When it comes to shifting the perception of cruises away from chaotic, amusement park-like family vacations, into high-end luxury experiences for adults, is it any surprise that Richard Branson is leading the charge? The travel mogul’s new cruise line, Virgin Voyages, will offer passengers a sophisticated, stylish vacation experience — free of screaming children.
Photo: Virgin Voyages
Richard Branson’s Sleek, New Adults-Only Cruise Line Is Unlike Any Ship You’ve Been On
If you’re looking for water slides, climbing walls, or characters in costumes, this won’t be the cruise for you. Virgin Voyages will cater strictly to passengers 18 years or older, looking to “change the way this kind of vacation not only looks and feels, but most importantly, how it’s experienced.” The ship’s cosmopolitan interiors were designed by a creative collective group, which has also worked on trendy travel brands like Ace Hotels, the Standard, and the Mondrian.
Guests can expect a rooftop terrace, dual-level art deco nightclub, the largest daybed at sea, and an extensive workout space, as well as upscale restaurants, including the Test Kitchen — a “scientific dining experience” boasting test tubes, beakers, and volumetric flasks on the tables.
Virgin Voyages will initially launch with three ships in 2020, the first set to depart from Miami and sail around the Caribbean. Each ship will have a capacity of 2,700 passengers (or “Sailors”, as they call them), and production costs are estimated to be around $2 billion. There’s no word on pricing yet for a ticket aboard, but it’s safe to say this won’t be a budget holiday. 
H/T: Travel + Leisure