Virgin Voyages announces ‘tough decision’ to postpone Brilliant Lady launch

Virgin Voyages has delayed the launch of its fourth ship, citing “unexpected construction, supply chain and staffing challenges”.

Brilliant Lady was scheduled to enter service in Puerto Rico in December, but the line said it has made the “tough decision” to postpone with launch, and has not confirmed a new date.

All affected passengers are being offered a full refund.

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The company said: “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, said: “We are sorry that our sailors who were excited about Brilliant Lady will have to wait a little bit longer, but we know they’ll love the itineraries as much as we do.

“We’re also looking forward to sailing out of Portsmouth again on Resilient Lady and welcoming sailors on board to explore the world in true Virgin style.”

Resilient Lady will sail from Portsmouth on voyages ranging from four to six nights beginning in August 2024, operating some of the 27 new itineraries Virgin Voyages has added to its 2024-25 programme.

The ship will then sail two repositioning cruises from Portsmouth to Barcelona, calling at new destination Morocco.

Resilient Lady will close out the summer season in the Mediterranean before departing on a 44-night voyage from Athens to Australia in October 2024, calling at destinations such as Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore and Bali.

The ship will then sail 15 new itineraries in Australia, calling at 10 maiden ports including Broome, Adelaide, Newcastle, Port Douglas, Brisbane and Kangaroo Island.

Valiant Lady will spend the 2023-24 winter in the Caribbean and will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico from January to March 2024.

The ship will then replace sister vessel Scarlet Lady by operating Caribbean itineraries from Miami while Scarlet Lady is in dry dock.

Riley said: “We’re incredibly excited to offer new ports of call, including a return to our 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.”