Virgin Voyages cancels start of Resilient Woman ship

Virgin Voyages, the much-expected manufacturer which has vowed to revolutionize the cruise marketplace, has postponed the start of its 3rd cruise ship, Resilient Girl.

The ship was because of to debut in August, running out of Piraeus (for Athens) in Greece in summer season, and San Juan, Puerto Rico in wintertime.

In its place, the business has delayed its start till May 2023.

Consumers who’d booked a sailing have been promised refunds of up to 200% refund for a foreseeable future cruise, as well as some costs.

In a Q&A for “sailors,” as cruisers are dubbed on Virgin, the corporation laid the blame squarely on the recent travel chaos which is now spreading to the cruise market, obtaining crippled the aviation sector.

“There are a range of global issues that have an affect on vacation and significantly the cruise market, including source chain challenges, crewing worries and regional uncertainty,” it mentioned.

“Each individual determination we make is driven by our dedication to producing a safe and sound and inspiring ecosystem for both equally Crew and Sailors, and we never ever want to put ourselves in a position in which we could negatively impact our Sailor expertise or Crew’s perfectly-staying.

“The issues we are struggling with are not distinctive to Virgin Voyages they are affecting our industry and journey as a whole.”

Travellers with bookings have various possibilities. They can get a comprehensive refund within just 7 times, or acquire a 200% credit history in direction of a long term cruise with Virgin Voyages within just the upcoming 12 months.

If they choose the credit rating and rebook for 2022, they will get an further no cost voyage on another Virgin Voyages ship.

The business is also supplying refunds of up to $500 per passenger to go over any cancelation penalties or canceled flights.

In a assertion, Virgin Voyages said that Resilient Girl will continue being in the shipyard in Genoa, finalizing its construct.

Its two other ships, Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, stay in support in the Caribbean and Mediterranean respectively. Equally had been released all through the pandemic.

CEO Tom McAlpin claimed: “As a new brand name that is just having begun, we have accomplished so considerably this past year, and the long term for us is exciting. The momentum that we are seeing with Scarlet and Valiant Woman is remarkable.

“That is why we continue to be centered on providing excellent vacations, and this pause will make certain we will be prepared to go on Resilient.

“The vacation market is recovering perfectly, and this month, we have witnessed report bookings, a sizeable boost in on-board expend, and we are at this time seeking to near out our future round of funding, which sets us up for ongoing advancement.”

A fourth ship, Fantastic Lady, is also set to join the firm in 2023.

Most important impression: Scarlet Girl (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune Information Provider by way of Getty Visuals)