Virgin Voyages has postponed the launch of its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, citing unexpected challenges in construction, supply chain, and staffing/crewing. The Fincantieri-built ship was originally scheduled to enter service in Puerto Rico in December, but a new launch date has not been confirmed. Virgin is offering full refunds to all affected bookings.
The company stated:
“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.
“Virgin Voyages is evaluating new possible launch dates when it is able to deliver the standard the brand’s sailors have come to expect.”
Shane Riley, Vice President of UK and International Sales, expressed regret for the delay and reassured passengers that they would enjoy the upcoming itineraries. Resilient Lady will sail from Portsmouth on voyages ranging from 4- to 6 nights (starting in August 2024), featuring some of the 27 new itineraries recently added by Virgin Voyages to its 2024-2025 program.
The ship will also embark on two relocation voyages (RepositionCruises.com) from Portsmouth to Barcelona, with a stop in Rabat Morocco (new destination for Virgin). Resilient Lady will conclude the Mediterranean summer season with a 44-night voyage from Piraeus-Athens to Australia (October 2024) visiting destinations such as Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Bali Indonesia.
Subsequently, the ship will offer 15 new itineraries in Australia, including stops at 10 maiden ports, including Broome, Adelaide, Newcastle, Port Douglas, Brisbane, and Kangaroo Island.
Valiant Lady will spend 2023-2024 winter season in the Caribbean and being homeport in San Juan Puerto Rico, (January-March 2024). The ship will take over Caribbean itineraries from PortMiami while Scarlet Lady undergoes drydock maintenance.
Riley said they were incredibly excited to offer new ports of call, including a return to their British roots, with new sailings for Resilient Lady from Portsmouth from mid-August 2024.
“In the last year alone, our repeat sailor rates have tripled. What’s even better is these loyal travellers want more, so we’ve listened.
“We’re thrilled to announce more than two dozen new itineraries featuring incredible experiences that will let these discerning holidaymakers enjoy destinations that may be familiar, in a completely different way – the Virgin way.”