Virgin’s Scarlet Lady Returns to Europe

Virgin’s Scarlet Lady Returns to Europe

The Scarlet Lady recently returned to the Western Mediterranean as part of Virgin Voyages’ summer deployment in Europe.

After crossing the Atlantic earlier this month, the 2020-built vessel arrived in Barcelona for the season on May 18, 2025.

For its first voyage in Europe this year, the ship embarked on a seven-night itinerary to Spain and France.

Sailing round-trip from Barcelona, the cruise included visits to Cannes, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca and Ajaccio.

Over the next two months, the Scarlet Lady offers a series of seven- to 11-night itineraries in the Western Mediterranean, including Virgin’s “Spanish and Italian Hot Spots” voyage.

The seven-night cruise departs from Civitavecchia, a port near Italy’s capital city of Rome, and sails to five destinations in three countries.

Before arriving in Barcelona, the open-jaw itinerary is set to visit Naples, Palermo, Ajaccio and Marina di Carrara.

The Scarlet Lady is then set to reposition to Northern Europe in late July for cruises departing from Portsmouth, England, and Reykjavik, Iceland.

Itineraries include visits to the British Isles, Scandinavia, Western Europe and the North Sea destinations.

Before repositioning back to North America for the winter, the Scarlet Lady returns to the Mediterranean in late September for a short fall season.

Concluding its European deployment, the 2,770-guest ship then kicks off a trans-Atlantic crossing to PortMiami in mid-October.

As part of its 2025-26 winter deployment, the Scarlet Lady offers four- and five-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Most of the sailings also feature a visit to Virgin’s exclusive beach club in Bimini.

In addition to the Scarlet Lady, a second Virgin Voyages ship, the Resilient Lady, is also offering cruises in Europe this year.

Sailing from Piraeus, Greece, the vessel offers itineraries to the Eastern Mediterranean that highlight the Greek Isles and the Adriatic.

Sir Richard Branson Surprises Passengers on Delta Flight with Free Cruise

Sir Richard Branson Surprises Passengers on Delta Flight with Free Cruise

Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson surprised passengers when he walked onto a Delta flight heading from Atlanta to San Juan, according to a press release.

Virgin Voyages and Delta Airlines teamed up to surprise 160+ passengers with a free cruise aboard the Resilient Lady to celebrate the ship’s launch in Puerto Rico later this year. Branson boarded the flight to personally gift all SkyMiles Members on the flight (18 and older) a free cruise during the ship’s inaugural season in San Juan later this year.

“The Caribbean has been my home for many years, and I’m very excited to welcome Resilient Lady as she sails from San Juan to visit the region’s most beautiful destinations,” said Branson. “My excitement clearly couldn’t be contained, so we came up with a way to celebrate with a personal invitation and surprise for some unsuspecting guests on a Delta flight to San Juan. We’re grateful for our partners at Delta who joined in on the fun and have also been long-time venture partners of our airline, Virgin Atlantic. We look forward to showing everyone what it’s like to Set Sail the Virgin Way!”

Before boarding, Virgin Voyages hosted a full departure gate takeover, bringing to life elements of the ship’s onboard experience at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Fliers were treated to original choreography from Virgin Voyages’ entertainment team, vignettes at the gate, specialty drinks and music. 

Branson was joined by Delta’s SVP and Chief Communications Officer, Tim Mapes, for a game of roulette. Customers and passersby alike were invited to spin the wheel of prizes, which included Delta and Virgin Atlantic flights, Virgin Hotel stays, a Virgin Voyages cruise, a Delta Vacation package, gift cards and more.

 “When two award-winning brands come together, they create magic for their customers. Delta is thrilled to have partnered with Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages for this special surprise-and-delight for our SkyMiles Members on the flight,” said Mapes. “This is one more way in which we’re adding value to the program and unlocking exclusive experiences for our Members. Stay tuned for more with Virgin Voyages.”

Virgin Voyages Repositioning Update: Ship Heading Around Africa

Virgin Voyages Repositioning Update: Ship Heading Around Africa

Virgin Voyages is making deployment changes for the upcoming repositioning voyage for the Resilient Lady. The vessel will now sail from Australia to Europe, heading around Africa, and not transiting through the Middle East.

