retirees drinking their inheritance, and more about young people ruining their chances of ever owning a home.”
Branson has hyped the ‘rock star’ vibes of the venture. Speaking about the original ‘adults only’ vessel (Scarlet Lady), which launched in 2021, he told media: “She is very ‘Virgin.’ She’s going to be a fun cruise for people to go on. If they want to dance, there’s plenty of dancing. If they want to chill, there’s plenty of chilling.”
“I think there are some people who would never dream of going on cruises and all our research suggests people are willing to give Virgin a try when we launch a new business and generally they’re happy with the results,” Branson told the media when asked.
Virgin Voyages’ latest vessel – the Valiant Lady – held launch celebrations on Friday at the London International Cruise Terminal, in anticipation of its “limited bookable MerMaiden voyage.”
The launch event featured a line up full of big names like Tom Grennan and Diplo. Virgin Voyages also got UK radio station Capital on board to help promote a launch competition to give away an all-inclusive one-night luxury stay on The Valiant Lady.
Virgin Voyages shared footage of the new ‘adults only’ ship as it left for Liverpool, showing off features like the spacious decks, the Sun Club, the VIP sundeck and the private cabanas.
There has been a fly in the ointment, however, with various customers taking to twitter to complain about cancelled bookings.
One Twitter user even claimed it was “for some rich guy.”
Another said: “We’re in the same boat, or rather not, very short notice and not for a good reason.”
Another even suggested it could have something to do with the filming of the bachelorette.
This rumour was also raging on Reddit. One thread claimed “passengers are rightfully outraged” and said “twelve days’ notice for one of the cancelled cruises. Thousands of people with booked flights, hotels, having already taken the time off work, limited availability with school holidays, booked non-Virgin excursions, pet boarding, etc. Honeymoons, Easter family vacations, etc all canceled.”
