Virgin Voyages Delays Brilliant Lady and Announces New Funding and Itineraries

Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s award-winning cruise line, officially delays Brilliant Lady’s launch citing unexpected construction, supply chain, and staffing challenges. Along with this announcement, the cruise line also announces new funding and new itineraries. Further, Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin is retiring from his role and Nirmal Saverimuttu, President and Chief Experience Officer, will step into the role. 

Virgin Voyages New Itineraries

Despite postponing Brilliant Lady’s arrival due to supply chain delays, Virgin Voyages plans to expand its global itinerary options based on Sailor demand. The cruise line is introducing 19 new ports and 27 new itineraries available through April 2025. Spanning all corners of the globe, the new offerings feature a return to the UK, new ports of call in Australia, and new seaside gems in the Caribbean.

“Our loyal sailors have been asking for more places to visit with us, so we’re delivering in a big way. New ports, new itineraries and more local and immersive experiences to create unforgettable getaways,” said Michelle Bentubo, SVP Service Excellence and Travel Operations.“ From Morocco to Mooloolaba, Amsterdam to Bordeaux, and Catania to Port Douglas, we now offer more than 120 incredible places you can explore aboard our award-winning ships you know and love. After all, it’s not just about where you go; it’s about who you go with and make a holiday one to remember.”

With this new announcement, Virgin Voyages’ fleet will offer a total of 63 itineraries to some of the world’s most inspiring locales. Among the new options are what the brand is calling its “Seachange Series.” These reimagined repositioning voyages offer more opportunities for travelers to extend their holidays and explore the world at large.

Details on the current deployments and what to look forward to aboard each ship are listed below.

Resilient Lady

After returning from her inaugural season in Australia, Virgin Voyages’ newest Lady will sail three itineraries from her homeport in Athens from May through July 2024.

On the agenda are the popular “Greek Island Glow” to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos; “Adriatic Sea and Greek Gems,” sailing along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast before stopping in Kotor and Corfu; and finally “Starry Nights in Greece & Croatia,” which offers a mix of the other two seven-night itineraries.

Back by popular demand, Virgin Voyages will also return to its British brand roots with a series of three- to six-night sailings aboard Resilient Lady kicking off in mid-August 2024. Highlights include “English Sights and European Delights,” which docks in Le Verdon (Bordeaux), La Coruna, and Bilbao. The beautiful cities of Amsterdam and Bruges are also on the docket this fall.

Resilient Lady’s European schedule also includes two fantastic repositioning voyages from Portsmouth to Barcelona, adding Morocco to the brand’s roster of new destinations. On the heels of this voyage, Resilient closes her Med season with a Barcelona to Athens voyage, merging the best of the brand’s signature “Irresistible Med” and “Greek Island Glow” itineraries and introducing Catania, Sicily as well.

Finally, Resilient Lady will set off on a 44-night repositioning from Athens to Australia in October 2024, making stops in awe-inspiring, bucket-list destinations like Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Bali along the way. Once Down Under, Sailors have the option of 15 brand new itineraries and nine new ports including Broome, Albany, Adelaide, Newcastle, Mooloolaba, Port Douglas, Brisbane, Eden, and Kangaroo Island.

Valiant Lady

To start her 2023 winter season, Valiant Lady will return from Barcelona on Oct. 29, 2023. She will begin her signature itineraries from Miami such as the “Eastern Caribbean Antilles” and “Western Caribbean Charm.” From January through March 2024, she will operate out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, offering two southern Caribbean voyages originally scheduled for Brilliant Lady including “The Southeastern Caribbean Isles” and “Sunsets in the Lesser Antilles.”

With Scarlet Lady heading into dry dock next year, Valiant Lady will trade places starting in April 2024. Departing from Miami, Valiant Lady will continue to offer Scarlet’s four- and five-night Caribbean rotations that Sailors love, along with a special six-night “Holidaze and Nights” voyage.

Scarlet Lady

Next summer between May and October 2024, Scarlet will soak up the Mediterranean sun, taking on Valiant Lady’s two seven-night itineraries: “Irresistible Med” and “French Daze and Ibiza Nights.”

On Nov. 3, Scarlet will embark on an 11-night repositioning voyage from Barcelona to Civitavecchia, stopping in Mallorca, Corsica, and Sardinia. After a short period in dry dock for general maintenance, enhancements, and recalibrations, Scarlet Lady will spring back into action with a 16-night Transatlantic voyage from Rome to Miami. This new itinerary boasts calls in Funchal (Madeira, Portugal) as well as Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain).

After arriving in Miami on Dec. 14, 2024, Scarlet Lady will offer Valiant’s signature six and eight-night winter voyages through the spring of 2025. These include the “Western Caribbean Charm” and the “Eastern Caribbean Antilles.” Originally debuting in the fall of 2022, these longer routes from Miami feature late-night stays in San Juan, authentic experiences against the beautiful and rugged landscape of Roatan, and a taste of the USVIs with a day-trip to St. Croix.

Brilliant Lady

Despite careful planning, Virgin Voyages is facing unexpected construction, supply chain, and staffing challenges that have delayed the introduction into service of its new ship, Brilliant Lady. Given the challenges outlined, the cruise line has made the tough decision to postpone Brilliant Lady’s highly anticipated launch. Virgin Voyages is evaluating new possible launch dates when it is able to deliver the standards the brand’s Sailors have come to expect.

Guests with bookings that have been canceled will receive generous offers along with exclusive rebooking perks and onboard credit once the new date is announced.

“We’ve built a brand that has taken the industry by storm, but even the strongest businesses face unforeseen challenges every now and then,” Bentubo added. “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.

Travelers 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.

Starting Monday, the new itineraries will be available to view and book.

Virgin Voyages Announces $550 Million in Funding

Additionally, Virgin Voyages has announced it closed on a $550 million capital raise to accelerate its growth plans. The funding round was led by funds managed by the Private Equity Group of Ares Management (“Ares”), a leading global alternative investment manager, and also includes additional capital from existing investors including Virgin Group and Bain Capital.

The new funding raise will enable Virgin Voyages to strengthen its financial position while supporting the brand’s rapid expansion into international markets, with a relentless focus on creating an outstanding and innovative customer experience.

As Virgin Voyages looks ahead to its next phase of growth, the Company further announced that founding Chief Executive Officer, Tom McAlpin, is retiring as CEO and transitioning to the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. He will continue to support the brand and team at an executive and industry level. Nirmal Saverimuttu, who currently serves as President and Chief Experience Officer, has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer.

“It is hard to express just how proud I am of all that the Virgin Voyages Crew has created and the strong endorsement we are receiving from Ares. We have won numerous industry awards and received many five-star reviews because of our passion for this brand,” said McAlpin. “While I will miss the day-to-day, I believe it is the right time to step aside as CEO. Nirmal is a great friend and experienced leader who lives and breathes the Virgin Voyages culture. I know he will help take this amazing brand and Crew to new heights, and I look forward to continuing to support the leadership team as Chairman.”

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