By the Caribbean Journal staff
The first Virgin Voyages cruise ship has gotten a name.
Richard Branson’s highly-anticipated new adults-only cruise line has named its first ship Scarlet Lady, Branson announced this week.
“Scarlet is the embodiment of everything this ship represents,” the company said in a statement. “As our figurehead, she takes on a role historically dedicated to goddesses, important women in society, and even mermaid figures.”
The company said the name represented a “woman of power,” both for Virgin’s first voyage and for the company’s push to encourage “front-facing female leaders throughout our company.”
Scarlet has the same likeness as Toby Tinsley designs that appear on Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia aircraft, as well as the Virgin Galactic spaceline. This time, of course, she appears as a mermaid.
Virgin Voyages laid the first keel on Scarlet Lady last year, with plans to launch in 2020 with itineraries around the Caribbean out of PortMiami.
In May, Virgin Voyages released its first renderings of its new ships, with a colorful, inventive design that is a significant departure from traditional cruise ships.
Virgin also said it would be cutting steel on its second vessel with plans for delivery in 2021.