Barcelona, 11th May 2022: This Saturday, Virgin Voyages' second lady ship, Valiant Lady, sheds her winter wardrobe and heads to her sunny new Mediterranean homeport of Port de Barcelona.

Eternally fashionable Barcelona – famed for its lively nightlife, sweeping architecture and world-class cuisine – will be the second homeport after Miami for the award-winning lifestyle and travel brand. Founded by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Voyages further expends the global footprint of the award-winning cruise line. 

Located right off the iconic shopping and cultural strip of Las Ramblas, Valiant Lady's new VIP quarters in the vibrant European city will offer Sailors a stunning selection of seven-night itineraries through the sun-drenched, azure waters of the Mediterranean.  

Fancy lounging all day (and night) at some of Ibiza's most exclusive, hidden beaches? Dreaming of sipping Chianti on the cobble-lined streets of Italy one day, and sampling the best Rosé from Southern France the next? Valiant Lady has not one, but three dreamy sailings traversing the Mediterranean coastline that can help Sailors do just that.

The Irresistible Med takes guests from Barcelona to the French Riviera, exploring hidden gems along the way. French Daze & Ibiza Nights, lives up to its name with a stop in the French metropolis of Marseille, a night of glamour in celebrity hotspot Cannes, paired with an unforgettable night in Ibiza. Last, but not least, Spanish Obsession will hop around the Balearic Islands from Mallorca with its superyacht-filled waterways, to Málaga with its rich history, before concluding with an overnight escape in Ibiza. All three itineraries offer the ideal getaway for those looking to experience something new and exciting.

Remember, bigger isn't always better. Virgin Voyages' luxury fleet of four mid-size ships, will offer Sailors access to discreet and charming ports in the Mediterranean that bigger ships can't access. 

Speaking of the launch, Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson said: “The spectacular Mediterranean is home to some incredible destinations that everyone should have the pleasure of enjoying, and I can't wait for everyone to experience this region with us. 

When we started Virgin Voyages, we knew we wanted to create something special, unlike anything ever seen before in the cruising world. The result is something I am tremendously proud of, and I hope everyone in Barcelona joins me in bidding bienvenida to Valiant Lady.”

Following the globally celebrated debut of her sister ship Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady features an impressive 1,330 cabins and 78 RockStar Quarters – not to forget, the two iconic Massive Suites. These digs  boast their own RockStar Agent (what everyone else would call a butler), turntables, four electric guitars and a private hot tub – all of which hold industry accolades for the best suites at sea. 

With 86 percent of cabins holding a balcony and 93 percent featuring ocean views, the cabins feature a new, elevated design that brings a warmer energy and more sophisticated feel – perfect for the longer seven-night Mediterranean itineraries. 

Valiant Lady also features first-class entertainment, state-of-the-art wellness facilities and exquisite dining experiences curated by Michelin-starred chefs, giving Sailors the ultimate dose of vitamin-sea – no doubt much needed after epic overnighters in some of Europe's hottest destinations. Sailors can party all night in Ibiza and get ship-shape onboard the next day - after all, detox and retox is the name of the game.

Commenting on the impending arrival, Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages, says: “We are so excited to finally bring our beautiful Valiant Lady to Barcelona and begin her European tour. With her sistership Scarlet Lady sailing the gorgeous Caribbean seas, the stunning Mediterranean was the dream destination for our next home. From Palma de Mallorca, to Cagliari or Toulon, we're thrilled to be able to offer Sailors the Virgin access to some of Europe's most stunning destinations.

For a limited time, book and sail on a voyage in the next 120 days with Virgin Voyages' Lock It In cabin rates and get 40% off and $400 in onboard credit to spend on spa treatments in the afternoon and Champagne at night* — or sail anytime in the future and get 20% off your sailing. 

For more information on Valiant Lady's 2022 schedule, Sailors and travel partners are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com.

***

Barcelona: May – October 2022

Valiant Lady's homeport in Barcelona will offer everyone a chance to sail the Virgin Way with accessible voyages around the Mediterranean throughout May-October.  

7N The Irresistible Med: Sail across the seas from Barcelona to the French Riviera and explore hidden gems across the Med. From the French town of Toulon to the mountains of Ajacco, this voyage offers a Tuscan dream for sailors to discover a touch of fresh local Italian delicacies as well as the medieval mysteries of Olbia – all topped with a finale in Ibiza. Olé! Prices from €1,114 per sailor (€2,230 per cabin). 

Route: Barcelona – Toulon – Marina di Carrara – Ajaccio – Cagliari – Ibiza – Barcelona

Dates: 15th – 22nd May (MerMaiden), 29th – 5th June, 12th – 19th June, 26th June – 3rd July, 10th – 17th July, 24th – 31st July, 7th – 14th August, 21st – 29th August, 4th – 11th September, 18th – 25th September, 2nd – 9th October

7N French Daze & Ibiza Nights: Ready to visit Ibiza the Virgin way? Travel in style and set out across the Spanish seas with a stop in the French metropolis of Marseille and a night of glamour in celebrity hotspot Cannes. Finish off this trip of a lifetime with an unforgettable night in Ibiza – let loose and find your inner wild child. Prices from €1,108 (€2,218 per cabin). 

Route: Barcelona – Marseille – Cannes – Olbia – Ibiza – Barcelona

Dates: 22nd – 29th May, 19th – 26th June, 17th – 24th July, 14th – 21st August, 11th – 18th September, 9th – 16th October 

7N Spanish Obsession: The Spanish Obsession has us obsessed! Hop around the Balearic Islands from Mallorca with its super yachts, to history in Málaga to Gibraltar, the southernmost coast of the Iberian Peninsula filled with British heritage. From a culture voyage to a night of escape in Ibiza, this is the trip for the those looking to experience something new and exciting. Prices from €1,090 per sailor (€2,181 per cabin). 

Route:  Barcelona – Palma de Mallorca – Gibraltar – Malaga – Ibiza – Barcelona

Dates: 5th – 12th June, 31st July – 7th August, 28th August – 4th September, 25th September- 2nd October

-  ENDS -

NOTES TO EDITORS 

*Sailors must book their voyage before the 16th May for the deal to apply to their upcoming sailing. 

ABOUT VIRGIN VOYAGES

Virgin Voyages is a new lifestyle travel brand focused on delivering irresistible cruise vacations. Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady - the first and second ships in the fleet - were designed to reflect a yacht's sleek luxury, offering the intimate, elevated experience of a boutique hotel at sea. Featuring spaces designed by some of the top names in contemporary interiors, our Lady Ships are exclusively adult, a sanctuary at sea for the 18+ traveler. A dose of Vitamin Sea is naturally intertwined across the entire ship, with well-being, relaxation and rejuvenation at the forefront. Our fleet sails to 100 of the world's most incredible destinations with 25+ unique itineraries across four continents. Each sailing offers alluring entertainment and Michelin-inspired menus served across 20+ world-class eateries. With a modern twist on luxury, coupled with discerning design, Virgin Voyages offers incredible value for its Sailors, including food, essential drinks, WiFi and group fitness classes, all covered in the voyage fare.

Follow Virgin Voyages:

Instagram: @virginvoyages

Facebook: @virginvoyages

Twitter: @virginvoyages

LinkedIn: Virgin Voyages

YouTube: Virgin Voyages

MEDIA CONTACTS

One Green Bean (UK & Europe) - virginvoyages@onegreenbean.com

Virgin Voyages (USA): Michelle Estevam - media@virginvoyages.com