● Virgin Voyages and Atlantis Events Partnering On LGBTQ+ Charter for 2020 and Sir Richard Branson to Celebrate WorldPride With Special Double-Decker Bus
PLANTATION, FL — June 26, 2019 — Virgin Voyages, the new lifestyle brand that is shaking up the travel industry, announced today that Atlantis Events has chartered Scarlet Lady, the company’s first ship, for a LGBTQ+ voyage during her inaugural season next year. To celebrate the news and the company’s longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, Sir Richard Branson will be roaming around New York City this Saturday on a Virgin Voyages Pride bus.
Atlantis Events has a 28 year history of creating unique vacation experiences for the LGBTQ+ community. This exclusive Atlantis voyage will feature a custom seven-night sailing departing from Miami on May 31, 2020 with visits to Key West, Florida; Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen and Costa Maya, Mexico as well as Bimini, Bahamas, home of The Beach Club, a private club for Sailors while Scarlet Lady is on-island.
“Since 1991, Atlantis has brought our community to some of the world’s most desirable destinations, creating a uniquely welcoming and playful environment on board cutting edge ships. Over 350,000 guests from around the globe have discovered the joys of being themselves with great friends and awesome experiences,” said Rich Campbell, president and CEO of Atlantis Events. “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 will showcase their pride in New York City on Saturday, June 29 by taking a spin around the city in a double-decker Virgin Voyages Pride bus. Sea Queens and Sailors can jump on board the disco bus and paint the city red, purple and rainbow with Sir Richard Branson, Rich Campbell and some very special friends including world-famous drag performer Ginger Minj, star of “International Waters,” an edutainment series created by Virgin Voyages to help educate its First Mates, the company’s term for travel advisors who sell the brand.
The tour will kick off on Saturday, June 29. The vibrant bus will feature live acts and drag shows. The bus will make stops with Sir Richard Branson and his fabulous friends at the hottest LGBTQ+ spots and bars across Chelsea. Stunned bus on-lookers will be able to interact with performers, jump inside the bus for an epic photo, get “Pride-ified” by the Sea Queens and finally dance away with some free limited edition Virgin Voyages Pride merchandise. First stop will be Boxers (37 West 20th St. New York, NY 10011) at 3 pm, from there, anything goes. Fans can follow the fun on Virgin Voyages’ Instagram stories (@VirginVoyages) to find out where the bus will be headed throughout the day.
The Pride celebration is just one of the many ways Virgin Voyages champions diversity and inclusion as part of its company DNA.
“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,” said Chris Stubbs, senior director of sailor experience, and also the leader of LGBTQ+ advocacy for Virgin Voyages. “We invite individuals from around the world to come together and unite on board our Lady Ships to have an incredible holiday, fueled by the diversity of our Sailors and crew, in addition to the amazing cultures we sail to. Virgin Voyages welcomes everyone to come as they are and to be their best selves - with diverse hopes, experiences and backgrounds.”
Reservations for Atlantis Events’ exclusive sailing aboard Scarlet Lady will go on sale in early July at AtlantisEvents.com.
Future Sailors and First Mates are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com.
ABOUT VIRGIN VOYAGES
Virgin Voyages is a global lifestyle brand committed to creating the world’s most irresistible holiday. With operations in the US, UK, and Europe, Virgin Voyages currently has four ships on order with master shipbuilder Fincantieri.
With its inaugural season scheduled for 2020, Virgin Voyages’ first ship the Scarlet Lady was designed to reflect a yacht’s sleek luxury. Featuring spaces designed by some of the top names in contemporary design, the Scarlet Lady will be Adult-by-Design, a sanctuary at sea for the 18+ traveller.
A dose of ‘Vitamin Sea’ will be naturally intertwined across the entire ship, with well-being activated through a mix of high-energy moments coupled with relaxation and rejuvenation. The Scarlet Lady will also feature alluring entertainment and 20+ world-class intimate eateries on board. Putting a twist on luxury, which the company refers to as Rebellious Luxe, Virgin Voyages will offer incredible value for its Sailors with all restaurants, group fitness classes, soft drinks, and many more Virgin surprises included within the voyage fare.
Scarlet Lady will sail from Miami to the Caribbean in 2020, hosting more than 2,770 sailors and 1,160 amazing crew from around the world. Keep watch on virginvoyages.com for more updates.
ABOUT ATLANTIS EVENTS
Atlantis Events, Inc. is the world’s largest travel company specializing in the LGBTQ+ vacation market, Founded in 1991, the company has hosted over 350,000 guests from over 60 nations on more than 180 different cruise, resort and tour experiences. Atlantis creates unique vacations by chartering entire ships and all-inclusive resorts around the world for all guests’ exclusive enjoyment. Each experience is completely customized with unique and diverse entertainment, special guest stars, parties featuring leading DJs, original social programs, and a team of talented hosts. For the latest, visit AtlantisEvents.com.
Follow Virgin Voyages:
Instagram: @virginvoyages
Facebook: @virginvoyages
Twitter: @virginvoyages
LinkedIn: Virgin Voyages
YouTube: Virgin Voyages
Follow Atlantis Events:
Instagram: @atlantisevents
Facebook: @atlantisevents
YouTube: Atlantis Events