
All Aboard World Famous Tattoo Ink’s “Squid Ink” & Virgin Voyages
All aboard Squid Ink! Tattooing on the high seas! The worlds first tattoo shop is about to set sail after the debut of Virgin Voyages new ship, Scarlet Lady in Dover. It's maiden voyage is scheduled to depart from Miami on the 1st April.
Virgin really wanted to create a unique experience for their customers onboard. To achieve this they offer a strong focus on wellbeing, with offerings such as B-Complex gym programmes, as well as The Perch, a outdoor yoga. Guests choose from 20+ eateries, including vegetarian cuisine from Razzle Dazzle, Michelin-starred dining from Brad Farmerie (of Public in New York) and Sohui Kim (of Insa in Brooklyn). In addition the cruise line will offer drag show brunches alongside its cocktail bar offerings of cocktails with names like “Yasss Queen” and the “Razzle Dazzle”.

So what’s the one additional offering they need for their adult only guests? Yes, that’s right, an awesome tattoo studio offering the opportunity to get tattooed by some of the best in the business.

To establish a world renowned tattoo studio, you need to partner with industry legends and they don’t come more legendary than World Famous Tattoo Ink. Lou Rubino Jr, CEO & Owner of World Famous Tattoo Ink along with being a 2nd generation tattooer is also the founder of Soho Ink and Freshly Inked Magazine. Lou has been a pioneer for innovation in the industry and tattooing at sea just seems like a new way to push the boundaries.
Speaking of the offering from World Famous Tattoo Ink’s new sailing tattoo studio, Squid Ink, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages, Tom McAlpin said: “Tattooing is a time-honoured seafaring tradition and we’re continuing that legacy with rock and roll style by bringing some of the best ink artists to sea. 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.”
Lou Rubino Jr. commented: “The World Famous Tattoo Ink family has been working with sailors, pirates and rock stars for more than 50 years. As global acceptance of tattoos and body art continues to grow, partnering with Virgin Voyages gives us the unique opportunity to bring colour to places people might have never thought possible before. We couldn’t be more excited to leave our mark on the sea travel industry.”
The Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady will have two full time tattoo artists on board. Both artists will be hand picked by Lou.
A who’s who line up of tattooing guest artists is planned for Squid Ink when it opens. Already committed are Arlo DiCristina, known for his surrealist tattoos, Ink Master star Sarah Miller and Jime Litwalk known for his illustration tattoos.
Squid Ink will also offer additional services such as permanent make up treatments using vegan-friendly Perma Blend pigments and body piercing.
In a first for the cruise industry, Virgin have confirmed that candidates with visible tattoos may apply for shipboard position. Virgin Voyages are committed to allowing crew express themselves through tattoos.