Sir Richard Branson has been out and about ‘sailing’ the streets of London and handing out free cruise holidays. He gave out free Virgin Voyages cruises to 200 people. Branson cruised the streets in a bus decked out as Virgin’s Scarlet Lady ship along Oxford Street, Embankment and around Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square, before crossing Westminster Bridge to The London Eye. The surprise giveaway marks the start of Virgin Voyages' summer season in the Mediterranean. It is sailing itineraries such as 'Starry Nights in Greece & Croatia' and 'French Daze & Ibiza Nights.’ Branson also launches his first ever audiobook 'Losing and Finding My Virginity'. "Summer is a time for exploration and sailing the Med in style is the vitamin-sea everybody needs," Branson said. As well as free Virgin cruises, members of the public also received Virgin Points from rewards club Virgin Red. Virgin Points can be redeemed against flights, train travel, Virgin Experience Days and more. Starting in May, Virgin Voyages will have two ships based in Europe: Scarlet Lady is sailing from Barcelona while Resilient Lady cruises from Athens. In August, Resilient Lady will sail out of Portsmouth on a series of three- to six-night sailings to Amsterdam and Zeebrugge. 

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Virgin Voyages has launched an incentive programme called First Mate Loot for UK travel agents.  The scheme has been created in association with agent rewards and incentives provider My Booking Rewards (MBR). Now live, the First Mate Loot initiative offers cash pay-outs to UK travel agent First Mates who've successfully booked Sailors on a sailing. Once First Mates make a cruise booking they'll create an account on the First Mate Loot website (firstmateloot.com). They can then log the booking details and Virgin Voyages will verify and pay out the earnings. SJ Walker, UK Director of Sales at Virgin Voyages said: "It's not lost on us the tireless hard work our dedicated First Mates have put in.” “That's why we're thrilled to introduce the First Mate Loot initiative and offer cash pay-outs.” From now until 30 May, agents will receive £30 for Mediterranean or Northern Europe voyages departing on select 2024 and 2025 sailings. All other voyages will receive £10 per booking. Darren Pearson, CEO, My Booking Rewards, said: "We are delighted to bolster our cruise line offering for our agent members. Our agile technology will certainly support their drive to incentivise and reward agents across the UK and Ireland." 

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  Virgin Voyages, merely two weeks ago launched its Scarlet Summer Season Pass — bringing Sailors to the sea for a full month — an idea straight from the mind of Sir Richard Branson.   Since launch, Virgin Voyages has seen over 2,000 inquiries and voyages from Barcelona selling out in less than 48 hours. As such, Virgin Voyages is thrilled to announce the extension of the Summer Season Pass to Resilient Lady in the Adriatic Sea, visiting stunning Greek isles and Croatian coastal wonders. This extension offers even more travellers the opportunity to WFH this summer!   Sailors can take zoom calls from the private balcony overlooking the sea, with the fastest at-sea internet on the high seas. Starting at $9,990 USD for up to two Sailors, head here to find out more.   Itinerary highlights: Santorini, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Bodrum, Kotor

Virgin Voyages is aiming to lure home workers and digital nomads with a month-long remote worker deal. The ‘Scarlet Summer Season Pass’ is targeting remote workers for a month sailing the Mediterranean on Scarlet Lady – on four back-to-back cruises. There is a choice of four dates available between June-September this summer. “No longer does working from home mean being tied to a desk or home office and eating leftovers for lunch,” said Virgin Voyages CEO, Nirmal Saverimuttu. Ports of call include Cannes, Ibiza, Mallorca and Ajaccio, Corsica. To sweeten the deal Virgin is offering a free upgrade to its Premium Wi-Fi package. “I’ve never thought of work and play as two different things, it’s all just living. We want to give Sailors that same opportunity, to travel while working aboard our ships,” said Virgin founder, Richard Branson. 

