Valiant Lady: Fresh art installations, same alternative feel

Frank Weber, senior VP hotel operations, Virgin Voyages

Speaking to Seatrade Cruise News from onboard Valiant Lady yesterday in London Tilbury, where the ship hosted media and trade ahead of its planned sailings from Portsmouth next week, he said, ‘There is new wall art, and in the high street retail area, we have a Ray-Ban counter instead of a Mac counter.

Wall art onboard the ship

‘A new show – a combination of comedy and cabaret – will also appear in The Manor. He went on to describe the ship as ‘amazing,' noting adaptations could be made while it’s at sea, if needed, but asserted it is ‘unlikely’ given ‘everyone loved the first ship.’

Third ship Resilient Lady will also be a replica of the previous two. The design concept for Virgin Voyages’ ships was a seven-year process, Weber noted, as he went on to praise the 'excellent decision' to appoint Jeniffer Lopez the ship's godmother (investor and chief entertainment and lifestyle officer.)

Cabins

As previously reported, drawers and storage space in cabins onboard the 110,000gt vessel –  and on Scarlet Lady – have been added, in consideration of Valiant Lady's seven-night European itineraries. 

The interiors additionally now feature wooden beams and wood finishings along with handpicked artwork.

As with Scarlet Lady, by installing an app on their smartphones, passengers can control a wide range of cabin functions including air conditioning, lighting, opening and closing the blinds, music and television.

a cabin on Valiant Lady, with wooden furnishings

Both Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady are certified for minimum levels of noise and vibration, and their hydrodynamic hull design promotes fuel saving. 

Dining and entertainment 

Entertainment venues The Red Room, The Manor and private karaoke area The Groupie make a comeback, as do dining options The Galley, a food-hall; laboratory-like eatery The Test Kitchen, Mexican restuarant and mezcal bar Pink Agave and vegetarian-forward Razzle Dazzle among others.

Redemption Spa is onboard with signature Virgin Vinyl record shop and tattoo parlour Squid Ink also making its return.

The  2,770-passenger vessel enters service this March from Portsmouth from where it will sail Europe; in May Valiant Lady reposiitons to Barcelona where it will homeport for Mediterranean sailings. 

The vessel’s UK debut comes after the cancellation of its intended inaugural sailing from PortMiami back in 2021.

Trade event

Dj Diplo and singer Ella Henderson were among the acts that performed on March 11 for the trade event.