Virgin Voyages has revealed its first cruise ship will be adult-only.
The decision to not allow children on board was taken after consulting travel professionals and “future sailors” – Virgin’s term for passengers.
Virgin Voyages three ship fleet will be known as the “Lady Ships”, a play on the term “your ladyship”, which the line said was a nod to British heritage.
The ship’s design, which was unveiled at a keel-laying ceremony at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa, Italy, today (Tuesday), will feature a silvery-grey hull, with smoked glass and splashes of red, while a mermaid design will feature on the bow of the ship.
The first vessel is due to be delivered in 2020.
Group founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages president and chief executive, Tom McAlpin, arrived at the ceremony via a 200-foot crane drop.
The #ShipTease is finally over, so excited to lay the keel for @virginvoyages first ship pic.twitter.com/Cd4jvM7nu4
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) October 31, 2017
Staying true to its promise of breaking with tradition, the line is calling cabins with balconies “sea terraces” and passengers will be referred to as “sailors”.
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.”
Customers and travel partners can place a $500 refundable deposit for access to a pre-sale before Virgin Voyages goes on general sale.