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US Ad of the Day: Virgin Voyages remakes Culture Club’s Karma Chameleon

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By Kendra Barnett, Associate Editor

January 6, 2023 | 4 min read

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The cruise line has released a boisterous and bright music video that brings viewers on a whirlwind tour of a day onboard a Virgin Voyage.

Virgin Voyages, the cruise venture started by the Virgin Group and Bain Capital, today rolled out a cheery music video for Culture Club’s iconic 80s hit, Karma Chameleon – cleverly re-imagined by R&B artist Drew Love.

Created in collaboration with creative agency VMLY&R, the spot, dubbed ‘The Voyage,’ promotes the soon-to-be-expanded cruise line. It also marks the 40-year anniversary of the debut of the original Karma Chameleon, which was released by Virgin Records – sister company to Virgin Voyages – and is among that record label’s all-time most successful songs.

The music video, directed by Jonas Akerlund, whose portfolio includes work for The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Beyonce and other A-list artists, brings viewers aboard Virgin Voyage’s Scarlet Lady ship, offering a glimpse into life onboard.

In the nearly four-minute film, passengers are seen making the most of the cruise ship’s offerings – relaxing on private balconies, roller skating, enjoying pool parties and soaking up the nighttime entertainment on offer. It closes with a spectacular firework display that sees the catchphrase ‘Now We’re Voyaging’ written in sparkles in the sky.

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“We have won the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of sailors who have fallen in love with Virgin Voyages because we created an experience everybody could love,” Virgin Voyages’ chief brand officer Nathan Rosenberg said in a statement. “As we continue to showcase our ships to the world, we wanted to share what it’s like on board, based on what our sailors have told us and shared on social media. It features a real crew and is a celebration of travel and voyaging.”

The spot is the first installment of the brand’s newly-launched ‘Now We’re Voyaging’ campaign. It builds on the brand’s prior marketing efforts, which have similarly emphasized the cruise line’s suite of onboard amenities and entertainment offerings. It’s 2021 ‘Set Sail the Virgin Way’ campaign spotlighted Scarlet Lady’s ocean-view running track, on-deck pools, chic lounges, game halls, upscale restaurants and more.

Creatives at VMLY&R believe the new campaign speaks to the growing shift toward entertainment-focused – rather than sales-focused – brand marketing. As the agency’s co-chief creative officer, North America, Jason Xenopoulos put it in a statement: “Brands should create culture rather than interrupting it. ‘The Voyage’ is an example of how music and entertainment can be used to tell a brand story while delivering an authentic entertainment experience to the audience. Virgin Voyages deserves more than an ad campaign and we are delighted that we could create an entertainment experience instead – one that will live in a culture where this brand belongs.”

As it stands, the cruise company owns only two ships, both of which are slated for service in the Caribbean this winter. However, the brand is readying to expand its fleet: this year, it plans to add two new ships to the lineup. The forthcoming Resilient Lady will make its debut in Athens and is scheduled for its maiden voyage in May, while Brilliant Lady is expected to join the group later this year and will be based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. All four ships are nearly identical and can host more than 2,770 passengers each.

The ongoing ‘Now We’re Voyaging’ campaign seeks to bolster brand awareness and brand love ahead of the introduction of the new ships.

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Virgin voyages celebrates the 40th anniversary of 'karma chameleon' in stylish ad, 'now we're voyaging' utilizes the culture club's classic to entice potential passengers.

Communicating all the wonders of travel via a short video is no easy task. That goes double for brands taking on the mission of teasing out the full sensory experience of being on a luxury cruise. Fortunately, with a working mix of musical and visual delights, consumers can get the gist of things even from the comfort of their own homes.

Centering on relaxation and fun, Virgin Voyages has released its new campaign, “Now We’re Voyaging.” Created in partnership with creative agency VMLY&R , the initiative comes complete with a music video featuring real-life Virgin Voyages passengers and crew in a story based on their first-hand experiences onboard the brand’s first ship of its fleet, The Scarlet Lady.

In the year of the 40th anniversary of the Culture Club’s “Karma Chameleon,” pop artist Drew Love’s cover of the classic not only provides the soundtrack, but it ties into the theme of the brand’s mission. Not only did the Virgin record label initially release the song in 1983, but here, the brand’s interest in creating complete experiences for passengers is echoed in the choice.

“We believe that brands should create culture rather than interrupting it,” said Jason Xenopoulos, co-chief creative officer for North America at VMLY&R, in a statement. “Virgin Voyages deserves more than an ad campaign, and we are delighted that we could create an entertainment experience instead—one that will live in culture where this brand belongs.”

Play it again, Branson

Helmed by director Jonas Åkerlund helmed the music video, in which the story shifts from the relaxation that can come from spending time at sea to the fun of partying with fellow passengers as day turns to night. The conclusion of the video features a brief appearance from Virgin Group founder Richard Branson himself. As the backing track concludes, he reaches over to the record player, saying, “Let’s do it again, shall we?” and starts the song anew.

Virgin Group Defends Its Trademark Against Potential Heineken Brand Launch

“As we continue to showcase our ships to the world, we wanted to share what it’s like onboard based on what our sailors have told us and shared on social,” said Nathan Rosenberg, chief brand officer of Virgin Voyages. “It features real crew as well and is a celebration of travel and Voyaging.”

Virgin Voyages is a recent addition to the cruise industry with its 2021 launch, though it was several years in the making. The music video coincides with the 2023 debut of two new ships, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady, sailing to new destinations like Greece and Australia.

Sara Century

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Sara Century is a freelance writer for Adweek.

Virgin Voyages Launches “The Voyage” Music Video

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: January 6, 2023  - Last updated: March 20, 2023

Innovative cruise line Virgin Voyages has released a music video-style short film to take cruisers on a cinematic journey through 24 hours at sea.

On January 6, 2023, Virgin Voyages , Richard Branson’s award-winning cruise and travel brand, launched a music video to celebrate the cruise line’s exclusively adult experience.

The industry’s newest cruise line promises a kids-free getaway at sea, offering a sophisticated cruising experience for travelers eighteen years and older.

Directed by Grammy award winner Jonas Åkerlund and featuring vocals by Drew Love , Virgin’s four-minute video features a cover of the iconic 1983 hit “ Karma Chameleon ” by Culture Club .

Originally released by Branson’s Virgin Records 40 years ago, the favorite 80s pop hit has been reinvented in a tropical house style to serve as the soundtrack for the exciting visual journey through a day on one of Virgin’s cruise ships.

Starring real Virgin Voyages crew members and Sailors (the cruise line’s term for passengers), the music video was inspired by real-life experiences on board.

“The Voyage” music video was filmed on the brand’s first ship, Scarlet Lady , and captures the essence of what it’s like to sail with the brand.

The video interweaves typical guest experiences like relaxing on a stateroom balcony hammock in the morning, lounging by the pool, and enjoying dinner at one of the ship’s themed restaurants with choreographed fantasy scenes where Sailors and crew members alike dance to Love’s version of the song.

As Nathan Rosenberg, Chief Brand Officer of Virgin Voyages said about the video in a press release, “We have won the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of Sailors who have fallen in love with Virgin Voyages because we created an experience everybody could love. As we continue to showcase our ships to the world, we wanted to share what it’s like onboard based on what our sailors have told us and shared on social.”

To experience the new Virgin Voyages music video, click on the thumbnail below:

“It features real crew as well and is a celebration of travel and voyaging. The Voyage music video shows this in such a unique and relatable way, from a quiet and restorative feeling, to a dreamy, curious, and energetic state.”

The artists and visionaries behind “The Voyage” music video

Acclaimed Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund was at the helm of “The Voyage”, working together with the team at Virgin Voyages.

Åkerlund’s work, which includes feature films, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and stage shows, has garnered international acclaim, including his Grammy award and five MTV Video Music Awards for his work on Madonna’s 1998 music video for her song “Ray of Light”.

He has also directed music videos for other renowned artists including Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Maroon 5.

Alongside the distinguished director, the brand also partnered with vocalist and songwriter Drew Love of the band THEY.

Love’s work with THEY along with their solo projects has spanned genres including R&B, pop, dance, and hip-hop. Love has also co-written for other artists including G-Eazy, The Chainsmokers, SG Lewis, Louis the Child, and John Legend.

Virgin Voyages’ new brand campaign: “Now We’re Voyaging”

The new music video kicks off the launch of the cruise line’s new brand campaign, featuring the tagline “Now We’re Voyaging”. As Jason Xenopoulos , VV’s Co-Chief Creative Officer for North America said, “We believe that brands should create culture rather than interrupting it.”

“‘The Voyage’ is an example of how music and entertainment can be used to tell a brand story while delivering an authentic entertainment experience to the audience. Virgin Voyages deserves more than an ad campaign, and we are delighted that we could create an entertainment experience instead—one that will live in culture where this brand belongs,” Xenopoulos continued.

In the new short film, Virgin Voyages tells its brand story through the lens of the Sailor experience, all firmly rooted in the musical DNA of the Virgin brand.

Back in 2018, Virgin Voyages invited travelers to Stray the Course and consider the possibilities and innovations in cruise travel. In 2021, Richard Branson’s new company invited potential cruisers to Set Sail the Virgin Way , asking Sailors to expect the unexpected.

In 2023, Virgin Voyages is elevating the experience yet again with Now We’re Voyaging . The new brand campaign speaks to the duality of excitement and relaxation that the cruise line promises Sailors aboard a Virgin Voyages cruise.

What’s next for Virgin Voyages

Although the pandemic significantly delayed the launch of the newest cruise brand to enter the industry, Virgin Voyages has been going strong since its first sailing in 2021.

Since the maiden sailing of Scarlet Lady —the cruise ship featured in the music video—Virgin Voyages has also launched its second ship: Valiant Lady .

On the horizon, Virgin Voyages will take delivery of two new ships: Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady . With the expanded fleet, the cruise line plans to sail to exciting new destinations including Greece and Australia.

Have you watched the new music video “The Voyage” from Virgin Voyages yet? How does it make you feel about trying a Virgin cruise? Or have you already sailed on Virgin? Are you (like me) shocked to hear that Culture Club’s “Karma Chameleon” is turning 40 years old this month? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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Sunday 24th of September 2023

I would like to know the brand name of the red multi colored bathrobe the lady is wearing

Monday 25th of September 2023

Hi Diane, that photo was provided to the press by Virgin Voyages as part of their press release back in January, and I don't know the source of any of the outfits the models were wearing. I tried using Google Lens to search the image and found lots of dresses and robes that have a similar pattern, but there wasn't an exact match. You might want to give it a try! Thanks for stopping by, and happy cruising :)

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

i would like to know who that man is in that pic above

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

@Carrie Ann, no worries. ty

Hi Dancy, I'm assuming he's a model? The photo is from Virgin's press release and they didn't share info on the models' names. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

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Virgin Voyages (formerly "Virgin Cruises", VirginVoyages.com) is a new cruise line company headquartered in Plantation (Florida USA). Virgin Voyages was created as a joint venture between Virgin Group Ltd (British multinational holding company) and Bain Capital LP (multi-asset investment company), with the latter having a majority (51%) shareholding. The establishment of Virgin Cruises was announced by Virgin Group on December 4, 2014. The new cruise line is scheduled to start operations in 2020.

