Virgin Voyages reveal racy punk-inspired uniforms for its cruise ship staff created by British designer Gareth Pugh
VIRGIN Voyages have ditched the traditional uniforms for staff onboard their first ship, Scarlet Lady, and gone for something altogether racier.
Gone are the traditional epaulettes and starched white linen.
In its place, the cruise line that is tempting a whole new generation to try life on the ocean when it launches its first ship in 2020 has turned to cutting edge British fashion designer Gareth Pugh.
In the place of formal attire will be a host of surprising touches – from body-con leather straps to some seriously chic red sneakers designed by PLAE.
The uniforms feature some traditional nautical touches but will be a far cry from the attire cruise passengers have been used to.
Designer Pugh says: “We were really allowed to push the boundaries, and to redefine the idea of what constitutes a uniform.
“We wanted to make everything about it modern, luxurious and desirable — to allow the entire crew to look and feel like a million dollars.”
Richard Branson’s latest venture is a cruise for people who don’t cruise.
With his company’s “rebellious luxe” aesthetic this is cruising for the Instagram generation — well, those who can afford it.
From the outside, the ship is sleek and modern — a far cry from the “floating blocks of flats” carrying up to 6,000 passengers that have become the norm in recent years. Scarlet will welcome just 2,800 “sailors”.
Inside there’s a whole host of features that are very Virgin. Sir Richard was out to shake things up in the world of cruise ships.
Firstly it’s adults only, “a sanctuary at sea for the 18-plus traveller”.
There’s also an outdoor gym, a boxing ring, juice bars and a yoga studio.
But if working out is not your idea of a holiday then your first port of call on The Scarlet Lady might be The Athletic Club towards the back of the ship.
Don’t be put off by the name – it’s a sun lounging area with a bar and brightly coloured day beds surrounding the largest catamaran net at sea.
The cabins — all 1,330 of them — are similar to those you’d expect to see on any cruise ship except for a nifty new bed design that can convert an L-shaped sofa into a comfy double bed.
This gives you more room to chill throughout the day and a hammock to swing on into the sunset.
On lower decks there are the restaurants — one of which, Razzle Dazzle, will offer a vegetarian brunch hosted by drag queen. There is also a spa, with a mud room and sea views, a tattoo parlour and a club to party the night away.
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In a move that breaks with the current fashion to charge extra for upscale restaurants, all of the 20-plus eateries onboard will be included in the price of the cruise, as well as your tips and soft drinks.
Entertainment onboard promises to move away from the traditional all-singing, all-dancing West End-style shows and offer something more quirky for a new generation of cruisers.
There will be everything from festival-style gigs to X-rated comedy dinner shows.