“We remain concerned about potential escalations in this part of the world over the next 12 months and the risk that this presents for safe passage through the region. As a result, we have been left with no choice but to make changes to Resilient Lady’s repositioning voyage taking place on March 27,” the company said.

“In place of her former repositioning voyages, the award-winning Resilient Lady will now be departing from Sydney, embarking on an iconic, once-in-a-lifetime sailing around the coast of Africa with a brand new route stopping in Eden and Fremantle (Perth) in Australia, Port Louis (Mauritius Islands), Durban and Cape Town (South Africa), Walvis Bay (Namibia), Praia (Cape Verde), Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain), Casablanca (Morocco), Barcelona (Spain), Valletta (Malta), as well as Santorini and Piraeus (Athens) in Greece — all with extended time at sea,” the company said.

“All passengers on these former three legs of the repositioning voyages will have guaranteed spots on these sailings at no additional cost and a price protection commitment in place. If these dates are not convenient, they can receive a Future Voyage Credit based on their paid balance or a full refund. We know that based on our conversations with passengers and travel partners, they understand the complex geopolitical challenges that have arisen making this change necessary. In addition to this, we are committed to remaining a good partner to our First Mates (travel advisors) and will be protecting their commissions.

“With the very likely continuation of this escalated regional conflict top-of-mind, and in an effort to minimize further disruptions to our passengers’ future vacation plans, Virgin Voyages is now conducting a full review of other geographically similar repositioning voyages and linked sailings. We will provide an update in the coming weeks on any further changes we will need to make.”

Virgin’s Resilient Lady Sets Sail to Australia

Virgin’s Resilient Lady Sets Sail to Australia

Virgin Voyage’s Resilient Lady recently started its three-part repositioning voyage to Australia and New Zealand.

Ahead of the company’s inaugural season in the region, the 2022-built vessel kicked off the first part of its journey on Oct. 22, in Piraeus, Greece.

Sailing to Dubai, UAE, the 14-night cruise marks Virgin’s Middle East debut and also includes visits to ports in Egypt and Greece.

Continuing on its way to Australia, the Resilient Lady then starts a 15-night cruise to Singapore on Nov. 5.

Bringing Virgin Voyages to India and Southeast Asia for the first time, the one-way itinerary features different ports of call in the region, such as Mumbai, Colombo, Phuket and Klang.

The final leg of the repositioning cruise starts in Singapore, on Nov. 20. Sailing to Sydney, the 15-night itinerary features a visit to Bali, in Indonesia, in addition to three ports of call in Australia: Darwin, Yorkeys Knob and Airlie Beach.

Starting on Dec. 5, the Resilient Lady is set to offer a series of two- to 15-night cruises to Australia and New Zealand.

Departing from Melbourne, Auckland and Sydney, the itineraries feature visits to ports in Tasmania, Queensland and New Zealand, such as Hobart, Burnie and Airlie Beach.

On Jan. 12, for instance, the 110,000-ton vessel sets sail from Auckland on an 11-night cruise to Melbourne.

In addition to three full days at sea, the complete itinerary features visits to Sydney, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington and Picton.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Resilient Lady entered service in May 2022. Following the Scarlet Lady and the Valiant Lady, the 2,770-guest ship became the third vessel in Virgin’s Ladyship series.

Among the ship’s facilities is a selection of various included dining venues and The Manor – a two-story 1970s-style nightclub inspired by Virgin’s heritage in the music business.

Virgin’s Brilliant Lady Will Be Delayed

Virgin’s Brilliant Lady Will Be Delayed

Virgin Voyages today announced its fourth ship, the Brilliant Lady, will face a delayed introduction.

“Despite careful planning, we are facing unexpected construction, supply chain and staffing challenges that have delayed the introduction of Brilliant Lady,” the company said in a statement.

“We want to make sure that when the ship launches, we can deliver the standards our Sailors have come to expect from an award-winning brand like Virgin Voyages.”

Originally set to launch later this year, the ship’s launch date will be determined soon, the company said.

Guests with bookings that have been cancelled will receive generous offers along with exclusive rebooking perks and on-board credit once the new date is announced, the company said.

