Virgin Voyages’ boss has suggested that “engaged” agents will go on tours of Scarlet Lady when the line’s first ship docks in Dover and Liverpool next spring.

Tom McAlpin appeared to rule out the possibility of  overnight stays onboard the 2,700-passenger ship to ensure as many agents experience the vessel as possible.

Earlier, the line had confirmed that Scarlet Lady would call at Dover and Liverpool in February as it sails to its homeport in Miami.

Speaking at a press conference in London yesterday (May 21), McAlpin, the line’s president and chief executive, said: “We are trying to figure how comfortable we are going to be [in Dover and Liverpool].

“I can tell you that our priority is getting as many agents there to experience her as possible. The more tours that we can do…How long that goes on for? We don’t know yet.”

In a message to agents, McAlpin added: “What I will say is get out there, register and book, and book, and book.

“We are going to invite people that are engaged and embracing our brand. If you are engaged with us, of course we are going to invite you because you will sell more.”

Asked about how well Virgin Voyages’ debut programme was selling, Stacy Shaw, Virgin Voyages’ vice president of sales and business development, said bookings had “exceeded” the line’s expectations.

McAlpin said seeing Scarlet Lady sail into Port of Dover would be “spectacular” with “a big splash of red”.