Virgin Voyages has announced changes in itinerary of its ship, Resilient Lady, from its planned route through the Red Sea and Suez Canal due to escalating attacks on shipping in the region. The decision was made in response to over 30 attacks by Yemen-based Houthis on international shipping, particularly targeting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The company expressed concerns over the safety of passengers and crew, citing the need to prioritize their well-being.

The decision to divert Resilient Lady's repositioning cruise, scheduled for March 27, was necessary in light of the complex geopolitical challenges in the Middle East. Virgin Voyages emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, acknowledging the potential risks posed by the ongoing conflict.

The revised itinerary will see Resilient Lady departing from Sydney and sailing around the coast of Africa, with stops at various ports including Mauritius, Durban, Cape Town, and Walvis Bay. Passengers originally booked on the affected segments of the voyage will be accommodated on the revised itinerary at no additional cost, with options for future voyage credits or full refunds if the new dates are not convenient.