Virgin Voyages is set to make a return to the United Kingdom in 2024. The news comes as a follow-up to Virgin Voyages' inaugural sailing from Portsmouth International Port with its first ship, the Scarlet Lady, back in the summer of 2021.
With a series of new sailings confirmed, including debut calls to Bilbao and Bordeaux, Virgin Voyages' return to Portsmouth promises to be a highlight of the cruise calendar for 2024. Although specific dates for these voyages are set to be unveiled later this month, the anticipation is already building among cruise enthusiasts.
The upcoming itineraries include a diverse range of experiences, catering to different preferences and travel durations. Among the offerings are short breaks to the Amsterdam and Zeebrugge, the gateway to the picturesque Bruges. Additionally, Virgin Voyages will provide an extended cruise experience, sailing from Portsmouth to the vibrant city of Barcelona with stops in La Coruna, Lisbon, Casablanca, Malaga, and Ibiza.
Andrew Williamson, Head of Cruise and Ferry at Portsmouth International Port, expressed his excitement about Virgin Voyages' return, saying, "The arrival of Scarlet Lady in Portsmouth back in 2021 heralded not only a new era for cruises at the port but also for the cruise industry as a whole as Virgin Voyages made their mer-maiden sailing from our historic city."
Williamson further emphasized Portsmouth's commitment to becoming the preferred choice of port for luxury, boutique, and expedition cruise lines in the UK. He eagerly anticipates the release of the full itineraries later this month, and he also mentioned the new carbon-neutral terminal extension, which is sure to enhance the overall experience for Virgin Voyages' passengers.