Virgin Voyages’ newest ship arrives for first UK season

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady has arrived in Portsmouth for its inaugural UK season after being briefly delayed by Storm Lilian.

Resilient Lady will sail no-fly itineraries to European destinations until October, including three- to six-night trips, plus a 12-night trip to Spain & Morocco.

The first cruise will be a four-night trip to Amsterdam, departing August 27, with prices leading in from £1,162 per cabin.

The second will start in Portsmouth and over three nights will make a round trip to Zeebrugge, with prices starting at £946 per cabin. The first departure will be August 30 and the next September 19.

The English Sights & European Delights six-night cruise will take passengers to La Coruña, Bilbao, and Bordeaux, and will dock in Le Verdon. Resilient Lady will leave Portsmouth on this tour on September 8 and September 23, with prices beginning at £1,542 per cabin.

Virgin Voyages will also host its first comedy festival on board Resilient Lady on a five-night cruise from Amsterdam to Bruges with a line-up including comedians Russell Howard, Ria Lina and Simon Brodkin. This departs on September 14 and is priced from £2,630 per cabin.

The UK to Spain & Morocco voyage will depart Portsmouth on September 29 and over 12 nights stop at La Coruña, Lisbon, Ibiza, Casablanca, and Málaga. The voyage will cost upwards from £3,144.16 per cabin.

Virgin Voyages will also bring back its Virgin Celebration Voyage after its first three sailings in 2024 sold out. This five-night tour in the UK in 2025 will have exclusive events and activities including Sir Richard Branson coming aboard, and Boy George performing.

Dates are to be confirmed and prices start at £946 per cabin.

Shane Riley, Virgin Voyages’ vice-president of UK and international sales, said: “We’re back in British waters once again, this time with a variety of short cultural stints and sunny adventure sailings to help sailors escape the British weather.

“We first set sail from Portsmouth on our maiden voyage back in 2021, so we’re delighted to return this September and October.”