Virgin Voyages Reroutes Repositioning Cruise Due to Red Sea Unrest

Virgin Voyages has been forced to reroute its repositioning voyages for Resilient Lady from Australia to Athens that were scheduled for March.

“Like many other cruise brands, we have been watching the current conflict in the Middle East closely, connecting regularly with global security experts to consider the impacts to the repositioning voyages planned for Resilient Lady,” a spokesperson for the line said. “We remain concerned about potential escalations in this part of the world over the next 12 months and the risk that this presents for safe passage through the region.

As a result, we have been left with no choice but to make changes to Resilient Lady’s repositioning voyages taking places on March 27.”

Instead of repositioning voyages that included stops in Bali, Phuket, Singapore, and Dubai, Resilient Lady will now sail around the coast of Africa. The new routing includes stops in Eden and Fremantle (Perth) in Australia; Port Louise in the Mauritius Islands; Durban and Cape Town in South Africa; Walvis Bay in Namibia; Praia in Cape Verde; and several stops in the Mediterranean.  

All passengers on the former three legs of the repositioning voyages have guaranteed spots on these sailings at no additional cost and a price protection commitment in place. If the new dates do not work, they can receive a Future Voyage Credit based on their paid balance, or a full refund.

Virgin will also be protecting all travel advisor commissions.

“With the very likely continuation of this escalated regional conflict top-of-mind, and in an effort to minimize further disruptions to our passengers’ future vacation plans, Virgin Voyages is now conducting a full review of other geographically similar repositioning voyages and linked sailings. We will provide an update in the coming weeks on any further changes we will need to make.”