Scarlet Lady – Cruise Ship Profiles

GERI HORNER TEST DRIVES ROCKSTAR SUITES ABOARD VIRGIN VOYAGES’ SCARLET LADY

· Exclusive partnership with Virgin Voyages sees Geri Horner give RockStar seal of approval on the ship’s Mega RockStar Suites

· The brand expands offerings for Mega RockStar Suite Sailors

· Lavish Mega RockStar Suites package will now include a dedicated hair and makeup crew, unlimited complimentary alcoholic and specialty beverages*, personalised in-room bar* and more

Mega RockStar_Geri Guitar.jpg — **Geri Horner Test Drives RockStar Suites Image: Virgin voyages**

Virgin Voyages is upping the game for its top suites aboard the highly anticipated Scarlet Lady, with new offerings to ensure that Mega RockStars won’t have to worry about a thing during their voyage.

In celebration of the expanded offerings, the brand has today released exclusive video content of the suites, which features Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson, and legendary British pop star, Geri Horner, of the hugely successful girl group, the Spice Girls.

The video documents Horner test driving the Virgin Voyages ‘Gorgeous Suite,’ one of the ship’s most glamorous cabins, as a favour to her longtime friend, Branson. Following Horner’s journey through the suite, the footage chronicles her full RockStar experience, as she’s seen spinning records, reading Branson’s book, rocking out with a guitar, indulging in champagne and partying the night away in true Rebellious Luxe fashion.

Expanded Mega RockStar Offering

With only 78 RockStar Suites designed by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio aboard the Scarlet Lady, among them are 15 Mega RockStar Suites, aptly named the Massive Suites, Fab Suites, Posh Suites and Gorgeous Suites. Mega RockStar Suites offer the ultimate VIP experience for anyone looking to live their best life at sea.

As announced today, to ensure that Mega RockStars always look red-carpet-ready, Virgin Voyages will now have a dedicated hair and makeup crew available for them upon request.

Mega RockStar Suite Sailors will now be able to indulge in beverages to their heart’s content thanks to access to unlimited complimentary alcoholic and specialty beverages* in all bars and eateries onboard, plus a free personalised bottomless in-room bar*.

Should they seek time to unwind, Mega RockStar Suite Sailors can head to Redemption Spa’s thermal suite, the ship’s mermaid and merman hideaway complete with a hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools, quart` beds– where they will now receive complimentary access throughout their voyages.

What’s more, Mega RockStar Suite Sailors will receive complimentary laundry service, plus the option to curate bespoke activities in any port-of-call, tailored to fit individual needs and requirements. Be it foodie experiences or private tours of local landmarks, no ask is too big for the RockStar Agents. RockStar Agents will tend to their rockstar rider list, digging up whatever their heart may desire to make their voyage perfect– all red gummy bears, an electric guitar and beyond.

The Mega RockStars Suites are primely located on deck 15 of the ship and feature a Peek-A-View outdoor shower. Designed by Tom Dixon’s leading design research studio and inspired by mega yachts and rock and roll style icons like Grace Jones, the Mega RockStar and RockStar Suites offer an unrivalled on board experience.

How All RockStars Will Sail

While all Sailors enjoy unlimited WiFi on board, as part of Virgin Voyages’ new expanded offerings all RockStar Suite Sailors will now enjoy upgraded premium WiFi with streaming.

The new offerings will complement the robust existing benefits of all RockStar Suite Sailors, which include:

RockStar Agent support from time from time of booking, to sail away and throughout the voyage
Backstage access at every corner, with early access to onboard entertainment, restaurants, Shore Things and more
Luxe private transfers to and from the ship in Miami
An exclusive express pathway to the ship during embarkation
Access to Richard’s Rooftop – RockStar Suite Sailor’s very own VIP private club, a secluded place for them to bask under the sun or have a drink under the stars
Access to an exclusive VIP area at The Beach Club at Bimini
A fully stocked in-room bar with the first round on the house
Wardrobe team to help unpack and repack
Complimentary pressing service
Nightly express swimsuit drying service
Premium linens and a plush European king bed
Upgraded bath amenities for pampering

For more information on the Mega RockStar and RockStar Suite offerings, future Sailors and travel partners are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visitingwww.virginvoyages.com.

