Epic.
This is the one word that each guest who had the good fortune to step on the decks of Sir Richard Branson’s luxury ship Scarlet Lady will be repeating for a while. There is simply no better way to describe the grand celebration that he and his remarkable team hosted this weekend at Pier 88 to honor the launch.
For nearly two years the Manhattan dock waited for the grand entrance of this rather lovely lady. And when Scarlet arrived, she painted New York City the brightest and most beautiful red you could ever imagine.
To honor the blockbuster start of Virgin Voyages’ this October, the company partnered with Thrillist for an exclusive and immersive entertainment event called REVVEL.
It was an extravaganza of mind-blowing proportions. From start to finish, fully vaccinated and fully tested attendees enjoyed what is one of the most memorable events in recent memory to come to The Big Apple. They shook out the constraints of the tight pandemic ponytails from 2020 and let their hair and hearts go wild for three amazing nights.
The multi-day immersive cultural experience vibrated big deck energy that captivated the ship with electrifying performances. During the day a drag pool party hosted by Trixie Mattel and House of Yes was wet and wonderful.
At night thumping DJ sets by Major Lazer Soundsystem along with Diplo, along with surprise guests Angel & Dren, Aluna, Just Blaze and Jazzy Jeff had the crowd turning the ship into a wild dance party. The full moon gleamed over theguests that were surrounded by the brilliant and glimmery Manhattan skyline.
The scenery was only matched by the most glamorous of ships Pier 88 has ever witnessed. Her royal majesty Scarlet Lady took her walk on the runway and every head turned to see her glory.
The vessel is divine and full of detail that dazzles. Virgin Voyages partnered with a Creative Collective comprised of some of the most sought-after interior designers, artists and architects including Roman and Williams, Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio, Concrete Amsterdam, Softroom of London and more—many of whom are responsible for the creation of the most stylish boutique hotels and resorts across major cities in the US and Europe—all of which have never designed for the cruise industry. What they have accomplished is worthy of loud rounds of applause. Virgin Voyages’ brand design ethos, the Modern Romance of Sailing, seeks to enchant crew and sailors alike by capturing a fresh, contemporary and sleek look, with nods to the glamour and romance of ocean travel.
The looks and sounds equally match the tastes that you find on the ship. Six world-class restaurants serve up exquisite dining options that offer something for all food lovers. A feast is to be had at The Wake where Michelin-starred Chef Brad Farmerie elevates the surf and turf experience. And get some sweet Italian lovin’ at the enchanting Extra Virgin. The trattoria has regionally-inspired and approachable food, deeply rooted in the region’s culinary traditions with handmade fresh pasta made daily.
Scarlet Lady is Virgin Voyages’ first ship and will sail from Port Miami in October 2021 for her inaugural season, with itineraries to the Caribbean, hosting more than 2,770 Sailors and 1,160 amazing crew from around the world.
She will sail a mix of Caribbean voyages befitting of any curious traveler’s tastes, with five-night Riviera Maya sailings to Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen; five-night Mayan Sol voyages to Costa Maya, Mexico and five-night Dominican Daze voyages to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and four- night Fire and Sunset Soirées sailings, including a stop at The Beach Club.
The Virgin Voyages fleet are Adult-by-Design, offering a sanctuary at sea for the 18+ traveler. Book your own epic trip today here.