As if you needed something else to do on a cruise ship, add getting tatted up to the list.
Virgin Voyages will be the first cruise line to have a tattoo parlor on deck. Named Squid Ink, the full-time studio will be featured on Virgin’s first adult-only ship, the Scarlett Lady, scheduled to set sail in 2020. Two artists, carefully selected by Lou Rubino Jr., owner of World Famous Tattoo Ink, and developer of Soho Ink and Freshly Inked Magazine, will make up the staff.
In true tattoo parlor fashion, Squid Ink will also do body piercings as well as permanent makeup treatments using vegan-friendly Perma Blend pigments. “Tattooing is a time-honored seafaring tradition, and we’re continuing that legacy with rock-and-roll style by bringing some of the best ink artists to sea,” said Tom McAlpin, president, and chief executive officer for Virgin Voyages.
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Some of your favorite tattoo artists will be making appearances on the ship. Seen on Spike TV, Ink Master star Sarah Miller has already committed to a 2020 appearance as well as surrealist specialist artist Arlo DiCristina and illustrative specialist Jime Litwalk.
This comes with good timing as Carnival Cruise Line executive Adolfo Perez made travel headlines when he got a tattoo on his upper arm saying “Travel Agents Rock” at a Carnival Agentpalooza agent event in New Orleans. “As global acceptance of tattoos and body art continues to grow, partnering with Virgin Voyages gives us the unique opportunity to bring color to places people might have never thought possible before.,” Rubio, Jr. said. “We couldn’t be more excited to leave our mark on the sea travel industry.”
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The marketing strategy for this is big as Virgin said that it will sponsor 100 free nautical-inspired “micro tattoos” on Oct. 20 at Soho Ink in Manhattan. The first 100 tattoo-seekers in line at 12 p.m. can choose from among 10 nautical designs.
Setting sail from Miami, the Scarlett Lady includes numerous adult playgrounds including a daybed–filled VIP Lounge, called Richard’s Rooftop, The Manor nightclub and Athletic Club.