“We’ve built a brand that has taken the industry by storm, but even the strongest businesses face unforeseen challenges every now and then,” said Michelle Bentubo, SVP of Service Excellence and Travel Operations.

“We are sorry that our Sailors and First Mates who were excited about Brilliant Lady will have to wait a little bit longer for her launch. We know they will love the new itineraries as much as we do, and we look forward to welcoming them onboard.”

Always wanting to do right by its Sailors and travel advisors, Virgin Voyages will offer anyone impacted by the new itineraries price- and promotion-protected options to rebook and receive $300 – $600 USD in Sailor Loot or a full refund. Travellers wanting to experience one of the exciting new ports can take advantage of 30% off Med 2024 voyages and up to a $600 Bar Tab when they book by Sept. 28. A handful of select Caribbean sailings and repositioning voyages are also eligible for $500 off.

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady Ready for Debut

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady Ready for Debut

Virgin Voyages’ third ship, the Resilient Lady, will make its debut on May 14, 2023, when it embarks on its inaugural Greek Islands Glow voyage.

The ship will sail a roundtrip from Athens with stops in Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum and an overnight call in Mykonos.

“Virgin Voyages’ delivers an amazing experience and has been recognized by hundreds of thousands of happy Sailors with the awards we’ve won for our service, food, design, entertainment and more,” said founder Richard Branson.

“We have shown the world all that we have to offer when it comes to having the holiday of your dreams, and I can’t wait to show off our lovely new Resilient Lady in one of the most magical places in the world as she sails around the Greek Isles, Croatia, Turkey and more.”

The ship will offer seven-night cruises to Greek Islands from May through October 2023. Upon completion of its inaugural season in Greece, the Resilient Lady will offer transcontinental voyages from Melbourne, Australia.

“I’m thrilled this day is finally here and that Resilient Lady has officially joined our award-winning fleet,” said Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Since our launch just a few years ago, we have received the travel industry’s top awards and have experienced a very high rate of return with up to 40 per cent of our Sailors rebooking their next cruise while they’re still onboard with us. I know people are going to love voyaging with Resilient Lady as much as they have with Scarlet and Valiant Lady, and I look forward to sharing this five-star experience with even more Sailors this summer.”

Virgin Voyages Partners with the World Poker Tour

Virgin Voyages Partners with the World Poker Tour

Virgin Voyages announced a partnership with World Poker Tour (WPT) to deliver a poker experience on four and five-night sailings aboard the Scarlet Lady, according to a statement.

“As a new brand with an innovative spirit, we’ve been fortunate to introduce many industry firsts, including our partnership with the World Poker Tour and WPT at Sea,” said Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Our adult-only, premium experience offers an incredible backdrop, not only for a great vacation but also as an oasis for the WPT in a way never seen before.”

Virgin Voyages has created a standing poker venue called “WPT at Sea” Poker Room, featuring eight poker tables and staffed with professional dealers. In the room, guests can look forward to beginner training, cash games and WPT Prize Package tournaments with buy-ins from $80 to $320.

The $320 buy-in “WPT at Sea” main event will be held during each cruise and the event may award a WPT prize valued at $5,000 to be used on any future sailing or WPT event.

Additionally, guests in the WPT at Sea Poker Room do not need cash to participate as they can handle transactions via Sailors’ wearable devices.

“After witnessing the magic of cruise-line poker with Virgin Voyages last season, we instantly sought to establish a permanent fixture,” said WPT CEO Adam Pliska. “Scarlet Lady provides the perfect residence for WPT at Sea, which will bring the WPT poker experience to the high seas.”

 

Record Inaugural Cruise Calls for Gibraltar in 2022

Record Inaugural Cruise Calls for Gibraltar in 2022

The Minister for Business and Tourism, Hon Vijay Daryanani, announced that Gibraltar has seen a record number of 20 inaugural cruise calls in 2022, beating the previous best of 19 in 2016.

“The cruising industry has suffered immensely but the Government has worked at full throttle to make sure that Gibraltar has not been forgotten and the statistics are proof of this,” said Daryanani.

“I have represented Gibraltar at the most important cruise conferences in the world. I have spoken about what we have to offer and people have approached me to talk about us. We have recovered quickly in 2022 after the pandemic and now we have a record amount of inaugural calls. This new year will be better as we already have more calls booked than last year. 

