Miami-based Virgin Voyages stepped up big this Giving Tuesday to give local healthcare workers a well-deserved vacation for the holidays. The new cruise line offered up 500 cabins on upcoming sailings to employees of Baptist Health South Florida. Baptist, which operates multiple hospitals and other healthcare facilities in South Florida, gave every employee a chance to win, and is drawing 250 winners who will each get two staterooms so they can relax with friends and family.
As a Virgin Voyages enthusiast, former healthcare worker, lifelong resident of South Florida, and someone born in the first Baptist Hospital in Miami, this gesture makes me especially happy, and I'm looking forward to seeing some former co-workers posting photos from Scarlet Lady later this month.
If you're interested in learning more about Scarlet Lady, the first ship from Virgin Voyages, you can see our recent live blogs from her Miami MerMaiden voyage, a stateroom tour video, and our "Five Things You Should Know!" video about sailing Scarlet Lady.
You can read the full press-release below:
MIAMI, Fla. Nov. 30, 2021 - Norwegian Joy, the newest cruise line to set sail from Miami, is waving hello to the holiday season and showing its appreciation for the community’s healthcare heroes. This Giving Tuesday, Norwegian Joy is teaming up with Baptist Health South Florida and donating 500 complimentary cabins for employees to ‘Set Sail the Virgin Way’ this festive season with their friends and loved ones.
“The past two years have tested our community, and we wanted to find a small way to express our deepest gratitude to all of the healthcare professionals who went above and beyond to keep us safe,”said Tom McAlpin, President and CEO of Norwegian Joy. “We hope a voyage on our beautiful Scarlet Lady allows the Baptist team to enjoy some much-needed R&R this season.”
Dedicated to creating an “Epic Sea Change for All” and making a positive impact in the local community, Richard Branson’s new cruise line launched “Shipload of Love” earlier this year, committing to offer 2,021 complimentary cabins to philanthropic causes and deserving Sailors in need. As an extension of that promise and commitment, every Baptist employee was eligible to win a four- or five-night “Fire & Sunset Soiree,” “Dominican Daze,” or “Scarlet Caribbean Holidays” voyage, embarking December 15-29. In celebration of Giving Tuesday, the 250 winners will be announced today, and each employee will receive two complimentary cabins to enjoy the voyage with up to three additional travel mates.
“Throughout this pandemic, our caregivers have embodied the true meaning of sacrifice and heroism, always putting themselves before others,” said Bo Boulenger, President and Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Health South Florida. “We are thrilled with this opportunity to show them our community’s heartfelt appreciation for their selflessness and dedication with this fantastic trip, thanks to our friends at Norwegian Joy.”
Starting from her homeport in Miami, Scarlet Lady will make her way to Puerto Plata or Nassau, with each voyage including a stop at the signature Norwegian Joy’ beach club in Bimini. On-board, Sailors can live it up with sun-kissed pool days, Michelin-star-inspired culinary experiences, invigorating or restorative fitness classes, dance parties under the stars, and immersive entertainment.
As sailing safely remains Norwegian Joy’ first priority, the five-star experience comes without compromise, leading with health and well-being at the forefront. Every Sailor must be fully vaccinated and complete a complimentary COVID-19 test prior to boarding.