Virgin Voyages has secured $550 million in new capital to support its growth plans

Posted on 19 August, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

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

Posted on 12 June, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

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.

Virgin Voyages reveals the name of the fourth Lady Ship

Posted on 4 May, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Virgin Voyages has welcomed its fourth Lady Ship to the fleet: Brilliant Lady.

In naming the ship Brilliant Lady, Virgin Voyages aimed to ‘highlight the powerful intelligence of women across the globe. Brilliant Lady represents the smart, thoughtful, boundary-pushing minds of women around the world — unafraid of owning their intelligence, aware of their importance, and confidently in touch with their own sense of self-worth.’

Brilliant Lady’s mermaid, destinations and itineraries will be announced soon, but until then, Sailors can set sail on the Virgin way aboard Scarlet Lady from Miami (available now) on Valiant Lady starting May 15 from Barcelona, and on Resilient Lady starting August 14 from Athens.