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Go big or go home seems to be Richard Branson’s personal mantra. There seems to be absolutely nothing this “undisputed king of the publicity stunt” will not do to grab attention for his successful Virgin brand.
For example, to promote the inaugural flight from Vegas to San Francisco of his new Virgin America Airlines, the self-made millionaire and adrenaline junkie took a flying leap and bungee jumped from the roof of the Palms Hotel Casino. With the crowds and press waiting below, Mr. Branson did somehow manage to throw away thousands of dollars in airline tickets and constantly smile as the wind repeatedly banged him into the wall. With the rear end of his beautiful black tuxedo shredded along with a tad bit of his dignity, he still managed to poke fun at himself and the publicity stunt that had not gone as well as expected. This only helped to elevate his public personae as a courageous, zany and fun-loving thrill seeker.
His dare devil crazy-as-a-fox antics are well orchestrated marketing ploys. They are designed to not only advertise the business venture he is selling at the moment, but also to promote the idea that fun-loving adventure is what you are buying when you shop Virgin! Some of his branding/marketing ideas have included setting a world record for crossing the English Channel in a James Bond amphibious type car; unabashedly dressing in drag as a flight attendant to promote his airline’s new route to Kuala Lumpur; designing ice cubes with the image of his face into the drinks of first class passengers; driving an army tank down Fifth Avenue in New York City and blowing up a Coca Cola sign in Times Square to promote his Virgin Cola drink; appearing in an astronaut suit to announce that Virgin Galactic’s $250,000 tickets for a 90 minute suborbital space flights were now on sale!
And, please don’t tell me you missed the photo of this high-flying entrepreneur extraordinaire kiteboarding in the waters off his personally owned Necker Island. Even though he claims it was a just-for-fun moment, there is little doubt Branson was promoting himself and his 70 acre private island resort destination for the rich and famous in the British Virgin Islands. Not only does the photo show a very buff grey haired senior citizen jumping waves, but he is doing it with a beautiful naked lady clinging –like a baby monkey– to his back! Now how ever could social media not love a photo like that?
Richard Branson’s PR stunts are legendary, so, as a travel agent at Monroe Travel Service, I can hardly wait to see what this wild and crazy guy who, by the way, has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth and runs more than 400 companies worldwide, has cooked up for the launching of the “Scarlet Lady,” the first ship of Virgin Voyages that will debut this spring!
You can bet it will be as spectacular as he claims his new ship will be, because Branson’s plan is to make Virgin Voyage’s ships like nothing in today’s cruising market. The company, which is currently building two other “Lady Ships” – a play on Mr. Branson’s British heritage — plans to introduce a lifestyle change in the world of cruising.
His “adult only cruising” concept will have the latest and greatest in technology and environmental solutions. All staterooms are “smart,” with a custom-designed “seabed” and with mood lighting and sensors that auto adjust the lighting according to passenger’s movements. Some of his ideas are unbelievably fun, including custom designed attire for the staff .
In a nod to its founder’s ego and the music-oriented career that began is road to success, the “Scarlet Lady” has 78 RockStar suites and 15 of those are called Mega RockStar suites. Instead of cabin categories, Branson’s suites have simple names like Massive, Fab, Posh, Brilliant, Gorgeous, and, my personal favorite, the Cheeky suites. Located on Deck 15 and with a private access to Richard’s Rooftop VIP lounge, you will not believe how these cabins rethink the art of cruising. They combine all the elements of its flamboyant owner with the need to have all the “richness” life has to offer.
Yet, don’t be fooled by the obvious “RockStar” affectations. Richard Branson is not a snob. Yes, he has been spoiled by the luxuries afforded the rich and famous, but, basically, he lives the island life of a barefoot hippy. For this reason, you will see no dress codes enforced on the “Scarlet Lady.” There is also a “No Tipping” policy, meaning all gratuities are included in the base cruise cabin fare, which includes accommodations, beverages (the non-alcoholic kind), group fitness classes, unlimited wifi, high end entertainment, and food in the 20 on-board dining venues.
I find it interesting that the “Scarlet Lady” will be the first cruise ship to have no main dining room, no buffets, and no specialty dining fees. I predict this will soon become the standard for new builds in the cruise industry. The ship will not only have the first female captain, but the first ever tattoo studio at sea.
From grit to glam, the “Scarlet Lady” will reflect the fun-loving, high rolling, adventure-seeking attitude of Virgin Voyage’s owner, Richard Branson. Bookings for this new ship opened last Friday, so, if you are looking for a different dose of “Vitamin Sea” relaxation with a taste of “Rebellious Luxe,” why not give me a call at Monroe Travel Service and let’s talk about this epic ship arriving this spring. She will be sailing 4 and 5 day runs to Bimini Island in the Bahamas and Costa Maya, Mexico from Miami.
Stay tuned for the big reveal when the “Scarlet Lady” leaves the docks of Genoa in a couple of months, because I am sure Sir Richard Branson is plotting another one of his outrageously crazy media splashes!
Let me know when you are ready to try this new way of cruising!
Dianne Newcomer is a travel advisor at Monroe Travel Service, 1908 Glenmar, just off Tower Drive and next door to the Muffin Tin. For all your travel vacation needs, please email Dianne@monroetravel.com or call 318 323 3465 and let us help you go explore our world.
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