Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady gets a refresh: 7 upgrades travel agents need to know

Stepping onboard Valiant Lady following its May dry dock, returning passengers would be forgiven for overlooking the ship’s spring revamp.

Virgin Voyages’ second vessel is back after undergoing a number of tweaks, all of which aim to maximise previously underused areas and improve dining and entertainment offerings.

From renovated communal spaces to brand new restaurants, here’s everything agents need to know about Valiant Lady’s refreshed look.

The Roundabout

The Roundabout on Valiant Lady has been given a soft makeover in the hope that it will attract more guests during the day and early evening. 

Loud colours have been swapped for plummy tones, and furniture has been reorganised to encourage groups to gather and solos to unwind. Expect clusters of cushy seating, discreet nooks and laptop-friendly tables.

In the space, Roots Reggaeton can be heard and lots of plants add to the relaxed aesthetic. 

On The Rocks 

On The Rocks, Virgin Voyage’s glitzy cocktail lounge, has also had a few tweaks.

The layout has been updated to improve the quality of its live entertainment, with the removal of a partition wall making it easier to view the bandstand while also creating space for extra seating. 

The Grounds Club 

Espresso martini lovers rejoice – The Grounds Club is officially open for nightcaps.

Virgin Voyages’ Chicago-inspired cafe is now a day-to-night venue, transforming every afternoon into a full-service cocktail bar.

Warm lounge seating, woven pillars and wooden stools complete the nocturnal makeover. 

Ariya by Razzle Dazzle 

Taking over Razzle Dazzle every evening, Ariya marks Virgin Voyages’ first ever restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine. 

The menu features dishes like Eggplant Saag Napoleon and Lamb Shank Biryani, as well as spice-infused cocktails and cheesecake filled with gulab jamun. 

Razzle Dazzle, which is best known for its plant-based fare, will continue to operate a breakfast and brunch service. 

The Red Room

Though the Red Room’s architecture remains the same, its programming has undergone a major shake-up.

The ship’s scarlet-hued theatre will host a number of new experiences, including Sink ‘Oar’ Swim, an energetic game show and an interactive unboxing contest called Nice Box!

The Manor

Virgin Voyages was widely praised when it launched in 2021 for its electric nightlife – and it looks like that energy isn’t going anywhere. 

The line has made significant structural changes to its nightclub, The Manor, removing the raised seating area and rear wall to create an expanded dance floor.

The result is a single level venue with improved sight lines along with additional capacity, giving guests even more room to show off their best moves. 

Virgin Voyages

The Manor

Fitness and wellness

The Athletic Club has been refreshed with shaded daybed clusters, upgraded lounge seating and enhanced pool access. Walkways have also been widened via the removal of certain gym equipment, allowing for easier transitions between circuits. 

Other improvements include The Runway Racetrack, which has been given new customer signage and high visibility vinyls to prevent joggers and walkers from colliding along the 255-metre-long route. 

As for new classes, VHS Volume 2: The Great British Burn Off serves as the successor to the fleet’s 1980s aerobic sessions. Expect 90s Britpop, upbeat choreography and accessible routines.

Virgin Unveils Brilliant Lady in Miami with Star-Filled Celebration

Virgin Unveils Brilliant Lady in Miami with Star-Filled Celebration

Virgin Voyages announced in a press release that the company hosted a star-studded celebration to welcome the Brilliant Lady into Miami on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

The event was attended by more than 2,000 guests, including DJ Khaled, rapper Swae Lee, Selling Sunset’s Polly Brindle, actors Agustina Palma and Lilimar Hernandez and The Real Housewives of Miami stars Kiki Barth, Alexia Nepola, Marysol Patton and Larsa Pippen.

Other attendees included journalists, influencers, brand partners and 1,000 of the company’s First Mates.

Virgin said that guests had the opportunity to experience the world premiere of Red Hot, a rockumentary-style spectacular featuring hits from the Spice Girls, Janet Jackson, David Bowie, Queen, The Killers and The Sex Pistols.

It also celebrates Virgin’s 50-plus-year legacy in music, complete with archival footage of Sir Richard Branson and a high-octane cast.

The ship’s entertainment lineup included Up With A Twist, a Gatsby-inspired Supper Club that channels the Roaring Twenties.

Throughout the day, guests discovered exclusives including the Secret Vintage, a speakeasy-style wine tasting and The Stitch Up in the Social Club and Rojo, the ship’s fiery Spanish-inspired eatery.

The night ended with Electric, a glowing, neon-drenched dance party in The Manor.

The Brilliant Lady will spend the coming weeks sailing the Caribbean before making her way through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles and onward to Alaska in spring 2026.