Aye Aye Captain Virgin Voyages announces female captain for Scarlet Lady

CANADIAN CAPTAIN WENDY WILLIAMS TO LEAD FIRST VIRGIN VOYAGES SHIP

● Sir Richard Branson’s new cruise line appoints first Canadian woman to captain a ship for a major cruise brand

● Company replaces Cuba sailings with new Riviera Maya voyages and new four-night Fire and Sunset Soirées voyages to Key West with enhanced Beach Club programming in Bimini

● New seven-night holiday sailings featuring Puerto Rico now available for booking

Sir Richard Branson and Capt Wendy — Richard Branson with Captain Wendy Williams Image: Virgin Voyages

TORONTO- June 11, 2019 – Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages President and CEO Tom McAlpin announced the appointment of Captain Wendy Williams as Master of Scarlet Lady. When Captain Williams takes the helm of Scarlet Lady in spring 2020, she will become the first Canadian woman to be captain of a ship for a major cruise brand. The company also announced a brand-new lineup of itineraries for their premier 2020 season.

“Captain Wendy’s extensive maritime background makes her an excellent choice to lead the Scarlet Lady, but it is her spirit and drive to approach life at sea differently that make her the perfect fit to join the Virgin Voyages family,” said Tom McAlpin, president and chief executive officer for Virgin Voyages.

Originally from the coastal city of Sept-Îles, Quebec on the Northeastern coast of Canada, Captain Williams now resides on her hobby farm on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Captain Williams has more than 28 years of experience working on ships at sea. Her extensive background includes more than a decade as a deckhand in commercial fishing off the western coast of Canada as well as working as a ferryboat captain. Although she has spent more than 15 years working on the bridge of mega cruise ships, her role with Virgin Voyages will be her first promotion to Master of a cruise ship.

“I have salt water in my veins and nothing brings me more joy than being at sea,” said Captain Wendy Williams. “It’s a dream come true to be working with Virgin Voyages, a company that is focused on creating an incredible experience not only for our Sailors but for our Crew as well; while also taking action to minimize our footprint on our oceans.”

Just last year, Virgin Voyages announced its Scarlet Squad program, an initiative dedicated to bridging the gender gap in leadership roles across the maritime industry, where women represent less than three percent of the workforce. The program aims to recruit, support and mentor female shipboard talent, and to grow opportunities for leadership roles in marine, technical and hotel management positions on board.

While Virgin Voyages is still in the early stages of the crew for Scarlet Lady, the company has already recruited Captain Williams as well as nearly a dozen other female officers, including Jill Anderson as hotel director, Christin Wenge as safety officer, Lindsay Kerber as environmental officer, among other incredibly talented female engineers as well as second and third officers.

Virgin Voyages’ intention is to create an onboard environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.

New Voyage Offerings

In response to the U.S. government’s new restrictions on travel to Cuba from the United States, Virgin Voyages has also developed an exciting lineup of new itineraries featuring destinations that its Sailors expressed interest in exploring while on a voyage aboard Scarlet Lady.

Continuing the company’s mission to provide its Sailors with epic day and nighttime experiences, the all new itineraries will feature multiple late-night sail aways, including a midnight departure on all new sailings.

Virgin Voyages will now offer five-night Riviera Maya sailings to Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Cozumel and Playa del Carmen offer opportunities for Sailors to experience some of the world’s best diving, as the area is home to 26 coral species. Sailors will also have the opportunity to explore ecological and archeological treasures, including Mayan ruins, or even opt to explore neighboring Tulum, the elevated Bohemian sanctuary with picturesque beaches and diverse nightlife.

