Virgin Voyages has announced new health measures for when cruises resume on its brand new Scarlet Lady cruise ship.
Virgin Voyages “Voyage Well” Plan Announced
Virgin Voyages is among the very first to detail new health measures for when cruises resume for the brand new Scarlet Lady cruise ship. To make sure guests and crew remain safe during these difficult times, the cruise line is implementing its new “Voyage Well” program.
The program has been created in partnership with expert advisors consisting of scientists, doctors, and clinicians, they are referred to as the Voayeg Well Expert Advisory Group. It’s also thanks to a partnership with AtmosAir Solutions, ExoLab, Dr. Heymann with Vikand, Global Public Health Services, and collaborations with the CDC and WHO.
Related: Virgin Voyages Won’t Begin Sailings Until October
One of the biggest new things Virgin is doing is installing a new HVAC system that pumps fresh air through onboard public spaces and cabins. The cruise line is one of the first in the industry to invest in 100% fresh air purification ship-wide. Scarlet Lady and the current construction Valiant Lady will have the system along with the ability to disinfect air onboard which has been shown to kill 99.9% of verses.
Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages, says:
“The health and wellbeing of our Sailors is our number one priority, so we rolled up our sleeves with leading experts to further innovate and create an even healthier way to travel and still have an incredible vacation.”
“We appreciate some people will be apprehensive about traveling, so we are committed to being led by science and creating ways to give people confidence to explore the world while feeling safer, more relaxed and free to enjoy themselves.”
It’s not just air purification systems that are being installed, a new range of protocols are being implemented to keep everyone safe and provide confidence in future bookings. Some other areas include virtual queues, reduced ship capacity, regular virus testing for the crew, and even thermal monitoring cameras which we’ve already covered for Carnival Cruise Line.
Virgin Voyages has provided the major highlights of the new Voyage Well plan as follows:
- Rapid and effective COVID-19 testing for all Sailors and Crew prior to embarking*
- Post-voyage notification process through which Sailors and Crew can report on
becoming unwell within 14 days of leaving the ship* (through an ethical health tracking app). - Advanced pre-boarding health checks and screenings for both our Crew and Sailors*.
- Thermal Camera technology in terminals and on board to monitor our Crew and Sailors’ temperatures.
- Fair and flexible booking policies — from moving the final payment dates to 60 days (from 120 days) before sailing, ability to cancel up to 48 hours before and receive a 100% Future Voyage Credit for sailings through December 16th, 2020.
- Implementing best practices around sanitation, physical distancing, limited occupancy, and health checks for everyone on board.
- Installing the latest technology from AtmosAir Solutions — an air purification system that disinfects air on board. Leveraging bi-polar Ionization technology that has been shown to kill 99.9% of viruses.
- Managing overall ship occupancy so appropriate physical distancing is possible across all public spaces.
- Leveraging digital onboard technology to limit contact; The Band (for contactless payment), Service Chat (for assistance digitally) and Virtual Queues (for getting in lines for onboard experiences without actually getting in physical lines).
- As has always been a part of the Virgin Voyages experience since first introducing the brand, there will be no communal food sharing, buffets or large dining halls, allowing for hygienic service of fresh food.
Also Read: Norwegian Cruise Line Details New Health Measures for When Sailings Resume
The global health crisis not going anywhere anytime soon the cruise industry will recover slowly and may not be the same again. Virgin has said its operations will have a “soft open” with its very first vessel Scarlet Lady finally kicking off sailings in October 2020 but this depends on travel restrictions which Virgin Voyages is monitoring closely.
Photo Via: Virgin Voyages
