Virgin Voyages announces first LGBT voyage

The special seven-night itinerary, departing from Miami on 31 May 2020, will call at Key West, Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen and Costa Maya in Mexico, as well as Bimini in the Bahamas – home of Virgin’s The Beach Club.

Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson will celebrate the LGBT cruise and WorldPride on Saturday (29 June) by riding around New York City on a Virgin Voyages Pride double-decker bus featuring onboard live acts and drag shows.

Chris Stubbs, senior director of sailor experience and leader of LGBTQ+ advocacy for Virgin Voyages, said: “We thrive on the incredible energy a diverse culture creates, and Virgin Voyages always has been, and always will be, an ally of diversity and inclusion – of all people.”

Rich Campbell, chief executive of Atlantis Events, added: “Virgin’s long history of celebrating diversity and inclusion combined with Virgin Voyages’ innovative one-of-a-kind Rebellious Luxe experience make them an absolutely perfect choice for Atlantis.

“We can’t wait to join forces to thrill our guests in ways they never imagined.”

Virgin Voyages is due to start operating cruises to Miami to the Caribbean on its first ship, Scarlet Lady, in April 2020.

But the line has already had to change its planned itineraries to remove visits to Cuba following the US government’s new ban on cruise ships visiting the island.