Virgin Voyages will launch its inaugural True Crime Voyage on October 10, transforming a five-night Caribbean journey into an immersive murder mystery experience.
The adults-only cruise line has partnered with iHeartPodcasts to bring popular crime series aboard the Valiant Lady, departing from Miami. The Halloween-themed sailing combines luxury cruising with the cultural phenomenon of true crime storytelling.
Featured programmes include Betrayal, Buried Bones, and Stuff They Don't Want You To Know, offering passengers unprecedented access to podcast hosts and exclusive content.
The voyage represents Virgin's latest venture into themed cruising, targeting enthusiasts of true crime narratives and Halloween festivities. The top-rated mega-ship operator aims to blend its signature elevated experiences with the intrigue of criminal investigations at sea.
VIRGIN VOYAGES
|The True Crime Voyage will begin on October 10
Three acclaimed podcast series will anchor the voyage's programming. 'Betrayal' explores devastating personal deceptions, following victims who discovered shocking secrets about their closest confidants and their subsequent pursuit of justice.
'Buried Bones' features cold case investigator Paul Holes and journalist Kate Winkler Dawson examining historical crimes through contemporary forensic techniques.
Kate Winkler Dawson said: "We're beyond excited to bring our investigations to the high seas as there's something deliciously twisted about discussing cold cases while sipping cocktails under the Caribbean sun."
'Stuff They Don't Want You To Know', hosted by Ben Bowlin, Matt Frederick and Noel Brown, investigates conspiracy theories and unexplained phenomena. The programme has produced over 1,300 episodes since 2008, attracting millions of monthly listeners with explorations of government cover-ups, cults and mysterious disappearances.
Passengers will experience far more than standard podcast listening during the voyage. The ship will host live recordings of the featured programmes, offering audiences the chance to witness production first-hand.
Aspiring podcasters can attend "How to Podcast" workshops, whilst exclusive meet-and-greet sessions provide direct access to the hosts. The cruise features mystery-inspired cocktails and themed cuisine based on notorious criminal cases.
Halloween celebrations include costume competitions, themed bar crawls and supernatural entertainment. Virgin's signature Scarlet Night party will receive a haunting makeover for the occasion.
The cruise line's Happenings Cast show will present a special horror-themed edition. Virgin Voyages' SVP of Fleet Experiences, Nicole Huang, described the voyage as combining "incredible storytelling with the indulgence of elevated travel" whilst adding seasonal mystery elements.
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VIRGIN VOYAGES
|Guests can enjoy stops in the Caribbean
VIRGIN VOYAGES
|Cruisegoers will visit Puerto Plata's pristine beaches
The Dominican Daze itinerary balances darker entertainment with Caribbean relaxation. Guests will visit Puerto Plata's pristine beaches and historic colonial architecture before sailing to Virgin's exclusive Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas.
The private resort features a lagoon-style swimming pool, luxury daybeds and beach yoga sessions. Local Caribbean cuisine complements the tropical setting, providing respite between crime-themed activities.
This speciality sailing marks Virgin Voyages' expansion into genre-focused cruises, targeting specific cultural interests and fandoms. The company plans additional themed voyages covering comedy, wellness, music and gastronomy.
The True Crime Voyage offers exclusive access unavailable elsewhere, connecting passengers directly with beloved podcast personalities and their communities. Bookings are available at virginvoyages.com/truecrime for this limited-edition October departure.