For those who just want a quick getaway, Virgin Voyages’ four-night sailings will now become Fire and Sunset Soirées including a sunset departure from Key West and a midnight departure from Bimini. Sailors will experience the cultural and boating paradise of Key West, paired with a day of rejuvenation in Bimini, Bahamas that’s topped off by an exclusive late-night beach bonfire soiree. This celebration under the stars is exclusive to these sailings, and the artistic fire installations draw inspiration from the fireball sculptures on Branson’s Necker Island and the alluring communal nature of a traditional beachside bonfire.

In response to Sailor demand for longer voyages aboard Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages has developed special seven-night sailings for the 2020 festive holiday season. Those looking to get a jump start on their holiday planning can opt for the all-new Holidaze and Nights and New Year’s Ahoy voyages, which fall over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays respectively, and feature stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and late-night sail aways in both Bimini, Bahamas and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

All voyages will feature a stop in Bimini, Bahamas, home to The Beach Club, a private club for Virgin Voyages Sailors while Scarlet Lady is on the island.

For more information on Scarlet Lady, future Sailors and First Mates (travel partners) are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog

VIRGIN VOYAGES EXPANDS EPIC ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

London – 21 May 2019,17:25 GMT– Today, Virgin Voyages announces a series of exciting updates for its irresistible 2020 sailings.

Expanded Partnership with Mark Ronson

With a heritage deeply rooted in music, Virgin Voyages announced an expanded partnership with Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning artist and producer Mark Ronson. Ronson will join the company’s Creative Collective, a group of world-class tastemakers, artists and designers who are collaborating with Virgin Voyages to bring epic Sailor experiences to sea. In his role as the company’s “Minister of Music,” Ronson will be creating a series of pre-voyage and onboard playlists for Sailors, as well as curating the vinyl record selection in the RockStar Suites and the ship’s vinyl and music shop – Voyage Vinyl. What’s more, Ronson will be working with Virgin Voyages’ music teams, defining the brand’s sound at sea as well as at The Beach Club in Bimini, Bahamas– a private and luxurious beach club that is exclusively for Virgin Voyages Sailors while Scarlet Lady is on island.

As a part of Virgin Voyages’ On Deck residency program, Ronson has committed to four performances at The Beach Club at Bimini in 2020. Ronson’s July 9 poolside performance can only be experienced by those who book the July 5, 2020Mayan Sol sailing featuring stops in Costa Maya, Mexico and Bimini, Bahamas.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Virgin Voyages’ Creative Collective, helping lead the charge in music. Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin brand were legendary game-changers in the music industry and it’s a thrill to join them as they bring that same spirit to sea travel,” Ronson said.

“We see music as an essential element to a holiday, not just for parties but also as the soundtrack to laughter, relaxation and much more,” said Tom McAlpin, president and CEO for Virgin Voyages. “It’s an honour to have an outstanding artist like Mark Ronson helping us develop our Sailor experience, alongside an exciting lineup of DJ’s joining our On Deck residency program.”

Diplo Joins On Deck Residency Program

Continuing the expansion of its On Deck residency program, Virgin Voyages also announced that legendary DJ and record producer, Diplo, will perform at the Beach Club in 2020.

Virgin Voyages will carefully curate the mood at The Beach Club so that Sailors have opportunities to experience moments of relaxation and serenity as well as high-energy excitement. Mornings at the private club will begin with yoga and meditation, with the energy gradually amplified as the day progresses, reaching a crescendo of action in the afternoon where DJ-led pool and floatilla parties will be the centre of the club. The day will cascade into night with a calming fire ritual where Sailors will enjoy acoustic tunes over an open bonfire.

