Virgin Voyages’ first ship to be adult-only

Virgin Voyages has revealed that its first cruise ship, due for delivery in 2020, will be 18-plus only. 

At the keel laying ceremony at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa, Italy, the company announced that its three ships will be known as the “Lady Ships”.

The phrase is a play on the term ‘your ladyship’ and a nod to Virgin’s British heritage, the company said.

Sir Richard Branson, the group founder, and Tom McAlpin,Virgin Voyages president and chief executive, arrived at the ceremony by crane.

“This is a very big day for Virgin Voyages, as an exciting new holiday option for travellers starts to get ship shape,” Branson said at the event. “She will be the most recognisable ship sailing the seven seas.”

McAlpin said: “Virgin Voyages is creating a sophisticated ship and a transformational experience that offers our sailors a place where rejuvenating day-life meets exciting nightlife and everything in between.”

The ship will carry 2,860 passengers and 86 per cent of the cabins on the ship will have balconies