Guests can activate the wearable technology with a tap then use it to unlock their room, make onboard purchases, create a bar tab, play games at the casino, or use it as a pass for Suite Sailors to enter the VIP area – Richard’s Rooftop.
“The band will be our seamless and worry-free way for sailors to not only unlock their cabin with ease, but to explore all of the thrills and great experiences that Scarlet Lady and the rest of our fleet will have to offer,” said Tom McAlpin, chief executive of Virgin Voyages.
Virgin is also introducing an app, The Sailor App, for passengers to check in and book excursions.
Each band, created with recycled marine plastic by Bionic Yarn, contains the equivalent of a half of one water bottle.
It will be posted out to passengers before their trip.
Tim Coombs, co-founder of Bionic, said: “Bionic’s partners have always had a deep respect for Virgin and its rich history of industry innovation.
“Naturally we’re thrilled to be part of the Virgin Voyages experience and share our mission with its ocean-loving passengers.”
Other sustainability initiatives onboard Virgin’s Scarlet Lady, debuting on 1 April, includes a ban on single-use plastic, a reduction in electricity usage, and the minimisation of food waste by not offering buffets.
The cruise line has also pledged to recover two or more pounds of plastic for every new Virgin Voyages passenger in 2020.