Scarlet Night- A Party to Remember

Scarlet Night is another occasion set to prove a highlight for Sailors, as Virgin Voyages reveals details of one its signature onboard parties, which will take Sailors on a journey around Scarlet Lady. Conceived, designed and produced by the award-winning producer behind Sleep No More, Queen of the Night, and The Donkey Show, Randy Weiner, Scarlet Night is a glamorous occasion of awe and mystique that pushes the boundaries of entertainment. Groundbreaking music will set the mood, as Sailors dance the night away at this out of this world experience, complete with art installations and performances throughout the ship as the night progresses. There will also be an after party created by Brooklyn, New York’s House of Yes, recently named the number two Best Thing To Do in the World by Time Out, and known for their theatre-infused nightclub where a fabulous outfit is a must and guests expect the unexpected, including circus spectacles, immersive cinema, cabaret performances and beyond.

Scarlet Night comes to London

Londoners will experience a taste of Scarlet Night on Tuesday 21 May, as the event comes from sea to land for one night only. The event will bring to life the energy of Scarlet Night with extraordinary music and performances along with a featured guest performance from Mark Ronson. The special event is set to be attended by VIPs, celebrities and more the likes of whom include Geri Horner and Holly Branson, among others.

Ladyship Touring UK Waters

There’s good news for budding travel advisors, whom the company affectionately refers to as First Mates – the Scarlet Lady, glamorously designed cabins and boasting over 20+ eateries, will be stopping in Dover and Liverpool in late February opening its doors to First Mates, media and VIPs, hosting a number of exclusive events before making her way across the pond to her new home of Miami. The news was announced by Geri Horner at the Scarlet Night London press conference today.

Future sailors and travel partners are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com.

All images courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Stray the course with Virgin Voyages Part 1

On the day of Virgin Voyages Scarlet Night in London this is the first in a series of posts looking at what we know so far about the company who plan to change the way we cruise.

Things are changing in the cruise industry, the old clichés are being removed and cruising has never been so popular, in the UK alone 2018 saw a record 2 million British and Irish holidaymakers taking a cruise a number that the industry wasn’t expecting to reach until 2020.

Speaking just last week at what was a surprise visit to the CLIA Cruise conference in Portsmouth Sir Richard Branson revealed that he has wanted to set up a cruise line since the age of 27. Ever since he announced this new venture back in March 2014 the entire cruise and travel industry has been waiting to see just what he had in store.

Sir Richard Branson and CEO Tom McAlpin chatting to Lucy Huxley © Virgin Voyages

“Epic Sea Change for all”

As Virgin Atlantic previously vowed to change the way we fly, so Virgin Voyages has vowed to change the way we cruise, and from the very outset have looked to distance themselves from traditional cruise lines. According to the company this is an “Epic Sea Change” Throughout 2018, rather than revealing everything at once anyone following the story has been treated to regular updates, which the company has provocatively called a “shipTease” thus continuing the Virgin Groups cheeky marketing!

Ditch the jargon the buffet and formal wear!

One thing you are sure to notice when looking at Virgin Voyages website or through the marketing material is the lack of the usual cruise jargon, which has been ditched! And this starts with the word “cruise” itself, which you will only see crossed through on the website! Virgin Voyages make it quite clear that you are not on a cruise but a voyage, and if you are sailing with them you are not a passenger you are a Sailor!

However its not just the jargon thats gone as things are different when your a sailor. Firstly the ships crew will be paid a salary and won’t have to depend on tips for income, according the the company “they’ve taken care (of taking care) of your servers, so tipping is on us”! A cruising basic the buffet restaurant has been ditched, together with supplements and other add-ons that are found on so many cruise lines. Instead sailors will be able to enjoy free food at over 20 eateries on board, what about a formal wear night? they’ve ditched that too! onboard sailors will enjoy free Wifi and free basic beverages including soda, still and sparkling water, teas and Virgin’s own special blend of Intelligentsi coffee.

Theses aren’t cruise ships they’re Ladyships!

Float Out.JPG — Scarlet Lady floating out from the shipyard © Virgin voyages

Virgin Voyages has a total of four identical ships or “Ladyships” as it likes to call them on order with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The order for the first three ships was announced in June 2015, with the fourth ship announced in October 2018 and with an estimated cost of $710 million each. The Italian shipbuilder is renowned for the construction of some of the world’s most beautiful cruise ships and by the time Scarlet Lady is delivered in April 2020 the shipbuilder will have built 77 cruise ships for many of the worlds top cruise lines.

