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.

Oceania Cruises plans to completely revamp two of its ships, Riviera and Marina

Oceania Cruises plans to completely revamp two of its ships, Riviera and Marina, and give them a full "stem-to-stern" overhaul.

The undertaking, which will be completed over the course of this year and next, is the next step in its ongoing OceaniaNEXT programme.

Once completed, Oceania said it would proudly deploy a fully refreshed fleet comprising brand new or "better-than-new" ships in every destination.

Oceania expects Riviera to re-enter service in December 2022 and Marina in November 2023. Each ship will accommodate 1,210 guests.

Every suite and stateroom will be renovated, while public spaces will feature a refreshed colour palette, new fabrics, furnishings and light fittings.

“At Oceania Cruises, we continue to raise the bar and elevate the guest experience at every opportunity," said president and chief executive Howard Sherman.

He added the work would extend to new culinary concepts and "immersive new destination experiences".

Riviera will debut on 7 December sailing a 16-day Mediterranean, Atlantic and Caribbean cruise from Rome to Miami.

It will then resume sailing seven- to 14-day trips from Miami to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America before returning to Europe in late March 2023. An inaugural Far East season will follow in late 2023 and early 2024.

Marina, meanwhile, will return to service on 13 November 2023 sailing a seven-day cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon. From Lisbon, Marina will sail to Miami to sail its annual South America season, starting 3 December 2023.
Details of Oceania’s 2024 itineraries will follow in the coming weeks.

Oceania’s other ships – Insignia, Regatta, Sirena and latterly Nautica – have all been refreshed, with Nautica returning to service on 1 April.

Serenity refurb a breath of fresh air

By Tom Stieghorst

The Crystal Serenity's $17 million makeover is notable as much for what was subtracted as what was added.

After emerging from a drydock in Cadiz, Spain, the most noticeable change to the 2003-built ship is the complete disappearance of one of its pools.

The space that had been devoted to a pool area with a retractable roof for shelter in inclement weather has been turned into another restaurant, called Tastes. The area, now filled with wicker seating, is also home to the Trident Grill and Scoops ice cream bar.

"It's great to say we have two pools," said Crystal President Edie Bornstein. "But the reality was it was really never used."

Tastes, which has an eclectic menu that runs from Alsatian tarts to California street tacos, opens in the early afternoon for lunch and then is transformed after 6 p.m. into a casual eatery with what Bornstein called a "summer-in-the-Med feeling."

The Serenity's other pool remains, as do other fitness facilities such as a 360-degree outdoor promenade for walking, a golf driving range and putting green and two paddle tennis courts.

Another focal point in the makeover was the four penthouse suites.

In an ultracontemporary remodel, interiors of the 1,345-square-foot suites were gutted and the dining area moved closer to the outdoor veranda. The former dining room became a den/library/media room. The color scheme has been lightened to light gray and creme with purple accents.

Another change during drydock was the addition of air- and surface-cleaning equipment to 70 cabins, meant to reduce the irritants that cause allergies.

The so-called hypoallergenic rooms, an industry first, are a boon to passengers who have allergies or other sensitivities that can disrupt a vacation. Now a state-of-the-art, medical-grade air purifier filters out 99.9% of all airborne impurities on an ongoing basis.

A new cherry wood dance floor in the Palm Court gives that area a fresher, richer feel. And the Lido Cafe area has been remodeled with more tables for two and food stations replacing older-style buffet counters.

Seven Seas Voyager emerges from drydock

By Tom Stieghorst

The 700-passenger Seven Seas Voyager is on a Rome-to-Venice cruise, its first since emerging from a scheduled drydock for interior and deck upgrades.

Among many changes, the ship's nightclub and observation lounge got new furnishings, wall coverings, carpeting and lighting. The Constellation Theatre was rejuvenated, penthouse suites were redone and new teak was installed on the balconies of all 350 cabins.

The refurbishment was overseen by Frank Del Rio, CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings, parent of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Del Rio flew to Marseille, France, for a final inspection before the Seven Seas Voyager set sail, the cruise line said.

Good Day, Carnival Sunshine

September 28, 2013After a $155 million makeover, Carnival Destiny transforms into a dramatically different ship — Carnival SunshineBy: Marilyn Green

Cruise

Sunshine features a WaterWorks water park with three slides.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ recent extreme transformation of Carnival Destiny into Carnival Sunshine has left the ship feeling much more like Carnival Magic and Carnival Breeze. The 3,006-passenger vessel’s $155 million makeover changed not just the ship itself but the spirit of the cruise experience.

Entertainment is served in short, snappy sessions, with three polished production shows in the Palladium Show Lounge. Fast-paced comedy shows take place in the Punchliner Comedy Club, featuring up-and-coming talent brought in by comedian George Lopez.