Company History

Bain Capital (1984-founded) is based in Boston (Massachusetts USA) and specializes in private equity, venture capital, credit, public equity, life sciences and real estate, with assets (under management in FY2018) ~USD 105 billion. Virgin Group Ltd (1970-founded by Richard Branson and Nik Powell) is based in London (England UK) and specializes in global investments and branding through numerous fully- or partially-owned subsidiary companies in businesses like travel (cruises, hotels, tours, airlines, trains), hospitality, health, banking, retail, communications, entertainment, publishing, charity.

Virgin Group's best-known brands are Virgin Holidays, Virgin Voyages, Virgin Megastores, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Care, Virgin Trains USA (Brightline), and Virgin Airlines (Australia, Atlantic, Connect, and Galactic/spaceflights).

Virgin Voyages operates a fleet of four fully-owned cruise vessels constructed by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri SpA (at Sestri Ponente shipyard/ Genoa ).

In FY2018, Fincantieri reported revenue of EUR 5,4 billion. Currently ranked Europe's largest shipbuilding company, Fincantieri has 8 shipyards (all in Italy), in 2013 acquired VARD (Norway-based company with 9 shipyards) and in 2018 purchased 50% of STX France (Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard in St Nazaire ). Fincantieri builds both commercial and naval ships.

In 2020, Virgin Cruises officially started operations (from Miami Florida USA ) with the 2800-passenger Scarlet Lady . Three more sisterships were inaugurated in the following years - Valiant Lady (2021), Resilient Lady (2022) and Brilliant Lady (2025).

The announcement (initially for 3 ships) was made on June 23, 2015, in Miami, during a press conference (media event "making waves") for Virgin Group's new cruise travel brand. For the event, Richard Branson arrived on a helicopter, landing near Miami's Museum Park. He announced that the total building cost for the 3 ships is USD 2,13 billion (US$710M per unit). The announcement for the 4th ship was made on October 31, 2018, with order value ~EUR 700 million.

The company's current President and CEO is Nirmal Saverimuttu (1979-born in Zambian, raised in Australia), who in September 2023 succeeded Thomas Michael McAlpin (1959-born American). McAlpin joined DCL-Disney Cruise Line in 1995 (as VP of Finance, Business Development & Shore Travel Operations) overseeing the construction of the first Disney ships ( Magic /1998 and Wonder /1999) and the development of Walt Disney's private Bahamian island Castaway Cay . In 2004, he became DCL's President. Prior to heading Virgin Cruises, McAlpin served as CEO of The World Residences at Sea (in the period 2009-2014). Following his retirement from CEO and President, Tom McAlpin continued to serve Virgin Voyages as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Earlier in 2016, Virgin settled US$300M lawsuits filed by Colin Veitch (former NCL-Norwegian CEO), who claimed Virgin had stolen his ideas and moved on with the cruise line concept without him.

Tom McAlpin commented that the company is not to be considered a big player in the cruising industry, but rather "a small boutique line that will offer different experiences". McAlpin and Branson hinted that those experiences might take some cues from other successful Virgin ventures, like Virgin Hotels. The hotel chain is popular for offering free WiFi, minibar drinks at street prices, privacy doors allowing guests to go on about their business while room service brings requests, pet-friendly amenities with no weight or size restrictions.

In October 2016, "Virgin Cruises" was rebranded as "Virgin Voyages". At the time it was first announced, the company's founder Branson said his goal was to create a brand cruising experience that is more likely to appeal to millennials and other people who don't normally take cruise ship vacations.

In regard to onboard gratuities, the company has "No Tipping" policy, which means all gratuities are included in the base cruise fares. Also included in basic fares are beverages, all eateries, group fitness classes. The company also doesn't charge penalties or change fees. Customers are able to hold staterooms for 24 hours with no money down once they've placed a 20% non-refundable deposit. They also have a 7-day grace period allowing them to change bookings for any reason. Cruise departure date and names on bookings can be changed without fees or penalties. Shortly before opening the bookings on Scarlet Lady (Feb 14, 2019), Virgin announced all-inclusive deal policy by which cruises are sold "by cabin price". Fares are also inclusive of dining (shipwide / 20 options, some 24-hour), unlimited WiFi, all fitness classes. Cabin pricing only varies by the number of occupants. For 5-day itineraries, fares start from ~USD 250 pp per day (excluding taxes-fees).

Virgin Cruises' "non-commissionable policy" allows travel agents to earn across customer's entire transaction, including on add-ons (hotels, flights, travel insurance, spa treatments, tours/excursions, premium packages, onboard credits, taxes, fees). Travel agents receive 16% base commission on the transaction (increased from 10% by the expanded "Brilliant To Do Business With" program). "Red Hot Bonus" program additionally offers annually paid revenue up to 6% (in case certain production thresholds are met) in addition to 10% commission on everything sold prior the cruise (excepting taxes and fees).

Company changes 2019 (pre-inauguration)

In early-April 2019, Virgin Voyages signed an exclusive 7-year partnership deal with OSW (OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd) - a provider of health-and-wellness services and products on cruise vessels and in destination resorts worldwide. OSW provides all the wellness staff, services and products onboard Virgin ships, including yoga and gym trainers, massages, medispa treatments, salon (manicure-pedicure-hairdresser) services. Each ship has a 29-person OSW-employed professional staff. The served facilities include Crow's Nest (outdoor yoga studio), Redemption Spa, Dry-Dock (blowout bar), B-Complex (Fitness Center).

In April 2019, Virgin and Intelligentsia Coffee signed a deal to provide Intelligentsia coffee (Virgin Voyages Blend) and made-to-order beverages at all venues, including the specialty coffee bars ("Ministry of Ground" and "Ministry of Ground Too") served by expert baristas.

In June 2019, Virgin expanded the list of RockStar Suite-only perks with RockStar Agents (dedicated butlers per stateroom), specially dedicated hair and makeup crew (upon request), complimentary laundry service, complimentary Thermal Suite access (Redemption Spa), all-inclusive premium drinks (in all shipboard eateries and bars), personalized bottomless in-room bar (free of charge), option to curate in-port activities.

In late-October 2019 was approved the agreement for Brightline Miami to be rebranded "Virgin Trains" and Virgin Group to build a train station (Virgin Trains PortMiami) at the cruise port. The new station serves high-speed trains and connects PortMiami directly with the USA's intercity railway system and Orlando International Airport.

On November 12, 2019, Richard Branson announced that the second Virgin ship ( Valiant Lady ) will be seasonally homeported in Sydney (NSW Australia) . Branson was in Sydney to launch a partnership between Virgin Australia Airlines and Virgin Voyages and promote affordable Australian and Caribbean fly-cruise deals on Scarlet Lady.

On December 13, 2019, was officially released the "Ship No. 1" perfume (aka "the fragrance of Scarlet Lady"). The sea lavender-based perfume was created by Air Aroma - a company specializing in scent marketing and fragrance systems (diffusers, Aropromo sale scenting devices). Virgin's Ship No. 1 is infused throughout Scarlet Lady. The perfume can be also purchased (only online - via ItSmellsLikeShip.com) for USD 50 per bottle. All net proceeds from these sales go to Ocean Unite (non-profit foundation of 30+ political leaders and business tycoons).

On December 19, 2019, was announced the "Sailor Loot" (OBC/onboard credit) program. These promotions offer OBC (per cabin) for shipboard spending during the current voyage. The OBC is based on the stateroom category and ranges from US$ 100 (interior and oceanview) to US$200 (balcony) and up to US$ 400 (suites).

Now each Virgin cruise ship offers 50+ activities and events. The onboard programming features live performances (by the company's Hapenings Cast) and is managed by Richard Kilman (Virgin's VP of Entertainment).

Company changes 2024

In February, Steven Worling (Senior Director of Infrastructure & Security) announced that Virgin Voyages would roll out fleetwide an improved connectivity (Internet/Wi-Fi package) with SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO (satellite service), with onboard connectivity 1,5 Gbps (max per ship). The Internet is provided via MEO and LEO satellites (Medium Earth Orbit and Low Earth Orbit). Shipboard Wi-Fi access is unlimited and for multiple devices per guest.

Virgin Red Rewards Card

In August 2024, Virgin Voyages partnered with Virgin Red (rewards card) and in November is planned for launch the Synchrony-issued Mastercard "Virgin Red Rewards".

By using the Virgin Red Rewards card (annual fee US$99), customers earn 3x points per US$1 (spent on purchases made with Virgin Voyages, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Atlantic Airways), 2x points per US$1 (spent on dining, shopping, travel, select streaming services, EV car charging) and 1x point per US$1 (spent on all other Mastercard-made purchases). Virgin Points are redeemable for 200+ rewards through Virgin Red and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (flights, cruises, hotel stays, and other).

Virgin Red cardholders can choose from 6x exclusive perks twice a year, selecting one after US$15K spent and another after US$30K spent. Perks include 1x Flying Club voucher (companion seat or cabin upgrade), 1x complimentary overnight hotel stay, 1x hotel suite upgrade. With Virgin Voyages, you can receive max US$300 bar tab and Blue Extras Perk Package (laundry service, cocktail party, coffee credits daily).

Cardholders also receive World Elite Mastercard rewards (travel, shopping, wellness) and Mastercard security protections.

Company changes 2023

In February, Virgin replaced Harding UK (Bristol-based global travel retail business) with Starboard Cruise Services (Doral Florida-based company). As of 2023, Starboard was contracted by 11 cruise lines and operated on 90+ ships worldwide.

In March was announced an expansion of onboard entertainment fleetwide. The announcement mentioned new cabaret and game shows, new parties (80s Party, We Fancy), and more live music (by the hosted in The Red Room and The Manor program Festival Stage Acts/comedy shows rotating every 2 to 4 weeks). The list of new productions includes three fleetwide game shows (Duel Reality, Untitled DanceShowPartyThing, Miss Behave), the cabaret show Lola’s Library (fleetwide), as well as 3 new productions debuting on Resilient Lady (Persephone, Mind Mangler, Another Rose/Supper Club Series).

In April Virgin signed a partnership deal with WPT/World Poker Tour (2002-founded, internationally televised gaming and entertainment brand). The premium poker experience is offered on Scarlet Lady during all 4-5-night Caribbean itineraries. The ship's new WPT at Sea Poker Room is fitted with 8 poker tables and served by professional dealers. The new gaming venue hosts beginner training sessions, as well as cash games and WPT Prize Package poker tournaments with buy-ins between US$80-320. The US$320 buy-in WPT Prize tournament is held once per cruise. The prize (US$5000) can be used on any future voyage or WPT tournament.