“Whatever my detractors may say, I will continue marketing Gibraltar because that’s what our retail and hospitality industries want and expect from me. It is not easy in this very competitive industry but we will work hard to deliver on all fronts.”

Following a difficult time for the cruise industry during the pandemic, Gibraltar is now making a steady recovery. 

Virgin Voyages Donates 2,023 Vacations to Healthcare Workers

Virgin Voyages Donates 2,023 Vacations to Healthcare Workers

Virgins Merlady the Valient Lady flying her Banner in Liverpool UK, Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Virgin Voyages is celebrating Giving Tuesday by paying it forward and honouring local healthcare heroes with the vacation of a lifetime, the company said, in a press release.

For the second consecutive year, the South Florida-based travel and lifestyle brand is partnering with Baptist Health South Florida and donating 2,023 complimentary voyages – totalling an estimated $5.9 million – for deserving employees to ring in the new year with their friends and loved ones.

“For the past three years, our local healthcare workers put everything on the line to care for the community, and now it’s our turn to pay it forward,” said Jill Stoneberg, Virgin Voyages’ Senior Director of Sustainability and Social Impact. “We’ve turned a corner, and we’d love to offer our frontline workers a much-deserved break. The Virgin Voyages team is honoured to give our friends at Baptist an incredible vacation on the high seas where they can unplug and escape for a few days.”

In celebration of the new year ahead, the 2,023 gifted sailings will recognize employees in the Baptist Health network who have made a positive impact in the local healthcare community, from patient-facing employees to those in behind-the-scenes roles that keep the hospitals, clinics and offices running smoothly, the company said.

Winners will receive a voyage for two in a Sea Terrace, a trendy balcony cabin with fun mood lighting, rainfall showers and a signature red hammock.

The 2,023 winners will select from one of six incredible Caribbean itineraries departing from Miami between Jan. 2 and April 28, 2023.

“At Baptist Health, we want our employees to thrive in their careers and all areas of their lives,” said Adriene McCoy, senior vice president and chief people officer at Baptist Health. “That includes prioritizing their well-being and time off since our people are the key to the essential and high-quality care we provide to our community. We are excited to partner with Virgin Voyages and grateful for their generosity in offering our dedicated employees an opportunity to vacation, rest and recharge.”

 

Virgin’s Brilliant Lady Floated Out at Fincantieri

Virgin’s Brilliant Lady Floated Out at Fincantieri

The floating-out ceremony of the Brilliant Lady, the final of the four new Virgin Voyages ships, took place on Friday at the Fincantieri Sestri Ponente (Genoa) shipyard.

She follows the Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, which are already sailing, and the Resilient Lady, which enters service in 2023.

Each ship is 2,770 guests and approximately 110,000 tons. The Brilliant Lady is expected to enter revenue service in late 2023.

Virgin's Valiant Lady Starts Atlantic Crossing Ahead of U.S. Debut

Virgin's Valiant Lady Starts Atlantic Crossing Ahead of U.S. Debut

Valeant Lady flying the Virgin Flag photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Wrapping up its inaugural summer in Europe, the Valiant Lady is starting a trans-Atlantic crossing to the United States.

The 14-night voyage departs from Barcelona today and marks the North American debut of the Virgin Voyages vessel.

In addition to the Spanish port, the one-way voyage includes visits to four European destinations, such as Ibiza and Funchal, before arriving in Miami on October 30.

Once in the U.S., the 2021-built cruise ship is set to kick off a series of week-long voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

The program includes two different itineraries, such as the “Western Caribbean Charm.” Sailing to Mexico, Honduras and the Bahamas, the voyage features visits to Costa Maya, Roatán and Bimini.

Through mid-April, the Valiant also offers the “Eastern Caribbean Antilles” cruise. In addition to Bimini, the eight-night cruise sails to Amber Cove, St. Croix and San Juan.

Following the Scarlet Lady, which entered service in 2021, the Valiant Lady debuted in March 2022.

Virgin’s second newbuild, the 110,000-ton cruise ship spent its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, offering different itineraries to Spain, Italy and France.

Like the Scarlet Lady, the Valiant offers an adults-only product that focuses on what Virgin calls an intimate and elevated all-inclusive experience.

