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Scarlet Lady Heading to Iceland? Virgin Voyages’ Ship Found In 2024 Port Listings

Virgin Voyages' inaugural ship, Scarlet Lady, set to dock in Reykjavik next year, according to port listings. The cruise line's new itineraries are likely to be confirmed next week.

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photography of white swan floating on water body, reykjavik skyline in the background
Virgin Voyages appears to be making their first voyages to Iceland in Summer 2024 © Photo by Evelyn Paris

Update 7 September 2023

With the announcement of 2024/2025 sailings it is now clear that Iceland sailings are not part of this coming season’s announcement.

It is unclear at this time if Virgin Voyages intend to sail to Iceland but the port listings mentioned in this article still remain live.

We will post any updates regarding Virgin Voyages’ plans in Iceland in the future once we get further confirmation.


In a recent development that further expands Virgin Voyages’ international reach, the cruise line’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, has been listed to dock in Reykjavik, Iceland for July and August in 2024. According to port schedules, the ship is expected to make its maiden journey to the Icelandic capital, marking a brand-new itinerary for the cruise line. While Virgin Voyages has yet to make an official announcement, the scheduling indicates a strategic expansion into northern Europe.

It’s worth noting, if these schedules are correct it may mean some already confirmed sailings on Scarlet Lady in Summer 2024 may need to be re-scheduled. It is also possible that Scarlet Lady is being used as shorthand in these schedules for a different Virgin Voyages ship.

Context and Significance

This revelation comes on the heels of a flurry of rumors surrounding the company’s other ships, Resilient Lady and the yet-to-launch Brilliant Lady. Last week, Virgin Voyages confirmed that both ships would appear in port schedules for Portsmouth, Amsterdam, and Norway. These new ports of call underscore the brand’s ambition to offer a wider array of destinations to its clientele.

Awaiting Confirmation

Virgin Voyages is expected to open the booking window for new itineraries on September 7, 2023. Industry analysts predict that the official confirmation of these new routes will follow shortly, given the information already available in the port listings.

What We’ve Found

It’s worth noting that the port listings indicating Scarlet Lady‘s scheduled stops in Reykjavik were uncovered through investigative work carried out by VV Insider ahead of any official announcements from Virgin Voyages.

The Icelandic port information is publicly available here.

A screenshot of a port schedule showing Scarlet Lady docking in Port of Reykjavík on 7, 8 and 9th of July 2024
A screenshot from the Port of Reykjavík schedules© Photo by VV Insider

Industry Implications

Virgin Voyages’ focus on northern Europe potentially marks a shift in the cruise industry towards less traditional, more adventurous routes. As more cruise lines look to diversify their itineraries, Virgin Voyages appears to be leading the charge in exploring relatively untapped markets.

The new routes could also open up a range of new shore excursions and onboard activities tailored to the Northern European climate and culture. This gives Virgin Voyages an opportunity to showcase their brand’s signature luxury and uniqueness, set against the backdrop of some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes.

What Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady Vacationers Can Except In Iceland

As Scarlet Lady appears to be preparing to cast anchor in Icelandic ports next summer, vacationers might be wondering what awaits them in the Land of Fire and Ice during the season of the Midnight Sun. Though official excursions have not yet been disclosed, Iceland’s summertime offers a plethora of unique experiences.

Idyllic landscape with a waterfall
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in Iceland© Photo by Robert Lukeman

Natural Wonders

Iceland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and summer is the ideal time to explore them. Expect lush green meadows, cascading waterfalls like Gullfoss, and active geysers, including the famous Strokkur. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa with mineral-rich waters reputed for their healing properties.

Wildlife and Marine Life

Summer is prime time for whale-watching, with minke whales, humpback whales, and orcas often seen off the coast. For bird enthusiasts, the cliffs become a haven for puffins. The adorable “clowns of the sea” are a sight to behold and provide excellent photo opportunities.

A puffin against a damp, grassy backdrop
Puffins are native to Iceland and can be seen by visitors in the Summer© Photo by Hari Nandakumar

Adventure Activities

Adventure-seekers will not be disappointed. The extended daylight hours mean more time for activities like hiking, horseback riding, and even glacier tours. With almost 24-hour daylight, you can make the most out of your trip without feeling pressed for time.

Cultural Experiences

Iceland’s rich Viking history is well-documented in numerous museums, including the Saga Museum in Reykjavik. Summer festivals celebrate everything from music and art to the traditional Viking heritage. Local food markets offer an array of Icelandic delicacies, such as fermented shark and Skyr, a yogurt-like dairy product.

gray wooden house near sea under white skies
An old farm in Vestrahorn, Iceland – seen here in the Winter© Photo by Gigi

Getting Around

Reykjavik is a compact city, easily navigable on foot or by public transport. Many attractions are within a short driving distance, making day trips convenient for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

A large grey cruise ship cutting through the waves with red lifeboats and funnels. There is a glamorous mermaid painted on the side.
Scarlet Lady was Virgin Voyages®’ first cruise ship, sailing her MerMaiden from Portsmouth back in 2021© Photo by Virgin Voyages®

Conclusion

Virgin Voyages continues to push boundaries with the latest port listings suggesting new itineraries for its fleet. While the industry awaits official confirmation, the potential expansion into Iceland with the Scarlet Lady marks yet another significant chapter for the cruise line. With the booking window set to open next week, eager travelers should keep a watchful eye for announcements that could confirm these intriguing new journeys.

About the author

Co-Founder and Director. David has a background in web design and development and writes travel content, vacation guides and tips about Virgin Voyages.


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