Virgin cabins have style, versatile Seabeds, eco mode

Patent-pending layout

To counter what Virgin called the 'boxiness' of traditional cabins, a patent-pending layout was born in partnership with Pearson Lloyd Design of London. The layout uses intelligent architecture to optimize space with an angled wall that, though hardly detectable, vastly alters the room.

Part of that change is to make room for the Seabed, a transformational cabin bed specially engineered and handcrafted by Germany-based Walter Knoll designers.

The cabins feature flexible furnishings to increase socializing opportunities, upgraded bathroom experiences and tech forward touches like eco-modes.

As opposed to the luxe focused, RockStar Suites, these cabins were designed to resonate with all sailors, using innovative yet simple approaches.

'We wanted this to be a place people actually wanted to hang out in,' said Jamie Douglas, senior product design manager for Virgin Voyages. 'The cabin feels like a reflection of modern city living,' he added, with design that works harder with a ship's constricted spaces.

Virgin said each space and element were meticulously thought through, down to the decision to use top quality materials like saddle leather chairs, complete with refined stitch detail.

Eco mode

With air conditioning being one of the most wasteful elements on ships, sustainability was another consideration. PIR presence detectors with eco modes were added, where air conditioning, lighting and curtain settings auto-adjust for energy conservation when a sailor steps out of the cabin.

'The room knows'

If a phone is left charging in the room, the cabin knows and keeps it charging when all other outlets are off. Most wall switches were removed, since the room knows the time and location of the ship, and adjusts lights and blinds accordingly. This technology can also be controlled personally on the in-room tablet.

With a focus on creating a strong connection with the sea, 93% of the cabins have ocean views, and 86% have terraces with outdoor hammocks. The selection includes an XL sea terrace option for more room.

Solo rooms

There is also a variety of Inside cabins with solo options or rooms with a loft-style bunk bed.

The furniture is meant to allow for increased energy flow while still expertly engineered to evoke strength, like the small C-tables, shaped like a ship's hull.

Most standard cabins will have transitional Seabeds, sustainably sourced, hand-woven hammocks, sensory mood lighting, in-room entertainment with 43-inch and 4K flat-screen HDTVs, minibars, glam areas, flexible wardrobes and premium products in upgraded bathrooms with roomy rain showers.

Virgin said these personal retreats combine modern aesthetics, yacht-like sensibilities and functional living space for a stylish yet informal look.

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