Main propulsion is provided by the Swedish company ABB, and consists of its latest Azipod XO Propulsion system. This system is installed on most of the worlds latest passenger vessels. These are (electric drive motors with off-hull submerged azimuth thrusters / 360-degree rotating propellers).The two separate units provide the best manoeuvrability (allowing in-port navigation without tug assistance) with minimal vibration/noise. By placing the propulsion unites outside the hull, the Azipod system frees up space for lower-deck staterooms.

ABB Azipod installed on *MSC Bellissima* © Andrew McAlpine

Main power onboard is installed by Finnish marine technology firm Wärtsilä, with Scarlet Lady being powered by two 8-cylinder plus two 12-cylinder “Wärtsilä 46F” marine diesel engines. A hybrid scrubber system also supplied by the Finnish company is installed in order to meet with new IMO emission regulation. The system operates in whats called a closed or open loop and uses seawater to remove SOx (Sulphur Oxides) from the vessel’s exhaust, this system also significantly reduces NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) emissions. Wärtsilä also supplied the navigation and automation control systems which are from is latest NACOS Platinum series.

Alternative power is provided by 4-stroke engines powering the 4 electricity generators, each equipped with TPL-C turbocharges (by ABB).

Scarlet Lady set to debut in April 2020, and will be followed by the other Ladyships in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

The Scarlet Lady name may sound familiar, as it pays homage to sister brand Virgin Atlantic with the name appearing on one of the earliest airliner’s to fly for the company. With a length of 278 m and at 110,000GT, Scarlet Lady will have room for 2,750 sailors together with 1,150 crew, and once delivered she will certainly stand out. Her ultra-modern design is more akin to a concept ship of the future, gone is the sweeping bow seen on so many cruise ships, instead she has a modern vertical “axe bow” shape, a design that is becoming increasingly popular and has most recently been seen on Celebrity Edge. Also gone is the popular white hull, seen on so many of the world’s cruise ships. Instead, Scarlet Lady features a two-tone light over dark grey colour scheme (no official name for it as yet!), while the the lower part of her stern is Virgin’s signature red with the Virgin logo emblazoned across it.

Her distinctive modern hull livery is broken up slightly near the bow which is adorned on both sides with the “Scarlet Lady” logo. The company approached award winning designer Toby Tinsley to design the logo. which is said to represent the ship’s ‘feminine spirits’ and reflects the brand’s mermaid image. Toby Tinsley had previously worked with Virgin Group in 2007 to design the Virgin Galactic logo.

Sustainable at Sea

One thing that excites me about Virgin Voyages is their commitment to the environment and I love the fact Sir Richard Branson has stated that “Success needn’t compromise sustainability” which is surely more important now than ever. From the very start Sir Richard and Virgin Voyages President and CEO, Tom McAlpin announced that the company is committed to having one of the cleanest fleets at sea. One of the biggest initiatives includes is being single-use plastic free and banning the use of all single-use plastics both on shore and on board the ships. The ban includes items such as plastic straws, tea & coffee cups, stirrers, bottled water and other beverage bottles, condiment packets, food packaging and shopping bags. Instead, the company will emphasise the use of recyclable and reusable materials with bottled water replaced by complimentary filtered still and sparkling water available in the bars and restaurants, together with specially designed Natura filtered water stations throughout the ship. Food and all other onboard items will be sourced from sustainable suppliers. All materials and products onboard are to be sourced with sustainability in mind. Skin care products and most importantly sun screen will be reef safe.

Virgin Voyages is has collaborated with two Scandinavian companies to reduce Scarlet Lady’s environmental footprint; the first is with Sweden’s Climeon, a world-renowned clean energy innovator. Virgin Voyages will be the first major cruise line to install Climeon Ocean system on board its ladyships.

Here’s the technical bit..

