Virgin Voyages is to send it’s new ship Scarlet Lady back to Genoa, where the ship was built.
According to Marine Traffic, the ship which is yet to cruise with fare-paying sailors, is due to depart Miami later today to repatriate remaining crew onboard the ship. It will arrive in Genoa on 6 July.
Scarlet Lady was due to welcome it’s first sailors in March, just as Covid-19 was spreading across the world. Virgin Voyages has since suspended its launch until 16 October.
Prior to entering service, the ship will undergo modifications as part of Virgin’s “Voyage Well” plan. Onboard the ship, thermal cameras will monitor body temperature of passengers and crew as they embark the ship, in addition to pre-boarding health checks, screenings and rapid coronavirus tests. The entire ship will also be fitted with an air purification system, from AtmosAir Solutions which reportedly disinfects the air and kills 99.9 percent of viruses.
The Voyage Well plan will also see the ship operate at reduced capacity. Enhanced sanitation throughout the vessel, including fogging and deep cleaning, will take place before, during, and after every single voyage. There will also be a heavy focus on contact-free procedures, such as onboard purchases via scannable bracelets, digital chats, and virtual queues.
Scarlet Lady will operate short cruises to the Caribbean from Miami sailing to exotic destinations, such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Virgin’s private beach resort at Bimini.
A second ship, Valiant Lady – currently under construction in Genoa – is due to sail the Mediterranean from 2021. A third, as-yet-unnamed vessel is also under construction.