Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima and Regent’s Seven Seas Splendor
Like a curtsy, Virgin Voyages is set to launch its first cruise, Scarlet Lady, the first of its future fleet dubbed as the Lady Ships–or, as the British would say, “Your ladyship,” – a tribute to the brand’s heritage. Scarlet Lady, a silvery-grey wonder with bright touches of red, is set to arrive at Port Miami and will sail through a Caribbean itinerary from April 2020, just in time for Sir Richard Branson’s birthday voyage. Scarlet Lady will navigate the world of the Mayans in a five-day voyage to Costa Maya, Mexico, and another five dazzling days to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
The adult-by-design cruise is packed with more than twenty dining venues, fitness classes, and RockStar suites – aesthetics brought about by some of the most sought-after interior designers, artists and architects. The Massive Suite woos with its guitar-embellished music room, and views of the ocean from every angle of the suite, a massive terrace, an outdoor shower and a runway outdoor table that can otherwise be used for dancing. The tiny downside – Virgin Voyages above 18 year old policy leaves family oriented groups with pre-teens or teenagers looking for other cruise line options.
The swanky hospitality brand The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection baptises the new decade with its league of own luxury cruise yachts, with Evrima, the first mega-yacht projected to sail the sun-kissed Mediterranean Sea in June 2020. This luxury voyage, a treat to the world’s most savvy traveller, sails through the mythical waters’ concealed harbours and takes a peek at its treasured ruins gliding by the quaint houses on cliffs, the white-washed enclaves of Santorini and the flower-draped columns of the Pantheon. As the yacht anchors by the harbour, one can take a stroll along the limestone cliffs, or walk into the charming fishing villages while breathing the fresh scent of the nearby orchard.
Investing on intimacy, Ritz-Carlton Evrima takes pride in its 149 suites, all packed with their own balcony, with ten high-end dining venues, including one from the three-Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua. It is an intimate yachting and cruising adventure that aims to create luxury travel experiences with a decadent service and blissful itineraries.
Regent is all set to add Seven Seas Splendor as the fleet’s fifth ship, with supermodel Christie Brinkley serving as Godmother to the ship and performing the christening ceremony in Miami on 21 February. The 375 all-suite, all-balcony cruise ship promises an intimate, premium experience with relaxing views even from the comfort of your own suite. A bit of solitude when cruising the seas is only but second nature.
Life is always better in first class, and this cruise line’s version goes by the name of ‘Regent Suite’. The entitlements, perks and comforts in this category make for a cruise that could easily be an experience in one’s lifetime that will go unsurpassed. The proof is in the pudding and here is another reason to look forward to 2020 – the year that Seven Seas Splendor set sail. The 2020 season will see her sail the Caribbean and Mediterranean, anchoring at famous ports such as Miami, Cabo San Lucas, Valencia, Monet Carlo, Corfu, Santorini and Istanbul.
Seven Seas Splendor Regent Suite Master Bedroom
Seven Seas Splendor Regent Suite Dining Area
Seven Seas Splendor Regent Suite Living Room
Life on board is set for pamper-speed when at Regent Suite. This ‘room’ is an indulgent stretch of more than 4,400 square feet endowed with future-forward amenities and Caesar-style decor. Like a penthouse, the suite is made complete with decadent living and dining spaces ornate with Italian marble, curated art and handcrafted furnishings. The spa, gilded with gold accents, is decked with an exclusive sauna, steam room, two loungers, and a multi-jet shower. The bedroom allures with a gloriously handcrafted bed worth $200,000 from Hästens.
A personal butler attends all the requests, a personal car and guide to tour at every port, unlimited in-suite spa, complimentary 1 night pre cruise hotel package, guaranteed reservation each night in speciality restaurants – the list goes on. The essential free unlimited wifi is also included. When on a Transocean cruise, one wouldn’t want to be caught out with no network to access and upload the latest selfies on Instagram. A multi-million dollar art collection, culinary arts kitchen with demonstrations by master chef instructors, speciality restaurants are just some of the entertainments on-board that keep everyone engaged. ◼
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© This article was first published in Dec-Jan 2020 edition of World Travel Magazine.