The system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by converting waste heat generated by the ships engine into clean electricity. One Climeon unit can produce enough energy to power 250 normal households and each Virgin Voyages ship will have six units, giving it the potential to power about 1,500 households. This will provide not only power for the cabins and suites but also the on board restaurants, casino and other venues.

Simplified cycle of the Climeon heat power module *© Climeon*

The second is with Scanship a Norwegian company specializing in waste management and wastewater purification. Scanship uses game-changing technology called microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) to convert organic waste into clean energy.

All these initiatives give Scarlet Lady smaller carbon footprint which is estimated will eliminate 5,400 tons of carbon dioxide waste per year.

Want some Scarlet Lady facts and figures ?

IMO: 9804801

Shipyard: Fincantieri Sestri Ponente, Italy

Cost: US $710 million

Registered: Nassau, Bahamas

Steel Cutting: March 2017

Keel Laid: October 2017

Float Out: February 2019

Launch: April 2020

Length: 277 m

Beam: 38 m

Design Draught: 8.05 m

Service Speed: 20 knots

Sailor Cabins: 1,408

Max Capacity: 2,750

Crew: 1,150

Crew cabins: 813

Decks: 17

Cabin Decks: 9

Bookings on Scarlet Lady opened on 5th February this year (for customers with pre-sale deposits) and on 14th February (for the general public)

When she launches in April next year Scarlet Lady will head to her home port of Miami, however before she heads across the Atlantic she will, as revealed by Tom McAlpin at last weeks CLIA conference in Portsmouth, visit at least one port in the UK. I don’t know about you but my fingers are already crossed Southampton is one of those ports.

In my next post I will be looking at what Scarlet Lady will have to offer on board, and her itinerary.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post and would love to here your comments

You can check out Virgin Voyages here

https://www.virginvoyages.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyLGoqbOq4gIVorztCh38rQcZEAAYASAAEgJ0NvD_BwE

Check out this hilarious video from Virgin Voyages The No-Guilt Trip

From day one Virgin Voyages set out to change the cruise industry and remove many of the misconceptions associated with cruising.

Their first vessel Scarlet Lady which is currently under construction in Italy will launch in April 2020 and will be an adults only ship.

8 out of 10 parents say they feel guilty taking a vacation without their kids

“Honestly, my kids would not even function without me”

“My kids would miss me”

“I think the longest I’ve been away from my kids is….8 hours”

Turns out kids don’t mind if their parents take a few days and go on a real vacation, without them.

To highlight this misconception and encourage moms to take a break this Mother’s Day, Virgin Voyages, the adult-by-design cruise line setting sail in 2020, created a hilarious video showing kids pushing their moms to take a vacation without them.

“I’m okay if Mom goes away, she can go as long as she wants”

Video Credits:

Mother New York

Director: Damien Drake

I am excited to share that i will be attending the UK Scarlet launch night in London on 21st May. In the week leading up to this be sure to check my blog as I will have a series of posts sharing all we know so far about Scarlet Lady.

As always thank you for taking the time to read my blog

For mor inforation on Scarlet Lady and Virgin Voyages head over to their website

https://www.virginvoyages.com

VIRGIN VOYAGES BREWS UP PARTNERSHIP WITH INTELLIGENTSIA COFFEE

On world earth day 2019 Virgin Voyages spills the beans and announces Intelligentsia Coffee as exclusive coffee provider with a custom Virgin Voyages blend and expert baristas crafting beverages at Ministry of Ground

CHICAGO — April 22, 2019 — When Virgin Voyages’ first ship, the Scarlet Lady, embarks on her inaugural season in 2020, Sailors will have access to extraordinary brews from Intelligentsia Coffee. The specialty coffee pioneer and Virgin Voyages’ partnership will be rooted in shared values of commitment to quality and responsible sourcing.

