Tag Archives: Virgin Cruise

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

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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

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Scalet Lady

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 has delayed the launch of its third ship Resilient Lady

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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.