Virgin Voyages has made history before embarking on its first sailing.

The brainchild of Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson has appointed Wendy Williams as the first Canadian woman to master a full-size cruiseship, the Scarlet Lady.

The 2,700-berth ship is set for delivery from Fincantieri in the spring of 2020 to kick off Virgin Voyages' inaugural season with itineraries to Mexico's Riviera Maya.