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Virgin Voyages won’t be returning down under next winter for a second season of Australia cruises. It doesn’t expect a quick end to the conflict amid increased tensions across the Red Sea region. “Based on the regional and government advice we have received, we remain very concerned about potential escalations in the Red Sea over the next 12 months,” the cruise line says. It means it will scrap Resilient Lady’s late 2024 and early 2025 repositioning voyages between Europe and Australia and a second sailing season in Australia. The situation ‘puts unacceptable risks for safe passage through the region for our Sailors, crew and vessel.’ “As a result, we have been left with no choice but to cancel our 2024/25 voyage season plans for Resilient Lady.” Instead, Resilient Lady will now complete its Mediterranean season on October 20, 2024. From there, the ship will sail to San Juan, Puerto Rico for a new Caribbean season offering 7, 8, 10 and 11-night voyages. It will visit St. Maarten, St. Vincent, Colombia, and Dominica. “We are currently working through options to return to Australia and the Asia Pacific region once regional repositioning opportunities become more tenable.” "Virgin Voyages was embraced by the Australia and New Zealand markets with a warm welcome and celebrated an extremely successful inaugural season,” Virgin added. "These adjustments are happening now in order to minimise potential future disruption to our passengers' holiday plans.” Impacted customers have the option to rebook another voyage or opt for a full refund. 

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Virgin Voyages has announced a major rerouting for Resilient Lady’s repositioning cruise due to the current conflict in the Middle East. Concerned about potential escalations in the Red Sea region, Virgin has announced a major detour for the ship departing Australia on March 27. Now leaving from Sydney, the repositioning cruise will sail around the coast of Africa. It will firstly call at Eden and Fremantle (Perth) in Australia and then Mauritius en route to Africa. After Durban and Cape Town calls, Resilient Lady sails up the western Africa coast with a port call at Walvis Bay (Namibia) and Praia (Cape Verde) before stops in Tenerife, Casablanca, Barcelona and Valletta (Malta). The ship then calls at Santorini and Piraeus (Athens) in Greece. Guests wishing to cancel have the option of a future cruise credit or a full refund. All travel agent commissions will be protected, Virgin said. “Virgin Voyages is now conducting a full review of other geographically similar repositioning voyages and linked sailings,” the cruise line said. “We will provide an update in the coming weeks on any further changes we will need to make.”   

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Virgin Voyages is introducing 21 new ports in 2025 across its three ships, Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady. They span all regions of the globe, from Reykjavik, Istanbul, George Town (Grand Cayman) and Muscat (Oman). "Our loyal Sailors have asked for more choices – so we've listened. We're excited to announce almost two dozen fresh itineraries,” said Shane Riley, Vice President of UK / International Sales. With the port network expansion, Virgin Voyages' fleet will offer dozens of itinerary options to more than 100 destinations: Scarlet Lady will sail around Europe, offering six- to 15-night voyages. After travelling around southern Spain, Morocco, Florence, Rome and Mallorca, the ship returns to the brand's original home in Portsmouth and offer voyages to Reykjavik, Norway, Bordeaux, Ireland, Scotland and Cannes. Valiant Lady will continue to sail popular four- and five-night Caribbean cruise with some longer options to Grand Turk and Grand Cayman. Resilient Lady, currently based in Australia and New Zealand, will embark on the long-haul journey back to Athens with stops in Bali, Singapore, Phuket, Oman, Dubai and Santorini. Resilient Lady will then sail seven-night voyages and new 10- and 11-night itineraries that call at Istanbul, Mykonos, Dubrovnik and Crete. Virgin Voyages is offering a 70% off the second guest promotion. It also includes up to USD $600 Bar Tab, depending on the voyage length. It offers $100 for voyages of four nights or less up to $600 for voyages of 14+ nights. 

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Don't miss out on these epic deals and tools to help get your Sailors on board.

 

My Next Virgin Voyage Update

  The My Next Virgin Voyage enhanced onboard offer will will be changing soon. Get your Sailors onboard this month to take advantage of these incredible savings. Stay tuned for more details about the upcoming offer changes.        

Itineraries

  Some travelers plan ahead; others prefer a bit of spontaneity — and our 4 and 5 night long-to-extra-long weekenders are juuust right when your Sailors are in need of a last-minute or anytime reset.          

