Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady debuted at the Portsmouth International Port on August 23, 2024. Her debut marks the first time all three Virgin Voyages’ ships have visited the same port. Virgin Voyages launched their first ship, Scarlet Lady, from Portsmouth in 2021, Valiant Lady followed in 2022, and now Resilient Lady in 2024 further solidifying the relationship between the port and the cruise line.
Shane Riley, Virgin Voyages’ vice president of UK and international sales, said, “We’re back in British waters once again, this time with a variety of short cultural stints and sunny adventure sailings to help Sailors escape the British weather. We first set sail from Portsmouth on our maiden voyage back in 2021, so we’re delighted to return this September and October.”
Resilient Lady is sailing at 4-night roundtrip voyage to Amersterdam and arriving back in Portsmouth tomorrow morning, August 27, 2024. Between August and October, she will sail three- to six-night roundtrip voayges caling on Amsterdam and Burges, Lisbon, Bordeaux, Casablanca, and the island of Ibiza as part of a 12-night voyage from Portsmouth to Spain and Morocco. She will also sail a special Celebration Voyage with guest appearances from Virgin Voyages’ founder Sir Richard Branson and Boy George.
Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Steve Pitt said, “We are so excited to have Virgin Voyages back in their UK home. Resilient Lady dominates the city’s skyline, and we can’t wait to host her here for the next month. To have such an internationally recognised brand become a regular caller to the port is a huge boost, and today’s maiden call further establishes the brilliant relationship we have built with the whole Virgin team over the last three years.”
Portsmouth International Port expects to welcome thousands of passengers in what will be its busiest cruise season yet. Whether they are beginning their cruise through the new cruise terminal extension or exploring the city during a port of call, each passenger helps to boost Portsmouth’s economy. The profits raised by the council-owned port go directly back to local businesses and support the city’s tourism.