Coffee lovers should rejoice because Virgin Voyages Sailors will never have a bad cup on their holiday. Virgin Voyages’ exclusive Intelligentsia blend will be available complementary at all eateries on board Scarlet Lady and her sister lady ships. The Virgin Voyages Blend sources fresh coffee year-round, from Intelligentsia’s Northern season menu in the summer and fall and Southern season menu in the winter and spring. Throughout the year, Intelligentsia’s team creates a consistent flavor experience, balancing the comfort of familiar flavors with a spirit of adventure and discovery. Look for caramelized sugars, a touch of roastiness, and the natural sweetness that is the hallmark of Intelligentsia’s very best coffees.

In addition to a constant supply of freshly brewed coffee in all eateries aboard Scarlet Lady, Ministry of Ground and Ministry of Ground Too powered by Intelligentsia will serve as the ship’s coffeebars, fully equipped with expert baristas and made to order beverages. Intelligentsia’s renowned coffee educators will provide extensive training to all Virgin Voyages baristas.

“I judge a city by the quality of its coffee as social conversations cannot start before I’ve had my daily dose of personality juice,” said Chris Stubbs, Senior Director of Sailor Experience at Virgin Voyages.” We all knew Scarlet Lady needed a special coffee partner prepared by exceptionally trained baristas who can create the perfect cup of coffee to fuel our Sailors’ voyages with us.

Environmental sustainability and social impact are at the core of Virgin Voyages’ values. The brand’s purpose is to create an Epic Sea Change for All and use business as a force for good, creating positive changes for people and the planet. Those values are shared by Intelligentsia’s team, who focuses on making extraordinary coffee an agent of change.

Chicago-based Intelligentsia is a pioneer of coffee’s “third wave”, and the ideals of exceptional quality, transparency, and innovation that define specialty coffee today. Best known for being the first to adopt the direct trade model, a progressive sourcing method where their buying team travels directly to coffee-producing countries to source and collaborate with partners, paying well above fair trade prices. Intelligentsia continues to innovate the industry, elevating every cup to a curated, culinary experience and working with partners to grow the world’s most exceptional coffees.

Located in the heart of the ship on deck 7, coffee lovers can gaze out at the sea through a porthole-style window while enjoying their coffee. Designed by Softroom of London, Ministry of Ground features large porthole-style windows designed with their very own window seat so Sailors can gaze out at the ocean while sipping a single-origin coffee. Ministry of Ground has been designed with soft earth-tone finishes and furnished with aquamarine and purple hues for seating, tables and loungers. In addition to great hand-crafted specialty coffees, Sailors visiting Ministry of Ground can indulge in complimentary light cakes and bites with retail items like bags of Intelligentsia coffees and Kilogram teas, coffee cups, kettles and more available for purchase. Ministry of Ground Too is located in The Galley food market, so Sailors can sip their favorite specialty coffee while grabbing a quick bite.

VV-Coffee-Shop-V1-20190418 — A stunning venue for your morning coffee, Ministry of Ground on board Scarlet Lady ©Virgin Voyages

Future Sailors and First Mates, travel partners, are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com

ABOUT INTELLIGENTSIA COFFEE

Intelligentsia Coffee was founded by Doug Zell and Emily Mange in 1995, in the pursuit of extraordinary coffee. 24 years later, Intelligentsia remains one of specialty coffee’s most pioneering and innovative companies. The Intelligentsia Direct Trade sourcing model has created opportunities for thousands of smallholder coffee farmers around the world and has been adopted by specialty coffee roasters everywhere. Known for their In-Season program and unique single-origin and rotating blends, Intelligentsia provides exclusive, remarkable coffees consumers won’t find anywhere else. There are 13 Intelligentsia coffeebars around the country, six located in their hometown of Chicago, four in Los Angeles, two in Boston and one in New York City. 2019 will welcome three new coffeebars: Hollywood (now open), TWA (spring 2019) and Austin (summer 2019). Follow on social at @IntelligentsiaCoffee on Facebook and Instagram, and @Intelligentsia on Twitter.

You can check out Intelligentsia Coffee at www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/coffee

Are you a coffee lover or connoisseur?