Itinerary Update

  We have made an itinerary update for our upcoming Australia, Bali & Singapore voyage, sailing on March 27th, 2024.   To ensure an optimal Sailor experience, we are adjusting our call times in Airlie Beach on March 31st from 9-4PM to 8-6PM giving your Sailors even more time to soak up the sun.   As always, if your Sailors have any questions at all, feel free to contact our Sailor Services Crew, or check out your account dashboard for more details.  

Tools and Guides

     

  In 2021 when we first emerged on the sea-ne, our first ship, Scarlet Lady, was awarded Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Pick for Best New Cruise Ship. We were thrilled, honored, and — well, the list goes on. So you can imagine our shock when Cruise Critic awarded Resilient Lady with the very same award this year — breaking its own rules since technically Resilient Lady isn’t “first” of its kind. But while Resilient Lady might look like Scarlet and Valiant Lady, they believed the experience, from the dining to the entertainment, was so markedly different and special, she was worth making a first-time exception for. Sea what Cruise Critic had to say about our newest lady ship…     “Resilient Lady isn't first in class, but it might be the best. Virgin perfected onboard entertainment in 2023, introducing fresh, eye-popping shows like Lola's Library and Persephone. The ship's 2023 Eastern Mediterranean itineraries match its beachy vibe, and the detox-retox atmosphere carries over to ports like Santorini and Mykonos, thanks to exceptionally generous shore time. It should fit in just as well when it heads Down Under later this year.”       “Modern food and flavors, done exceptionally well – and with all specialty restaurants included: That’s what you get throughout the Virgin Voyages’ fleet. Whether you crave Mexican or Italian, ramen or poke, vegan or Korean, tapas or a tasting menu, you’ll find it onboard, at no extra cost. Virgin has the pulse on what people want, with a creative spin that keeps us coming back for seconds and thirds.”       “Virgin Voyages is lightyears ahead of the pack when it comes to cruise entertainment. But don't expect microwaved jukebox musicals. Instead, Virgin scouts acts from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and works with underground theaters in NYC to create something all-new at sea. Intimate venues quite literally immerse passengers in some shows, and the effortlessly diverse casts further the line's come-as-you-are ethos.”

Virgin Voyages has announced Michelle Bentubo as new Chief Operating Officer. The appointment makes her one of few female cruise industry leaders responsible for all operations at a major cruise line. Bentub brings 30+ years of travel and operations experience, along with seven years at Virgin Voyages in senior-level roles. She will lead the company's end-to-end operations. "I'm thrilled to have Michelle in this critical role for us at this important time in our growth plans," said Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages' newly appointed CEO. "I couldn't think of a better leadership mentor for all our crew, especially our future women leaders." Bentubo joined Virgin Voyages team in 2016 as VP of Technology and Operations, previously holding executive roles at Bank of America and Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line. Bentubo played an integral role in implementing the technology framework for both shipboard and shoreside teams. She then took on leadership of the company's customer service, terminal operations and people and culture organizations. Most recently as SVP of Service Excellence, Travel Operations, Crew Training and Experience, Bentubo has been leading all activities, from booking to boarding. As COO, Bentubo will be overseeing every touchpoint of the brand's end-to-end operations. This includes service delivery, port functionality, marine and technology, customer service, digital platforms, change management and business transformation.

 

Award-Winning Virgin Voyages Amplifies Eat & Drink Festival with Two-Month Culinary & Cocktail Showcase

 

Michelin-starred chefs and award-winning mixologists bring limited-time events to the high seas for the second year in a row

  Virgin Voyages is calling seasoned foodies and travelers craving a delicious getaway to celebrate the brand’s second annual Eat & Drink Festival. Spanning across two months, this culinary and cocktail showcase aboard Richard Branson’s travel fleet promises exciting international flavors, unique pairings, and incredible bites all brought to life through the brand's award-winning food and beverage offerings.   This August and September, Sailors aboard Virgin Voyages’ three ships - Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady - can sink their teeth into a series of gastronomic events created by the brand’s Culinary Collective and brought to life by the talented chefs aboard each vessel. From multi-course dinners and wine pairings to chef-led demos, ship-wide bar experiences, healthy walkabouts and special amuse bouches to start any meal in style, Sailors are sure to be surprised and delighted with the event line-up and special chef appearances.   Back for the second consecutive year are culinary powerhouses including Brad Farmerie, Sohui Kim, Eric Kim Haugen, Matt Lambert, Silvana Salcido Esparza, Waki Ng and Virgin Voyages’ very own Chef Levi Mezick, along with legendary mixologists Charles Joly, and Miami beverage creators Unfiltered Hospitality and Cocktail Cartel. Joining the festivities for the first time ever are:  