The intense, fast entertainment pairs well with the dozens of food and drink possibilities that include a wonderful burrito bar, uber-burgers contrived by Guy Fieri of Food Network fame, a 24-hour pizza bar serving made-to-order choices and Carnival’s own Red Frog beer.

Bonsai Sushi, which also has a home on Magic and Breeze, features top-notch combination dishes, and the Asian eatery, JiJi, appearing for the first time on Carnival is a home run. At JiJi, each table has a designated “director” who helps diners navigate through Pan-Asian appetizers, main dishes and sides. A steal at $12, the food is excellent, abundant and served to be shared. The presentation is gorgeous and, with selections from vegetarian to pork and beef, there’s something for any taste. JiJi and Cucina del Capitano, a new Italian restaurant, had ample seating and breakfast offerings. So even when the buffet filled up, there was plenty of space for a quiet meal.

Less quiet is the Punchliner Comedy Brunch on days at sea. It’s a rough ride for the comedians, who have to perform over hungry and sometimes hungover guests. There was a lot of unplanned laughter as passengers tried to explain to their international servers what some of the jokes meant.

The overall atmosphere of Sunshine has a decidedly Caribbean flavor, from the tequilas at Blue Iguana to the rums at the Red Frog. The tropical touch is echoed in the public area and stateroom decor. Like Magic and Breeze, Sunshine has become more subtle in color than Destiny’s former flamboyant Joe Farcus designs.

There’s nothing restrained about the new WaterWorks water park, however. Its three adrenaline-rush water slides have excited cruisers lining up to conquer the 334-foot-long Twister. They shrieked all the way down the water slide, and bystanders cheered those trying out the dual racing slides. A gentle water play area caters to the younger cruisers, who squeal and scatter under the 150-gallon dump bucket. Above the ship, the suspended ropes course had plenty of participants.

At the opposite end of the the ship is Serenity, the complimentary adult retreat with a pool, a whirlpool and seductive, cushioned chaise lounges and chairs. Tell your clients to try to capture one of the circular two-person lounges. I’m a sucker for the sight and sound of a waterfall, and Serenity has a beautiful one with fabulous views.

In the evenings, popular movies are shown on the poolside 270-square-foot, high-tech LED screen. Movies at the Seaside Theatre were very popular with teens on our cruise. Alternatively, Sunshine’s Liquid Lounge nightclub rocks well into the night. It’s great fun for all, except for the cruisers in the staterooms just above the club on Deck 6 who complained abut the heavy bass.

All these activities mean that passengers are spread out, and there is no feeling of overcrowding even though Carnival added 182 staterooms to Sunshine. The clever and flexible use of space sends guests throughout the ship for meals, relaxation and entertainment. There were so many different things happening all over the ship that there were no long lines.

Sunshine sails in November from Europe to New Orleans, where she will offer weeklong roundtrip itineraries until April. She will then join Carnival Liberty in cruising from Port Canaveral on five-, seven- and eight-day Bahamas and Caribbean cruises.

Thomas Cook reveals rebrand

By Phil Davies

The Thomas Cook globe and strapline “Don’t just book it, Thomas Cook it” are to disappear from today and be replaced by a new group symbol across all markets.

A ‘sunny’ shining orange heart is the new unifying Thomas Cook brand and will appear with a new strapline: “Let’s go!”

The image revamp is the third major strand to the group’s turnaround plan led by chief executive Harriet Green following the ‘high tech, high touch’ strategy announcement in March and group refinancing in May.

The new brand strategy was unveiled this morning.

The ‘sunny heart’ will replace the current ‘globe’ symbol on websites, and in Cook’s international stores, airline fleet and throughout its UK headquarters and overseas offices.

The group's many leading brands, such as Neckermann in Europe, Ving in Sweden, Condor in Germany and Elegant Resorts in the UK, will all connect with the ‘sunny heart’ in different ways.

Simplifying the brand proposition is a key element in the group's profitable growth strategy, building on Thomas Cook's already strong brand heritage and projecting its transformation into a single united business, the group said.

Green said: "At our Capital Markets presentation in March we committed to reduce our multiple UK brands from 30, to less than 10 consumer facing and B2B brands, eliminating confusion and making it easier for customers to interact with us.

“This major milestone in the transformation of our company, as we continue to develop our product offering and focus on our omni-channel approach, is much more than the rollout of a new logo.

“It symbolises how we are leveraging the combined power of the group to maximise our presence in the mind of customers, whilst helping to reduce cost."

Group chief financial officer Michael Healy added: "Having already piloted this approach in our North European businesses since November 2012, we have proven that it has heightened brand awareness, driven more website traffic, increased early and repeat bookings and improved conversion rates.

‘This unification has been developed internally and we are rolling it out appropriately for this stage in our transformation journey."

Green added: "What we’re announcing today is a renewed promise to our customers, our people and suppliers.  A promise that we’re putting them at the heart of our transformation it’s the essence of who we are.