In September, Nirmal Saverimuttu succeeded Michael McAlpin as the company's President and CEO. Along with the new appointment was announced a capital raise of USD 550 million (~EUR 512M/~GBP 440M) with funds managed by Ares Management's Private Equity Group. As of 2023, Ares had ~US$49,2 billion of AUM/assets under management.

In October 2023, Michelle Bentubo was appointed COO/Chief Operating Officer. In 2016-2023 she served the company as VP of Technology & Operations. Previously, she has held executive positions at Walt Disney World (Director of Experience Development), DCL-Disney Cruise Line (Director of Disney's Magical Express) and Bank of America (SVP Technology/2013-16).

In November 2023, Peter Hunt was appointed CFO/Chief Financial Officer. He previously served as CFO for Service King Collision Repair (1976-founded automotive company) and before that was in the leadership team of Virgin America Inc (2004-founded/2018-merged with Alaska Airlines).

Company changes 2022

In March 2022 was announced a partnership with Jennifer Lynn Lopez (1969-born American actress and singer) via her brand company "JLo Beauty and Lifestyle LLC". Jennifer Lopez joined Virgin Voyages as an investor and chief of entertainment/advisor/lifestyle officer. As part of the partnership, fleetwide was introduced "JLo Beauty" (onboard shop) selling the superstar's products at sea for the first time. In June 2023, she was appointed as Virgin's Chief Celebrations Officer.

In September 2022 debuted Virgin's loyalty program "The Sailing Club" by which repeat customers are provided with two main complimentary perks - "Deep Blue Extras" (premium WiFi, invitations to onboard cocktail parties, laundry services) and "Red Hot Booking Bonus Months" (discounted booking with additional OBC/onboard credit).

In September 2022 Virgin partnered with RSB/Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (an independent global membership organization). Virgin also signed long-term agreements with three providers of waste-based sustainable fuels (Argent Energy, GoodFuels, Twelve) to supply the fleet's bunker fuels.

Company changes 2021

In mid-November 2021 was announced an investment in Virgin Voyages by Patricof & Co (1969-founded by Alan Patricof, specializing in venture capital investments). The company is part of Apax Partners LLP (London UK-based equity firm) that also includes Multinational Management Group (1972-founded) and Saunders Karp & Megrue (1988-founded).

In December 2021 was announced the partnership with the House Spirits Distillery () for the fleetwide presence of the brand "Aviation American Gin" (aka Aviation Gin/alcohol volume 42%, produced in Portland Oregon since 2006). Signature cocktails (based on the Aviation Gin) available for ordering at each Virgin ship include "The Double Agent at SIP", "Razzle Dazzle's Electric Fizz", "Stella's Groove at The Manor", "Gunbae's French 75".

Company changes 2020

On April 1, 2020, the company launched its "Jet Transfers Direct to Ship" service. The exclusive "fly-cruise" deal is for RockStar Suite passengers only, allowing them to arrive and depart the boat via chartered or private aircraft. The planes land at The Runway - a top-deck open space (Deck 17 aft) surrounded by a raised Jogging Track.

Virgin cruise ships

On June 23, 2015, Virgin announced it had signed a Letter of Intent with Fincantieri (shipbuilder based in Trieste Italy ) for the construction of 3 ships scheduled for deliveries in 2020-2021-2022 (entering service in 15-month increments).

The shipbuilding order was officially finalized on December 21, 2016. The boats are of the so-called "Lady-class", mid-sized (volume 110000 GT-tons), max passenger capacity 2860 (1410 cabins/90% with balconies), 1150 crew-staff.

The shipbuilding contract was valued at ~EUR 2 billion. The first unit's construction (Scarlet Lady) started with the steel-cutting on March 22, 2017. For the vessel design and construction, Virgin contracted the marine architecture and naval design companies "Roman and Williams" (NYC), Concrete Amsterdam, Tom Dixon's Design Research Studio (London UK), Gem Srl (Italy), Softroom (London UK), WORKac (NYC), Knibb Design, HL Studio (UK), HKS Architects (Dallas USA), PearsonLloyd (London UK).

The first ship's ( Scarlet Lady ) keel-laying ceremony was held on October 31, 2017, and attended by Sir Richard Branson, Tom McAlpin, and Boy George (UK singer, songwriter, fashion designer) who performed as superstar DJ. During the ceremony were also revealed the ship design and hull art of the future Virgin "Lady Ships".

The next image shows the ship's stern (aft) and the signature funnel shape - designed to be a major part of its exterior design. The aft of the superstructure also shows the Promenade Deck and 7 decks of cabin balconies towering above.

Each boat has 86% balcony staterooms and 93% oceanview (outside) cabins. These newbuilds greatly differ from other passenger liners (as design) and target younger and more adventurous travellers (called "sailors").

Virgin's ships are adults-only (passengers under 18 yo/teenagers and kids are not allowed) and Bahamas- flagged (registered in Nassau ).

Dining on Virgin Voyages ships is ticket price-inclusive - no extra charges are applied to any of the 20-plus onboard dining options. The cruise company doesn't believe in "paying more for great food", so it ditched traditional surcharges levied in specialty restaurants. All eateries offer "exceptional made-to-order eats" - complimentary.

As part of the company's sustainable travel policy, Virgin banned single-use plastics and there is no buffet food on the ships. All shipboard food is made-to-order - to reduce waste and lower energy consumption and emissions. Savings are reinvested into fresh (locally sourced) top-quality products, exotic ingredients, highly trained staff, and clean technologies. In April 2019 was signed a partnership with Emerald Brand to supply the fleet with "Tree-Free" (disposable) paper products, including facial-bath tissues, paper towels, napkins, hot cups. Those are made from 60-100% Tree-Free materials via technologies that use by-products of agricultural crops usually wasted or burned.

The company doesn't follow any traditional cruise dining concepts. Virgin ships don't have a main dining room, buffet restaurant, dress code (formal wear policy), assigned dining times or seating. All these concepts were replaced with intimate (boutique hotel-type) eateries offering 20+ dining options - all of which are included in cruise fares.

Virgin ships' signature facilities and venues include:

• Athletic Club (training center) is an outdoor gym area with a boxing ring and gym club equipment) located top-deck aft. Part of the Sports Deck is also the raised jogging track (Runway track, red-white colored), sundeck with open-air lounge (furnished with double daybeds and semi-circular loungers), triple netting area (overlooking below decks), 10 private cabanas (cushioned bed, low table, 2 lounge chairs), beverage service (from the outdoor Sports Bar), foosball tables, swimming pool, showers.
• MyBeast is an outdoor playground / poolside gym area.
• The Crow's Nest (aft sundeck) offers 360-degree views and is furnished with loungers and mats colored in Virgin's signature red. Here are also hosted sunrise and sunset outdoor yoga classes.
• The B Complex in an indoor fitness center with Technogym ARTIS equipment, floor-ceiling windows and separate rooms (studios) for cycling, yoga, cardio and spinning classes.
• Gym and Tonic Bar serves cold-pressed fresh juices.
• Pink Agave is a Mexican restaurant with porthole windows, metallic lighting fixtures, large tables, an elongated curved area (intimate seating with 2-seat tables), separate bar (in the Lobby), private dining room (can be booked for parties and other private events).
• The Manor is ship's 2-deck high Disco Nightclub with a large dance floor.
• The Dock is an outdoor lounge (aft on Deck 7) with cushioned wooden furniture (loungers, deckchairs, daybeds).
• Test Kitchen restaurant features lab-like design (metallic furniture, beakers, test tubes),
• Richard's Rooftop is a top-deck VIP area (Suite passengers-only sundeck) furnished with daybeds, deckchairs, circular loungers, large umbrellas, colored crystals.
• Redemption is the ship's Spa complex (on Deck 5) consisting of a Reception, Mud Room, Salt Room, Hydrotherapy Pool, cold plunge pool, Jacuzzi, Thermal Suite (indoor spa with porthole windows, plunge pool and Jacuzzi), treatment rooms (for massages and treatments) with quartz-mattress beds, Dry Dock Salon (hairdressing services), Stubble and Groom (barbershop), Blow Dry Bar, Male pedicure Spa, Mani-pedi Spa. At night, the wellness complex transforms into a dancing lounge with live DJ music.
• Razzle Dazzle is the vegan-vegetarian restaurant. Part of Razzle Dazzle is Red Bar - juice bar for fresh-squeezed juices and tonics, as well as crafted cocktails from a menu that varies every night. In two days per voyage, at Razzle Dazzle are hosted Drag Brunches featuring live entertainment by "sassy drag queens".

Via the Sailor App (when your phone is shaken), a secret Champagne button allows you to order Moet-Chandon Champagne (Brut Imperial, 750 ml bottle) delivered in an ice bucket and with two glasses. The service is called "Shake for Champagne" and provided anywhere on the ship. The premium wine can be also enjoyed at The Sip - the ship's wine lounge (Virgin's champagne house).- where also is available traditional British Afternoon Tea service.

Virgin cruise passengers are offered complimentary water (filtered and sparkling) at all onboard bars and restaurants. Throughout the ship, there are also complimentary water stations.

Virgin ships' hull art designs are Mermaid-themed (by different artists) and Inspired by traditional figureheads mounted on the bows of historic wooden ships. The designs symbolize the vessels' feminine spirit.

Ship technology

One of the cruise ships' features is the advanced clean energy system provided by the Swedish company Climeon Ocean. The new technology allows reducing CO2 emissions by converting the generated by diesel engines' heat into electricity for shipboard use. Each of the newbuilds has 6 such Climeon units, saving ~5400 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The ship's waste processing system is provided by Scanship.

On April 30, 2018, Virgin Voyages signed with Wartsila (marine technologies Finnish corporation / former shipbuilder) a 10-year "Optimised Maintenance Agreement" giving the corporation extensive and exclusive responsibility of the fleet's technical maintenance. Wartsila's "Dynamic Maintenance Planning" system allows maintenance works to be scheduled based on remotely (real-time) monitored and analyzed vessel performance data. This allows extending service intervals (when onboard equipment doesn't require maintenance).

The Virgin-Wartsila deal includes Remote Operational Support Services, Specific Fuel Oil Consumption, spare parts, engines technical advisory services, comprehensive technical support, personnel training. Wartsila-made ship equipment includes 46F diesel engines, Hybrid Scrubber System, SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction/exhaust gas cleaning) and NACOS Platinum series (navigation and automation control systems).

• Each Virgin ship is powered by two 8-cylinder plus two 12-cylinder "Wartsila 46F" marine diesel engines. Wartsila's Hybrid Scrubber System operates in both open and closed-loop and uses seawater to remove SOx from the ship's exhaust. It also significantly reduces NOx emissions.
• Propulsion is based on ABB Azipod XO system (electric drive motors with off-hull submerged azimuth thrusters / 360--degree rotating propellers). These units provide best maneuverability (allowing in-port navigation without tug assistance) and minimal vibrations/noise. By placing the propulsion units outside the hull, the Azipod system frees up space for more lower-deck staterooms.
• ABB Ability technology is based on a network using real-time data transferred to remote centres monitoring and analyzing the propulsion system data and also offering remote technical support.
• In July 2017, was announced that Wartsila (marine technologies Finnish corporation / former shipbuilder) is the provider of vessels' power plants. Among Wartsila's core products are large diesel engines for cruise ships and ferries .

