Virgin Voyages Announces Sanitation Protocols Ahead of Delayed Launch (Video)

If 2020 had gone according to plan, Virgin Voyages would already be at sea. Now with the soft opening of its inaugural trip on The Scarlet Lady cruise ship delayed until at least October, the company has put new health and safety plans in place for their return.

Its initiative, “Voyage Well,” details the new sanitation protocols Virgin Voyages will integrate —including a ‘bow to stern’ air purification system that claims to neutralize 99.9 percent of viruses in the air — to keep their "sailors" at ease.

Additionally, "sailors" and employees will be administered a rapid coronavirus test before embarking, occupancy on board will be limited for social distancing, and public areas will regularly be sanitized. There are no buffet or communal dining options onboard the ships, allowing for hygienic food service. Thermal temperature scanners will regularly monitor passengers and employees.

“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,” Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages, said in a press release. “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.”

Virgin Voyages, part of Richard Branson's expansive Virgin Group, was slated to set sail in April and then was delayed until August. In May, McAlpin released a statement confirming that Virgin Voyages decided to cancel sailings through October 15.

Technology onboard including a wristband for contactless payment and using the mobile app for ordering food and drinks to reduce contact between employees and guests.

New booking procedures will allow passengers to cancel their trips up to 48 hours before departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit, which they can use through December 16, 2020.