‘I run first tattoo parlour on a cruise – we ink about 35 passengers a day’
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Earlier this year, I boarded the iconic Virgin Voyages cruise and experienced everything on offer on the Valiant Lady ship.
The European routes sailed by the massive cruise liner include gorgeous days spent in Italy, Ibiza, France and Spain.
And, on board there’s plenty to do from bungee classes to karaoke, club nights, drag bingo, shows, acrobatics, swimming, a spa and even shopping.
READ MORE: Inside Virgin Voyages' wild Ibiza cruise with drag brunch and topless section
But, one additional service that I didn’t try adds a surprising twist to a cruise holiday.
Virgin Voyages has its very own tattoo parlour on board – Squid Ink – where guests can get high-quality tattoos while they sail.
Speaking to Squid Ink Shop Manager and Body Piercer Dennis Gensinger Daily Star discovered everything there is to know about working at a tattoo shop on the high seas.
Dennis stated that the staff at Squid Ink aren’t short of clients as they give around 35 tattoo in a single five day voyage.
He commented: “This number can vary depending on how long the actual tattoos take. Some may take as little as 30 minutes whereas others can take up to a few hours.
“When people go on vacation they tend to like to commemorate the amazing time they had. What a better way to do this than by getting a tattoo?
“Because Squid Ink is located on a cruise ship, a lot of the tattoos clients request are nautical-themed!"
While on board, I personally met a passenger who had a glorious octopus tattoo inked on her arm which she said she was completely in love with.
Dennis also pointed out: “I personally don't tattoo, but working in the shop, the best thing to see designed is a tattoo that is really meaningful for a client.
“This can be a memorial tattoo. Tattoo artists are often a huge part of clients' healing process.
“The tattoos can be very emotional to do, but the client's reaction at the end is always the best and very fulfilling to the artists!”
The shop team have even had some enormous projects to work on while sailing.
Dennis said: “One of the biggest tattoos we did on-board was a mandala thigh piece which took 6.5 hours.
“It was a collaboration of two artists, Gez Bradley & Justin Hauck, working on the same client at the same time!”
And, while you might think only the teenagers on this adults-only cruise get stuck into ink, Dennis says that’s not the case.
He told the Travel team: “Although our clients to-date have ranged between 18-90 years old, our average clients tend to be between the ages of 30-45.”
But, there are some rules on-board that both artists and clients obey.
Dennis noted: “Like many other tattoo shops, we don't tattoo hands, necks or faces unless the client is heavily tattooed! We most definitely turn down any tattoos related to hate or gang affiliations.
“On top of that, we will turn away clients if they’re drunk or late for their appointment. We will try and reschedule them if time permits, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee another time slot.”
Many keen tattoo fans may feel confused at the idea of getting ink while on a cruise.
Most artists will warn customers not to expose tattoos to sunshine or sea water for several weeks after having it done.
But, Squid Ink have a specific protocol to ensure you can swim and sun it up as much as you like after your appointment.
Dennis explained: “Once your new tattoo is all finished, we will put on Recovery’s aftercare called Derm Shield.
“This is an adhesive film that can be put over your tattoo, which allows the tattoo to breathe and heal all at the same time.
“This protective film is waterproof, allowing the client to get the tattoo wet, however we still don't recommend fully submerging it underwater.
“Recovery also offers a black-out Derm Shield, which is UV protective, allowing you to still enjoy the sun. This amazing product allows you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest all while protecting your new tattoo!”
And, there’s no need to worry about the movement on-board affecting your result.
The shop manager commented: “The motion of the ship hasn't affected my work or any of the tattoo artists’ work.
“When it comes to tattooing and piercing, you’re used to your clients moving around. Also when the ship rocks a bit everything is moving simultaneously.
“Since the launch of Squid Ink, we have only closed three times due to the ship rocking too much.
“Two of those times were actually when we did the transAtlantic, which is a rarer sailing for Virgin Voyages.”
Getting a tattoo on-board will set you back a few quid, but no more than a quality tattoo in the UK.
Dennis explained: “At Squid Ink, the price of our banger tattoos (small, pre-designed tattoos) start at $150, whereas anything custom will start at $250 and go up from there depending on the size, detail and several other factors.”
That’s from around £127.50 and up – a price for a unique inking which hasn’t put off the Virgin clientele.
Dennis noted: “Squid Ink has been a huge success and very popular amongst all of our Sailors. On embarkation day, we open the shop for consultations and sometimes within two hours we can fully book the entire voyage!”
And, the keen tattoo shop manager is thrilled to have “made history” as part of the first ever tattoo shop at sea.
“Being a part of the tattoo industry for only six years and creating history within it has been simply amazing,” Dennis said.
“It has been an incredible opportunity for both personal and professional growth. I’ve gotten to travel the world doing what I love most, and unfortunately not many people can say they have a job like that!”
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Book the holiday
Virgin Voyages offer a seven night Irresistible Med sailing on Valiant Lady departing from her home port in Barcelona on September 4 calling at Toulon, Marina Di Carrara, Ajaccio and Cagliari, with an overnight stay in Ibiza. Now from £921 per person, cruise only. Find out more at virginvoyages.com.
Would you ever get a tattoo on a cruise ship? Tell us in the comments…
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