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Virgin Voyages Unlikely to Return to Australia in 2026/2027

Virgin Voyages is unlikely to return to Australia in 2026/2027 due to logistical challenges, with Brilliant Lady instead focusing on North America, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal.

Unlikely to Return to Australia in 26/27
Unlikely to Return to Australia in 26/27 © Photo by VV Insider

Virgin Voyages’ much-anticipated return to Australia and Asia appears increasingly unlikely for the 2026/2027 season. Initial hopes were that the brand-new Brilliant Lady could be deployed to the region. Recent comments from CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu suggest that logistical challenges and brand focus may stop those hopes.

Red Sea Challenges and Repositioning Constraints

The ongoing unrest in the Red Sea has caused many cruise lines to alter their itineraries, with several opting to avoid the Suez Canal entirely. Lines such as Holland America, Princess, and Silversea have rerouted their world cruises around Africa or canceled their Middle East and Asia programs altogether. Virgin Voyages faced similar issues last year when Resilient Lady had to take the long journey around Africa to return to Europe. This lengthy detour is not a sustainable option for most cruise lines due to the increased transit time, reduced capacity, and logistical difficulties.

Adding to the challenge, Virgin Voyages’ current fleet—Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady—are all unable to transit the Panama Canal. This limits repositioning options, making Australia a difficult market to reach.

Sir Richard Branson delivering a speech alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sir Richard Branson delivered a speech to the invited guests and media in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge© Photo by VV Insider

Brilliant Lady’s Future in 2026

Brilliant Lady, the only Virgin Voyages ship capable of transiting the Panama Canal, will make the crossing in March 2026 before spending the summer season in North America heading to Los Angeles & Seattle/Vancouver. While there was speculation that this ship could head to Australia and Asia afterward via a transpacific route. Saverimuttu’s recent statement in January 2025 puts that possibility to rest:

“The Far East and Australia are on our roadmap for the future, but we have had some logistical challenges getting our ships there because only one is Panama Canal compliant.” – Nirmal Saverimuttu 

Instead, Virgin Voyages appears to be doubling down on its existing markets, focusing on the Caribbean, the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and the Mediterranean.

Popularity of the Panama Canal Route

The upcoming Panama Canal voyage has proven extremely popular, selling out quickly. With the ship likely to return to North America after its season on the West Coast, there is strong speculation that another Panama Canal cruise will take place in late 2026. As mentioned to First Mates on Monday, “the ship has to get back somehow,” reinforcing the likelihood of another sailing through the canal rather than a move to Australia.

Panama Canal
Panama Canal© Photo by Virgin Voyages

Winter 2026/2027 Itineraries Incoming

While itineraries for winter 2026/2027 have yet to be released, they are expected by the end of February. Based on current positioning and Virgin Voyages’ strategic focus, it seems likely that the brand will continue prioritizing the Caribbean, disappointing Australian sailors hoping for a return.

For now, Virgin Voyages’ presence in Australia and Asia remains a long-term goal rather than in the next few years. The next viable opportunity may be in November/December 2027 with Brilliant Lady unless Red Sea tensions settle.

A cruise ship arriving into Sydney Harbour
Resilient Lady on Sydney skyline© Photo by Virgin Voyages

About the author

Co-Founder and Editor. An iOS developer with a passion for cruises and theme parks. Blending technical know how with a love for Virgin Voyages with over 15 sailings around the world.


5 Comments

  1. Steve says:

    Sailed on Virgin last year and it was the best cruise experience we’d ever had! Despite limited options and older ships nearing the end of their cruising life, most of the sailings out of Sydney and Brisbane are full. With their fresh approach to cruising, I think Virgin would be met with open arms if they choose to return to Australia.

  2. Kristy says:

    While I’m not surprised they aren’t coming back to Australia, the reasoning behind it makes no sense to me. Okay, Brilliant Lady is being used elsewhere. Why do you need to have multiple ships in the Caribbean? Been twice and not really interested in going again – I feel like I’ve seen pretty much everything it has to offer. I think they didn’t do as well here as expected, but that’s because we’re not really interested in short trips to parts of the country we’ve likely driven to many times. Australians aren’t really short break travelers most of the time.

    1. Rob Sammons says:

      Brilliant being their newest ship they want to keep it as the flagship, the other ships can’t navigate the Panama Canal, the Red Sea is off limits, that’s the reasoning.

  3. Gene says:

    I don’t see the allure of the Caribbean at all. We’re doing one cruise there just to go to the panama canal. Might not even get off the ship as the ports are far from interesting. Maybe because we live in Hawaii and have nice weather year round. Too bad about Australia as the other cruise lines for the most part use there oldest ships there.

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