Virgin Voyages UK cruises announced for 2021 following cancellation of US season

Virgin Voyages UK cruises have finally been announced, with the world’s newest cruise line set to join eight others sailing out of the UK from the summer cruise season.

The announcement of Virgin Voyages UK cruises comes after the cruise line was forced to suspend the resumption of its US cruises, this came following new guidance from the CDC that left the cruise industry without a clear timeline for a restart.

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Unlike many of the other cruise line’s sailing from the UK this year, and perhaps in a sign of how busy the UK cruise sector has suddenly become, Virgin Voyages said it will be homeporting Scarlet Lady in Portsmouth.

Scarlet Lady will sail roundtrip from Portsmouth on a range of Virgin Voyages UK cruises from August, 2021, with a program of 3-night Summer Soiree cruises that alternate with 4-night Summer WeekDaze itineraries.

The entire season will include six cruises, and all voyages will only be available to fully-vaccinated UK residents. In a Twitter post, the cruise line said all cruises would be cruises to nowhere, without any ports of call.

These cruises are particularly exciting as it will mark Virgin Voyages first proper cruise season with paying guests.

“Virgin Voyages has been looking forward to sailing, and we’re so excited to announce our plans to sail from the UK,” said the founder of Virgin Group, Richard Branson. “Our team has curated such a fantastic experience for our Sailors and know this is a holiday they will love.”

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Virgin Voyages is owned by Virgin Group, but operated largely independently by Tom McAlpin, President & CEO, Virgin Voyages. The cruise line has put two ships into operation, but both have been in lay-up for over a year since the pandemic first emerged.

“After more than a year of waiting and a major emphasis on a safe return, we’re ecstatic to announce these new sailings and bring Sailors onboard to experience what it’s like to set sail the Virgin Way,” said Tom McAlpin.

“We look at our UK summer voyages as a homecoming to pay homage to our British roots, and what an excellent way to kick-off our sailing season before heading back to PortMiami,” he added.

Scarlet Lady features Michelin-inspired dining experiences, luxurious spa treatments, unlimited fitness classes, entertainment featuring local British talent, and an adult-only sailing experience.

Bookings for the new Virgin Voyages UK cruise season will open on April 13th.