Virgin Voyages eyes 50% UK guests for second ship

The adults-only line showcased its maiden vessel Scarlet Lady in Dover this weekend with around 500 UK travel agents arriving on Saturday (22 February) to attend an overnight celebration.

About 1,700 agents will have experienced the ship, which makes its inaugural voyage on 1 April from Miami, on its UK tour which also visits in Liverpool and features additional day ship visits.

Speaking to TTG onboard, Shane Riley associate vice-president UK and Australia, said currently, dependent on itinerary, the UK market was exceeding its target of 10-15% of overall passengers.

“We expect the UK to increase even more so now Valiant Lady is on sale and coming to the Mediterranean,” he said. “There will definitely be an increase – I would say 40-50% if not more from the UK on those sailings.

“It’s difficult because there are always factors to consider from different markets but the fact that she’s sailing on a Sunday from Barcelona and docking at the bottom of La Rambla to become the best floating hotel in Barcelona and she has amazing itineraries with an overnight in Ibiza on the Friday on every itinerary [is] really appealing to the UK market.”