Virgin Voyages sets cruises from Portsmouth for vaccinated UK adults

Scarlet Lady will sail from Portsmouth on six cruises of three and four nights.

Since cruise operations in the US remain uncertain, Virgin Voyages said it is taking this opportunity before Scarlet Lady heads home to PortMiami.

Summer soiree series

This new 'summer soiree series' includes a three-night 'long weekender' cruise from Friday to Monday, with departures on Aug. 6, Aug. 13 and Aug. 20. A four-night 'summer weekdaze' cruise from Monday to Friday, sails Aug. 9, Aug. 16 and Aug. 23.

'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 on board to experience what it’s like to set sail the Virgin Way,' said Tom McAlpin, CEO and president of Virgin Voyages. '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.'

Vaccinated adults only

At this time, only residents of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be able to sail on the summer soiree series. Virgin already has an adults-only policy, so travelers must be at least 18 and vaccinated against COVID-19. Additional testing and protocols will be confirmed closer to sailing, and capacity will be limited for this restart.

Bookings open April 13.