genoa from November 27 to November 30.

Virgin Founder Sir Richard Branson boarded the Scarlet Lady in Marseille, touring the ship with his wife Joan and children Sam and Holly, as well as Virgin Voyages’ CEO Tom McAlpin, and other top Virgin Voyages executives.

Virgin Voyages has released the statement saying that the “Scarlet Lady is smooth, stable and quiet, gliding through the water in various weather conditions for a thoroughly enjoyable sailing experience”.

“We’re thrilled to have completed such a significant milestone with our Sea Trials and have our amazing crew to thank for their passion and tenacity in this achievement. We’re one step closer to getting our Sailors on the Scarlet Lady and are grateful for all that have chosen to join us on this adventure,” said Tom McAlpin, Virgin Voyages CEO.

On April 1, 2020, Scarlet Lady will set sail on her inaugural Maiden Voyage. This first sailing will be packed full of celebrity-guest appearances, special events, exclusive surprises and an overall enhanced Virgin Voyages experience for sailors (a.k.a. cruise passengers). Sailors who are unable to join the Maiden Voyage can book the Sneak-a-Peek sailings now on VirginVoyages.com.

The first Sneak-a-Peek sailing will run from Thursday, March 26 – Sunday, March 29. The second sailing will run Sunday, March 29 – Wednesday, April 1. The three night Sneak-a-Peek Scarlet Lady sailings will feature the ship’s marquee experiences including a stunning day at the Beach Club at Bimini, a Scarlet Night Party, access to all restaurants and complete versions of entertainment offered onboard.

Even before Scarlet Lady sets out on her first cruise,  Virgin Voyages announced the name for their second ship; Valiant Lady. Schedule to debut in May 2021, Valiant Lady will be homeported in Barcelona, Spain. Itineraries will be three different seven-night Mediterranean cruises. All three itineraries will have various overnight and late-night stops in the France, Italy and Spain. Bookings for Valiant Lady will open on December 19, 2019.