Sir Richard Branson is set to make his sonic identity and disrupt the travel industry by turning up the volume on the high seas with his latest venture, Virgin Voyages. Through the lifestyle brand that is synonymous with amazing music and hip travel for those who don’t mind the music turned up a bit, Virgin Voyages will give a whole new meaning to the term groove cruise, incorporating the Virgin brand’s deep-rooted history in music, featuring new DJ residencies, an onboard record shop and karaoke lounge.
Virgin Voyages will have a home in electronic music, but will also include other music genres, ensuring that all Sailors will find a sound they love. The brand defines electronic, as not solely a traditional “EDM” sound, but will incorporate all electronically programmed sounds, even those of more classic eras, and the early innovators of the sound from rare disco tracks, through to 80’s sounds and other important periods of electronic sound. That means timeless classics from varying genres will be artfully blended with new and rising artists.
Virgin Voyages first ship, Scarlet Lady is slated to set sail for its inaugural season in 2020. Staying true to its rich music history, Virgin Voyage’s fierce approach to music will feature exciting experiences such as:
Voyage Vinyl – a new record shop aboard Scarlet Lady that will be the go-to spot for Sailors to experience music from all eras and genres. It will feature personal listening stations, limited-edition vinyl collections with playlists by Virgin Voyage’s past & present DJs and a performance spot for live DJ sets by Scarlet Lady’s resident DJs. Sailors looking for something unique can also shop for limited-edition curated albums and special editions of classics. Sailors can also purchase music magazines, headphones and record players.
The Groupie – Sailors can let loose at The Groupie, Virgin Voyages’ bookable karaoke, gaming and movie lounge. Designed by Roman Coppola, The Groupie was designed as a modernist take on a Japanese-style karaoke room for Sailors to enjoy singing along to their favorite tunes with friends.
New DJ Residency – in addition to the previously announced DJ residency with Mark Ronson, Virgin Voyages is adding multi-platinum chart-topping artist, DJ, producer/ remixer, MK (Marc Kinchen) & Grammy-nominated electronic music duo Sofi Tukker to its roster of DJ residents. Virgin Voyages’ residency program will feature performances on ship, in-port destinations and at The Beach Club at Bimini.
WhiteLabel Creative – Virgin Voyages’ new music Creative Collective that will be responsible for developing the background sonic palettes across the ship and securing DJs for The Beach Club at Bimini’s residency program.
The $543 million cruise ship will even be equipped with an onboard tattoo parlor should you want to sear the memory of your holiday in for eternity.
ABOUT VIRGIN VOYAGES
Virgin Voyages is a global lifestyle brand committed to creating the world’s most irresistible holiday. With operations in the US, UK and Europe, Virgin Voyages currently has four ships on order with master shipbuilder Fincantieri.
With its inaugural season scheduled for 2020, Virgin Voyages’ first ship the Scarlet Lady was designed to reflect a yacht’s sleek luxury. Featuring spaces designed by some of the top names in contemporary interiors, the Scarlet Lady will be Adult-by-Design, a sanctuary at sea for the 18+ traveler. A dose of ‘Vitamin Sea’ will be naturally intertwined across the entire ship, with well-being activated through a mix of high-energy moments coupled with relaxation and rejuvenation. The Scarlet Lady will also feature alluring entertainment and 20+ world-class intimate eateries on board. Putting a twist on luxury, which the company refers to as Rebellious Luxe, Virgin Voyages will offer incredible value for its sailors with all restaurants, group fitness classes, soft drinks, and many more Virgin surprises included within the voyage fare. The Scarlet Lady will sail from Miami to the Caribbean in 2020, hosting more than 2,770 sailors and 1,160 amazing crew from around the world. Keep watch on virginvoyages.com for more updates.