Updated @ 2:20PM EDT
Today Virgin Voyages allowed previously deposited guests to start booking passage on Scarlet Lady, the lines first ship. As we've anticipated, the experiences Virgin has been promising look to come at a premium set of prices, though it's important to consider what is included. Interestingly, there are still some big unknowns, including stops on itineraries marked, "Secret Location". What does that mean? We don't yet know, but we do know what it will cost.
What's Included with Virgin Voyages
As has been previously revealed, Virgin Voyages fares will include all dining - that means the various venues you've read about are all included at no extra charge. Also included is WiFi, group fitness classes, "basic bevvies" (filtered still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas, and drip coffee), and gratuities. If you're a fan of specialty dining and tend to purchase shipboard internet access that can make these fares a bit more palatable. It's also important to note that the prices listed are for the stateroom with two guests (though we're not sure on the total guest count included in some suites yet).
Scarlet Lady Itineraries with Prices
While some itinerary information was already known, we do get some more concrete info around this as we explore the booking options. The internet is aflutter with guesses as to what the "Secret Location" may be, with some suggesting Branson's private destination, Necker Island, though we don't suspect he's ready to open up his personal vacation spot to guests. Instead we suspect a lease of a private island somewhere closer to Scarlet Lady's homeport of Miami, Florida - but that's just a guess. You can also see deck plans here. The first sailings appear to be available in April of 2020 but you'll find that for the most part, pricing is much lower on some of the later sailings.
Want photos and information about the 'Clever Cabins' and 'RockStar Suites'? We've got you covered!
4 Night "Havana After Dark" - Miami | Secret Location | Havana | Havana | Miami
"Insider" cabins start at $1,450
"Sea View" cabins start at $1,600
"Sea Terrace" cabins start at $2,000
"RockStar Suites" start at $2,800
"Mega RockStar Suites" start at $6,700
5 Night "Dominican Daze" - Miami | Puerto Plata | Secret Location | Miami
"Insider" cabins start at $1,600
"Sea View" cabins start at $1,750
"Sea Terrace" cabins start at $2,000
"RockStar Suites" start at $3,050
"Mega RockStar Suites" start at $7,250
5 Night "Mayan Sol" - Miami | Costa Maya | Secret Location | Miami
"Insider" cabins start at $1,550
"Sea View" cabins start at $1,700
"Sea Terrace" cabins start at $2,000
"RockStar Suites" start at $3,000
"RockStar Suites" start at $7,100
5 Night "Havana After Dark" - Miami | Secret Location | Havana | Havana | Miami
"Insider" cabins start at $2,400
"Sea View" cabins start at $2,650
"Sea Terrace" cabins start at $2,850
"RockStar Suites" start at $4,600
"RockStar Suites" start at $10,950
You can see what the actual page looks like that shows some of the Sea Terrace rates for April sailings below.
The prices above are essentially guarantee rates, as right now, Virgin will be assigning the actual cabins as they see fit. You can however see below some examples of other categories within these stateroom types.
If for fun, you're interested in the most costly sailing and accommodations available for booking, you can check that out below. If you're interested not for fun but for booking, please remember your friends at CruiseHabit.com.
Billy's Thoughts
We're still gathering information, as currently booking is only available to those who previously deposited. So far the pricing is roughly what we expected - as while Virgin Holidays and Virgin Airlines have long focused on brining affordable holidays to the masses, from the start Virgin Voyages was a premium or even luxury product, and the prices reflect just that. Additional information around excursion and alcoholic beverage pricing will certainly help us better understand what sailors will be paying, and hopefully later this month, we'll be among those looking forward to a trip on Scarlet Lady. We look forward, in the meantime, to updating you as we learn more.
Thanks to Frank Allen and Matt Theriault for helping fill in some details for us!
What do you think about these prices? Do you usually sail upper-premium lines or does Virgin Voyages make you want to try something new? Comment below or reach out on Facebook or Twitter!