• George Motz, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, author and producer called the foremost authority on hamburgers by The New York Times.
• The Taste Curators: Lish Steiling and Abbey Cook, cookbook authors and a wife duo who inspire joy by showcasing the connections between food, fashion and color. A former “Chopped” champion, Lish has worked for The Today Show, Vanity Fair, The Food Network and Epicurious. Abbey is a color and trend forecaster who’s worked for Malhia Kent, Martha Stewart, Doneger Group and Cotton Incorporated.
• The Couple’s Kitchen: James Briscione and Brooke Parkhurst, who opened their first restaurant, Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano, in Pensacola, FL. Brooke is both Wine Director and Director of Marketing. Prior to opening the restaurant, James was a Food Network personality with multiple wins on “Beat Bobby Flay.”
• Effie Panagopoulos, the first Greek woman in history to start a liquor brand: KLEOS Mastiha Spirit, a premium liqueur made with mastiha, an ancient Greek superfood found only in Chios.
• Mark Farrell, the founder of Ten to One Rum who was born in Trinidad & Tobago before attending MIT, the University of Cambridge and finally Harvard Business School. He created Ten to One, which is grounded in authentic elements of Caribbean culture and heritage.
• Burnt Sage out of Barcelona, a dynamic consulting firm that emerged in 2021 from the fusion of two rival bars in Barcelona: Lilith & Sons and Kyoudai 33.
• Miami’s Finest, including Danilo Bozovic of Swizzle, Robert Valls of The Sylvester, Arnoldo Ferrer of Cafe La Trova and Naren Young of Sweet Liberty.
• Barcelona’s Finest, including Marta Calero of Piñata Cocktail Cantina, Baptiste Etcheverry of Lilith & Sons, Ivan Di Giovanni of Marlowe and Ana Michel Alves Martínez of Collage Cocktail Bar.

  Virgin Voyages is also collaborating with its time-honored beverage partners  Intelligentsia, JoJo Tea and Filthy Food to host hands-on events for Sailors during the Eat & Drink Festival. This year’s line-up includes more than 30 special activations including two anchor events and dedicated happenings aboard each ship.   Fresh off a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” win for its 1920s-inspired steakhouse, The Wake, Virgin Voyages continues to draw Sailors back with its elevated food & beverage and impeccable service. The new brand – less than two years old – recently swept the Cruise Critic 2023 Cruisers’ Choice Awards, taking home a win for best dining, a pillar of the on-board experience and revered in Sailor reviews and editorial articles alike. Pink Agave, the brand’s Mexican eatery known for serving up authentic street food in a sleek Tom Dixon-designed space, also won best dining venue in TravelAge West’s recent WAVE Awards. Given the success of its Michelin-inspired menus, six signature eateries and unique ever-evolving menus, Virgin Voyages is proving that the reimagined cruise dining concept is here to stay.   Sailors wanting a taste of the Eat & Drink Festival will receive a $300 Bar Tab when they book voyages during August and September. To reserve a cabin or to learn more about Virgin Voyages’ special F&B events, visit www.VirginVoyages.com or contact your First Mate (travel advisor).   Fleet-Wide Events  