In April 2019 was contracted V-Ships Leisure USA (ship management company) which is part of V-Group Ltd (vessel management and support services provider, industry's first with a dedicated cruise ship division). V-Ships Leisure is responsible for Virgin ships' technical support/management and crew sourcing.

Virgin cruise line's staff and crew uniforms were designed by Gareth Pugh and manufactured by Cintas Corporation (via the "Design Collective by Cintas" division).

• Cintas Corporation (1929-founded, based in Cincinnati, Ohio USA) specializes in businesses products (both for rental and direct purchase) and services, including uniforms, mats, water coolers, cleaning/restroom supplies (chemicals, mops, microfiber towels, disinfectant sprays, hand sanitizers), first aid/safety products, fire extinguishers (also testing and repairs), employee courses (safety, training, compliance). In 2020, Cintas had 40,000+ employees and total revenue USD 7,09 billion (~EUR 6,12B / ~GBP 5,21B).
• Virgin Voyages Crew apparel collection is based on sustainable fabrics and garments specifically designed according to job functions, body types and climates. Unlike the traditional cruise ship uniforms, Virgin's lack the officers' epaulettes (ornamental shoulder pieces that designate his/her rank), as well as ties and waistcoats.

The project was led by Gareth Pugh (British fashion designer) and supervised by Dee Cooper (Virgin Voyages' SVP Design and Customer Experience).

Next image shows one of the initial (train-like) Virgin ship designs.

Virgin cruise bookings on Scarlet Lady were opened on February 5, 2019 (for customers with pre-sale deposits) and on February 14 (for the general public). Beginning February 5, 2019, at FirstMates.com (dedicated website), the cruise company offers all booking tools and information for travel agents (called "First Mates"), including downloadable and digital materials, interactive learning and more. For February 6th was planned the learning campaign "Cabin Fever" on Scarlet Lady staterooms as they went on sale. The website allows travel agents to make bookings on inaugural cruise season 2020 deals (from February 14) and to contact company's Sailor Services (from February 5) in case they have customers with pre-sale deposits.

Bookings for Valiant Lady cruises (Mediterranean 2021) opened on December 19, 2019.

In February 2020 was announced "The Band" - smart wearable technology to be introduced on Scarlet Lady (April 1). The device is made from recycled marine plastic (sustainability initiative) and developed via partnership with The Bionic Company. The lightweight device (RFID wristband) is mailed to all passengers and is complimentary (keepsake). The Band is activated upon boarding the ship and used for onboard purchases and payments (beverages, Casino gaming), booking tours, cabin access (room key), room service ordering (points guest's current location), VIP pass (for Richard's Rooftop).

Virgin's private island resort "Bimini Beach Club" (Bahamas)

The liner Scarlet Lady is the first cruise ship to stop at "Bimini Beach Club" (Virgin Group's private island resort in Bimini Bahamas ). The exclusive destination allows Virgin's Sailors to enjoy world-class entertainment from a rotating cast of DJs led by Mark Ronson. Virgin's Bimini Beach Club offers premium food with locally sourced ingredients and traditional Bahamian favourites like banana leaf-wrapped queen snapper, conch and mango salad, Bahamian rum cake. The complex has 6 bars, outdoor lounge areas with hammock groves, beach loungers, watersport activities, (optional/at extra cost) private poolside and beach-side cabanas for rent.

RockStar Suite passengers benefit from complimentary food service, exclusive bar and outdoor terrace lounge, VIP beach cabanas. The 7-mile (11-km) long island offers extraordinary activities like boating, snorkeling, wreck diving. The partially sunk wreck of SS Sapona (concrete-hulled steamship that ran aground in 1926) is located just a few miles off the island's southern coast.

Virgin's private resort is located on North Bimini Island and at a short bus transfer from the docking pier. It was built via partnership with Resorts World Bimini. This is a 750-acres (3 km2 / 1,2 mi2) beachfront resort-casino-marina-hotel complex operated by Genting Group (Malaysia-based multinational corporation). North Bimini is approx 68 km (42 mi) east of Miami .

Resort's building cost is USD 220 million. Virgin's Bimini Beach Club overlooks the sea and features a large lagoon-style swimming pool. The "resort experience" also features morning open-air exercises (yoga and meditation), afternoon DJ poolside parties, night beach bonfires and live musical performances.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Virgin Voyages postponed the cruise brand's in March 2020 inauguration (Scarlet Lady ship's Showcase Tour / media event in PortMiami) for July 15th (4-day "Richard's Birthday Bash"), with the maiden voyage departing on August 7th from Miami. The ship's originally planned inauguration was for March 29th, 2020 (3-day "Sneak-A-Peek Cruise").

All the scheduled between March 26-August 7th (a total of 29) departures were canceled. In mid-May 2020 were canceled 15 additional departures (through October 15). The 4-night "Richard Branson's 70th Birthday Cruise" (originally planned for July 15, 2020) was rescheduled for July 14, 2021. In late-September 2020 were canceled all Scarlet Lady's November itineraries, and in late-October - the remaining (December 2020) departures. The brand's inauguration was rescheduled for 2021 (January 3, then for May 9). In mid-December were cancelled more itineraries.

The brand's inauguration was rescheduled for August 6, 2021 (Scarlet Lady's Maiden Voyage from Portsmouth England). Valiant Lady's inaugural cruise program was also postponed (Maiden Voyage rescheduled from Nov 14, 2021, to March 18, 2022) and revised.

All affected bookings were provided with the option to cancel with a 125% refund (100% monetary refund) plus 25% in FCC (future cruise credit) or rebook with 200% refund in FCC. As a promo offer, all bookings made by June 30, 2020, received up to USD 500 per person in OBC (onboard credit). A full (100%) monetary refund was optional for cancellations made between May 21-December 31, 2020.

All rebookings made with the 200% FCC were fully refunded (200%) and additionally received 25% in FCC (to be used on another booking). Virgin Voyages also introduced the "Smooth Sailing Program" which allows for itineraries in 2020 (through December 16) the final payment dates to be moved to 60 days (previously 120 days) prior departure. Smooth Sailing also allows cancellations up to 48 hours (prior departure) with receiving a full (100%) refund in FCC.

Itinerary of Virgin Voyages

In 2016, Virgin cruise line's itinerary program was not detailed yet, but Branson mentioned one destination that was on the list - the Caribbean. When asked about Cuba being a potential port destination, he immediately replied "Yes!". This also meant roundtrip departures from a Florida port.

In 2017 was announced that the first Virgin cruise ship ( Scarlet Lady ) will be initially homeported in PortMiami for 7-day Caribbean itineraries departing on Sundays. During the inaugural season 2020-2021, the liner was scheduled to visit Cuba. The company's decision was influenced by conducted customer and travel agency research in the UK and North America. All Virgin cruises to Cuba had to offer an overnight stay in Havana , allowing passengers ("sailors") to explore the country's capital and its unique nightlife.

• 5-day "Mayan Sol" itinerary visits Havana (overnight) and Costa Maya (Mexico) . In Mexico, shore excursions include scuba diving (coral reefs) and Mayan ruins.
• 5-day "Dominican Daze" itinerary visits Havana (overnight) and Puerto Plata (Dominicana) where shore tours include trekking, surfing, shopping.

The second Virgin ship ( Valiant Lady ) is homeported in Miami during 2022-2023 winter season.

On November 28, 2018, Richard Branson and Tom McAlpin announced in Miami the company's plans to build a new (Virgin-exclusive) cruise terminal in PortMiami. "Virgin Voyages Terminal" is sized 100,000 ft2 (9300 m2) and is on the seaport's northwest side.

Virgin Voyages passengers benefit from an impressive variety of cruises to choose from in the inaugural 2020 season of the line's new build . The 4- or 5-night "Havana After Dark" itineraries allow Sailors to explore the Cuban culture and include an overnight stay in Cuba's capital city.

• The 5-night "Mayan Sol" itinerary visits Costa Maya Mexico . The Mayan ruins are just a short distance from the port and colorful coral reefs lie just off-shore. Virgin Voyages partnered with ITM Group for the land tours.
• The 5-night "Dominican Daze" itinerary visits Puerto Plata . On the island are offered trekking, surfing and handicraft shopping tours.

All Virgin Caribbean cruises depart from homeport Miami Florida . Virgin ships are also seasonally deployed in Europe (via Transatlantic crossings), with planned visits to several major Mediterranean and UK ports (including Dover and Liverpool ).

However, following the 2019s (June 5 issued) US Government restrictions on USA to Cuba travel, Virgin Voyages revised all scheduled itineraries to exclude Havana . The new itineraries offer late-night call port departures (including a midnight departure) on all revised Caribbean voyages.

• 5-night "Riviera Maya" itinerary visits Playa Del Carmen (across Cozumel Island), with opportunities to explore archaeological and ecological sites or touring the neighbouring Tulum (walled Mayan city).
• 4-night "Fire and Sunset Soirees" (short-breaks) visit Key West Florida (sunset departure) and Bimini Bahamas (with a late-night beach bonfire party and midnight departure). The line's sailors can experience the cultural paradise of Key West, paired with an exclusive late-night beach bonfire soiree. The artistic fire installation draws inspiration from the fireball sculptures on Branson's Necker Island.
• 7-night itineraries (for 2020 Xmas holidays) include the themed cruises "Holidaze and Nights" and "New Year's Ahoy" visiting Puerto Plata Dominicana with Bimini Bahamas and San Juan Puerto Rico.

All Virgin Caribbean cruises visit Bimini Bahamas as a private island destination.

In April 2022 was announced that in winter 2023-2024, Resilient Lady will be deployed in Australia and New Zealand (Virgin brand's debut in the region). With homeporting in Melbourne , the roundtrip itineraries ranged between 2-14 nights. Some voyages also visited ports in Tasmania (Hobart, Burnie).

Brilliant Lady's inaugural cruises (2025-2026)

Virgin's Brilliant Lady inaugural cruise season (October 2025 through April 2026) is largely based on homeporting in San Juan Puerto Rico . Initially, from Puerto Rico were scheduled 7-night roundtrip itineraries themed as "Sunsets In The Lesser Antilles" (Oranjestad Aruba, Willemstad Curacao, Fort de France Martinique, Basseterre St. Kitts) and "Southeastern Caribbean Isles" (Tortola BVI, Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe, Bridgetown Barbados, Castries St Lucia, St Johns Antigua).

Brilliant Lady's Maiden Voyages commence from NYC New York , and visit destinations in Bermuda/King's Wharf and Canada/Quebec City . Follows a deployment in the Caribbean, then West Coast USA (California, Alaska), with a relocation itinerary traversing the Panama Canal.

