Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, Resilient Lady, officially set sail from Melbourne, Australia on her Aussie MerMaiden voyage on December 11, 2023. The adults-only cruise ship is sailing a 5-day voyage to Tasmania.
Before the embarkation, Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson himself hosted a sail away party on the ship’s pool deck to see the Sailors off with a celebratory Champagne toast.
Branson said, “Australia has always held a special place in my heart and I’m so thankful for the warm welcome Australia has provided us. We are so excited to show you Resilient Lady and we’re determined to make waves Down Under with this new way of cruising.”
Branson also welcomed the Melbourne media during a press conference aboard Resilient Lady. He talked about Virgin Voyages long-term commitment to Australia and the South Pacific. Branson also visited Resilient Lady’s laboratory-like Test Kitchen Restaurant to demonstrate his culinary skills while residential entertainer, foodie and former “My Kitchen Rules” contestant Jake Harrison perfected his Aussie Lamington.
Resilient Lady’s Aussie MerMaiden voyage is the first of seventeen voyages Down Under for Virgin Voyages. Her inaugural season in the area will consist of two- to fourteen-night voyages with ports of call in destinations like Tasmania, New Zealand’s Fjords, and Australia’s southern coast.
Virgin Voyages has already announced its return to Australia and New Zealand in December 2024 and has also added nine new ports of call for its second season.