• Anchor Event: Taste of The Galley - Sailors can let their inner foodies run wild in The Galley, the chic food hall dreamt up to defy the traditional cruise buffet. Every sea day between 4 and 7 p.m., The Galley transforms into a gastronomic showcase offering a diverse array of flavors from all around the world. From Chef Matt Lambert comes a Meaty Boy Sandwich at Virgin Voyages’ 24-hour Diner & Dash while Chef Waki Ng delivers a flavor-packed punch with his Hiyashi Chuka, (Japanese cold soba noodles) at Noodle Around. Cost: Included
• Anchor Event: Seven Sea Sippers - An elevated bar crawl disguised as a cocktail treasure hunt comes alive in Seven Seas Sippers. Following a map Captain Jack Sparrow would be impressed with, Sailors embark on an adventure across the ship. Along their route, they’ll explore popular watering holes, taste seven distinct cocktails or mocktails and earn stamps to earn a shot at claiming a secret treasure. Cost: $9-15 per cocktail
• Razzle Dazzle by Night - Teased during last year’s Eat & Drink Month, this elevated dining concept at Razzle Dazzle is back and here to stay. Designed by Food Network’s Chef Eric Kim Haugen, the new menu at this eatery is anything but black & white like its signature WWI-inspired design. Featuring veggie-forward dishes and reimagined American classics like a short rib pastrami and Nashville hot cauliflower, Razzle Dazzle by Night has quickly become a Sailor favorite. Paired with a fresh drink menu from Miami’s Cocktail Cartel Co., the curated libations are not to be missed. Cost: Included
• Amuse Bouche at Signature Eateries - Specially crafted by the talented chefs in Virgin Voyages’ Culinary Collective, these unique and inventive bouches are the perfect beginning to an unforgettable culinary journey. Cost: Included
• Flavors Uncorked - Hosted at The Wake, Virgin Voyages’ glamourous steak & seafood eatery, Flavors Uncorked is a five-course dinner menu by Michelin-starred Chef Brad Farmerie. This decadent dining experience comes complete with Champagne, oysters two ways and a grilled Tomahawk steak, all paired with wines to amplify the flavor profiles. Cost: $125/Sailor or $250/two Sailors
• Path of Negroni - An Italian classic made with a combination of Campari, sweet vermouth and gin, the Negroni a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication that’s enamored bartenders worldwide. Its endless adjustable template has inspired the Negroni Family Tree, giving mixologists – and now Sailors – the freedom to explore & create their own variations. Cost: $50/Sailor
• Juice Walk - Virgin Voyages’ detox and retox concept comes alive with Juice Walk, a traveling juice bar walkabout weaving Sailors through the ship’s can't-miss juice and smoothie spaces. Designed to get Sailors active & engaged, the multi-stop workout led by The Balancer travels across the ship and features built-in recovery stops. During these delicious breaks, Sailors can sip & savor healthy fruit & veggie-forward libations while mingling with fellow Sailors. And for those who complete the circuit, there may be a “naughty” bevvy waiting. Cost: $25/Sailor

  Events by Ship   Scarlet Lady  

• Let's Mushroom Around - This interactive, demo-style cooking class gives Sailors the opportunity to discover the techniques behind two of Virgin Voyages’ most iconic mushroom-inspired dishes: The Test Kitchen’s Mushroom Mousse and Razzle Dazzle’s Mushroom Tartare. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Bubbles & Bites a Champagne and Fried Chicken Affair - Like the iconic duos of peanut butter & jelly or macaroni & cheese, savory fried chicken was meant to be enjoyed with Champagne… or so we’re saying. During this delightful and surprising pairing, Sailors will sample three luxurious Champagne varieties followed by a crispy and savory fried chicken. Cost: $45/Sailor
• Rum Runners - Follow the tales of rum and its unlawful origins in a tasting experience temming with fascinating history, intriguing characters, and expert craftsmanship (plus daring pirate tales and prohibition anecdotes on the side). Cost: $35/Sailor
• Shot for Shot - During this interactive beverage class hosted in The Test Kitchen, Sailors will drink and click their way to a whole new level of self-expression: making four signature cocktails and snapping the perfect Insta-worthy photo. Cost: $50/Sailor
• Miami's Finest: Bar Takeover - We’re bringing the best of Miami's bar scene to the sea for an exclusive (and unprecedented) collaboration that pushes the boundaries of mixology curated by Unfiltered Hospitality. Cost: Varies per Cocktail
• Chef Cooking Demo: Eric Kim Haugen - During this chef demo, Eric will demonstrate his vegan version of Nashville hot chicken using cauliflower accompanied by butterhead lettuce, pickled vegetables and plant-based ranch. Eric will be on-board Aug. 9. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Waki Ng - With more than 20 years of experience, award-winning Waki specializes in contemporary sushi preparation and original ramen creations. Now at the helm of Shinka Ramen & Sake in New York City, Waki will show Sailors how to prepare Hiyashi Chuka, or Japanese cold soba noodles. Waki will be on-board Aug. 14. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: George Motz - Recognized by The New York Times and Eater LA as the ultimate hamburger authority, George brings his skills to the high seas, teaching Sailors to create his famous Motz burgers, washed down with a refreshing Heineken lager. George will be on-board Aug. 23. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Matt Lambert - Known for his restaurant Rodd & Gunn, Michelin-star chef Matt Lambert created the original menu for The Test Kitchen and is back to wow Sailors yet again with an on-board cooking demo. They’ll create a tuna red pepper tart with bonito custard and chili lime dressing. Matt will be on-board Sept. 20. Cost: $25/Sailor

