Valiant Lady Dry Dock: Athletic Club and Open Deck Changes
Valiant Lady dry dock plans include Athletic Club upgrades, more deck space, better flow, and refreshed outdoor guest areas.
Valiant Lady is set to receive a number of updates to her outdoor guest spaces during dry dock in May 2026, with changes planned for The Athletic Club and surrounding open decks. While interior venues often grab the headlines, these updates could have one of the biggest day-to-day impacts for sailors, particularly on warm weather itineraries and sea days.
This is part of our ongoing countdown to Valiant Lady’s dry dock, where we are taking a closer look at the updates expected across the ship. All projects discussed are subject to change.
The Athletic Club in Focus
The Athletic Club sits at the aft of Deck 16 and has long been one of Valiant Lady’s most distinctive outdoor spaces, combining loungers, hot tubs, playful features, and open wake views. Dry dock plans show several updates planned for the area, including modifications to “banquette seating”, cushions, shading, and wider surface work.
It remains unclear whether Valiant Lady will see a broader transformation of The Athletic Club to more closely match Brilliant Lady, or whether the work will focus on targeted improvements to the existing layout.
Better Seating and Improved Flow
Banquette seating is listed to be modified during the dry dock period, which could improve comfort while also helping the space feel more open. Changes like this may also help the flow of major deck events such as PJ Party, where guest movement through upper deck areas can become busier.
Updated cushions and refreshed seating materials are also expected, alongside additional shading to make the space more comfortable throughout the day.
Note: Images below are from Brilliant Lady and may not reflect all Valiant Lady changes
More Space Around the Pool
Triangle daybeds are also expected to be removed. Similar beds were taken out during Scarlet Lady’s dry dock and did not feature on Brilliant Lady. Their removal creates more open deck space overall, while giving Virgin Voyages greater flexibility to reposition loungers and sun beds depending on the sailing.
Additional pool access steps are also planned. This change was previously introduced on Scarlet Lady and Brilliant Lady, creating a much better way to move up into the pool area.
This can be particularly useful during large outdoor events such as Scarlet Night, where open deck space becomes more valuable.
Opening Up Walkways
Outdoor gym equipment is also listed for removal during the dry dock period. While popular with some sailors, these pieces could create tighter pinch points in busier areas. Their removal is expected to improve walkability and make movement through the space easier during peak times.
This also supports a broader trend of simplifying outdoor layouts in favor of more usable and flexible social space.
Deck Surfaces and Track Work
Beyond The Athletic Club itself, open deck areas are also expected to receive restoration work, including resin surface updates and jogging track resurfacing. These types of projects are common during dry dock and help keep exterior guest areas looking fresh while improving durability in high traffic zones.
Following Earlier Dry Dock Updates
The Athletic Club changes follow earlier confirmed updates including the Grounds Club Too upgrade and wider behind-the-scenes work covering cabins, power outlets, repainting, and major technical projects.
Read Our Behind the Scenes Dry Dock Update
Source: Virgin Voyages dry dock presentation at the Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage, March 2026