As part of the concept, the 2,770-guest vessel boasts 20 dining venues, in addition to many entertainment options. A highlight is The Manor - a two-story 1970s-style nightclub inspired by Virgin’s heritage in the music business.

Another feature is the Red Room, which, according to Virgin, is the first transformational multi-form theatre at sea.

The venue can be transformed into four different configurations - including a traditional Proscenium stage, to alley stage used in fashion shows, to a dance flat-floor configuration and finally a unique reverse stage setup.

Virgin Voyages Joins Forces with Chefs and Mixologists for Eat & Drink Month

Virgin Voyages Joins Forces with Chefs and Mixologists for Eat & Drink Month

Valiant Lady arriving in Liverpool photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Virgin Voyages has introduced its first-ever Eat & Drink Month in partnership with acclaimed chefs and mixologists, taking place in November, according to a press release.

Michelin-starred chefs Matt Lambert and Brad Farmerie, James Beard Award nominees Silvana Salcido Esparza and Sohui Kim, and beverage designer Charles Joly are all working with the cruise line to bring the project to life. The Eat & Drink Month includes four- and five-night voyages on the Scarlet Lady, as well as six- and eight-night voyages on the Valiant Lady. according to Virgin Voyages.

“We have made-to-order culinary experiences in intimate eateries rather than mass-produced banquet food in big dining halls. Our food and drink menus were put together by award-winning chefs and mixologists who have taken their land-based gastronomy experience to our restaurants and cocktail bars on board," said Nirmal Saverimuttu, president and chief experience officer, of Virgin Voyages.

Guests will be treated to speciality cocktails and menu items throughout November, as well as bookable events priced between $15 and 125 per guest, such as elevated dinner and wine pairings, cooking demos, and a preview of the new menu launching next year.

To commemorate Eat & Drink Month, every November booking includes a complimentary $300 Bar Tab that can be used for speciality cocktails or the brand's unique Shake for Champagne feature, which allows guests to order their drink of choice via their phone.

"Of all the feedback we receive from past guests on TripAdvisor and Cruise Critic, two things stand apart above all else: our amazing Crew and the food & drinks. Eat & Drink Month is a way for us to turn up the heat and celebrate Sailors’ favourite part of coming aboard with a recurring event our guests can look forward to for years to come,” added Saverimuttu.

Once onboard, guests can book a variety of events and special appearances from the Eat & Drink lineup.

Let’s Mushroom Around, Sushi & Poke Demo, Flavors Uncorked at The Wake, Razzle Dazzle Menu Sneak Peek, Creative Collective: Sohui Kim, Creative Collective: Brad Farmerie, and Creative Collective: Silvana Salcido Esparza have all been curated for culinary entertainment onboard.

As for drinks, guests can sip away in one of the following events: Spill the Beans with Intelligentsia Coffee, Filthy Bloody Mary Bar, What’s The Tea?, Lotería Gigante, Seven Sea Sippers, Sip and Sway with Kin Euphorics, Nothing Fancy at The Loose Cannon.

Virgin Voyages Introduces Golden Ink Awards For Agents

Virgin Voyages Introduces Golden Ink Awards For Agents

Virgin Voyages has confirmed its first-ever First Mate Spectacular Soire and Golden Ink Awards, in a get-together cruise for its travel agents, according to a press release.

The cruise line will invite the top 100 North American “First Mates” with the most bookings between November 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022, to come aboard for a complimentary cruise in January, according to Virgin Voyages.

“Our First Mates have always been in our corner, so we wanted to find a way to celebrate their commitment to this incredible brand. The Golden Ink Awards are one of the only advisor-focused awards in the cruising industry. It’s so important that we take the time to show First Mates our appreciation and to treat them to the same incredible experience that their clients have loved,” said John Diorio, vice president of North American sales, Virgin Voyages.

The four-night cruise aboard the Valiant Lady will depart from Miami on January 4, 2023, and will take guests to Key West and Bimini, as well as a stop at Virgin Voyages' Beach Club. Each First Mate participant will be invited to bring a guest to share the experience on a sea terrace cabin and will receive $200 in onboard credit. There will also be representatives from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) onboard.

