Virgin Voyages will soon be launching its first cruise ship, the Scarlet Lady, with a unique feature—a tattoo parlour called Squid Ink. When the ship embarks on its inaugural voyage from Miami, Fla., in 2020, two full-time tattoo artists will be at the guests’ disposal.
“Tattooing is a time-honoured seafaring tradition, and we’re continuing that legacy with rock and roll style by bringing some of the best ink artists to sea,” Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin said in a statement. “Our sailors are looking to make lifelong memories, and we think there’s no better way to commemorate their first voyage with us than with a souvenir they’ll never lose track of.”
Worried about your kids trying to sneak in a tattoo? Not a problem. The cruise line is for adults only.
Tattoo icon Lou Rubino Jr. will select the artists as part of the cruise line’s partnership with his business, World Famous Tattoo Ink. Several celebrity tattooists will take part, including Ink Master star Sarah Miller, surrealist specialist Arlo DiCristina and illustrative specialist Jime Litwalk.
The tattoo parlour will feature vegan ink and vegan-friendly Perma Blend pigments. Guests will also be able to get body piercings and permanent makeup.
“The World Famous Tattoo Ink family has been working with sailors, pirates and rock stars for more than 50 years,” said Rubino Jr. “As global acceptance of tattoos and body art continues to grow, partnering with Virgin Voyages gives us the unique opportunity to bring colour to places people might have never thought possible before. We couldn’t be more excited to leave our mark on the sea travel industry.”
The cruise line is celebrating its partnership with World Famous Ink by giving away 100 free nautical-inspired micro tattoos in New York City on Oct. 20. There’s also an opportunity to win a free Virgin voyage for two. Those who can’t make it to the Big Apple can enter for a chance to win by going here.
Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line from Richard Branson’s Virgin Group. In addition to the Scarlet Lady, there will be two other ships in the line with launch dates in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Each ship will accommodate 2,700 guests age 18 and older.
