Virgin Voyages claims that its bookings have risen by 178% in the past six months, compared to the previous six-month period, as it launches its second ship, Valiant Lady, at an event in Tilbury.
The sister ship of Scarlet Lady makes its three-day maiden voyage from Portsmouth on March 18-21 to Zeebrugge, and sail from its summer base in Barcelona from May to October.
The cruise line said research carried out among 14,000 travellers found that 96% want to try a cruise in 2022, and 69% said that “destinations” were the main factor for picking a cruise.
More: Virgin Voyages insists UK market is ‘very important’ despite cancellations
It also estimated that Valiant Lady will generate £1.5 million in revenue with each visit to Portsmouth (pictured), thanks to bringing almost 3,000 passengers per call.
Speaking at the launch of Valiant Lady, Tom McAlpin, chief executive of Virgin Voyages, said: “It was incredible to launch Virgin Voyages last year, so welcoming our second ship, Valiant Lady, here in the UK less than a year later is a very special moment for the entire Virgin Voyages family.
“After a tough two years, people are excited to explore the world again and it means a lot to us that we can help facilitate that.”
Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages’s president, added: “We’ve thrown out the rule book and said goodbye to bow ties and buffets. Instead, our ships are exclusively adult, have a no-tipping policy and boast some of the best dining experiences you’ll find at sea, or on land for that matter.”
The third ship in the fleet, Resilient Lady, starts cruising in August.
Virgin Voyages will mark the launch of Valiant Lady on Friday night (March 11) with live music performances by Tom Grennan and Ella Henderson, and DJ sets by Diplo, Mistajam, Camden Cox and James Hype.
Earlier this week, Virgin Voyages cancelled three sailings on Valiant Lady after agreeing a deal to charter the ship in April.
Departures on April 4, April 15 and April 18 have been axed.
More: Virgin Voyages insists UK market is ‘very important’ despite cancellations