| Virgin off again

VIRGIN Voyages has cancelled cruises on its first ship, Scarlet Lady, into May, which is more than a year past its original scheduled launch date.

The cruise line also pushed back the planned May launch of its second ship, Valiant Lady (CW 10 Jun) until 14 Nov, and, instead of sailing its Mediterranean schedule, will spend its inaugural season in the Caribbean.

Despite noting Virgin Voyages has “zero revenue”, and that the delay had seen “significant” losses, Chief Executive Officer Tom McAlpin said the COVID-19 pandemic would not have an effect on Virgin Voyages’ long-term viability.

McAlpin added he was heartbroken by the delays, saying “this is our baby”.