Virgin Voyages has canceled a total of four of its Resilient Lady sailings from its inaugural Australia and New Zealand program. They were scheduled to sail from Melbourne and Sydney to New Zealand in 2024.
The canceled cruises are due to feedback from Sailors and travel partners asking for more round-trip sailings within Australia.
“We received significant feedback from Sailors and travel partners about the voyages available, so we’re adjusting our sailing schedule to provide more round-trip sailings in Australia from Melbourne and Sydney,” Virgin Voyages said.
The canceled cruises ranged from ten to 12 nights in length and set to depart on January 23, February 2, February 14, and February 24, 2024, all sailing to and from New Zealand.
The cruises were all one-way between Melbourne and Auckland and included ports in Sydney, Hobart, Tasmania, Burnie, Wellington, and more.
Sailors who have had their cruise canceled will have their choice of refund method. They can choose between having their cruise fare refunded as a Future Voyage Credit along with a bonus credit based on their booked cabin category, or they can request a full refund of their cruise fare.
Resilient Lady entered service in May and is currently sailing around the Greek islands with calls in Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Montenegro. She will reposition to Australia in October marking the company’s debut in the Australia and New Zealand market.
She will reposition via the Middle East and Southeast Asia by sailing three different voyages from Athens to Dubai, Dubai to Singapore, and Singapore to Sydney.
Beginning in December, Resilient Lady will offer two- to 15-night cruises in the region. The itineraries will visit popular destinations like Tasmania, Queensland and New Zealand.
Resilient Lady is the third new build in Virgin’s Ladyship series and is identical to her sister ships. She boasts of 20 dining venues and many entertainment options. One highlight is The Manor, a two-story three-bar 1970s inspired space named after Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson’s first recording studio.