Virgin Voyages has announced the cancellation of four sailings from its inaugural Australia and New Zealand program onboard the Resilient Lady. The cancelled cruises were scheduled to take place between late January and early March 2024. The decision to cancel these sailings was made in response to feedback from booked guests and travel partners, and the company plans to adjust its sailing schedule to provide more round-trip sailings in Australia from Melbourne and Sydney.
The cancelled sailings were expected to range from ten to 12 nights in length and were scheduled to depart on Jan. 23, Feb. 2, Feb. 14, and Feb. 24, 2024. These cruises were planned as one-way trips between Melbourne and Auckland, offering visits to various ports in Australia and New Zealand, including Sydney, Hobart, Burnie, Tauranga, and Wellington.
Guests affected by the cancellations will receive a future cruise credit equivalent to the amount paid for the original cruise. Additionally, depending on the cabin category initially booked, they will receive a bonus credit. Passengers also have the option to request a full refund for the amount paid for the cancelled sailing.
The Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages’ new cruise ship, is set to debut in the Australia and New Zealand region later this year. Following its maiden season in the Eastern Mediterranean, the ship will reposition via the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It will then offer a series of two- to 15-night cruises in the Australia and New Zealand region starting in December. Departing from Melbourne, Auckland, and Sydney, the itineraries will include visits to popular destinations such as Tasmania, Queensland, and New Zealand.
The Resilient Lady, the third ship in Virgin’s Ladyship series, was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. It has a capacity of 2,770 guests and features 20 dining venues, as well as a variety of entertainment options. One of its highlights is The Manor, a two-story nightclub inspired by Virgin’s heritage in the music business and designed with a 1970s-style aesthetic.
