The adults-only vessel had a celebration party featuring celebrities like Thomas Grennan, Major Lazer, and Diplo
Virgin Voyages launched its second cruise ship, called Valiant Lady, with an exciting celebration party in the London International Cruise Terminal in Tilbury, Essex, on Friday.
This new vessel measures 278 meters long and can host up to 2,770 passengers. It is very similar to Scarlet Lady, the company’s first ship, and both follow the “adults-only” philosophy. The main difference between both cruises will be their itineraries.
The cruise line —owned by the billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson— wants to disrupt the industry and aims at a joyful adult audience. For the late-night party, Virgin Voyages teamed up with the radio station Capitan, invited the talented English singer Thomas Grennan and organized a line-up of famous DJs to play live onboard Valiant Lady that included international artists like Major Lazer and Diplo.
Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages said at the launch of Valiant Lady: “It was incredible to launch Virgin Voyages last year, so welcoming our second ship, Valiant Lady, here in the UK less than a year later is a very special moment for the entire Virgin Voyages family. After a tough two years, people are excited to explore the world again and it means a lot to us that we can help facilitate that.”
Virgin Voyages’s leaders are optimistic about the future of the cruise line and confident that the Valiant Lady will be a success. As part of the promotion campaign, the company also announced a new partnership with the superstar Jennifer Lopez, who will become a ship guardian and will work on the experience with design collaborations and entertainment co-creations as well as the wellbeing philosophy.
After the celebrations, the Valiant Lady will be heading soon to Belgium and then Barcelona. The company recently canceled a few departure dates scheduled for April, but it is expected to continue its routes the rest of the year and cruise by Italy, France, and Spain.
The Valiant Lady’s Amenities And Design
The Valiant Lady has the traditional amenities cruises have, but distinguishes it from other vessels in the market in design and rules. Just like the Scarlet Lady, it has a stunning interior, multiple restaurants, and a unique boutique hotel vibe.
Virgin Voyages’s Captain Marco Carsjens said for CNN: “I came from more traditionally designed ships, but Virgin Voyages is very different and actually quite out there from the exterior to the interior in comparison.”
Onboard, travelers will get free Wifi, they won’t have to dress up for dinner, will get elegant rockstar suits, and special attention from its 1,150 crew members. The vessel has 17 decks, a tattoo parlor, a boxing ring, a theater that turns into a dance floor, a guitar room, a giant hot tub on the pool deck, and drag queen brunches. Since it is an adults-only design, it does not include any children’s facility.
A Rough Start With A Promising Future
Virgin Voyages launched its first vessel, the Scarlet Lady, right before the pandemic in February 2020. Like all the travel industry, during the past two years, it has been affected by the strict covid restrictions and the consequences of the COVID-19.
Right before the launch celebration of the Valiant Lady, the company canceled three itineraries —departing 4, 15, and 18 April— previously scheduled for this vessel. Passengers affected were allowed to rebook and those who prefer a refund will get it, but it has already upset customers on social media.
However, the party was a success and the company remains very optimistic about the future of the cruise line. Virgin Voyages’ president, Nirmal Saverimuttu, told CNN: “There’s a lot of pent-up demand for travel.”
The company expects a very busy summer. According to a news report on their official website, in the last six months, Virgin Voyages has seen bookings surge by 174%. The company also expects to launch a third vessel, Resilient Lady, in 2023.
