In a huge milestone for Sir Richard Branson’s new cruise line, Virgin Voyages has officially taken delivery of its first-ever cruise ship, Scarlet Lady. 

Scarlet Lady will be homeporting in Miami for a series of Caribbean cruises beginning in March. 

“It’s wonderful to welcome Scarlet Lady,” says Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson. “I’m so proud that as we start this exciting journey, we also bring to life Virgin Voyages’ commitment to preserving the ocean and the first of many steps towards a net zero carbon future.”

The adults-only cruise line will be calling on a number of ports in the wider Caribbean and beyond, including Puerto Plata, San Juan, Cozumel, the Costa Maya and its highly anticipated “Beach Club at Bimini” in The Bahamas.

The latter is a partnership with Resorts World Bimini.

The company used the delivery to highlight its commitment to addressing climate change, pointing in particular to the ship’s use of Climeon, a technology that uses heat from the ship’s engines to produce energy and lessen demand for fuel. 

“The ocean is our home, and we are on a mission to protect it. The single-biggest threat facing our ocean is climate change, and we want to be part of the solution,” said Tom McAlpin, CEO and President of Virgin Voyages. “We are committed to pioneering new technologies onboard and working with our industry peers to advance research and development for zero-carbon fuels.”