Virgin Voyages’ second vessel, Valiant Lady, has returned to service following a scheduled dry dock that introduced new dining venues, redesigned public spaces, retail enhancements, and an expanded onboard entertainment programme. The updated ship will operate a summer season in Europe before repositioning to San Juan in the autumn for Caribbean deployments.
The refurbishment focused on expanding guest experiences across dining, entertainment, wellness, and social venues. More than 20 new onboard activities, known as “Happenings,” have been added throughout the ship. In preparation for the relaunch, the vessel’s crew of more than 1,300 completed an updated “Virgin Way” culture programme aimed at strengthening service standards and enhancing the onboard atmosphere.
Virgin Voyages stated that the project was driven by guest feedback and a desire to further develop the ship’s offering. The company indicated that changes were made across multiple venues, including the introduction of new culinary concepts, redesigned entertainment spaces, and refreshed outdoor areas intended to create a renewed onboard experience.
Among the most notable additions is Ariya by Razzle Dazzle, a new Indian-inspired restaurant developed in collaboration with Indie Culinaire and chef Maneet Chauhan. The 220-seat venue draws inspiration from India’s spice markets and offers a menu featuring regional dishes such as Lamb Shank Biryani, Puffed Rice, and Avocado Chaat, alongside cocktails influenced by similar culinary traditions.
The venue takes its name from Sir Richard Branson’s great-great-grandmother, Ariya, whose travels in Tamil Nadu inspired the concept. According to the cruise line, the restaurant reflects the idea that food can serve as a cultural bridge across regions and communities.
Additional food and beverage enhancements include updates at Grounds Club Too, which now serves Intelligentsia Coffee throughout the day before transitioning into a full-service bar during the evening. At On the Rocks, the stage has been relocated to improve sightlines and create additional seating capacity.
Several public spaces have also been redesigned. The Athletic Club now features shaded daybed clusters and reconfigured seating positioned to maximise ocean views. The Roundabout has been refreshed with new furnishings in the ship’s signature colour palette, while The Manor nightclub has been reconfigured through the removal of raised platforms, creating a larger dance floor and more open layout. The Dock has received a new stage arrangement and windscreen installation intended to improve comfort during outdoor performances.
Retail offerings have been expanded with the addition of TAG and Pandora boutiques. The Virgin Voyages brand store has also been relocated to a larger and more prominent location onboard.
The entertainment programme has undergone significant expansion, with more than 20 new events introduced across venues including the Red Room, The Manor, The Roundabout, The Perch, restaurants, and late-night social spaces.
New Red Room productions include Sink or Swim, a competitive game-show-style experience, and Sports Smarts, which combines sports-themed trivia with physical challenges. At The Manor, guests can participate in events such as Pay Attent!on, inspired by classic television game shows, and Nice Box!, an interactive retail-themed entertainment concept.
Evening programming includes Dirty Laundry, which centres on audience participation and storytelling, and Off the Record, a social strategy game designed for late-night audiences.
Dining venues have also become part of the expanded entertainment programme. At Extra Virgin, the new Aperitivo Club explores spritz cocktails, olive oils, and food pairings. Test Kitchen introduces Trust Your Tongue, an experience focused on unusual flavour combinations. Espresso Yourself combines espresso martini tastings with live music and coffee-themed art, while Sweet Aft Matcha examines the history and culinary uses of matcha.
Daytime activities have also been broadened. New wellness and creative programmes include Silent Sweat, a headphone-guided fitness session at The Perch, and VHS Volume 2: The Great British Burn Off, a fitness class inspired by British pop culture. Hands-on workshops such as Upcycle Club, Knot Today, and Hooked allow guests to create keepsakes using recycled materials, ropework, and crochet techniques.
Additional daytime events include Extra! Extra!, an interactive activity built around unusual news stories, and Check, Please, a social chess tournament inspired by Sir Richard Branson’s long-standing interest in the game.
Following its return to service, Valiant Lady will spend the summer operating itineraries across Italy, the French Riviera, Ibiza, and Northern Europe, including voyages from Amsterdam to Iceland. The ship will also operate a special Mediterranean sailing timed to coincide with the 2026 total solar eclipse. In October, the vessel will reposition to San Juan, where it will offer 6- to 8-night Caribbean cruises through April 2027.