Virgin Voyages has apologised to guests sailing on Valiant Lady

Posted on 4 April, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Valiant Lady seeking into the Port of Liverpool photo credit Spacejunkie2

Virgin Voyages has apologised to guests sailing on Valiant Lady this week and will offer them a free European voyage this summer, after an onboard medical emergency and overboard incident delayed the ship’s return to Portsmouth as well as its subsequent sailing, which had been due to depart from Portsmouth on Friday (1 April).

During the early hours of Thursday morning (31 March), the ship’s crew were alerted to reports of a guest going overboard, sparking an “extensive” search and rescue mission.

“We are deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts are with this passenger’s family and loved ones,” said the line in a statement issued to TTG. “Our investigation has indicated this was an intentional act and no foul play is suspected.”

Earlier in the voyage, another guest suffered a non-Covid-related medical emergency requiring airlift and shoreside care, delaying the ship’s arrival in Lisbon.

“We’re very happy to report that this person is doing well,” said the line. “As a result of seeking timely medical care for this passenger, we did experience a delay in arrival to Lisbon of several hours. Virgin Voyages did not market this port as a two-night stop, the itinerary was a morning arrival and late debark.”

The line said the combination of the two incidents meant the ship, which had been due to sail a three-night Long Weekender in Zeebrugge itinerary from Portsmouth on Friday, was now due back in the UK “no sooner than 6pm on 1 April”.

This has forced the line to delay embarkation for the ship’s next sailing until the morning of 2 April.

“As a gesture of awareness that some were disappointed, we are offering all sailors [guests] a free voyage this summer in Europe onboard either of our ships, Valiant Lady or Resilient Lady,” said Virgin Voyages.

The line added: “We set ourselves a very high standard and in this case, we have fallen short on some things – we are very sorry the experience for some has not been ideal.

“While not everything is in our control, including global supply chain challenges, the weather, or medical emergencies, we remain focused on the sailor [guest] experience and knowledge we need to keep improving.”

Virgin Ready for Second Ship; Bookings Up 70%

Posted on 16 February, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Virgin Voyages has confirmed its second ship, the Valiant Lady, will start sailing this March in the UK.

Speaking of the arrival of Valiant Lady to the UK, Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages, said: “Following the success of our first ladyship, Scarlet Lady, we are so excited to debut Valiant Lady this March and begin our European tour. The lifting of UK travel restrictions has already shown promising signs with 70% uplift in bookings since December – and we can’t wait to welcome Sailors onboard!”

The company is showcasing the new ship Tilbury and Liverpool, where fans are invited to wave her in before the company kicks off bookable European sailings from Portsmouth in March and a new homeport in Barcelona in May.

Sir Richard Branson added: “Virgin Voyages has been a dream in the making since my 20s, and today is a momentous day launching our second ladyship, Valiant Lady. It’s exciting to be able to celebrate our continued growth as a brand that’s on a mission to voyage like no other. In our five decades in business, Virgin has always sought to offer our customers something extra special, and Virgin Voyages has worked tirelessly to do just that.”

For a limited time, Sailors can book any voyage on any ship and get 20% off along with a $100 toward their prepaid Bar Tab, plus an extra 10% off if they pay in full.

New Virgin Cruise Ship Gets Her Colours

Posted on 31 October, 2021 by Spacejunkie2

The Valiant Lady now has her colours, as the final touches are being put on the hull of the second cruise ship for Virgin Voyages in Palermo, Sicily.

Delivered earlier this year to start up Virgin Voyages, the 2,770-guest ship is expected to start sailing in early 2022.

The Valiant Lady will officially make her debut in the UK before heading to Barcelona to sail the Med in the summer.

With dates ranging from March 18 through May 14, 2022, the Valiant Lady will sail on a series of three new itineraries, including a mix of three-night, 11-night and 12-night voyages.

The hull art on the Valiant Lady was created by artist Hillary Wilson, where the new mermaid celebrates the strong, beautiful, friendly and modern embodiment of a black American woman, according to a press release Virgin issued over the summer.

“Like the Scarlet Lady that came before her, the Valiant Lady will feature a glamorous new mermaid at the helm. Virgin Voyages’ leading ladies, its mermaids, are an important symbol for the brand and meant to keep guests safe on their voyage,” the cruise line said.