Virgin Voyages delays launch until October
James ChappleVirgin Voyages has further pushed back its debut into the autumn.
Richard Branson’s new cruise line had been due to launch in March, but this was delayed until August as the coronavirus crisis escalated.
Virgin Voyages has now confirmed all sailings onboard the line’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, have been cancelled until 15 October. Agent commissions will be protected.
Its official naming ceremony and maiden voyage will now take place in early 2021.
The line will launch with a "soft opening" period, which will include updates to onboard protocols – such as limiting the number of guests on each cruise to support social distancing.
Virgin Voyages said the decision followed assessment of the global health environment amid the pandemic, and updates from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – which has issued a no sail order.
Guests with first-time cancellations will be given 200% future cruise credit, based on the amount paid to date, which can be applied to another sailing, and will receive up to $500 to spend onboard if they rebook by 30 June.
Guests booked on any affected sailing can otherwise opt for a full refund, and will receive 25% future cruise credit on the value paid towards a future booking.
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