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Lady in waiting: Virgin Voyages postpones Resilient Lady launch to 2023

The imminent debut of Virgin Voyages’ third ship Resilient Lady will be delayed from July 2022 to an indefinite date in 2023 with the cruise line citing “current global challenges” for the change of launch date.

The imminent debut of Virgin Voyages’ third ship Resilient Lady will be delayed from July 2022 to an indefinite date in 2023 with the cruise line citing “current global challenges” for the change of launch date.

Virgin Voyages informed its crew that worldwide challenges affecting travel and particularly the cruise industry, such as supply chain issues, crewing shortages, COVID-testing restrictions and regional uncertainty in Eastern Europe, contributed to the delay.

The cruise line further stated that there is no current launch date set for Resilient Lady’s ‘MerMaiden Voyage’ however, the first commercial sailing departure is now 23 May 2023.

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Virgin Voyages will reimburse cruise customers impacted by the delay up to $500 per person for any incremental air or travel costs as well as provide 200 per cent future cruise credit, or a full refund for the amount paid plus 25 per cent in future credit.

For guests who have incurred airfares over $500, the company will assess on a case-by-case basis.

The deferred debut of Resilient Lady will also affect the crew set to join the cruise ship with the company to update staff in the next few weeks.

The delay will not impact spots for ship employees returning to Virgin Voyages’ other two ships, Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, although the start dates may change.

Virgin Voyages received its first ship, the Scarlet Lady, in February 2020 during the start of the global pandemic. Scarlet Lady launched in August 2021 followed by the debut of Valiant Lady in March 2022.

To find out more, head to virginvoyages.com