Soon after, all four of Virgin Voyages’ sister ships will unite in the Caribbean for the very first time.

Virgin Voyages: Cameo on The Real Housewives of Miami

Virgin Voyages: Cameo on The Real Housewives of Miami

Virgin Voyages has announced that it will feature on Bravo’s series “The Real Housewives of Miami” in two back-to-back episodes, premiering on Thursday, September 4.

The company said in a press release that the collaboration began when Richard Branson invited Miami entrepreneur Marysol Patton on board to toast her recent wedding. Joined by her girlfriends, the Housewives set sail in November.

“We couldn’t imagine a better way to showcase the Virgin Voyages experience than through the fabulous lens of The Real Housewives of Miami,” said Nicole Huang, SVP at Virgin Voyages.

“These episodes truly capture the spirit of our brand: bold, sophisticated and always a little fabulous. We love being the go-to vacation for celebrating life’s biggest and most glamorous milestones,” added Huang.

Virgin added that the cameo underscores its growing presence in pop culture while reinforcing its reputation.

According to the press release, the ladies experienced the company’s most iconic experiences, which included The Perch, a retro VHS-inspired 80s aerobics class, culinary adventures at The Wake and Test Kitchen with an edible theatre.

The group also had bites and Champagne at Richard’s Rooftop.

Virgin Voyages Cancels Scarlet Lady Cruise

Virgin Voyages recently cancelled a cruise on board the Scarlet Lady that was scheduled to sail from Miami on April 19, 2026.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the sailing will no longer go ahead due to a full-ship charter.

“It looks like your Scarlet Lady sailing on April 19, 2026, has been privately chartered. We’re truly sorry for the impact this has on your plans, and we’re here to make it right,” Virgin Voyages said in the letter.

As part of its 2025-26 season in the region, the Scarlet Lady was scheduled to offer a seven-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

Sailing from Virgin’s Terminal V in Miami, the itinerary included visits to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan in Puerto Rico and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

Affected guests are being offered two options, including rebooking their cruise to the Resilient Lady’s April 18, 2026, cruise.

According to Virgin, the ship is set to offer the “San Juan & Dominican Dreams” itinerary, which also sails for seven nights and features visits to Puerto Plata and San Juan, as well as Bimini in the Bahamas.

Passengers will get the same cabin category on the new booking, with their original paid fares protected, the company added.

If the new voyage costs less than the original booking, Virgin said it will refund the difference to the original form of payment.

All promotions from the initial booking, including Bar Tab bonuses, will also carry over to the sailing onboard the Resilient Lady.

Some cabin categories are also set to receive the company’s Sailor Loot onboard credit as “a thank you for sticking with us.”

The company is also offering similar perks to guests who opt to change their booking for other seven-night cruises in the Caribbean.

Lastly, passengers will be able to cancel their bookings to receive a 100 per cent Future Voyage Credit or a full refund.

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.

Three New Cruise Lines to Alaska in 2026

Three New Cruise Lines to Alaska in 2026

Three cruise lines are adding cruises to Alaska to their schedule in the summer of 2026: Azamara, MSC, and Virgin.

Returning to the destination after a seven-year hiatus, Azamara will offer a series of ten- to 13-night cruises in Alaska and Canada starting in May 2026.

Sailing in the region for the first time, the Azamara Pursuit will operate open-jaw itineraries that sail between Whittier and Vancouver.

According to Azamara, the voyages were created to prioritize unspoiled destinations, visiting locations such as Kodiak, Dutch Harbor and Icy Strait Point.

The deployment will also include excursions aimed at bringing guests closer to natural beauty, unparalleled wildlife and authentic culture, Azamara said.

MSC Cruises will debut for the first time in Alaska in 2026, with the MSC Poesia offering a series of seven-night cruises from Seattle.

The season runs from early May to late September and includes a regular itinerary that visits Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau and Victoria.

In a press release, MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said that the new operation in Alaska and Canada further expands the company’s global offerings by sailing to a must-see region.

Virgin Voyages is also debuting in Alaska in 2026 with the new Brilliant Lady. After entering service in late 2025, the ship is scheduled to spend its first summer season in the region.

From May to September, the Brilliant Lady offers 17 voyages to 12 destinations in Alaska, including Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Ranging from seven to 12 nights, Virgin’s itineraries sail from Seattle and Vancouver and also include destinations in Canada, such as Prince Rupert and Victoria.

According to the company, the cruises will give guests opportunities to experience Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes while taking part in activities that include salmon fishing, glacier trekking, lumberjack shows and dog sledding.

