Virgin Voyages unveils its third cruise ship – Resilient Lady, which will be based in Athens

Virgin Voyages has unveiled its third ‘lady ship’, which will be named Resilient Lady and is scheduled for completion on July 1, 2022.

Her home port will be Athens, Greece, from where she will offer two ‘dreamy’ European itineraries.

One will be a Greek isles itinerary where passengers ‘can immerse themselves in Greek history and culture in Athens before island-hopping to Santorini, Rhodes, Crete and Mykonos’.

Virgin Voyages has unveiled its third ‘lady ship’, which will be named Resilient Lady and is scheduled for completion on July 1, 2022

The Greek isles itinerary will feature an overnight stay in Mykonos, offering passengers (‘Sailors’ in Virgin Voyages-speak) ‘a premier location and tender access to the picturesque promenade’.

The other voyage will be around the Adriatic, with a few Greek islands thrown in for good measure.

Virgin Voyages said: ‘Sailing out of Athens, sailors will spend their second day at sea before docking in Dubrovnik (that’s King’s Landing to most people) the following morning.

Resilient Lady’s home port will be Athens, pictured, from where she’ll operate ‘dreamy’ Mediterranean and Adriatic voyages

‘With a 2.00am departure from Dubrovnik, sailors will be afforded plenty of time to experience the rich history of Croatia during the day and take part in the active nightlife along the Adriatic Sea before scenic sailing to Kotor, Corfu and Argostoli.’

The cruise line added: ‘The introduction of Resilient Lady arrives on the heels of International Women’s Day, which is symbolic of the spirit of our Lady Ships and is in celebration of women and their achievements, strength, leadership and resilience.

‘And like our futures, Resilient Lady’s is bright, too — with plans to set sail through Europe to some of the most unbelievable destinations in the world. Places we’ve been dreaming about all year.’

Virgin Voyages first ship, the adults-only 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady, was launched in Dover last year (above)

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, said: ‘Sailing in the Med is such an extraordinary experience, and we’re so excited to bring the adventure of a Virgin Voyage to this beautiful place. I’m so proud of the incredible work the team has accomplished to introduce Resilient Lady.’

Tom McAlpin, CEO and President of Virgin Voyages, said: ‘Welcoming Resilient Lady to our fleet and revealing these amazing itineraries sets the tone for the most memorable summer voyage. We know the time to travel is on the horizon, and Virgin Voyages is here so that we can keep dreaming of irresistible vacations ahead.’

Swanky: The interiors of Scarlet Lady were masterminded by a team of top designers, including Tom Dixon

Virgin Voyages first ship, the £550million adults-only 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady, was delivered on February 14 last year, but the pandemic delayed her maiden voyage for fare-paying passengers. The plan now is for a soft-launch debut sailing in July and another, more formal maiden voyage at a later date.

The other July event for Virgin Voyages – all being well – will be the delivery of its second ship, Valiant Lady.

The 17-deck Scarlet Lady was unveiled in Dover by Sir Richard himself, with photographs revealing some of the vessel’s standout features, including marble-clad bathrooms, spacious suites, grand spiral staircases, elegant cocktail bars and an outdoor running track.

A view of the outdoor running track on the Scarlet Lady, with prime sea views

The interiors of the adult-only ship were masterminded by a team of top designers, including Tom Dixon.

The Roman and Williams design studio, known for its work with notable celebrity residences and eye-catching hotels like The Standard High Line in New York City, also got on board with the cruise project.

Virgin Voyages’ fleet will eventually comprise four ships, with the final vessel as-yet-unnamed.

The line describes its offering as being ‘where superyacht design and your dream destinations meet’.

For more visit virginvoyages.com.