Squid Ink: Virgin Voyages cruises announce first at-sea tattoo parlour

Scarlet Lady: The Squid Ink team will offer tattoos to passengers as a permanent memento of their voyage. Photo / Getty Images

In the name of adding ever-more niche onboard offerings, Virgin Voyages has plans to introduce an 'at-sea tattoo parlour' on its first cruise ship.

With Celebrity's glass-blowing studios, RCI Mariner's simulated bungy jumps and even a go-kart track aboard the Norwegian Bliss, you'd think that cruise liners would be running out of space for novelty offerings.

However, last week the new Virgin Voyages cruise line announced plans for the world's first at-sea tattoo parlour.

Under the name "Squid Ink", the maritime-themed parlour is designed in partnership with the World Famous tattoo company, from South Carolina.

While this "industry first" may look like a novel departure, it is perhaps better understood as a move closer to maritime traditions.

"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," said Virgin Voyages president and CEO Tom McAlpin on announcing the new venture.

Squid Ink will be the company's homage to the sailor tattoo, but with a conscientious twist.

The parlour will be using the vegan products of Lou Rubino Jr of World Famous tattoos.

In a statement, Rubino said his company "couldn't be more excited to leave our mark on the sea travel industry."

Squid Ink: Concept art for Virgin Voyager's tattoo parlour. Photo / Virgin Voyager, Supplied

Scarlet Lady, the company's first ship, will carry 2860 passengers and 1150. Among these will be two full-time resident tattoo artists and body-piercing experts, handpicked by executive body artist Lou Rubino Jr.

The confirmed guest artists sailing on the ship include Arlo DiCristina of the television show Ink Master.

Along with a range of piercings the team will offer tattoos to passengers as a permanent memento of their voyage.

Tattooing: A 'time-honored seafaring tradition' says Voyages CEO. Photo / Getty Images

It is, however, advisable that guests thinking about 'getting inked' leave this to the last day of their trip – or else will find themselves under cling film wrap and unable to enjoy the ship's two hydrotherapy pools.

The Scarlet Lady is a co-venture between Richard Branson's Virgin company and the Florida-based Bain Group. It is due to set sale by 2022.