The rescheduled 2025-2026 (October-April) Caribbean program of Brilliant Lady lists islands like Grand Turk/Cockburn Town , Antigua/St John's , Grand Cayman , and Jamaica/Ocho Rios (first-time port for Virgin Voyages). In March 2026 there is a 16-night Panama Canal repositioning itinerary (Miami to Los Angeles) visiting Costa Rica, Antigua, Guatemala, and Mexico (Los Cabos). For April-May 2026 are scheduled California Coastal voyages out of LA, followed by Alaskan cruises out of Seattle WA (May-September 2026).

Valiant Lady's inaugural cruises (2022)

Virgin's second ship ( Valiant Lady ) starts its inaugural season (2022/Maiden Voyage departs March 18th) with roundtrips leaving from Portsmouth England .

• 3-night "Long Weekender" to Zeebrugge Belgium
• 11-night "Coast the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal"/UK to Iberia
• 12-night "Late Nights in Portugal and Spain"/UK to Iberia

Follows a Western Mediterranean deployment (May thru October 2022) based on homeporting in Barcelona and 7-day roundtrips (Sunday departures) visiting large port cities in France, Italy and Spain. Valiant Lady's Caribbean program is based on homeporting in Miami Florida USA and includes 2-week Transatlantic crossings on repositioning between Europe and USA (RepositionCruises.com).

• 8-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries (Miami roundtrips) are priced from USD 188 per night and visit Puerto Plata (Dominicana) , San Juan (Puerto Rico) , St Croix Island (USVI) and Bimini (Bahamas) .
• 6-night Western Caribbean itineraries (roundtrips from Miami) visit Roatan Island (Honduras) , Costa Maya (Mexico) and Bimini. Fares start at USD 192 per night.
• Special ( Christmas and New Year's ) itineraries and Atlantic Ocean crossings/relocation voyages are priced from USD 102 per night.

In the Caribbean, Virgin boats are homeported in Miami and all itineraries visit Bimini Bahamas as a private island destination.

Resilient Lady's inaugural cruises (2022)

Virgin's third ship ( Resilient Lady ) started its inaugural season (2022/Maiden Voyage departed on August 14th) with roundtrips leaving from Piraeus-Athens (Greece) .

• The 7-day roundtrip "Greek Island Glow" itinerary visits the Greek islands Santorini, Rhodes, Crete (Chania) and Mykonos.
• The 7-day roundtrip "Adriatic Sea and Greek Gems" itinerary visits Croatia (Dubrovnik), Montenegro (Kotor), and Greece (Kerkyra/Corfu Island, and Argostoli/Kefalonia Island).
• The "Greek Isles" program (scheduled between August 14 - October 23) ended with the 11-day Transatlantic crossing from Europe to the Caribbean (from Lisbon to San Juan/departure November 1st).

The inaugural Caribbean season 2022-2023 (Nov 12 - April 15) was based on homeporting in San Juan Puerto Rico and 7-day roundtrips.

• The "Southeastern Caribbean Isles" itinerary visits Tortola Island BVI (Road Town), Guadeloupe (Pointe-a-Pitre), Barbados (Bridgetown), St Lucia (Castries) and Antigua (St Johns).
• The "Sunsets In The Lesser Antilles" itinerary visits St Kitts (Basseterre), Martinique (Fort-de-France), Curacao (Willemstad) and Aruba (Oranjestad).

In 2023-2024 (December-March), Resilient Lady was deployed in Australia. The program included three relocation itineraries from Europe to Asia and Australia (RepositionCruises.com) - 14-day from Athens to Dubai (Oct 22), 15-day from Dubai to Singapore (Nov 5) and 15-day from Singapore to Sydney NSW (Nov 20).

Itineraries 2024-2025

Virgin's 2024-2025 (April) schedule lists 19 maiden/new ports and 27 different itineraries in the UK, Australia/NZ, and the Caribbean. Among these are the "Seachange Series" (ship relocation voyages) providing extended sea travel opportunities.

Resilient Lady is homeported in Piraeus-Athens Greece (May through July 2024) for Aegean and Adriatic itineraries. In the summer (August through September 2024) Resilient Lady visits Bordeaux ,  La Coruna , and  Bilbao on the relocation voyage to England.

On February 26, 2024, Virgin Voyages canceled Resilient Lady's 2024-2025 Australian program, citing security concerns (due to the Red Sea war crisis) impacting the ship's scheduled repositioning voyages through the Suez Canal (between Europe and Australia/RepositionCruises.com). Virgin also announced that Resilient Lady (after completing the Mediterranean season on October 20th/2024) will be deployed in the Caribbean and homeported in San Juan (Puerto Rico) offering 7-8-10-11-night roundtrips to St Maarten, St Vincent, Colombia, and Dominica.

Valiant Lady (from  PortMiami  and  San Juan Puerto Rico ) offers Caribbean roundtrips (winter 2023-2024) and in April 2024.

Scarlet Lady in summer 2024 is deployed in the Mediterranean and has scheduled two repositioning voyages - from Barcelona to Civitavecchia-Rome, and a Transatlantic crossing to Miami for a new Caribbean deployement.

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Inside Look: Sailing From Portsmouth With Virgin Voyages

With Resilient Lady making her way back to Portsmouth for a late summer season in 2024, we're looking ahead to help sailors make their Portsmouth sailings go without a hitch.

Posted on 3 June 2024 by David Todd

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With Resilient Lady making her way back to Portsmouth for a late summer season in 2024 , we’re looking ahead to help sailors make their Portsmouth sailings go without a hitch. Both Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady made their inaugural sailings from this port so it’s a location that has a deep connection to the Virgin Voyages brand. Whether you’re a returning sailor or this is your very first Virgin Voyages cruise this Insider Look should break down everything you need to know about sailing out of Portsmouth with Virgin Voyages.

Join your Facebook Group

Each Portsmouth sailing has a Facebook group , it’s a great way to meet other sailors before you set sail and a great first step to get the most out of your voyage.

New to Virgin Voyages?

Virgin Voyages provides something unique to the cruise industry, an adults only luxury cruise with a twist. Check the know before you go guide for everything you need to know from dress codes to booking events to spending on board.

Getting to Portsmouth

As ever, it is always recommended that you arrive at the port at the latest the day before you are due to sail to make sure you don’t miss the ship!

Portsmouth is a popular origin point for ferry crossings to France as well as a starting point for many other cruise lines. This means getting the Portsmouth is made easy. Whether you are travelling by car, train or air. Travellers from outside of the UK will likely be making their way to Portsmouth from a London-based airport.

Southampton Airport is nearest to the port but very few international flights fly directly to this small airport. For those travelling from outside of the UK, you will likely arrive to London Heathrow or London Gatwick airport.

From Southampton Airport

From london heathrow (lhr), from london gatwick (lgw).

Note: Many of these services now operate on a cashless basis, make sure to travel with a debit or credit card that can be used for British Pounds (£ GBP) purchases or Google/Apple Pay.

Rail services are frequent and there are services running from central London several times an hour and takes between one-and-a-half and two hours. Costs are low, typically tickets are available from as little as £15 each way.

You will want to find a train that travels to Portsmouth Harbour or Portsmouth & Southsea and get a short taxi ride from there to the port.

If you’re arriving to Portsmouth by car the town is served by many main routes from the North, most routes will take you past Southhampton. Guidance on parking can be found further down this guide.

Places to Stay Before Your Cruise

Ad: Expedia UK will pay VV Insider a commission if you book a stay using the links in this section.

The port area is somewhat under-served by hotels. We recommend searching for a hotel closer to the centre of town for the widest choice possible, we’ve always found Expedia a great tool to help search for the best prices , you can find some very reasonable deals if you book early.

Local Tip: There are some good hotel choices available a little further from the port in an area called ‘Port Solent’ . – Thanks Julie (a Portsmouth local) for this advice.

Budget Choice

Our pick for a great pre-cruise budget hotel would be the Holiday Inn Portsmouth North – with a decent guest rating and only 4 miles away from the port, the taxi ride to the ship will be budget friendly too.

Balanced Choice

The Q8 Boutique Hotel is a great balanced choice if you’re looking at staying at a more unique-style hotel in Portsmouth.

Luxury Choice

If you’re wanting to live that Rockstar lifestyle before you even board the ship the Albert Cottage Hotel is a wonderful guesthouse on the Isle of Wight, this of course means a ferry rider the morning of your cruise but if you’re looking to extend your vacation this may be a great choice.

Parking at the Port

Your port arrival time will be shown in the Virgin Voyages app after your check in for your Voyage. If you have the ability to board the ship early you may be able to come to the port earlier than the time shown in the app.

On the day head towards the address; International Port, George Byng Way, Portsmouth PO2 8SP

Parking is limited and the spaces can be very tight if you have larger vehicle. If you plan to park at the port you should book and pay ahead of time to avoid disappointment. You can prebook and pay on the official website .

Bag Drop and Check In

If your are parking, the port is a short walk from the parking structure but you may want to find a luggage trolley as there are lumps and bumps en-route as well as the need to cross multiple lanes of traffic heading towards the French ferry terminal.

Baggage Drop Off

Bag handling at the port will be directed by Virgin Voyages staff. You do not need to bring your own luggage tags as they will be provided for you when you arrive.

Checking In For Your Voyage

Once your bags have been dropped into the Virgin Voyages staff you will proceed to the terminal to check in. Depending on your status and Rockstar status you may be directed towards different lines or desks , always follow the advice of the staff at the port.

Staff will need to see your passport and booking confirmation – this will be displayed in the app so there is no need to bring printed materials with you.

Once you have checked in you may need to wait for your boarding time, Virgin Voyages will often have refreshments available in the waiting area for guests before they board.

Boarding the Ship

It’s your time! At Portsmouth there is a short bus ride from the terminal to the ship, this is not walkable and you must use the bus for around 5 minutes. You will be invited to board the ship, in Portsmouth there is a ramp up to the ship usually onto Deck 4. If you required accessibility assistance porters will be available to help your board the ship.

Once you board you will likely be greeted by members of The Happenings Cast who will show you the way to where you should go next.

Cabin Availability and Luggage Delivery

You will have been assigned your cabin well in advance of joining the ship. This will be communicated to you both by email and the app. You can check the details of your cabin on VV Insider and ask Sailor Services for an alternative assignment if you’re not happy with it.

Cabins are available immediately as you board so you’ll be able to drop any additional bags into your room before you start exploring the ship. This also gives you an opportunity to greet your cabin hosts if they are around.

Your bags will be delivered to your room door at some point in the afternoon, you do not need to wait in your cabin for them, they will be safe in the corridor or placed into your room. If you do not receive your bag it may be that the tag has fallen off, you can contact Sailor Services who will help you locate your bag.

The Portsmouth sailings in 2024 are shaping up to be some of the most popular offerings from Virgin Voyages. Sailors who have sailed on the inaugural Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady sailings are likely to return to brand as well as new sailors that have heard of Virgin Voyages’ rave reviews and buzz on social media.

