Everything We Know About Valiant Lady’s Dry Dock
Valiant Lady enters dry dock today. Check out our full hub covering every confirmed update, upgrade, and change so far.
Valiant Lady’s scheduled dry dock has begun, with the ship arriving at Fincantieri Palermo for a wide range of updates across venues, outdoor decks, cabins, and technical systems.
Several changes have already been shared through Virgin Voyages’ dry dock presentation at the Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage, alongside later clarification on selected areas.
Here is everything we know so far about Valiant Lady’s May 2026 dry dock. All projects discussed are subject to change.
Dry Dock Key Dates
Valiant Lady departed Barcelona on May 9, 2026, and is due to arrive at Fincantieri Palermo today, May 11.
The ship is expected to remain in dry dock until dock flooding on May 23, before leaving the shipyard on May 24 and arriving in Civitavecchia on May 25.
Her first scheduled sailing after dry dock is the 6-night Amalfi Coast, Cannes & Ibiza itinerary departing Rome on May 25, 2026.
Ariya by Razzle Dazzle
One of the biggest confirmed changes is the arrival of Ariya by Razzle Dazzle, a new Indian dining concept coming to Valiant Lady.
The venue will continue to operate as Razzle Dazzle for breakfast and brunch, before transforming into Ariya in the evening.
The new concept was developed in partnership with Indie Culinaire and chef Maneet Chauhan, with a menu focused on regional Indian dishes, spice-led flavors, and a refreshed restaurant design.
Roundabout Refresh
Earlier details also confirmed updates to The Roundabout, one of the busiest central social spaces onboard.
The refreshed concept is expected to take inspiration from Brilliant Lady, where the area received improved seating, better viewing areas, and updates to nearby Draught Haus spaces.
Together with nearby venue changes, this suggests Virgin Voyages is refining how the ship’s central hub feels and functions.
Read More About Roundabout Changes
Grounds Club Too Upgrade
Grounds Club Too already exists on Valiant Lady, but the space is expected to be reworked during dry dock to match the newer concept seen on Scarlet Lady and Brilliant Lady.
That means the venue should become more than a daytime coffee spot, with a stronger day-to-night role inside The Galley.
The updated version serves Intelligentsia coffee during the day before transitioning into a more relaxed cocktail bar in the evening, with softer seating and a lounge-style feel.
Read More About Grounds Club Too
On The Rocks and Social Spaces
On The Rocks is also set for layout changes during dry dock.
The curved wall to the right of the band stand is expected to be removed, opening up the venue and creating a larger seating area for guests watching live music.
This should make the space feel less enclosed and improve how the venue works during busier evening performances.
The update sits alongside wider changes around the ship’s central social spaces, including refreshed Roundabout areas and nearby venue updates.
High Street Changes
Dry dock plans also point to changes around High Street, where selected retail concepts are expected to be adjusted.
This includes updates to VV branded retail and moving Squid Ink to better align with the layout already seen on Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady.
Nearby shop spaces are also expected to receive lighter updates as part of the wider refresh.
Read More About High Street Changes
Athletic Club and Open Deck Changes
The Athletic Club and surrounding open deck areas are expected to receive several updates during dry dock.
Plans include modified banquette seating, refreshed cushions, added shading, and surface work across selected areas.
It remains unclear whether Valiant Lady will receive a fuller Athletic Club update to match Brilliant Lady, or whether the work will focus on more targeted changes.
Triangle daybeds are also expected to be removed, following a similar change made during Scarlet Lady’s dry dock. These beds did not feature on Brilliant Lady, and their removal creates more flexibility around the pool deck.
Additional pool access steps are also planned, a change already seen on Scarlet Lady and Brilliant Lady.
Read More About Athletic Club Changes
Cabins, Suites and sailor Comfort
Cabins are expected to receive practical updates during dry dock, including carpet replacement and wider refresh work in selected areas.
Virgin Voyages has also shared plans for upgrades to around 1,400 power outlets across the ship.
Based on similar work seen on Brilliant Lady, these changes will likely introduce more USB-C charging points where cabins are being refurbished.
Suite bathrooms are also expected to receive marble flooring replacements.
Read More About Cabin Upgrades
The Mermaid Refresh
Valiant Lady’s iconic mermaid is also expected to be refreshed during dry dock as part of the wider exterior works.
Scarlet Lady received a refreshed mermaid during her own dry dock, so Valiant Lady may follow a similar path.
It remains unclear whether this will be a full redesign or a lighter refresh.
Read More About The Mermaid Refresh
Exterior and Technical Work
One of the largest projects is a full exterior repaint, including work below the waterline. Around 22,000 square meters of hull surface is expected to be cleaned back to bare metal before fresh coatings are applied.
Virgin Voyages also shared that more than 15,000 liters of paint and over 3 kilometers of masking tape will be used during the process.
The underwater hull is also expected to receive a new silicone-based coating designed to improve efficiency through the water.
Dry dock will also allow for wider engineering work including azipod maintenance, thrusters, stabilizers, lifeboat restoration, anchor work, and classification checks.
Read More About Major Projects
We’ll Be On Board After Dry Dock
VV Insider will be sailing on Valiant Lady at the end of May, where we’ll be bringing you a full video update covering everything that has changed following dry dock.
Source: Virgin Voyages dry dock presentation at the Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage, March 2026