The First Mate Spectacular Soiree will also include a cocktail party, exclusive cabin drops, educational opportunities, and the first-ever Golden Ink Awards, which will recognize the top agents in a variety of categories, ranging from sales manager-nominated categories to best creative marketing.

With a deadline of October 31, 2022, the company has not yet finalized its top 100 list, so agents still have time to book their clients and earn a spot on the coveted list. First Mates can increase bookings by reminding clients of any remaining Future Voyage Credits, booking reservations of 10 or more cabins, taking advantage of the line's new Match and Sea More project, and using Virgin Voyages’ LetsGoBook platform.

Virgin Voyages will allow more non-fully vaccinated passengers to sail

Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 - Flickr

Virgin Voyages will allow more non-fully vaccinated passengers to sail after it removed a 10% cap on guests without a full Covid-19 vaccination. 

Previously, the line required 90% of guests to be fully vaccinated – allowing for 10% of customers to be non-fully vaccinated.

 

From 18 September for sailings onboard Valiant Lady and from 21 September for Scarlet Lady, the cap will be removed and all passengers will be able to board regardless of their vaccination status.

 

However, non-fully vaccinated travellers will still be required to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of embarkation.

A Virgin Voyages spokesperson said: "The health and safety of our sailors (guests) and crew are most important, and we’ll continue to emphasize our ’Voyage Well’ protocols.

 

"We’re excited to see cruising make its way back to 2019 sailing levels and to welcome aboard both new and returning cruisers seeking a different kind of adventure on the high seas."

Virgin Voyages has secured $550 million in new capital to support its growth plans

Virgin Voyages has secured $550 million in new capital to support its growth plans

The new funding – which was led by BlackRock and includes new external financing and additional capital from existing investors including Bain Capital Private Equity and Virgin Group – will enable the line to continue its growth strategy and further strengthen its financial position as demand "continues to gain momentum".

 

Tom McAlpin, chief executive of Virgin Voyages, said the company has created an "incredible project" that investors and consumers "truly believe in".
 

"This additional capital comes at a time when we’re looking forward to exponential growth that will, in turn, help us achieve what we set out to accomplish," he added.

The investment comes as Virgin reports "exponential growth in bookings" in the last six months, with this year tipped to see a strong return across the industry as cruising heads toward pre-pandemic levels.

 

According to research carried out by the line, 96% of consumers are keen to cruise this year following two years of restrictions. 

Virgin Voyages will make its TV debut on Channel 5

The show will feature a look inside the inner workings of the line

Narrated by Sheridan Smith, the documentary is filmed across both the line’s two vessels, Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady.

 

The Cruise will take audiences behind the scenes for an "unfiltered, energetic" glimpse into the lives of Virgin Voyages’ crew and guests.

 

The series will also feature locations such as Bimini, Ibiza, Marseilles and Cannes, as well as a peek into the inner workings of the ship.

Shane Riley, vice-president of international sales, said: "We’re so excited to give our UK fans a peek into life below deck. It’s rare to see the inner workings of a cruise ship or to follow the crew beyond Sailors’ [guests’] time onboard.

 

"The UK was the birthplace of the Virgin brand and has played such an integral role for Virgin Voyages. We’ve had tremendous positive feedback from our Sailors in the UK, and can’t wait to show audiences what truly goes into delivering an epic experience at sea."

Virgin Voyages has delayed the launch of its third ship Resilient Lady

The vessel had been scheduled to operate from Athens from mid-August

The vessel has been scheduled to operate from Athens from mid-August but will now not launch until the second quarter of 2023.

 

Virgin Voyages said the delay at the yard in Genoa “was not anticipated”, adding: “Resilient Lady will remain in Genoa getting onboard work completed, hitting the high seas next spring.”

 

It added: “Virgin Voyages did not land on this decision lightly, and despite making tremendous strides alongside the cruise industry as a whole, the brand is not immune to the global challenges the world is facing. 

 

“This includes supply chain obstacles, a level of regional uncertainty for international travellers in countries in Eastern Europe, crewing challenges based on government regulations and restrictive Covid entry requirements back into the US.” 

 

Passengers and agents are due to be informed of refunds and compensation advice in the next few days.

 

This includes a 200% Future Voyage Credit (FVC) or a full refund of the amount paid, plus 25% FVC.

