Virgin Voyages has been focused on setting themselves apart from the rest of the cruise industry ever since they came on the scene and it seems like they are yet again attempting to be ahead of the rest of the industry.

Recently it was announced by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) that its members have agreed to a voluntary extension of the No-Sail Order until September 15. The big question being, are people going to want to cruise again so soon? With Pullmantur entering papers in Spain for insolvency proceedings it seemed like the cruise line industry, after booming so large for so long, was beginning to fall. 

So it is incredibly interesting to see that Virgin have looked to advanced technology to prepare their ships for post COVID-19 operation. Of course the widespread use of their Voyage Well program, including their proposed air purification system will ultimately come down to cost. But if installing this system, or those like it, enables a cruise ship to sail at full or near-full capacity the investment is likely to be deemed worthy by the decision makers. This could pave the future of the passenger ship industry and, given the installation is likely to need to be done in a yard, could greatly assist the shipyard industry as well.