Virgin scraps some longer cruises Down Under for shorter round-trips

The company said the cancellations follow client and travel industry feedback, resulting in more round-trips within Australia.

‘We have received significant feedback from sailors and travel partners about the voyages available, so we are adjusting our sailing schedule to provide more round-trip sailings in Australia from Melbourne and Sydney,’ a company statement said.

Passengers on the cancelled voyages have the choice of a future cruise credit or a full refund.

Trans-Tasman

There are still four trans-Tasman voyages scheduled — Melbourne to Auckland departing December 29, the return voyage from Auckland to Melbourne departing January 12, 2024 and a Melbourne to Auckland voyage departing March 5 with a return voyage from Auckland on March 15 to Sydney.

Voyages within Australia

The new sampler voyages announced Thursday include a four-night Sydney to Hobart round-trip, a four-night Melbourne to Burnie (Tasmania) round-trip, a five-night Melbourne to Hobart round-trip and a six-night round-trip from Melbourne to Sydney and Hobart.

The 2,700-passenger Resilient Lady is currently sailing her inaugural European season from Piraeus, Greece before heading for Australia in December.