As first noted in our coverage of the Resilient Lady Summer 2027 Itineraries, Virgin Voyages will not be returning to Portsmouth or Northern Europe in 2027. The upcoming 2026 season will be the final opportunity, for now, to sail from the UK or visit Iceland with Virgin Voyages.

Portsmouth’s Role in Virgin Voyages’ Journey

Since Scarlet Lady’s debut in 2021, Portsmouth has played a key role in Virgin Voyages’ story. The city has hosted every Lady Ship, most recently welcoming Brilliant Lady in August 2025. Earlier this year, Virgin Voyages highlighted its partnership with Portsmouth, describing it as a home for milestones and an important part of the brand’s growth. However, just days after that announcement, Portsmouth was missing from the 2027 itinerary release.

Speaking to VV Insider and other journalists, CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu said that while the UK market remains important, 2027 will see Virgin Voyages focus more on warmer European destinations. “What we found is that a lot of our UK sailors actually really like being in the Med,” said Mr Saverimuttu. “In 2027, it’s about taking them into some more exotic and more interesting destinations.”

This shift follows a number of adjustments to the 2026 Portsmouth program made earlier this year, shortly before Brilliant Lady’s visit.

Final UK/Iceland Sailings in 2026

The 2026 season will feature three final Valiant Lady departures from Portsmouth before Virgin Voyages steps back from Northern Europe. These voyages include:

• Eclipse in the Land of Fire and Ice – 5 August 2026, 15 nights sailing from Portsmouth visiting Dublin, Greenock, Liverpool, Belfast, Reykjavik, and Edinburgh
• Bruges, Amsterdam, Hamburg & More – 20 August 2026, 7 nights sailing from Portsmouth visiting Zeebrugge (Bruges), Amsterdam, and Hamburg
• English Elegance to Idyllic Iceland – 27 August 2026, 10 nights sailing from Portsmouth featuring calls to Amsterdam (overnight), Edinburgh, Invergordon, and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
• Iceland, Greenland, Canada & NYC – 19 September 2026, 13 nights sailing from Reykjavík calling at Ísafjörður, Qaqortoq, Nuuk, St. John’s, Halifax, and ending in New York City

The VV Insider Sail Forward Sailor Loot offer is eligible on select sailings, contact us for more details. Each booking also includes access to the Red Diamond Club, VV Insider’s loyalty program offering ad-free content, exclusive perks, and personalized planning. To find out more details use the links above.

First Visits to Iceland

Virgin Voyages reached Iceland for the first time in 2025 when Scarlet Lady visited Akureyri, Ísafjörður, and Reykjavik on her England to Iceland & Norway itinerary. The voyage marked a major milestone for the line’s Nordic expansion, giving travelers the chance to experience Iceland’s natural beauty and culture. Valiant Lady will return to Iceland again in 2026 as part of these final Northern Europe itineraries.

2027 Focus Shifts to the Mediterranean

The Scarlet Lady & Resilient Lady Summer 2027 Itineraries confirm a stronger focus on the Mediterranean. Sailings will include Italian and Adriatic routes, along with a special eclipse voyage to Tangier, Morocco. There are no UK or Iceland sailings currently scheduled, with the program focused entirely on the Med for the 2027 season.

Looking Ahead

Since 2021, more than 72,000 travelers have sailed through Portsmouth with Virgin Voyages. The city has become a symbol of the brand’s early years and growth in the UK. While the 2027 schedule moves away from Northern Europe, Virgin Voyages’ connection to Portsmouth and the British market remains strong, and there’s every reason to hope for a return in 2028.

For now, those wanting to sail from the UK can still experience one of these final 2026 departures from Portsmouth before the Lady Ships turn their focus south once again.