  Valiant Lady  

• Let's Get Choco-Lit - A mix between chocolate worship and pastry workshop, this mouthwatering culinary demo is a treat for anyone who loves baked sweets. Sailors will awaken their inner chocolatier through the world of luscious flavors, rich textures and tantalizing aromas as they discover the art of making exquisite chocolate pralines and irresistible rocher treats. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Master The Art of (White) Wine - Swirl. Smell. Savor. In this sensory journey, Sailors will learn how to appreciate the nuances of white wine like a pro in a 60-minute wine-tasting class at The Wake. Cost: $45/Sailor
• Barcelona's Finest: Bar Takeover - We’re bringing the best of Barcelona’s bar scene to the sea for an exclusive (and unprecedented) collaboration that pushes the boundaries of mixology curated by Burnt Sage. Cost: Varies per Cocktail
• Chef Cooking Demo: Brad Farmerie - Known for the Big Apple’s Michelin-starred PUBLIC and Saxon+Parole, Farmerie created the limited-time Flavors Uncorked experience at The Wake. He also created a special heirloom tomato and cantaloupe gazpacho to demo for Sailors. Brad will be on-board Aug. 6. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Silvana Salcido Esparza - Featured in Esquire Magazine and on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Silvana created the menu at Pink Agave and is back to offer an interactive guacamole demo for Sailors. Silvana will be on-board Sept 3. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Matt Lambert - Known for his restaurant Rodd & Gunn, Michelin-star chef Matt Lambert created the original menu for The Test Kitchen and is back to wow Sailors yet again with an on-board cooking demo. They’ll create a tuna red pepper tart with bonito custard and chili lime dressing. Matt will be on-board Sept. 10. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Sohui Kim - Known for NYC’s The Good Fork, Insa and Gage & Tollner, Sohui Kim brings a taste of Korean tradition to the ships with her dynamic dumplings dish. Learn to make this delicious comfort meal at Gunbae, the only Korean BBQ at sea. Sohui will be on-board Sept. Cost: $25/Sailor

Resilient Lady  

• Acai What You Did There - During this demo at The Test Kitchen, Sailors will learn how to make a tempting açaí bowl with healthy toppings, the perfect blend of taste and nutrition for those with little time and a big sweet tooth. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Master The Art of (Red) Wine - Swirl. Smell. Savor. In this sensory journey, Sailors will learn how to appreciate the nuances of red wine like a pro in a 60-minute wine-tasting class at The Wake. Cost: $45/Sailor
• Shot For Shot - During this interactive beverage class hosted in The Test Kitchen, Sailors will drink and click their way to a whole new level of self-expression: making four signature cocktails and snapping the perfect Insta-worthy photo. Cost: $50/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Silvana Salcido Esparza - Featured in Esquire Magazine and on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Silvana created the menu at Pink Agave and is back to offer an interactive guacamole demo for Sailors. Silvana will be on-board Aug. 27. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Matt Lambert - Known for his restaurant Rodd & Gunn, Michelin-star chef Matt Lambert created the original menu for The Test Kitchen and is back to wow Sailors yet again with an on-board cooking demo. They’ll create a tuna red pepper tart with bonito custard and chili lime dressing. Matt will be on-board Sept. 3. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Sohui Kim - Known for NYC’s The Good Fork, Insa and Gage & Tollner, Sohui Kim brings a taste of Korean tradition to the ships with her dynamic dumplings dish. Learn to make this delicious comfort meal at Gunbae, the only Korean BBQ at sea. Sohui will be on-board Aug. 13.  Cost: $25/Sailo

