23 August 2024
Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady made her UK debut today, with Portsmouth International Port the first port in the world to welcome all three Virgin Voyages vessels.
Resilient Lady, the third ship to join the Virgin Voyages fleet has officially arrived in the UK for the first time – and the global brand is back in Portsmouth, where it all began.
Portsmouth’s strong relationship with Virgin Voyages began in 2021, when they launched their first ship Scarlet Lady from the historic city. This was followed by sister ship Valiant Lady in 2022 and today’s arrival of Resilient Lady marks a milestone for the partnership, with Portsmouth now the first port to welcome all three ‘ladies’.
Andrew Williamson, head of cruise and ferry at Portsmouth International Port, 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.
“The warm welcome cruise ships receive from residents is what keeps these iconic brands coming back, with our unique harbour providing the perfect viewing spot for arrivals and departures. Tonight’s late departure will be no different, with Victorious festival goers being treated to a special Portsmouth message from Resilient Lady as she sails past at the end of the evening.”
Resilient Lady sets sail later this evening on a four night voyage to Amsterdam. She will arrive back into Portsmouth on Tuesday (27 August) morning with regular sailings throughout September taking passengers to Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Lisbon, Bordeaux, Ibiza, Malaga, and more, plus a special Celebration Voyage with guest appearances from Richard Branson and Boy George.
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.”
2024 will see Portsmouth welcome thousands passengers to the port during its busiest cruise season yet. Many will begin their journey through the new cruise terminal extension, or stop off as a port of call to explore the city’s world class attractions. Each cruise call generates £1.5million to Portsmouth’s economy, with profits from the council-owned port going directly back in to local services and supporting the city’s tourism.