'The unification of our brands under the Sunny Heart is three fold; it will make it easier for our customers to understand the full strength and end-to-end value of the entire Thomas Cook Group coupled with our full innovative offering of our services and products; it will show more clearly what differentiates us and how we provide a total experience along every touch point - from research, to booking, to anticipation, to the holiday itself; and importantly, it will clarify our customer promise– a complete range of inspirational experiences for our customers.”

Sunsail rebrand to broaden appeal

By Phil Davies

Yachting specialist Sunsail is seeking to encourage more holidaymakers onto the water with a brand revamp.

The new brand identity is being unveiled this week in an effort to appeal to a wider customer base.

Research by the Tui-owned operator found that potential customers find it difficult to engage in sailing holidays due to a long list of perceived barriers to entry – it’s expensive, it’s too hard, it takes too long to learn, it’s cramped and uncomfortable and it’s “not for me”.

The company’s priority is to cater for the needs of ‘new to sailing’ consumers by helping them to more easily discover and experience the range of activities and holiday options available in destinations.

Sunsail provides a fleet of more than 800 yachts in 27 locations worldwide and runs a Beach Club in the Mediterranean.

The new brand identity reflects that “whoever has an experience with Sunsail has a sense of personal fulfillment,” the company said.

Head of global marketing Simon Conder said: “It is important that Sunsail retains its established values but at the same time develops a new and modern identity.

“The rebranding exercise will ensure that we get the right message out there. We feel it’s important to let people know what Sunsail stands for and ultimately make it easier for our current and potential clients to choose our brand and products.

“The brand identity now reflects and supports the leading position and landscape for Sunsail.

“Sunsail shares with its customers an incredible enthusiasm for sailing and its holidays offer zest, vitality and, above all, fun for all”.

Prices start at £399 per person for a seven-night Beach Club holiday on a half board basis at Sunsail Club Vounaki in Greece including flights from Gatwick, transfers and watersports.

Sun Princess cancels first sailing following £30m revamp

By Hollie-Rae Merrick 

The first sailing following Sun Princess's stint in drydock has been cancelled following a switchboard malfunction.

Sun Princess was due to embark on a 14-night Asia cruise ending in Fremantle, Australia, but Princess Cruises has cancelled the sailing following a malfunction in the ship's switchboard. About 2,000 passengers were due to sail on the ship.

The cruise line said the issue resulted in limited onboard power, which hindered its ability to run hotel operations.

A statement from the line said: "Regretfully, we've made the decision to cancel the cruise scheduled to depart today in order to make the necessary repairs.

"The ship will resume service on September 3.

"We're providing all passengers a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit. Additionally, we're covering the costs for all return flights home and incidentals. A special team has been sent to Singapore to assist passengers."

Sun Princess has been in drydock for two weeks, were it gained a new atrium with an International Cafe, a new sushi and seafood venue, an updated Horizon Court buffet and a refreshed Lotus Spa.

The next Sun Princess sailing is scheduled to depart Fremantle on September 3 for a 12-day Asia cruise ending in Singapore on September 15. 

Silversea revamps entertainment

By Donna Tunney

In a partnership with Las Vegas-based Choozi Entertainment, Silversea Cruises is changing its entertainment program from traditional song-and-dance productions to concerts.

Concerts will feature Motown, opera, pop and rock. The revamped shows were launched on the Oct. 24 sailing of the Silver Cloud, with additional shows opening this month on the Silver Whisper, the Silver Wind and the Silver Shadow. The program will be rolled out on the Silver Spirit in March.

The show lounges on Silversea ships will feature three productions. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” is described as a musical journey through Motown. “High C's” will focus on classical music and well-known arias, from Puccini and Verdi to contemporary songwriters.

“Fabbalicious” features the music of Swedish pop group Abba and is designed to “get the audience on their feet, singing and dancing along with the cast,” said the line.

On the ships’ pool deck, a new music party will showcase pop music from Madonna to Lady Gaga, and almost everyone in between, said Silversea. “Famous stars will come to life as costumes are pulled from a trunk and the performers become one music legend after the next,” Silversea said.

And in the ship’s Panorama lounges, passengers will hear the music of John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Billy Joel along with selections from Broadway musicals.

"Our guests expect world-class amenities and entertainment is a big part of their overall shipboard experience," said Christian Sauleau, Silversea's executive vice president of fleet operations. "By partnering with Choozi, we are elevating the caliber of entertainment and creating variety that will delight our guests and enhance their cruise experience."

Choozi Entertainment’s Christopher and Suzanne Childers are in charge of production of the Silversea shows. Christopher Childers toured with Madonna, Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil. He is artistic coordinator for "Le Reve" at Wynn Las Vegas.

Previously, Silversea’s entertainment was handled by Jeanne Ryan Productions.