Would You Get a Tattoo at Sea?

As one of the most anticipated ship launches in recent memory inches closer to fruition, Virgin Voyages is giving future passengers previews of what to expect from the brand’s new ultra-luxury vessel. The most recent announcement made ripples well past the cruise community and into the world of tattoo art. Squid Ink is set to be the first tattoo parlor at sea when Scarlet Lady sets sail in 2020. Virgin Voyages teamed up with the professionals at World Famous Tattoo Ink to make it happen.

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Squid Ink and the Scarlet Lady

According to Tom McAlpin, President and CEO of Virgin Voyages, tattoos have long been a part of life at sea and it offers guests a chance to take their memories home with them in more ways than one.

Free Nautical Tattoos exclusively for Oct 20 event | Photo: Virgin Voyages

“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,” he said. “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.”

When Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady sets sail in 2020, she will have two full time resident tattoo artists on board, handpicked by ink industry legend Lou Rubino Jr., the visionary behind World Famous Tattoo Ink, Soho Ink and Freshly Inked magazine.  

Rubino Jr. explained why the partnership with Virgin Voyages was such a great opportunity in line with his brand.

“The World Famous Tattoo Ink family has been working with sailors, pirates and rock stars for more than 50 years,” he said. “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. We couldn’t be more excited to leave our mark on the sea travel industry.”

Tattoo Artists of the Stars

Squid Ink will also feature a line-up of well known guest artists including the tattoo industry’s most sought-after trendsetters and celebrity artists. While details and timing are still to come, renowned artists to the likes of Spike TV’s Ink Master star Sarah Miller, surrealist specialist artist Arlo DiCristina and illustrative specialist Jime Litwalk have already committed to a guest artist appearance aboard Scarlet Lady in 2020. Artists from the World Famous Pro Team have inked celebrities like Nick Cannon, JWoww, Nico Tortorella, and Daymond John, among others.

To commemorate the announcement, on Saturday, October 20, Virgin is giving the first 100 people who make it to Soho Ink in NYC free micro-tattoos and a shot at a free voyage on the new ship. After you’ve gotten your fresh ink, make sure to take a picture and post it on social media with #VVSquidInk and tag @PortholeCruise and @VirginVoyages!

So we have to ask, would you get a tattoo at sea??