 

Those that choose the 200% FVC and rebook in 2022 will get the option of another free voyage, excluding taxes and fees. There will also be assisted with travel changes and penalties.

 

Agents will have their commission protected on funds already paid. 

Virgin Voyages reveals the name of the fourth Lady Ship

Virgin Voyages reveals the name of the fourth Lady Ship

Virgin Voyages has welcomed its fourth Lady Ship to the fleet: Brilliant Lady. 

In naming the ship Brilliant Lady, Virgin Voyages aimed to 'highlight the powerful intelligence of women across the globe. Brilliant Lady represents the smart, thoughtful, boundary-pushing minds of women around the world — unafraid of owning their intelligence, aware of their importance, and confidently in touch with their own sense of self-worth.'

Brilliant Lady’s mermaid, destinations and itineraries will be announced soon, but until then, Sailors can set sail on the Virgin way aboard Scarlet Lady from Miami (available now) on Valiant Lady starting May 15 from Barcelona, and on Resilient Lady starting August 14 from Athens. 

Virgin Voyages has apologised to guests sailing on Valiant Lady

Valiant Lady seeking into the Port of Liverpool photo credit Spacejunkie2

Virgin Voyages has apologised to guests sailing on Valiant Lady this week and will offer them a free European voyage this summer, after an onboard medical emergency and overboard incident delayed the ship’s return to Portsmouth as well as its subsequent sailing, which had been due to depart from Portsmouth on Friday (1 April).

During the early hours of Thursday morning (31 March), the ship’s crew were alerted to reports of a guest going overboard, sparking an "extensive" search and rescue mission.

"We are deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts are with this passenger’s family and loved ones," said the line in a statement issued to TTG. "Our investigation has indicated this was an intentional act and no foul play is suspected."

Earlier in the voyage, another guest suffered a non-Covid-related medical emergency requiring airlift and shoreside care, delaying the ship’s arrival in Lisbon.

"We’re very happy to report that this person is doing well," said the line. "As a result of seeking timely medical care for this passenger, we did experience a delay in arrival to Lisbon of several hours. Virgin Voyages did not market this port as a two-night stop, the itinerary was a morning arrival and late debark."

The line said the combination of the two incidents meant the ship, which had been due to sail a three-night Long Weekender in Zeebrugge itinerary from Portsmouth on Friday, was now due back in the UK "no sooner than 6pm on 1 April".

This has forced the line to delay embarkation for the ship’s next sailing until the morning of 2 April.

 

"As a gesture of awareness that some were disappointed, we are offering all sailors [guests] a free voyage this summer in Europe onboard either of our ships, Valiant Lady or Resilient Lady," said Virgin Voyages.

The line added: "We set ourselves a very high standard and in this case, we have fallen short on some things – we are very sorry the experience for some has not been ideal.

"While not everything is in our control, including global supply chain challenges, the weather, or medical emergencies, we remain focused on the sailor [guest] experience and knowledge we need to keep improving."

Virgin Ready for Second Ship; Bookings Up 70%

Virgin Ready for Second Ship; Bookings Up 70%

Virgin Voyages has confirmed its second ship, the Valiant Lady, will start sailing this March in the UK.

Speaking of the arrival of Valiant Lady to the UK, Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages, said: “Following the success of our first ladyship, Scarlet Lady, we are so excited to debut Valiant Lady this March and begin our European tour. The lifting of UK travel restrictions has already shown promising signs with 70% uplift in bookings since December – and we can’t wait to welcome Sailors onboard!"

The company is showcasing the new ship Tilbury and Liverpool, where fans are invited to wave her in before the company kicks off bookable European sailings from Portsmouth in March and a new homeport in Barcelona in May.

Sir Richard Branson added: “Virgin Voyages has been a dream in the making since my 20s, and today is a momentous day launching our second ladyship, Valiant Lady. It’s exciting to be able to celebrate our continued growth as a brand that’s on a mission to voyage like no other. In our five decades in business, Virgin has always sought to offer our customers something extra special, and Virgin Voyages has worked tirelessly to do just that.”

For a limited time, Sailors can book any voyage on any ship and get 20% off along with a $100 toward their prepaid Bar Tab, plus an extra 10% off if they pay in full.