What to Make of Virgin Voyages’ First Ship Design?

Virgin Voyages has not shied away from being a transformative cruise line.

It already changed its own name from Virgin Cruises to prove that, adding awesome alliteration in the process.

The newly unveiled design of its first ship is striking too, though it does bear some resemblance to other vessels on the way.

There is not yet a name for the inaugural ship, but we do know it will be among a fleet of so-called “Lady Ships” in reference to the British phase, “your ladyship.” Representing the femininity of the vessel will be a logo and mermaid figurehead graphic on the side of the bow. The design is a bit pinup in style, in keeping with the established retro marketing of the brand as well as the ship’s adult-only nature.

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Otherwise, the design is actually rather masculine. While it’s not as a dramatic departure from the classic white—as U by Uniworld’s recent choice to paint its millennial-focused riverboats matte black—the two-toned grey paint is indeed headed in a clearly different direction.

While it’s a cool look akin to a handful of private yachts, it’s also borderline militaristic given mostly naval fleets exhibit such colors.

Surprisingly, Virgin’s signature red is reserved mainly only for the stern and the smokestack, which in high-gloss looks like a magnificent hot rod with the logo and chrome accents applied. As smoked glass covers the bulk of the remaining superstructure, the silvery motif otherwise predominates, and it may polarize some guests.

At least it’s not quite as wild or busy as Celebrity Cruises’ original Millennium-class color palate of blue, red, yellow and white—all of which was eventually repainted in the line’s classic colors.

Architecturally, the Virgin ship has picked up on the latest trend of vertical blunt bows cutting through the water like vintage ocean liners once did. Where the ship truly innovates, however, is by sloping its forecastle all the way to the tip. By not offsetting it back as is traditionally done, the forward ship appears more like the hood of a sleek sports car.

READ MORE: What Might We Expect from Virgin Voyages Come 2020

I’m curious to see what the deck plans will incorporate other than cabins towards the front because I’d relish a unique over-the-bow observation lounge.

As the forecastle reaches up to the navigation bridge, its tapered design necessitates its wings be reinforced with support struts below, not unlike those on Princess Cruises’ Grand-class vessels. They can be somewhat architecturally distracting but are functionally required and thus forgivable.

Indicating that the core of the ship’s design is possibly shared with others being built by Fincantieri in Italy is the structure immediately above the stern. It’s very close to MSC Cruises’ MSC Seaside condominium style, with the same sort of cantilevered circular deck crowning it.

READ MORE: Virgin Cruises Plans Three Mid-Size Ships

It’s likely then that the Virgin ship is based on the shipyard’s Project Mille prototype that appears to also be employed for the MSC ship as well as Norwegian Cruise Line’s upcoming Project Leonardo ships.

All three brands’ ships look similar at their sterns, but MSC’s and Norwegian’s share other features across their length not common to Virgin’s, which is more uniform across its sides. The Lady Ship appears to have less undulation and fewer outcroppings for a cleaner overall exterior.

Ultimately, the futuristic Virgin ship design is a bold step.

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