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Virgin Voyages® Celebration Voyage Sets Sail From Athens

Today marks a momentous occasion for the Virgin brand as its luxurious cruise liner, aptly named the Resilient Lady, departs from Athens, journeying to the sun-kissed coasts of Greece and Turkey.

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Sir Richard Branson listening to records, with a background of vinyl records
Sir Richard Branson will be joining the Celebration Voyage © Photo by Virgin Voyages®

Setting Sail For Celebrations

Today marks a momentous occasion for the Virgin brand as its luxurious cruise liner, aptly named the Resilient Lady, departs from Athens, journeying to the sun-kissed coasts of Greece and Turkey. But this is no ordinary voyage — it’s a grand celebration, one that is deeply steeped in the legacy of Virgin and its unparalleled history.

Drawing from the Past

It’s hard not to feel a hint of nostalgia thinking back to the 1970s when Virgin Records was celebrating the success of the Sex Pistols’ debut album. They did so not on some grand yacht or a plush hotel suite, but on a simple riverboat cruising down the Thames. That young entrepreneur, Richard Branson, could hardly have dreamt that one day he’d be celebrating on a grand cruise ship, a testament to his brand’s success.

Branson, always the visionary, pushed boundaries and constantly reiterated that the sky was never the limit. With Virgin, he embarked on audacious ventures, whether it was in music, airlines, or even space travel. Over time, the brand didn’t just succeed; it became an emblem of innovation, tenacity, and the art of challenging the status quo.

Sir Richard Branson has been spotted by sailors around the ship already© Photo by Edgar Nieves

A Celebration Like No Other

The Virgin Celebration: Sailing Club Voyage is more than just a cruise. It’s an intimate journey into the brand’s history. Tom McAlpin, Virgin’s CEO, will share the stage with Branson, ensuring that attendees get insights straight from the brand’s leaders. From recounting tales of the brand’s early days to its most groundbreaking ventures, this cruise promises to be an enlightening experience.

In what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, sailors — the endearing term for the cruise’s guests — are in for a real treat. From exclusive behind-the-seas tours that unveil the ship’s most guarded secrets to interactive sessions with the brand’s pioneers, every moment on the cruise is designed to be revelatory.

The brand has also meticulously planned shore excursions in the picturesque locales of Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum, and Mykonos. What’s even more exciting is that members of the Virgin family will accompany the sailors, ensuring that these experiences are both personal and memorable.

A Gesture of Gratitude

Virgin has always recognized the importance of its loyalists. The brand’s success story isn’t just about entrepreneurial vision or market disruption; it’s also about the people who’ve championed the brand at every step. As a gesture of their gratitude, Virgin is celebrating the voyage during its annual Eat & Drink Festival. This means sailors get to enjoy a generous $600 bar tab, offering them the luxury to indulge in premium drinks and curated culinary experiences.

Setting Sail into the Future

While this voyage is very much a look into Virgin’s past, it’s also a statement about its future. As the Resilient Lady charts its course through the azure waters of the Mediterranean, it stands as a symbol of Virgin’s relentless spirit and its journey forward.

Richard Branson once said, “Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.” Today, as the cruise sets sail, it’s evident that Virgin hasn’t just learned from its journey but has also crafted an epic saga of success and resilience. So, here’s to celebrating milestones and forging ahead into uncharted waters.

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.