MIAMI, FL – October 25, 2022 – Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s award-winning cruise line and the youngest fleet at sea, is welcoming its second ship, Valiant Lady, to the iconic Miami skyline, marking another major milestone for the growing brand. Valiant Lady joins her sister ship, Scarlet Lady, in PortMiami for her MerMaiden voyage on Sunday, Oct. 30. Launching its US-based operations just over one year ago, Virgin’s newest ship, Valiant Lady, will set sail from PortMiami, introducing new six- and eight-night itineraries including Roatan, San Juan and St. Croix, all with stops at the brand's exclusive Beach Club at Bimini on every voyage. The award-winning company – backed by Virgin Group, Bain Capital and a collective of blue chip investors – continues to make waves in the travel industry, elevating all there is to love about cruising with a new, exclusively adult and relaxed luxury experience. Often referenced as a boutique hotel at sea, Valiant Lady arrives on the heels of a record bookings month for the new brand, signaling the continued rise of the cruise industry to pre-pandemic volumes.
“It’s been wonderful to see our guests fall in love with sailing the Virgin way, and I’m so proud to welcome our second ship, Valiant Lady, to her winter home in PortMiami. When we launched this business more than seven years ago, we never imagined the challenges we’d have to overcome in the face of the pandemic. Thanks to our amazing Crew, we have come out strongly. Paired with the support of our guests and travel advisors, we have made our mark with more five-star reviews than any other cruise line. This is just the beginning for Virgin Voyages, and we have big plans for the future,” said Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages.
Valiant Lady’s first voyage from PortMiami is so exciting even Sir Richard Branson couldn’t resist and will join for the initial part of the sailing. Valiant Lady will embark on a new western Caribbean adventure, celebrating her milestone moment with a six-night voyage full of surprises and delights. Sailors can expect Halloween celebrations and a Guinness World Record attempt for the most mermaids in one place at the Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini.
“When I first had the idea of getting into cruising over 40 years ago, I could not have imagined where we are today. What the team at Virgin Voyages has created is beyond my wildest dreams. It's an incredible feeling to be welcoming Valiant Lady and the amazing crew on board to Miami and to have our two lady ships side by side in PortMiami. I can’t wait for everyone to have the chance to sail with us and enjoy a truly memorable holiday,” said Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group.
Valiant Lady is currently in route to Miami, crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and is set to arrive in the early hours of Sunday, Oct. 30. The ship will then make its Miami debut, setting sail from the brand's new homeport at Terminal V, a $160M, LEED Gold facility.
Visit www.VirginVoyages.com to book a cabin or to learn more about Virgin Voyages, or contact your First Mate (travel advisor).
About Virgin Voyages
Set Sail the Virgin Way with Virgin Voyages, the irresistible travel brand founded by Sir Richard Branson. Delivering epic vacations at sea, Virgin Voyages launched at the end of 2021. The brand's four Lady Ships – inspired by 50+ years of Virgin history -- include Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady. Designed for discerning travelers, Virgin Voyages offers relaxing, exclusively adult (18+) sailings. Working with a Creative Collective of the world’s most sought-after designers, performance artists and architects, Virgin Voyages delivers an enchanting boutique hotel at sea with fresh, elevated spaces that strike the perfect balance of nautical chic and glamour. Currently departing from the sun-soaked cities of Miami and Barcelona – and soon to include Athens, San Juan and Melbourne – the fleet offers itineraries to more than 100 awe-inspiring destinations across four continents. Virgin Sailors are spoiled for choice with 20 eateries offering Michelin-star culinary experiences all included, a festival-like line-up of entertainment, stylish and comfortable cabins, Rockstar Quarters, authentic and locally inspired shore excursions, and a dose of Vitamin Sea with well-being naturally intertwined throughout the experience. Promising to Create an Epic Sea Change for All, Virgin Voyages also puts sustainability front and center.
