Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady is currently undergoing a scheduled drydock at Fincantieri in Palermo, following its journey across the Atlantic in April. This marks the first drydock for the vessel, which was built in 2021.
During this drydocking, the Valiant Lady will introduce a new restaurant called Ariya, developed in collaboration with chef and cookbook author Maneet Chauhan. The interior of Ariya is inspired by a traditional jewelry box and draws influence from India’s vibrant spice markets. The restaurant will feature a dedicated bar with a menu that showcases beverages reflective of Indian culture, including a traditional chai tea service.
Additional minor updates and enhancements are expected to be made during this drydock, maintaining the vessel’s appeal alongside its fleetmates. The Valiant Lady is scheduled to resume service on May 25, 2026, as it embarks on a summer season in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
The ship will start its itineraries from Barcelona and Civitavecchia, visiting popular destinations in the French Riviera, Spain, and Italy. In late July, it will reposition to Northern Europe, where it will offer a range of cruises from Portsmouth in the UK.
Notably, one cruise on August 5, 2026, will feature a special voyage to Iceland and the British Isles, giving guests the chance to witness a solar eclipse from the sea. This 15-night itinerary includes stops in Dublin, Greenock, Liverpool, Belfast, Edinburgh, Siglufjörður, Ísafjörður, and Reykjavik.
By mid-September, the Valiant Lady will arrive in New York City for a fall foliage season, featuring cruises to Canada, New England, and Bermuda.
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