Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady is currently undergoing a scheduled drydock at Fincantieri.
After crossing the Atlantic in April, the 2021-built vessel arrived at Fincantieri’s Palermo yard earlier this month.
As part of its first drydock, the Valiant Lady will add the Ariya restaurant.
The new restaurant was developed in partnership with Indie Culinaire by chef and cookbook author Maneet Chauhan.
According to Virgin, the space was designed to resemble the interior of a traditional jewelry box, with a look that draws inspiration from India’s spice markets.
Ariya will also offer a dedicated bar with a special menu of beverages inspired by Indian experiences, including a traditional chai tea service.
In line with other ships in the company’s fleet, the 110,000-ton vessel is also expected to introduce other minor updates and enhancements.
The Valiant Lady is scheduled to resume service on May 25, 2026, kicking off a summer season in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Sailing from Barcelona and Civitavecchia, the vessel initially offers itineraries to destinations in the French Riviera, Spain and Italy.
In late July, the ship is scheduled to reposition to Northern Europe ahead of a series of cruises departing from Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.
The vessel’s season in the region is highlighted by a voyage to Iceland and the British Isles that will offer guests an opportunity to witness a solar eclipse from the sea.
Sailing on August 5, 2026, the 15-night cruise features visits to Dublin, Greenock, Liverpool, Belfast and Edinburgh, as well as Siglufjörður, Ísafjörður and Reykjavik.
In mid-September, the Valiant Lady arrives in New York City for a fall foliage season that features cruises to Canada, New England, and Bermuda.
