Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady has returned to service following a dry dock in Palermo, Italy, emerging with 10 redesigned public spaces, a new Indian restaurant, and an expanded entertainment programme.

The refurbishment, carried out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, is one of the most extensive updates undertaken by Virgin Voyages since the vessel entered service.

At the centre of the project is Ariya, a new 220-seat Indian restaurant inspired by the country’s spice markets. The venue was first announced earlier this year and forms part of the cruise line’s broader strategy to refresh onboard dining and social spaces.

“Valiant Lady was already one of the most compelling ships at sea, but we kept asking ourselves how to make her even more worth coming back for,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO, Virgin Voyages.

“The best transformations don’t come from smooth sailing but from listening, pushing further and creating something truly special. From Ariya to The Manor to a completely reimagined lineup of Happenings, Valiant Lady returns with a new energy our Sailors will feel immediately,” he said.

In addition to the new restaurant, a number of existing venues have been updated. The Athletic Club and Roundabout received refreshed furnishings and finishes, while The Manor, The Dock, and On the Rocks were reconfigured to improve guest flow and capacity.

The ship’s coffee venue, Grounds Club Too, will continue serving Intelligentsia Coffee throughout the day but will now transition into a full-service bar during the afternoon and evening.

Retail offerings have also been expanded, with the addition of TAG and Pandora boutiques. The Virgin Voyages brand store has meanwhile been relocated to a larger space onboard.

Beyond the physical changes, the refurbishment introduces a significantly expanded entertainment programme.

More than 20 new “Happenings” have been added, ranging from cocktail tastings and matcha workshops to interactive games, social competitions, and craft-focused activities including crochet, knot-tying, and upcycling classes.

The refresh reflects Virgin Voyages’ continued emphasis on experiential programming and social activities as a differentiator within the contemporary cruise market.

Following its return to service, Valiant Lady has begun its summer season in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The vessel will initially operate itineraries from Barcelona and Civitavecchia, visiting destinations across Spain, France, and Italy.

In late July, the ship will reposition to Northern Europe for a series of cruises from Portsmouth in the United Kingdom before moving to New York in September for a programme of autumn voyages to Canada, New England and Bermuda.

Valiant Lady is then scheduled to reposition to San Juan in October, where it will operate six- to eight-night Caribbean itineraries through April 2027.