Virgin Voyages plans to finally send its only ship on its inaugural voyage, after postponing its launch several times as a result of Covid-19.
The Florida-based subsidiary of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group plans to sail the 2,770-berth Scarlet Lady (built 2020) from Portsmouth on Friday to start six UK sailings around the English Channel.
Tom McAlpin-led Virgin Voyages had originally planned to debut the ship from Miami on 1 April 2020 but has since then delayed its first voyage from the homeport every few months.
The fledgling owner began implementing the delays after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) banned US cruising until late July 2020.
As of now, Virgin Voyages plans to carry out its first disembarkation from Miami in October.
The company has developed a Voyage Well programme in an effort to prevent Covid-19 outbreaks on the Scarlet Lady and future ships.
The initiative entails partnerships with entities such as AtmosAir and EcoLab, enhanced sanitation protocols, virtual queues, wearable technology and contactless food delivery.
"Not only are we committed to helping our sailors create the most memorable vacation, but we want to provide the safest travel experience possible without compromising on the fun we all deserve," chief executive McAlpin said.
The Summer Soiree Series of sailings, set to disembark on 6 August, will be limited to UK residents who are at least 18 years old and fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
The crew will be vaccinated as required by UK law, the company said.
Once the ship carries out these voyages, Virgin Voyages plans to send the Scarlet Lady to its homeport of Miami.
Virgin Voyages expects to take delivery of the sistership Valiant Lady next year, followed by two more sister vessels by 2024.
