Establishing a new cruise line is no mean feat, with a need to stand out and offer something new and unique. Virgin Voyages has done just that, however, with a commitment to throw out “the rule book”.

Upon the launch of Valiant Lady – its second ship – the line’s president Nirmal Saverimuttu explained: “Our ships are exclusively adult, have a no-tipping policy and boast some of the best dining experiences you’ll find at sea, or on land for that matter – including the world’s first Korean BBQ and the biggest collection of mezcal and tequila at sea.

“This is what it means to set sail the Virgin way, and we can’t wait to welcome sailors – old and new – on board.”

Much has been made of the line’s unique take on on-board experiences, from the Rockstar Suites and multitude of eateries, as well as its industry-leading partnerships with the likes of global superstar Jennifer Lopez.

Virgin Voyages in Australia & New Zealand

This pioneering spirit also extends to its itineraries, as in 2023/24 Virgin Voyages will offer explorations in Australia and New Zealand on Resilient Lady.

“Australia and New Zealand are without question the most beautiful countries in the world, and we knew that these destinations, paired with the Virgin Voyages experience, will make it the most incredible holiday for our sailors,” added Saverimuttu.

So, what can guests expect? Sailing from new homeports out of Melbourne and Auckland, guests will be able to experience the natural wonders of the southern hemisphere’s most tempting cities and marvel at the wildlife.

In December 2023, Resilient Lady will sail the Aussie MerMaiden cruise on its debut out of Melbourne.

The five-day itinerary will cruise into Hobart for an overnight stay, before sailing the northwestern shores with a visit to Burnie.

Longer voyages are also on the agenda, with a special 2023 New Year celebration through the Tasman Sea, featuring overnight stays in both Hobart and Sydney.

In early January 2024, Resilient Lady will also cruise for 11-nights on the Māori & Australian Shores itinerary.

However, guests need to be quick, as this is a limited-time voyage, featuring all-day stays in Napier, Picton, and Wellington, plus overnights in North Island’s Tauranga, and in Sydney’s wonderful coastal harbour.

Spectacular scenery abounds, as on 23 January 2024, guests will embark on a 10-night Tasman Sea, Fjords & Māori Shores cruise, starting in Melbourne and stopping in Burnie, Hobart and then onto New Zealand’s North Island, as well as the Fjordland’s, one of New Zealand’s most dramatic and other-worldly areas.

Valiant Lady to sail the cool Caribbean

Valiant Lady launched to great acclaim earlier this year, and is currently operating seven-night Mediterranean itineraries, visiting destinations such as Ajaccio, Marseille, Cannes, Olbia and Ibiza.

Upon the start of the season, Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin said: “We are so excited to finally bring our beautiful Valiant Lady to Barcelona and begin her European tour… we’re thrilled to be able to offer sailors the Virgin access to some of Europe’s most stunning destinations.”

Come October 2022, the ship will move to Miami to begin a season of Caribbean voyages.

The ship’s MerMaiden Caribbean cruise will sail from Miami on to Roatan, Costa Maya, and the Beach Club at Bimini – Virgin’ private beach club experience.

The Beach Club is a hub of activity, providing clients with an experience to rival the best beach clubs in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez.

Learn more about Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages’ Seacademy is the line’s one-stop shop for agent partners, providing product knowledge and latest updates.

The e-learning platform includes four learning levels, ranging from Violet to Gold, designed to build agents’ confidence in different areas of the brand.

As the line’s VP of UK/international sales Shane Riley says: “Seacademy is packed full of inside scoops and bitesize modules.”

Go to the Seacademy page for more information.

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