Valiant Lady will arrive in the UK early next month for the preview events before heading to Portsmouth for its inaugural sailing on 18 March.

The ship, which features 1,330 cabins and 78 “RockStar” suites, will be based in Portsmouth until early May before repositioning to its new homeport of Barcelona, where it will sail through the summer until mid-October.

86% of the vessel’s cabins have balconies and 93% offer ocean views, while the ship also includes increased storage space.

Virgin Voyages chief executive Tom McAlpin said recent easing of UK travel restrictions had fuelled a 70% rise in bookings since December.

“Our epic sailings have curated itineraries that are unbelievably accessible for those in the UK wanting to cruise differently, and we look forward to hitting the high seas and showing both budding and avid sailors how to voyage the Virgin way,” said McAlpin.

Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson added: “It’s exciting to be able to celebrate our continued growth as a brand that’s on a mission to voyage like no other.”