Virgin Voyages announced that the Resilient Lady will use Melbourne as its homeport next year. The 2770-passenger luxury ship will arrive in late 2023 offering a mix of voyages across Australia and New Zealand, from two to 14 nights. The arrival of the ship in Australia will mark the debut of Virgin Voyages Down Under, despite earlier reports that the second ship of this line, the Valiant Lady cruise, will start with an Australian voyage later this year.

Virgin Group's founder Branson said: "Australia has a very special place in my heart, and we can't wait for Australians to meet our Resilient Lady and experience all that she has to offer in true Virgin style.

"For more than 50 years, Virgin companies have been innovating and making industries better for our customers. Virgin Voyages is very much charting its own path, offering a fresh perspective on cruise travel with all the elements of the Virgin experience that people love."

Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages president and chief experience officer, said Australians and New Zealanders already know the Virgin brand, and the two destinations were a good fit for the brand.

"Australia and New Zealand are without question the most beautiful countries in the world, and we knew that these destinations, paired with the Virgin Voyages experience, will make it the most incredible holiday for our sailors [the name given to the ship's guests]," said Saverimuttu.

Among some of the Australian stops confirmed for the 2023 sailings are Hobart, Burnie and Sydney, while across the Tasman its New Zealand itineraries will take in destinations Picton, Napier Tauranga, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Resilient Lady is identical in design to Virgin Voyages' previous Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady ships, with a number of notable first features on board the cruise ship, including a boat tattoo parlor, show brunches, bundle classes, and a guest app that allows you to order champagne anywhere on board with a shaking phone.

Last month, at the launch of the second ship Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady, Saverimutu noticed that the demand for cruises increased, which led to the summer season in the northern hemisphere "after a difficult two years".

Resilient Lady will start sailing for Australia and New Zealand from 11 December 2023 to 27 March 2024, and reservations are now open. Virgin Voyages' fourth ship is scheduled for completion in 2023