The Scarlet Lady

For the new Virgin Voyages cruiseline, which will enter service in 2021 with its first ship Scarlet Lady, L’Observatoire designed the full traveler’s experience, from port to island. From the beginning of their journey to their return, travelers will discover a variety of atmospheres, designed to serve as markers in their passage and embracing the excitement of their voyage.

Travelers begin their vacation in Port Miami. Designed by Arquitectonica, the white canopy cruise terminal, partially enclosed in glass, is inspired by a grove of palm trees, providing shade and filtering patterned light. Uplighting defines the structure’s slim columns, while interior and exterior spaces are illuminated through integrated fixtures within the canopy’s skylights. The lighting can be activated to celebrate arrivals and departures with a dynamic and colorful lighting sequence. 

The Bimini Beach Club on the Bahamas highlights the best of beach life, taking inspiration from the most sought-after beach destinations around the world. The lighting is layered and textured to amplify this docked experience, with small-scale fixtures ranging from fire pits to torches. 

The majority of the voyage is spent on the ship itself, where the variety of experiences available to passengers is punctuated through a broad spectrum of lighting schemes. The lower deck interior features an infinity mirror, illuminated through a constellation of lights. Endlessly multiplying and reflecting on the faceted surface, the lighting creates a visual destination within the ship. In the theater, designed by WORKac, the zebra-pattern interior is enhanced with saturated red illumination. Other entertainment areas, such as the restaurant, lounge, exterior lounge and nightclub, all designed by Roman and Williams, are also each given their own distinct characters through lighting, The club is defined by a colorful and retractable LED centerpiece; and a custom-designed chandelier, inspired by the wrapping curves of a seashell and featuring handblown glass elements, marks the entry to the high-end restaurant.

L’Observatoire International worked closely with Concrete Amsterdam on lighting the upper deck. The design includes a perforated LED video screen to frame the pool club, as well as the gym and yoga area which features a duality of lighting. Through different color temperatures and light levels, this space can be transformed from a calming space into guiding active movement. 

A lounge net is suspended above the upper deck. Lighting heightens its sense of weightlessness, creating a feeling of floating above, with nothing but the ocean below. With all deck lighting set below eye level, travelers have unobstructed views over the seascape, and as the ship travels through the water, it emits a trace of light, marking its voyage.