Search Travel Market Report

mainlogo
www.travelmarketreport.com
U.S.A.
English
Canada
English
Canada Quebec
Français
Menu
  • News
  • Packaged Travel
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Air
  • River Cruise
  • Training & Resources

Virgin Delays Brilliant Lady Launch Due to Supply Chain and Staffing Issues

by Daniel McCarthy  September 07, 2023
Virgin Delays Brilliant Lady Launch Due to Supply Chain and Staffing Issues

Photo: Stefano Tammaro / Shutterstock.com

Staffing and supply chain issues are forcing some major changes to Virgin Voyages’ future schedule including, most notably, the debut of its fourth ship Brilliant Lady.  

In a message to its partners on Thursday, Virgin announced canceled sailings for Brilliant Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady because of “unexpected construction, supply chain, and staffing challenges.” The sailings are:

  • Brilliant Lady’s debut voyages sailing on Dec. 24 and Dec. 30, 2023
  • Brilliant Lady’s 7-night Sunsets in the Lesser Antilles departures on Jan. 6, March 30, and April 13, 2024.
  • Brilliant Lady’s 7-night Southeastern Caribbean Isles sailings on March 23 and April 6, 2024.
  • Brilliant Lady’s 11-night Transatlantic Puerto Rico to Portugal departing April 20, 2024.
  • Valiant Lady’s 6-night Western Caribbean Charm sailings from Jan. 7, 2024, through March 17, 2024.
  • Valiant Lady’s 8-night Eastern Caribbean Antilles departures from Jan. 13, 2024, through March 23, 2024.
  • Resilient Lady’s 7-night Adriatic Sea & Greek Gems departures from July 28 through Sept. 29, 2024.
  • Resilient Lady’s 7-night Greek Island Glow departures from Aug. 4 through Oct. 13, 2024.

At the same time, Virgin is revising some of its 2024 winter Caribbean sailings, moving them from Brilliant Lady to Valiant Lady. At the moment, there is no new date for the launch of Brilliant Lady.

Virgin is protecting travel advisor commission for what’s been paid by the client so far. It is also protecting the full amount of the original commission for those moving from the Brilliant Lady debut season to a new voyage.  

Other moves
Also on Thursday, Virgin announced that CEO Tom McAlpin, who helped bring Virgin Voyages to market and guide the line’s launch through COVID-19, would retire from the CEO role and move into a chairman position. He is still expected to support the Virgin brand and team at an executive and industry level.

“It is hard to express just how proud I am of all that the Virgin Voyages Crew has created and the strong endorsement we are receiving from Ares. We have won numerous industry awards and received many five-star reviews because of our passion for this brand,” McAlpin said in the announcement this week.

Replacing McAlpin will be Nirmal Saverimuttu who currently serves as President and Chief Experience Officer. He was part of the original Virgin Voyages team, joining the brand in 2014 before taking on an expanded role in 2021.

“While I will miss the day-to-day, I believe it is the right time to step aside as CEO. Nirmal is a great friend and experienced leader who lives and breathes the Virgin Voyages culture. I know he will help take this amazing brand and Crew to new heights, and I look forward to continuing to support the leadership team as Chairman,” McAlpin added.

  0
  0
Related Articles
Virgin Cruises Offers Canadian Rates Through 2026
Virgin Voyages lance la toute première croisière True Crime de l’industrie
Advisors Can Win with “Miles of Smiles: Virgin’s Long Caribbean Contest”
You’re Invited to Bring Clients to a Virgin Voyages Virtual Cruise Night 
Virgin Voyages Reorganizes Trade-Focused Sales Structure, Hires Koreen McNutt
Air Canada Vacations Adds Virgin Voyages to its Cruise Portfolio 
Virgin Voyages First Mate Appreciation Sailing Opens for Booking
Brilliant New Incentives from Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages Won’t Rush to Replace John Diorio
Virgin Voyages Unveils All-New Spanish-Inspired Culinary Venue for Brilliant Lady

MOST VIEWED

  1. Royal Caribbean Axes Cabinmate Drink Package Exception Rule
  2. United Airlines Issues Flight Change Waiver as Air Canada Flight Attendant Strike Looms
  3. Tropical Storm Erin Forecasted to Strengthen to Hurricane on Friday
  4. Norwegian Cruise Line’s David Herrera Steps Down as President
  5. Hurricane Erin Causes Flight Cancellations, Cruise Changes
  6. Tropical Storm Erin Projected to Intensify into Major Hurricane by End of Week


  1. Results of Air Canada Flight Attendant Strike Vote Could be Known Tonight
  2. Tropical Storm Erin Likely to Become a Hurricane Today, Major Hurricane by the Weekend
  3. Hurricane Erin Update: Storm Continues Northwest Path, Impacts Cruise Lines
  4. Here Are All the New Cruise Ships Coming in 2026, 2027, and Beyond
  5. Hawaii Flights Resume, Cruise Ships Adjust After Pacific Tsunami Alerts
  6. Diana Ross No Longer Godmother of Star of the Seas
TMR Subscription

Subscribe today to receive daily in-depth coverage from all corners of the travel industry, from industry happenings to new cruise ships, hotel openings, tour updates, and much more.

Subscribe to TMR

Top Stories
Atlas Ocean Voyages Expands Trade Team with New Hires
Atlas Ocean Voyages Expands Trade Team with New Hires

The Atlas trade team most recently added Kristian C. Anderson as executive vice president of global sales.

New Private Beach Destination Celebration Key Is a ‘Game-Changer’ for Carnival Cruise Line
New Private Beach Destination Celebration Key Is a ‘Game-Changer’ for Carnival Cruise Line

“I was blown away. It is better than any of the artists’ renderings.”

Cunard Unveils Exclusive Shore Excursions for Queen Elizabeth’s Miami-Based Season
Cunard Unveils Exclusive Shore Excursions for Queen Elizabeth’s Miami-Based Season

Starting this fall, Queen Elizabeth will spend a full season in Miami offering roundtrip Caribbean itineraries.

Princess Cruises Tweaks Premier and Plus Package Benefits, Ups Pricing
Princess Cruises Tweaks Premier and Plus Package Benefits, Ups Pricing

Among the new benefits are a shore excursion credit with the Princess Premier package.

Barcelona to Cut Cruise Ship Capacity
Barcelona to Cut Cruise Ship Capacity

By 2030, Barcelona will have five cruise ship terminals instead of the current seven.

Holland America Line Brings Back Behind-the-Scenes Ship Tours
Holland America Line Brings Back Behind-the-Scenes Ship Tours

Each behind-the-scenes tour will visit several locations including the bridge, galley, engine control room, and more.

TMR OUTLOOKS & WHITE PAPERS
View All
industry spotlight
https://img.youtube.com/vi/N94IRrC0rPk/0.jpg
How Travel Advisors Can Win with Interest Media
Advertiser's Voice
A Day in Antarctica on an HX Expedition Cruise
About Travel Market Report Mission Meet the Team Advisory Board Advertise Syndication Guidelines
TMR Resources Calendar of Events Outlook/Whitepapers Previous Sponsored Articles Previous This Week Articles
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
editor@travelmarketreport.com
Give Us a Call
1-(516) 730-3097
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report
71 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
© 2005 - 2025 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Manage cookie preferences