I certainly am and I like nothing more than a mid morning coffee preferably on board a ship somewhere! where’s your favorite place? and where ever you are hopefully this has provided an interesting read with your coffee.

EMERALD BRAND AND VIRGIN VOYAGES BRING SUSTAINABILITY TO THE SEAS

On world earth day 2019 Virgin Voyages announce new partnership with Emerald Brand Tree-Free™ and plastic-free products as part of banning Sailor-facing, single-use plastics in a stride to bring to life the company’s purpose of creating an Epic Sea Change for All.

PLANTATION, FLORIDA – April 22, 2019 – Virgin Voyages and Emerald Brand have announced a strategic sustainability partnership to deliver Virgin Voyages’ Sailors a unique, Tree-Free™ and plastic-free experience on board their new fleet of ships. The partnership begins on the Scarlet Lady, setting sail in 2020.

Virgin Voyages is among the first of major cruise lines to ban Sailor-facing, single-use plastic. Their goal: to fully embed sustainability into their business model through their operations and the Sailor experience itself. In addition to replacing single-use plastics with reusable items, Virgin and Emerald will deliver a Tree-Free™ experience through the ship’s disposable paper products. Bath tissue, facial tissue, hot cups, paper towels, and napkins will be made from 60% to 100% Tree-Free™ material. These products are made with unique technology that uses the by-product of agricultural crops that are typically burned or wasted, in place of trees.

The partnership underscores the level of impact both companies are seeking to make. Jill Stoneberg, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact at Virgin Voyages, states “We have really ambitious goals here so no decision is taken lightly. Everything down to seemingly simple changes in our supply chain are made with the intention of giving Sailors the absolute best experience while continuing to change business for good.”

“Driving change to solve the issue of plastic waste and deforestation has been embedded in our company’s ethos since my father founded our group over twenty years ago,” states Ralph Bianculli Jr., Managing Director of Emerald Brand. “It is a pleasure to partner with Virgin Voyages, who is showing its Sailors and the world that you can balance both enjoying the earth and caring for it at the same time without sacrificing your experience.”

In addition to providing Tree-Free™ and plastic-free products to the ships, Emerald’s team of environmental experts, known more commonly as the Eco-Squad™, will help Virgin Voyages measure and communicate the environmental footprint reduction that has resulted from the switch to Emerald’s products. The Eco-Squad™ will also provide solutions for continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.

Virgin Voyages already banned all single-use plastic items on board including straws, bottled water, beverage bottles, condiment packets, shopping bags, food packaging, stirrers, and take-away coffee and tea cups. Instead, the company will emphasize the use of recyclable and reusable materials across the ship. Sailors will have access to complimentary filtered still and sparkling water at all bars and restaurants, as well as specially designed Natura filtered water stations throughout the ship.

Virgin Voyages has already banned all single-use plastic items on board including straws, bottled water, beverage bottles, condiment packets, shopping bags, food packaging, stirrers, and take-away coffee and tea cups. Instead, the company will emphasize the use of recyclable and reusable materials across the ship. Sailors will have access to complimentary filtered still and sparkling water at all bars and restaurants, as well as specially designed Natura filtered water stations throughout the ship.

Who are Emerald?

Family owned and operated since 1997, Emerald Brand is committed to innovating through Tree-Free™, sustainable and rapidly renewable solutions. Emerald’s innovations in Tree-Free™ technology and petroleum free plastics is revolutionizing packaging and disposables worldwide. Emerald’s growing suite of 300+ sustainable finished products offers the workplace a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Corporate solutions include educational forums, measurable environmental impact statements, and Emerald Eco-Squad™ consulting services that are at the forefront of future movements in composting and recycling.

Emerald Brand, in conjunction with Emerald Ecovations material technology group, will continue to innovate Emerald’s growing finished goods and retail packaging materials. The company’s mission of “Farm to Tissue®, Made in the USA” is on track to revolutionize the entire industry.