  As the European summer season starts up, the much- anticipated debut of Virgin Voyages’ third ship, Resilient Lady, is here. As the newest Lady Ship to join the award-winning fleet, Richard Branson’s cruise travel brand is expanding its list of irresistible vacation destinations with Resilient Lady’s inaugural summer season from its new homeport in Athens, Greece. Designed exclusively for travelers 18+, Virgin Voyages’ ships were inspired by superyacht design, bringing glamour to the high seas with spaces designed by world-renowned architects and designers, including Tom Dixon and Concerte Amsterdam. With menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, the experience has quickly become a foodies paradise, featuring culinary influences from these new regions in the Med.   Resilient Lady makes her debut on May 14, 2023. The seven-night MerMaiden voyage (May 14-21) features the "Greek Island Glow" itinerary, which departs from Athens and includes stops in Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum and an overnight in Mykonos before returning to Athens. Also debuting this season is the “Adriatic Sea & Greek Gems” itinerary, visiting the most incredible spots in the Adriatic Sea by way of Croatia’s coastline, Greece’s glamorous islands, and a bay in the Balkans. This itinerary also includes a late-night stay in Dubrovnik, giving Sailors plenty of time to explore the scenic city during the day and take part in the vibrant nightlife.   “Virgin Voyages' delivers an amazing experience and has been recognized by hundreds of thousands of happy Sailors with the awards we’ve won for our service, food, design, entertainment and more," said Sir Richard Branson. “We have shown the world all that we have to offer when it comes to having the holiday of your dreams, and I can’t wait to show off our lovely new Resilient Lady in one of the most magical places in the world as she sails around the Greek Isles, Croatia, Turkey and more.”   “I’m thrilled this day is finally here and that Resilient Lady has officially joined our award-winning fleet,” said Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Since our launch just a few years ago, we have received the travel industry's top awards and have experienced a very high rate of return with up to 40% of our Sailors rebooking their next cruise while they’re still on-board with us. I know people are going to love voyaging with Resilient Lady as much as they have with Scarlet and Valiant Lady, and I look forward to sharing this five-star experience with even more Sailors this summer.”   In addition to exploring new destinations, together with its Creative Collective of the world’s best producers, including Randy Weiner (of Sleep No More and Queen of the Night), House of Yes and MISCHIEF, Resilient Lady will also debut incredible new entertainment, including five new shows, two all new soirées in The Manor, exclusive on-board parties, more live music acts and a festival stage of rotating performances.   Alongside entertainment, Virgin Voyages is also unveiling new and tasty food and beverage offerings. Razzle Dazzle After Dark is a menu curated in partnership with Chef Eric Haugen. To celebrate Resilient Lady’s launch, the brand is introducing “Opa Hour,” an ode to the Greek culinary tradition. Held in the Dock and Dock House on all three ships, Opa Hour will feature a Greek-inspired food and beverage menu in addition to the usual offerings.   Since the brand's launch in 2021, Virgin Voyages has earned a number of top awards in the consumer travel and cruise industry categories. Most recently, the brand took home all five awards in its category for this year's Cruisers’ Choice Awards with Cruise Critic. This includes Best Overall Cruise Line, Best Dining, Best Cabins, Best Service and Best Value for Money. On top of this awards sweep, Virgin Voyages was recently named on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Hot List, a curated list of the world’s best new cruises.   Staying close to the brand’s commitment to creating an Epic Sea Change for All, Virgin Voyages has partnered with two non-profit organizations: All for Blue and Urban Act. These partnerships include the brand’s participation in underwater and community clean-ups along with the composition of murals in Athens and in the Greek Islands, which are aimed at expressing the importance of sustainable tourism and preserving our oceans.   After its inaugural season in Greece, Resilient Lady will set off on a trans-continental voyage, arriving at Station Pier in Port Melbourne, Victoria, setting sail through Australia and New Zealand from Dec. 11, 2023 - March 27, 2024.