We’re excited to see sailors exploring the stunning venues and exciting entertainment on offer on board Resilient Lady. Become an Insider by subscribing to our newsletter to get tips and hints delivered directly to your inbox to help plan the perfect Virgin Voyages vacation.

Voyage Quick Search

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTACTING US

UPDATED LATE SUMMER 2024

Travelling on a cargo ship is a unique experience.  Whether you love the sea, are conscious of your carbon footprint, don't like flying or simply prefer to sail in a relaxed atmosphere, away from the crowds, then travelling by cargo ship is the right choice for you.

We've been doing this for over 30 years and are passionate about providing a personalised service tailored to your needs.

Alas, since the pandemic and with only a few exceptions, deep sea intercontinental voyages are no longer possible; shipowners and/or their charterers have withdrawn this discretionary activity, we are seeing little enthusiasm from them to resume the activity any time soon. Book early for 2025 to avoid disappointment.

Current possibilities :

- short haul European, Mediterranean, Baltic

- Europe/South Africa/Europe voyages, fully booked into 2025, 2026 now open for bookings. Waitlisting/standby is possible for additional cargo induced voyages on a rolling 6-week basis.

- French Polynesian voyages (mv Aranui V)

- mv Bella Desgagnes (St Lawrence River, Canada)

There may be cruise ship alternatives, please ask if you have a specific voyage in mind as several Voyage Options are possible on some of the routes popular with cargo ship travellers. Note please that owing to the restrictive policies of the major cruise lines, in most cases you may only book cruises through a travel agent in your country of residence. 

No longer possible (with any shipowner or bookng agent):

- transatlantic voyages

- Australia/New Zealand/Europe voyages

- Europe/South America voyages

- transpacific voyages

- round the world voyages

- voyages in around Asia or Oceania

Do please take some time to check our website for available routes, also our ‘Ask the Captain’ section for frequently asked questions BEFORE contacting us!

Our website is updated regularly with currently bookable options; please do not contact us regarding deep sea international cargo voyages that are not listed as without the support and co-operation of willing shipowners we can no longer viably respond.

Try us and travel the world your way!

Follow @CargoShipVoyage

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What's Included on a Cruise?

SO MUCH MORE VALUE

Introducing Fair & Flexible Fares

Fair, in that we give you much more for your voyage fare, and flexible, in that you can make changes anytime you want, without a penalty.

A lot of travel companies like to trick you with (extra) low prices in their headlines — nickel and diming you later. On every voyage here, you get over $1,000 of value which includes access to all the premium dining at our 20+ eateries with menus curated by Michelin star chefs, group fitness classes, WiFi, gratuities, award-winning entertainment, and a soda and drinks package. And if you need to change your sail dates or the name(s) on your booked voyage, we let you do that, too.

Incredible value. True transparency.

You should know what you’re spending at the end of the vacation… well, before it’s the actual end. And we love a chart, so we created one to break down exactly what we mean….  

Word-on-the-sea is that we’re *the* ship to be

5-star reviews. Awarded Best New Cruise. And incredibly kind reviews.

Incredible!

"Amazing experience and best cruise I have ever been on. Exceptional food, helpful/kind staff, shows were out of this world. Definitely will only be booking with Virgin from now on!".

Great Atmosphere & Great Crew

"The Scarlet Lady is so welcoming and inclusive! They make you feel so comfortable no matter who you are and their entertainment and crew are fabulous!".

Best cruise and ship ever!

"Everyone, everything was on point. No buffet is served on this cruise. The staff is friendly and professional. Nothing is too small or large for them to deliver. There's no other ship like virgin voyages. The food…".

Excellent cruise line

"From the adult-only option all the way to food and entertainment. They did an awesome job. There was so much to do on the ship we needed more time. Will definitely be back to Virgin for our next cruise and many many more".

Award Winning Value

Best cruise line for the money 2023, best value-for-money - large ship category.

Cruise Critic - Cruisers' Choice Awards

Best Premium Cruise Company

Travel Weekly - Travel Awards

Best Overall Cruise Line - Large Ship Category

Always included, food to elevate your mood.

When we say “included,” we mean it. From comfort go-to’s to experimental cuisine, elaborate brunches to Korean BBQ, all our specialty eateries are on us — no hidden tax, no pesky disclaimer, no crowded buffets or designated dining times. Plus, all our food is sustainably sourced, made fresh-to-order, and always tasty. Go ahead, snap that pic (you know you want to) — because we’re picking up the bill.

ALSO INCLUDED

We’ve taken care of tipping.

We’ve reimagined the way people holiday at sea from the hull up — so that epic service becomes the norm. Our Crew is knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly stylish — but mainly, our Crew is genuinely happy to help you make your vacation one of a kind. So get pampered, taste everything, and enjoy a drink (or two) knowing that all tips are covered. Cheers to that.

YEP INCLUDED, TOO

Free wi-fi for all.

Check in with your loved ones. Make new connections aboard. Or post that ice cream selfie before it melts. With Wi-Fi included on every sailing, you can show off share the view with your home crew, find your newest best friends online, or check in on your email (look, we get it, sometimes it’s hard to *fully* let go) — because, let’s be honest, in this day and age, Wi-Fi should be considered as essential as water.

INCLUDED? THIS, TOO

Unlimited group workouts.

For the 'do-nothings,' the 'do-somethings' and the 'do-literally-everythings' (you know who you are), we have tons of group fitness classes on board so that you can sea the world and keep your #FitnessGoals going. From sunrise yoga and outdoor boxing to a cycling studio and bungee workouts — you’ll have full access to classes and state-of-the-art gym equipment for unlimited opportunities to break a sweat. And if you’re not the working out kind, well, the views are nice from the gym?

STILL INCLUDED

All essential drinks. always on us..

Hydration is key — especially in a sun-soaked, adventure-filled, energy-buzzing holiday at sea. Start your day with a drip-coffee, quench your post-workout thirst with still and sparkling water, get a non-pressed juice by the pool, or find the perfect soda and end your day in paradise with your favorite bedtime tea. With all essential drinks already covered, you can recharge, free of charge.

LIGHTS. CAM. ON US.

Late nights and neon lights.

With a festival-like lineup featuring original, first-to-sea productions, extraordinary pop-up acts, and immersive experiences, the entertainment you’ll experience on board is something you’ve never seen before. It’s wild. It’s thought-provoking. It’s a full-on extravaganza. And it couldn’t be anything else. Digging deep into our musical roots, we’ve collaborated with the world’s most-talked-about directors, choreographers, and artists to create the live entertainment only a Virgin brand could.

A lavish retreat away from it all

With spaces that transform to your given mood, you can live like a rockstar or retreat to a quiet and luxurious oasis whenever you need a break away from all the action.

Restore and explore

Beachside Mexican mornings. Bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico. Exclusive beaches in Bimini. Let us take you far away.

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1st look at Disney Destiny heroes and villains-inspired cruise ship

Get your sea legs ready to set sail aboard the brand new Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line's new heroes and villains-inspired ship with themed venues and entertainment inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters.

"Good Morning America" got an early look at what to expect aboard the new vessel, which is set to make its maiden voyage in November 2025 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

From a first-of-its-kind Pride Lands dining experience inspired by the unforgettable music of "The Lion King" to an exclusive confectionary inspired by "The Incredibles," the Disney Destiny takes a page from an array of legends and legacies.

Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Lines, said in a press release that "guests aboard our new ship will be surrounded by extraordinary storytelling paired with the signature service and family-fun adventures that are hallmarks of a Disney Cruise vacation."

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• Sep 05, 2023

Check out all the photos below to get a glimpse of even more magical features aboard the ship, like hero-worthy luxury staterooms, King T'Challa presiding over the Grand Hall and more.

Booking opens Sept. 12, 2024, with cruises to the Bahamas and the western Caribbean.

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Réservation de voyages en cargo et voyages par bateau

Réservation de voyages en cargo et voyages par bateau. En fonction de votre destination (transatlantique, transpacifique, mers du Sud, monde entier et autres combinaisons spéciales), vos frais de voyage quotidiens en cargo seront d'environ $100-$150 par jour, par personne et par jour, avec une franchise de bagages d'environ 30kg-100kg (66-220lbs) selon la ligne que vous empruntez pour votre réservation de voyage en cargo. En règle générale, le dollar américain est la principale devise utilisée à bord pour acheter des boissons non alcoolisées, des collations, de la bière et des articles de toilette. Vous pouvez ensuite utiliser vos cartes de crédit à chacun des endroits où vous débarquez en voyage par bateau. Hospitalité à bord pour voyage en bateau réservation Notre prochaine surprise a été la rapidité avec laquelle nous nous sommes sentis membres de la famille. Quelques instants après notre arrivée, notre compagne de voyage (une Française qui va littéralement faire "le tour du monde en 80 jours") a laissé entendre que le capitaine allait certainement nous organiser un barbecue de bienvenue. "Il fait ça pour tous les nouveaux arrivants", a-t-elle dit avec un clin d'œil. Le lendemain soir, nous avons passé la soirée sur le pont arrière du bateau, à déguster du poisson grillé et à discuter avec les marins au coucher du soleil.

Votre voyage peut également comporter quelques formalités administratives, notamment en ce qui concerne les arrêts aux États-Unis. Les citoyens américains ne sont pas autorisés à Voyage en cargo de réservation, par exemple, pour voyager à l'intérieur de leur pays par cargo, bien qu'ils puissent faire des voyages internationaux pour voyager par bateau. De même, les voyageurs à destination des États-Unis doivent être munis d'un visa, même s'ils n'en auraient pas besoin pour arriver par avion. Seuls les Canadiens sont exemptés de cette règle. Veillez à prévoir du temps et de l'argent pour vous faire vacciner contre la fièvre jaune, par exemple, si vous empruntez les canaux de Suez et de Panama. Voyage en cargo la réservation et le voyage par bateau. Un certificat médical attestant que vous êtes généralement en bonne santé est une autre exigence courante pour les voyages en Europe. voyage en bateau réservation. Les gens ne le savent peut-être pas, mais la plupart navires de charge peuvent accueillir jusqu'à six passagers. De nombreuses compagnies maritimes sont désireuses de remplir leurs cabines excédentaires et permettent aux passagers de réserver le voyage aller-retour de trois mois ou une partie de celui-ci, leur permettant ainsi de faire l'expérience de la vie à bord. Navire cargo . Voir plus Voir plus Voir plus Voir plus Voir plus Voir plus Voir plus Voir plus Voir plus Voir plus Voir plus

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• Life on a Cargo Ship: What to Expect - juillet 5, 2024
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Life on a cargo ship: what to expect, exploring remote destinations by cargo ship, the environmental impact of cargo ship travel, planning your first cargo ship voyage: tips and tricks, the ultimate guide to cargo ship travel.

