Belfast Harbour welcomed a splash of red yesterday (10 August 2026) with the inaugural arrival of Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady.
Currently embarking on a 16-day Solar Eclipse itinerary from Portsmouth, Valiant Lady has called at Dublin, Greenock-Glasgow, Liverpool, Belfast, before setting sail for Iceland ahead of Wednesday’s solar eclipse.
NI Travel News’ Erin hopped aboard Valiant Lady to explore the vessel’s entertainment area, dining experiences and accommodation offering.
Earlier this year, Virgin Voyages’ entered into a two-week dry dock to enhance the public areas onboard. The two-week dry dock saw the launch of its new Indian restaurant, Ariya by Razzle Dazzle. Available to host 220 guests, the restaurant aims to combine vibrant Indian specialities with rich fresh flavours. The popular Grounds Club Too will now evolve into a bar from the late afternoon, offering guests another option to enjoy the late-night entertainment onboard.
Popular areas such as The Athletic Club has also undergone upgrades, including daybeds, lounge seating, sports court, and hot tub facilities. Areas such as the Roundabout, which welcomes guests upon embarking, have been refreshed.
The Manor, On the Rocks, and the Dock have been refreshed to maximise guest experience.
Changes have also been made to Valiant Lady’s entertainment programme, with addition of a new game show, Sink Oar Swin, and Nice Box! A retail-themed entertainment experience.
Whilst onboard, guests were treated to a brunch in either The Wake, Virgin Voyages’ take on a classic steakhouse, or Ariya, the brand-new Indian restaurant onboard. Following this, attendees were able to embark on a tour around the ship’s facilities, and familiarise themselves with the Virgin Voyages’ product.
To round-up the occasion, attendees heard from SJ Walker, Director of Sales UK for Virgin Voyages, who discussed the new agent incentives, alongside Virgin Voyages’ expansion into Northern European sailings.
New for Summer 2028, Valiant Lady will homeport in Amsterdam for the first time, offering six sailings between July and September 2028.
Sailings will range from 7 to 12 nights, with 15 maiden ports.
The new European programme includes two Western European voyages between Barcelona and Amsterdam, four Northern Europe sailings roundtrip from Amsterdam, and even an itinerary crossing the Artic Circle.
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