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Coronavirus: Virgin Voyages postpones start of inaugural cruise season

Virgin Voyages has opened bookings for its series of UK cruises

Virgin Voyages has postponed the inaugural season of Scarlet Lady until 15 July 2020, with the maiden voyage now taking place on 7 August 2020.

The line revealed it made the decision as “much of our attention is focused on the current global health crisis”, although it added there have been no confirmed cases on Scarlet Lady.

The coronavirus outbreak has led to other cruise lines suspending operations for a limited period and has forced CLIA to postpone its annual conference.

In a statement, Virgin boss Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages president and CEO Tom McAlpin explained: “When we dreamed up Virgin Voyages, we did so with an ambition to create an entirely new way to sail the seven seas.

“But at this time, much of our attention is focused, rightly, on the current global health crisis. We understand that this is affecting us all in different ways and making many people rethink upcoming cruise plans. We have spent time talking to our team, future sailors and travel partners as we navigate this challenging moment.

“The business is well supported and our partnership between the Virgin Group and Bain Capital means that Virgin Voyages can remain focused on the health and safety of our sailors and crew.

“We want to make this change as convenient and fair as possible. So we are offering a range of options from a full refund and a voyage credit to extra special bonuses if you book a future sailing. The choice is entirely up to our sailors, as it should be.”

Options include:

  • 200 per cent in future voyage credit, which can be applied to another sailing, rather than a refund. This is double the value of an existing booking
  • Guests can also receive up to $500 in on-board credit, if they re-book before 30 June 2020
  • If a guest prefers to get a 100 per cent refund on a voyage for an impacted sailing, Virgin Voyages will issue one plus offer a 25 per cent future voyage credit on the value paid to use for a future booking

“Despite what we are facing, travel will always be a way for us to connect with one another and open ourselves up to new ideas and ways of thinking,” the statement added. “So while this isn’t the time for us to meet on the spectacular Scarlet Lady, it will be soon. We can’t wait to see you on board.”

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