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The Fascinating World of Cargo Ships: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

The Benefits of Slow Travel: Why Cargo Ship Holidays are Perfect for Unplugging

How to Prepare for Your First Cargo Ship Holiday

Why Cargo Ship Travel is the Ultimate Eco-Friendly Vacation

The Hidden Joys of Traveling by Cargo Ship

TROUVEZ LE MEILLEUR PORT DE FRET BRITANNIQUE QUI VOUS CONVIENT

Voyager en cargo est une façon fascinante de voir le monde. VOIR PLUS DE DESTINATIONS CHAT EN DIRECT TROUVER DES VACANCES APPELEZ-NOUS AU +44 020 8032 6945 DESTINATIONS DEMANDEZ AU CAPITAINE À PROPOS DE NOUS COMMENT RÉSERVER ENQUÊTE BLOG CONTACTEZ-NOUS EXPÉDITIONS CARGO VOYAGE GRIMALDI SAILLING CLASSIQUE CARGOHOLIDAYS AGENCE DE FRET CABINES DE PASSAGERS CROISIÈRES EN HAUTE SAISON SUR DES CARGOS LA VIE SUR UN PORTE-CONTENEURS CROISIÈRES EN CARGO GRIMALDI LE TRANSPORT DE MARCHANDISES VERS N'IMPORTE QUELLE DESTINATION VOYAGE EN CARGO DU ROYAUME-UNI VERS L'ASIE VOYAGE EN CARGO DEPUIS L'EUROPE HÉBERGEMENT DES CARGOS LISTE DES NAVIRES DE CHARGE LISTE DES PORTS DE VOYAGE DES NAVIRES DE MARCHANDISES AFFRÉTER UN YACHT CHARTER A JET LOGISTIQUE MARITIME DE FRET LOGISTIQUE D'EXPÉDITION DE VOITURES EXPÉDITION DE VOITURES EN USA ONIJET PARTNERSHIP FORUM / AIDE CHAT EN DIRECT VIMEO

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Ocean Voyage: Dunedin - Lautoka

Dunedin - lautoka, viti levu island, dates: 09/03/2025 to  16/03/2025.

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From sea to sea, or from continent to continent,  PONANT  welcomes you aboard its ships for a  Sea Journey . A few times a year we invite sea lovers, dreamers, and keen observers of endless horizons to join our non-stop journeys, to enjoy the comfort of our ships for an extended period and share the daily lives of our crew.

As the days go by, you can admire the waves from the upper deck, keep fit in the spa and make good use of the pool or the gym, share the daily life of the crew, discover sailing techniques and instruments, and enjoy a break from the hectic pace of life.

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• 24-hour room service
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• Dressing room with shelves and closet
• Dressing table and hairdryer
• Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
• Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
• Electronic safe
• Direct line telephone
• Bose Bluetooth speaker
• Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
• 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
• Three ADA staterooms

Select your stateroom category

Stateroom size

• - than 269 ft²
• + than 269 ft²

Superior Stateroom Deck 3

10% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4

Prestige Stateroom Deck 5

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

Prestige Suite Deck 5

Prestige Suite Deck 6

Owner's Suite Deck 6

Fidji : Some nationalities may require a visa. Please check on https://www.immigration.gov.fj/travel-options/visit-transit-in-fiji

To secure the boarding on departure day, we strongly recommend that you spend the night before in the city that your ship leaves from. Similarly, on the day you disembark we advise you just as strongly to reserve a flight that leaves the day after your arrival. Indeed, these “Ocean Voyages” long trips are more than any other type of travel subject to climatic hazards, including winds and currents, which may require anticipating the departure of the ship, and / or delay the arrival of the ship.

Boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities

We invite you to read our boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities by clicking here . 

Any new reservation implies the acceptance of these conditions.

To guarantee your entry into one or several countries, you must ensure that you comply with the formalities and health requirements specific to each destination. In just a few clicks on our online search engine, find all the formalities you must complete prior to your departure (visas, entry authorisations for each country, vaccinations, etc.).

The international situation can change rapidly, so be sure to check this information regularly prior to your departure. However, please note that we always recommend our guests contact the relevant national immigration and customs and border control authorities directly to find out what rules apply to their specific situation. PONANT is not responsible for any decisions made by guests based on the information provided by the online search engine.

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

New Zealand : Nationalities who are visa-exempt must now apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before your arrival in New Zealand. For more information, please visit www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas . A copy of your ETA must be sent to PONANT at the latest 45 days prior to your cruise date. We also ask you to keep a copy of your ETA and keep it with your passport throughout the duration of your trip. While applying for the ETA, you will be asked to pay the mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Australian passport holders are exempt of the ETA and the IVL.

Fiji: the entry formalities will be done onboard.

List of items prohibited on board

To guarantee the safety and well-being of our guests, certain items are strictly prohibited on board. Should you have one of these products or objects in your possession, they will be confiscated immediately and will not be transported on the ship. When an item transported aboard is considered illegal, the relevant authorities will be notified systematically.

Click here  for the full list of items prohibited on board. 

Warning about the use of drones : the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Ideal clothes for life on board:

You are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.

Informal evening:

In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.

• Simple dress
• Skirt or trousers
• Pleated trousers or chinos
• Sports jacket

A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.

A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.

ACCESSORIES:

• Polarized sunglasses
• Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
• Gym wear (fitness)
• Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
• Mobile phone charger

HEALTH CARE:

• Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
• Medications and prescriptions

OUTFITS ON BOARD:

• Casual outfits for the day
• Smarter outfits for dinners

In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.

All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.

PONANT activities

Ports of Call & Excursions

9 March 2025 - Dunedin

Embarkation 09/03/2025 from 14:00 to 15:00 Departure 09/03/2025 at 16:00

Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula , which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.

10 March 2025   15 March 2025 - At sea

Arrival 10/03/2025 Departure 15/03/2025

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

16 March 2025 - Lautoka, Viti Levu Island

Arrival 16/03/2025 Disembarkation 16/03/2025 at 08:00

Lautoka is the second largest city of Fiji. Located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometres north of Nadi. Lying in the heart of Fiji's sugar cane growing region, it is known as the Sugar City . Lautoka is the gateway to Fiji’s “Sun coast” a land of abundant sunshine, azure skies and dramatic grass-covered peaks chequered with sugar-cane fields, rural villages and quaint market towns. 

Like Le Boréal and L’Austral , the two sister ships that preceded it, Le Soléal further reaffirms PONANT's signature approach: to take passengers to the farthest reaches of the planet onboard modern ships offering top-of-the-range services.

An elegant appearance and refined interior design combine with cutting-edge technology to offer a new type of cruising: adventure in a luxury setting.  

Find out more about Le Soléal

From sea to sea, or from continent to continent, PONANT welcomes you aboard its ships for a Sea Journey. A few times a year we invite sea lovers, dreamers, and keen observers of endless horizons to join our journeys, to enjoy the comfort of our ships for an extended period and share the daily lives of our crew. As the days go by, you can admire the waves from the upper deck, keep fit in the spa and make good use of the pool or the gym, share the daily life of the crew, discover sailing techniques and instruments, and enjoy a break from the hectic pace of life.  

An ‘Odyssey’ Indeed: Three Months Into a Three-Year-Long Voyage, This Cruise Ship Still Hasn’t Set Sail

“When you’re the first at doing something, you will run into hiccups,” said the CEO of the cruise company, in quite the understatement.

Deputy Executive Editor

Villa Vie Residences/YouTube

The Villa Vie Residences’ ship Odyssey was supposed to embark on the first voyage in a three-year-long round-the-world cruise on May 30, but has instead been stuck in rainy Belfast for the past three months while its crew attempt to resolve mechanical problems.

The cruise company has been “humbled by the scale of what it takes to reactivate a 30-year-old vessel from a four-year layup,” Villa Rie Residences marketing manager Sebastian Stokkendal said in a statement provided to the Associated Press .

While work continues to shore up the vessel, onboard activities and meals are offered during the day, but passengers in the Odyssey’s 509 cabins are required to disembark every evening, and are shuttled to local hotels.

Those who paid six figures for the experience (many intending to live onboard full-time for the ship’s expected 15-year-old lifespan, at least when they are actually able to set sail) have been gamely keeping themselves busy in the meanwhile. Self-proclaimed “cruise addict” Holly Hennessey has been taking in the Irish sights—on repeat: “I’ve been to Giant’s Causeway twice,” she told The Daily Mail , “but the best part of the trip was the stop at Bushmills,” referring to the Irish whiskey distillery.

Hennessey, who was also interviewed by the BBC , is traveling with her cat, “Captain the Cruising Kitty.” She did not share how Captain has been coping with the delays, but we all know cats feel strongly about schedules.

Besides frequenting the city’s many pubs and making friends with locals, others have used the downtime to visit nearby and not so nearby destinations, from Greenland to the Canary Islands—some of these trips are being organized by the cruise company. One passenger has even found time to make it back home to Australia (twice) during the wait.

Villa Vie Residences CEO Mikael Petterson told the BBC he anticipates the Odyssey—its name becoming more ironic by the day—will set sail soon. “When you’re the first at doing something, you will run into hiccups,” he said. “But we're definitely getting there, and although we are late, we will launch.”

(Petterson previously served as managing director for Life at Sea, a cruise line which last year canceled its plans for a similar multi-year circumnavigation.)

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast  here .

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Medallionnet max enhanced connectivity elevates princess cruises' new epic voyages.

Powered by Starlink, the New Wi-Fi Tier Ensures Seamless Connectivity Across All Journeys

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. , Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers around the world are taking advantage of flexible work arrangements and making the most of their time by combining vacation and work—in fact, 74% of Americans who work from home said they would consider taking a "workcation," according to a recent Harris Poll data. With the recently announced MedallionNet Max , now is the time to book a longer voyage with Princess Cruises with the ability to stay persistently connected while exploring the world.

Available in Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, MedallionNet Max offers enhanced onboard Wi-Fi to meet the growing demands of today's digitally connected travelers. While featured on all Princess voyages, it provides even greater flexibility on longer journeys, allowing guests to explore remote corners of the globe without fear of missing out, along with iconic ports, and historic landmarks on curated voyages from Princess, including World Cruises , Journeys Far & Away , Immersive Itineraries , and Ocean Crossings .

"Today's travelers are increasingly drawn to longer, more immersive experiences, often in remote or bucket-list destinations, without wanting to disconnect from their digital lives," said Terry Thornton , Chief Commercial Officer of Princess Cruises. "MedallionNet Max ensures that connectivity is never an issue, and when combined with the Princess Premier package, which offers unlimited beverages and specialty dining, it makes longer voyages not only feasible but incredibly rewarding."

Created by the destination experts at Princess Cruises to point consumers to the unique itineraries within various destinations, Epic Voyages include four categories, offering flexibility and something for everyone:

World Cruises – 35,000 Nautical Miles into the World's Wonders For travelers who want to see the world in a whole new way – without the hassle of airport travel, constant unpacking and expensive meals – Princess is the perfect escort to cruise through the immensity of the planet, full of hidden treasures and adventure, making it accessible, tangible, less overwhelming and convenient. Plus, the camaraderie among guests with shared experiences in fascinating ports and a warm crew that gets to know their every need make this the ultimate epic voyage that every adventurer should embark on in their lifetime.

