Celebrating One Year of Resilient Lady

Last week marked a significant milestone for Virgin Voyages as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of Resilient Lady’s MerMaiden voyage. Launched from Athens, Greece on May 14th, 2023, Resilient Lady has quickly become a favorite among Virgin Voyages fans with new entertainment and ports all across the globe.

Following the delivery in late 2022, the ship embarked on her inaugural season in May 2023. Departing from the port of Piraeus, adjacent to Greece’s capital city Athens, Resilient Lady presented a selection of seven-night cruises to the Greek Isles, Turkey, and Croatia. These itineraries continued until October 2023. Find out more ship information about Resilient Lady here.

A Grand Voyage to Australia

On October 22nd, 2023, Resilient Lady embarked on a historic 45-day journey from Athens to Sydney, kicking off the summer season in Australia. This epic voyage, divided into three legs, saw the ship visiting some of the world’s most exciting destinations. The final leg culminated in a grand celebration in Sydney on December 4th, marking Virgin Voyages’ debut in the region. The celebrations continued with the open ship night inviting Austrlian guests and media on board on December 5th.

Exploring Ports Around the Globe

Throughout this journey, Resilient Lady offered passengers the opportunity to explore over 15 ports, including overnight stays in Mumbai, Port Said (Cairo), Kuala Lumpur, and Sydney. This allowed for deeper cultural immersion and unforgettable experiences.

• Greece: Starting from Athens, the journey included stops in Santorini and Rhodes, showcasing Greece’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
• Egypt: Passengers marveled at the Pyramids and Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and sailed through the Suez Canal.
• Dubai: Known for its opulence, Dubai offered attractions like the Burj Khalifa and desert safaris.
• India: Stops in Mumbai and Goa highlighted India’s vibrant culture and diversity.
• Sri Lanka: An overnight stay in Colombo allowed travelers to experience the island’s ancient temples and lush landscapes.
• Thailand: A stop in Phuket provided serene beaches and lush scenery.
• Malaysia: Port Klang offered a gateway to Kuala Lumpur, with its iconic Petronas Towers.
• Singapore: The vibrant city-state of Singapore enchanted visitors with its gardens, street food, and modern architecture.
• Indonesia: Bali’s stunning beaches and vibrant arts scene were a tropical haven.
• Australia: Stops in Darwin, Cairns, and Airlie Beach showcased Australia’s unique wildlife and breathtaking coastlines.

Adjusting to Global Events

In early 2024, escalating tensions in the Red Sea region led to a significant rerouting of Resilient Lady’s planned voyages. Instead of passing through the Suez Canal, the ship embarked on a unique journey around Africa. This new route included stops in Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia, Cape Verde, Morocco, Spain, and Greece, offering sailors an unexpected adventure. New routes were announced from San Juan to fill the season.

Meetup with her Sister, Scarlet Lady

As Resilient Lady and Scarlet Lady concluded their latest crossings, they met near Spain on May 3rd, 2024. Resilient Lady sailed from Sydney, while Scarlet Lady completed a Transatlantic journey from Miami.

Looking Ahead

As Resilient Lady completes her first year, she continues to offer exciting new itineraries. After another season out of Athens, the ship is set to debut in the Caribbean later this year following the cancellation of the 2024/2025 Australian season. Sailing from Miami and San Juan, she will visit destinations like Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, and Cartagena de Indias.

Additionally, Resilient Lady will explore Northern and Western Europe, with a return of the brand to Portsmouth, UK. By October, she will embark on a transatlantic journey to Miami, introducing new onboard entertainment to the US market.

As we celebrate Resilient Lady’s first year, we look forward to many more itineraries ahead. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from one of our favorite ships!