Resilient Lady arrives in Portsmouth for inaugural UK season (updated)

The ship will set sail on a four-night voyage to Amsterdam this evening, arriving back into Portsmouth on the morning of August 27.

The Virgin Voyages vessel follows sister ships, Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, in sailing from Portsmouth International Port, where the brand first launched in 2021. 

‘We’re back in British waters once again, this time with a variety of short cultural stints and sunny adventure sailings to help sailors (passengers) escape the British weather,’ said Shane Riley, VP of UK and international sales at Virgin Voyages. ‘We first set sail from Portsmouth on our maiden voyage back in 2021, so we’re delighted to return this September and October.’

Economic impact

From August to October, Resilient Lady will embark on three- to six-night roundtrip getaways, calling in cities such as Amsterdam and Bruges, Lisbon, Bordeaux, Casablanca, as well as the island of Ibiza, the final leg of a 12-night sailing from the UK to Spain and Morocco. 

Andrew Williamson, head of cruise and ferry at Portsmouth International Port, explained, ‘...To have such an internationally recognised brand become a regular caller to the port is a huge boost, and today's maiden call further establishes the brilliant relationship we have built with the whole Virgin team over the last three years.’ 

He added, ‘The warm welcome cruise ships receive from residents is what keeps these iconic brands coming back, with our unique harbour providing the perfect viewing spot for arrivals and departures.’ He said tonight's late departure ‘will be no different,' with attendees of Portsmouth's Victorious festival – taking place August 23-25 – due to receive 'a special Portsmouth message from Resilient Lady as she sails past at the end of the evening.’

2024 will see Portsmouth welcome thousands of passengers to the port during its busiest cruise season yet. Each cruise call generates £1.5m for Portsmouth's economy, with profits from the council-owned port going directly back into local services and supporting the city's tourism. 

Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, added, ‘We’re so pleased Virgin Voyages is coming back for a third time with the incredible Resilient Lady. We’re also proud to be the first – and only – port in the world to have welcomed all three Virgin Voyages ships.’ 

He said, ‘As a council-owned port this has huge economic significance for the city, and with our aim to be the first port of call for luxury, boutique and expedition cruise lines in the UK, we look forward to welcoming the award-winning cruise ship to her new home.’ 

Highlights 

After great success in 2021, Virgin Voyages is bringing back its Virgin Celebration Voyage. Now sold out, the five-night roundtrip sailing from Portsmouth on September 3 will see Virgin’s founder Sir Richard Branson, singer Boy George and Virgin Galactic astronauts venture on board for a series of exclusive events. 

From September 14-19, Virgin Voyages’ newest ship will again sail roundtrip from Portsmouth for the brand’s first Comedy Festival. Headlining is UK’s comedians Russell Howard, whose 2019 tour ‘Respite’ sold more than 300,000 tickets across 24 countries and five continents. The voyage will additionally feature an in-house performance of ‘The Dark Room,’ the world’s only live-action video game that has since become an actual video game, touring live show and streaming sensation.