Virgin Voyages launched its 2nd ship, Valiant Lady, with a celebration party in the London International Cruise Terminal (Tilbury, Essex UK) on Friday, March 11.
The newbuild has length 278 m (912 ft) and max passenger capacity 2860 (plus 1160 crew). Valiant Lady is very similar to Virgin’s first liner, Scarlet Lady, both being marketed as “adults-only” ships.
Virgin Voyages, owned by the billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson, aims at the joyful adult audience. For its late-night party, the company teamed up with the radio station Capitan and invited the English singer Thomas Grennan. Virgin also organized a line-up of popular DJs to play live on Valiant Lady including international artists Diplo and Major Lazer.
Following the celebrations, Valiant Lady is heading to Zeebrugge (Belgium) and Spain (Barcelona). Virgin Voyages recently canceled three departure dates scheduled for April (4th, 15th, 18th) but is expected to continue its routes during the rest of the year and sail by France, Italy, and Spain.
Guests affected by the canceled Valiant Lady voyages were allowed to rebook (with added 50% FCC/future cruise credit) or receive a full refund (plus 25% FCC). As the reason for the cancellations, unofficially was announced a "full private charter", allegedly, for the filming of a TV show on the ship.
Virgin launched its first liner, Scarlet Lady, in February 2020 - right before the COVID crisis. Just like all the travel industry, during the past two years, it has been affected by strict restrictions. Virgin's 3rd ship, Resilient Lady, is due to launch in August 2022, while the larst/4th boat (yet-to-be-named) is expected in 2023.