World Cruises sail through the Panama Canal, Hawaii & the South Pacific, Western and Eastern Mediterranean, Australia and Southeast Asia and even Africa .

Three ships – Crown Princess, Coral Princess and Island Princess – sail on World Cruises up to 116 days or divided into shorter segments. In total, 26 itineraries highlight the wonders of the world. World Cruises depart from Ft. Lauderdale , Los Angeles , Auckland , Brisbane or Sydney .

Journeys Far & Away – Multiple Epic Destinations Journeys Far & Away  are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an "off-the-grid" experience, wildlife lovers, adventurers and naturalists. Whether it's experiencing the ultimate remote continent where 1,200 miles of dramatic landscapes appear in Antarctica , visiting Greenland - the world's largest island full of scenic stunners, or discovering hidden gems like "Mystery Island" and Sopo'aga Falls in the South Pacific, guests enjoy multiple destinations on one voyage.

With itineraries ranging in length from 11 to 33 days, sailing on seven ships – Coral Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Majestic Princess and Sapphire Princess – cruises sail to Southeast Asia , South America and Antarctica , South Pacific & Hawaii , Greenland and Canada .

Journeys Far & Away  sail from Boston , Los Angeles , New York City and Buenos Aires, Argentina .

Immersive Itineraries – Destinations in One Region For the culturally curious, or those travelers inspired by history, these carefully crafted Immersive Itineraries are a go-to for an immersive and authentic experiential voyage. From the midnight sun in the Arctic Circle to the ancient landmarks and ruins in Rome , Marseille and Athens , to mesmerizing temples and shrines in Japan or the crystalline waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia , these cruises feature multiple destinations in one region.

With itineraries from 17 to 31 days, cruises take guests to Alaska , Australia , Japan , the Mediterranean and Northern Europe . The cruise line's newest Sphere-Class ships – Sun Princess and Star Princess – both offer immersive itineraries through the Mediterranean. With 11 ships total, Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Diamond Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Majestic Princess, Ruby Princess and Sky Princess also sail to these transformative regions.

Immersive Itineraries sail roundtrip from Adelaide , Athens , Barcelona , Brisbane , Fremantle ( Perth ), Melbourne , Rome (Civitavecchia), Seattle , San Francisco , Southampton ( London ), Sydney and Tokyo ( Yokohama ).

Ocean Crossings – Sailing the Oceans Blue from One Continent to Another Like a true seafarer, Ocean Crossings weave the continents of the world together, calling to some of the most revered sites and cities, diverse cultures, cuisines and exotic destinations. Onboard, Princess guests enjoy a host of modern luxuries, personal and attentive service, award-winning cuisine, worldclass entertainment, amenities and more.

With Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific crossings, these voyages are the perfect prologue to a renowned Princess World Cruise and offer the perfect mix of sea days, a chance to see the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, and far-reaching destinations like Casablanca , Ponta Delgada (Azores) and Antigua .

With 26 itineraries, ranging in length from 13 to 24 days and nine ships – Caribbean Princess, Emerald Princess, Island Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Sky Princess, Star Princess and Sun Princess – guests cross hemispheres and travel through time east to west, and vice versa.

The new Star Princess, debuting in fall 2025, sails in October on a not-to-be-missed Iberian Passage crossing from Southampton to Ft. Lauderdale , offering ample time to explore and enjoy everything this exceptional vessel has to offer.

Ocean Crossings offer convenient domestic departures from Ft. Lauderdale , Honolulu , New York and Vancouver, BC . International departure ports include Barcelona , Southampton , Athens , Copenhagen and Rome .

Epic Voyages  have been designed for the beautiful ships of Princess to be the stage for guests to look out and experience the great wonders of the world. Onboard, every voyage offers enrichment programming with destination-specific events, speakers, productions and various celebrations and indigenous entertainment.

More information about Epic Voyages , including special offers, can be found here: https://www.princess.com/en-us/cruise-destinations/epic-voyages .

All 16 ships in the Princess fleet offer well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities.

No matter the cruise, Princess delivers a premium vacation with the line's award-winning, signature Princess MedallionClass experience which offers unparalleled service and personalization. Guests booking can take advantage of inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier which add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, desserts, fitness classes, crew gratuities and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

About Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean , Alaska , Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe , South America , Australia / New Zealand , the South Pacific, Hawaii , Asia , Canada /New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/medallionnet-max-enhanced-connectivity-elevates-princess-cruises-new-epic-voyages-302229635.html

SOURCE Princess Cruises

Starlink on cruise ships: Which lines have faster internet connections on board?

No matter how far your cruise roams, staying connected to the internet can be as important for some cruisers as oxygen and water. Whether you're keen on live-streaming penguins from your balcony on an Antarctica cruise, catching up on your favorite TV series or hopping on a Zoom call in the middle of the Pacific, connectivity and high-speed access are now considered essentials when cruising.

In the past, cruise lines struggled to keep up with the demand for seamless connectivity at sea. In the middle of an ocean, ships had to rely on satellite systems that could be unreliable, prohibitively expensive and maddeningly slow. Satellite systems allotted only so much broadband for each ship, and every ship carried thousands of people, each with multiple devices.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

A better solution was required. Enter Starlink, the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet. Part of Elon Musk's SpaceX program, Starlink now provides many cruise ships with bandwidth that can support streaming, online gaming, video calls and more worldwide. Starlink debuted in 2019 and has quickly revolutionized how hundreds of cruise ships provide internet access, boosting connectivity and capacity as ships roam the world.

Will your next cruise offer landlike Wi-Fi speeds? Here is everything you need to know about Starlink on cruise ships.

How does Starlink work?

Compared to standard communications satellites, which orbit from 22,000 miles away, Starlink's thousands of satellites orbit the atmosphere from about 340 miles above the Earth's surface. With much closer proximity to Earth, Starlink's data connections offer stronger and faster connections and provide the opportunity for more bandwidth on cruise ships.

The coverage of the Starlink satellites is extensive and growing, with more than 5,400 satellites currently in orbit and plans in future years to reach up to 42,000 satellites in orbit at once. Traditional satellite networks have a much more limited fleet and reach, especially in some of the ocean's most remote areas. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation, with near-complete coverage of all the world's oceans and waterways.

The Starlink system is affixed to ships as a series of flat panels positioned on upper decks, replacing the now antiquated domes often placed near the ship's funnel and radar masts.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

How fast is Starlink internet access?

Starlink's website estimates download speeds that range from 40 to over 200 Mbps and upload speeds that come in at 8 to more than 25 Mbps, with a latency of less than 99 milliseconds. These are wide-ranging estimates that don't factor in cruise ship-based throttling, cruise ship capacity, global positioning and the costs and challenges of outfitting a cruise ship with bow-to-stern Wi-Fi connectivity.

The industrial-strength steel frames and fireproof materials used throughout the ship make a strong, consistent signal throughout a cruise ship an industry-wide challenge. There will be patches on a ship, regardless of which line you're sailing, where you'll find a weaker signal. Signals are often at their strongest in the main public gathering areas.

Similar to traditional satellites, severe weather can be a factor in Starlink connections while at sea. Intense storms can bring temporary service interruptions or reduced speeds, while heavy rain or snowfall can cause signal attenuation, which might cause a brief loss of connectivity.

Cruises with Starlink

Here's a full rundown of all the major cruise lines sailing with the new Starlink technology. How much will the connectivity cost you? Check TPG's guide to Wi-Fi access on cruise ships.

Note: Starlink on cruises can be a white label service, depending on the line. While the cruise line might not advertise that it uses the new Wi-Fi technology, the list below will help to identify which lines are sailing with Starlink.

Azamara 's fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are three levels of bandwidth available: Social Wi-Fi (with access only to popular social media and airline websites), Value Wi-Fi (for email, news, weather, banking and other basic websites) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Basic Wi-Fi (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Cunard 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Essential (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line does not currently use Starlink Wi-Fi.

Holland America

Holland America offers fleetwide Starlink Wi-Fi. There are three levels of bandwidth available: Surf (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging), Premium (for Wi-Fi audio and video calls) and Stream (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Lindblad Expedition offers complimentary, basic Starlink Wi-Fi to all guests aboard their ships, with the exception of Delfin II. There are two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: Enhanced (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is currently rolling out Starlink throughout its fleet, with two-thirds of the line's ships currently sailing with the upgraded service. The ships in the fleet that do not have the service include MSC Opera and MSC World Europa (both will receive Starlink in the coming weeks) and MSC Armonia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Splendida (scheduled to receive Starlink before the summer 2024 season.)

There are two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: the Browse Internet Cruise Package (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and the Browse & Stream Cruise Package (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is currently rolling out Starlink throughout its fleet this year, with select ships presently sailing with the upgraded service. Currently, the ships with upgraded internet include Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Pearl.

NCL offers two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: the Unlimited Wi-Fi Package and the Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package. As part of the line's Free at Sea promotion , guests can receive a limited number of Wi-Fi minutes for free.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi on all its ships and will have its entire fleet outfitted with the service by the end of 2024. Oceania Cruises offers fleetwide basic complimentary internet with a premium option available for streaming.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises ' fleet features MedallionNet, the only Wi-Fi network in the cruise industry that combines multi-orbit satellites — Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Mid-Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO/Starlink) with 5G terrestrial networks to deliver a strong connection regardless of ship location. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Starlink Wi-Fi can currently be found on two Regent Seven Seas ships, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Grandeur. The entire Regent Seven Seas fleet will be equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi by the end of 2024. There are two levels of bandwidth available on Regent Seven Seas: A complimentary basic package for emails and news and an upgraded package for streaming services and high-bandwidth usage that's available for a fee.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Seabourn offers fleetwide complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Standard Internet (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Internet (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage). Your suite and ship class determine which option you receive at no extra charge. Upgrades in service are available for an additional fee.

Viking 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at no additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth, though the line advises users that it can limit heavy-bandwidth usage to ensure all have equal access.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at no additional cost. The included plan allows for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging. There is an upgraded Premium bandwidth option available for streaming and high-bandwidth usage for an additional fee.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Cruise Passenger Dies After Falling Over Balcony Onto Lower Deck, Virgin Voyages Says

The virgin voyages ship, valiant lady, left miami on sunday for roatan, honduras, when the incident occurred, published april 4, 2023.

A passenger aboard a Virgin Voyages cruise ship died after falling over their balcony shortly after departure, a spokesperson said.

The ship, Valiant Lady, left Miami on Sunday for Roatan, Honduras, when the incident occurred.

"On Sunday, shortly after departure there was a medical emergency involving one of our passengers," the cruise line company said in an emailed statement. "This passenger went over their balcony onto a lower deck, and despite receiving immediate medical attention, has passed away."

24/7 New York news stream: Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are

Business Insider reports that the passenger, who has not been identified, fell onto another person. The spokesperson for Virgin Voyages said in their statement that the second person was not seriously injured.

Read the full story on NBCNews.com

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