As one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, Alaska accounted for nearly five per cent of the industry’s market share this year, according to data from the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

Virgin Voyages Launches $120,000 Annual Pass

Virgin Voyages Launches $120,000 Annual Pass

This past Travel Tuesday, Virgin Voyages launched the Annual Pass, offering unlimited access to its fleet of ships for an entire year, starting in 2025.

The industry-first program allows guests to choose any voyage, departing from any location, with access to various destinations and itineraries.

The company also said that it now accepts cryptocurrency, providing the option to purchase the pass with Bitcoin.

Richard Branson, Virgin Group founder, said: “I’ve always been a big believer in the power of travel and adventure to spark creativity and bring clarity. What started as a sought-after ‘work from sea’ concept with our Season Pass has evolved into something even more special. Now, Sailors can jump aboard any of our ships, across an endless variety of exciting destinations for an entire year. We’re offering unlimited opportunities for adventure in a way that has never been done in cruising before.”

With the Annual Pass, travellers can sail on any ship in the fleet, including the upcoming Brilliant Lady, set to launch in September 2025. Starting from January 2025, the pass provides a year of unlimited sailings from any departure port. Pass holders will enjoy Sea Terrace cabins with balcony views, in addition to exclusive perks like priority boarding, complimentary laundry, unlimited premium WiFi and a $100 Bar Tab credit per voyage. Additionally, guests have the option to add a plus one to their cabin.

The Annual Pass costs $120,000, excluding taxes and fees, and is available for booking through March 31, 2025. Travel advisors who sell the pass will earn a commission of $10,000.

Florida Cruise Ports Smash Passenger Records as Industry Makes Comeback

PortMiami and Port Everglades have reported record-breaking passenger numbers for fiscal year 2024 as cruisers returned to the high seas en masse following the pandemic.

PortMiami, the nation’s busiest cruise port and often called the “Cruise Capital of the World,” has set a new record with an astounding 8.2 million cruise passengers in fiscal year 2024, marking a 12.79% increase from the previous year’s record.

Meanwhile, Port Everglades in Broward County has also surpassed its previous records, welcoming 4,010,919 cruise passengers in the same fiscal year. This represents a remarkable 39% growth in passenger numbers and a 23% increase in cruise ship calls compared to the previous year, demonstrating the port’s rapid recovery and expansion. Of note, Port Everglades achieved passenger records with just 648 calls, highlighting the growing size of cruise ships.

Both ports’ fiscal years run from October 1 through September 30.

“Cruising is in high demand, and our cruise line partners are poised for greater gains with new itineraries and a variety of sailing dates,” said Joseph Morris, CEO and Port Director of Port Everglades.

Both ports are looking ahead to even more growth. PortMiami is preparing to welcome several new cruise ships in the upcoming 2024-2025 season, including vessels from Explora Journeys, Virgin Voyages, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Oceania. The port is also expanding its infrastructure, with MSC Cruises’ new Cruise Terminal AA set to become the world’s largest cruise terminal.

Meanwhile, Port Everglades expects the new record to be short-lived, with a whopping 4.4 passengers expected across its terminals in FY2025.

PortMiami also launched its shore power project in June, allowing cruise ships to plug into landside electrical power while docked, reducing emissions and noise. This initiative, a collaboration between the port and major cruise lines, positions PortMiami as the first major cruise port on the U.S. eastern seaboard to offer shore power capability at five cruise berths.

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 Welcomes Resilient Lady to Growing Cruise Fleet

Virgin Voyages Welcomes Resilient Lady to Growing Cruise Fleet

Virgin Voyages has taken delivery of the brand’s third vessel: the Resilient Lady.

Built by Fincantieri, the Resilient Lady is a mid-size ship weighing 110,000 gross tons like her sister ships in the fleet: Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, according to a press release.

On May 14, 2023, Resilient Lady will embark on her MerMaiden voyage around the Greek Isles, making stops in Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum and Mykonos before returning to her homeport in Piraeus, Athens. The ship will sail two, eight-night itineraries including the “Greek Island Glow” with the aforementioned route, and the “Adriatic Sea and Greek Gems,” complete with calls in the beautiful cities of Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor and Corfu.

After her inaugural season in the Med, Resilient Lady will embark on a 44-night repositioning voyage, heading Down Under for a winter season in Australia and New Zealand. Starting Oct. 22, 2023, the ship will depart Athens before stopping in some of the most exotic locales the brand has yet to introduce including Cairo, Dubai, Bali, Mumbai, Phuket and Singapore. She’ll finally arrive in Sydney on Dec. 4, 2023, for a series of celebrations, media sneak peeks and more.

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.