Sir Richard Branson paints Sydney Scarlet red for special VIP Virgin Voyages celebration
Virgin Voyages, Sir Richard Branson’s multi-award-winning cruise line, tonight hosted a star-studded Scarlet Night soiree in Sydney to welcome Resilient Lady’s arrival to Australia.
Scarlet Night – the famous celebration synonymous with Virgin Voyages’ memorable sailing experiences – was hosted by the Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson aboard Resilient Lady. The new ship is currently docked at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay ahead of its summer sailing season. The newest tech-savvy vessel arrived in Sydney last night after an epic 44-night repositioning cruise from Athens in Greece.
Among the famous faces to join in the celebrations were Hugh Sheridan, Natalie Imbruglia, Sonia Kruger, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Lisa and Jess Origliasso from The Veronicas, Samantha Jade, Tim Robards, Erin Molan and star of Below Deck, Hannah Ferrier.
The event was the first opportunity to experience the Virgin Voyages brand, a newcomer to the cruise market. More than 1,200 Australians also took the opportunity to come aboard, booking an exclusive ticket to the one-night event. They received unlimited access and a first-glance at Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, along with an unforgettable culinary preview of the brand’s six signature, Michelin-inspired restaurants. Attendees also snagged a ticket to see the first Australian performance of Persephone, followed by the Scarlet Night poolside party.
Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson said: “I have always held a very special place in my heart for Australia. And it’s great to be back, especially in a beautiful, world-class city like Sydney.”
“Australians have been loyal fans of the Virgin brand for more than two decades. And we know you love to cruise, so it is only natural we introduce Virgin Voyages Down Under.”
“Our celebration last night was just a glimpse of what it is like to sail the Virgin Voyages way and it was great to share the experience with a fun crowd of people who are now eager to sail with us,” he said.
Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu said: “Having grown up in Sydney, last night’s celebrations were a bit of a pinch-me moment. Our incredible Crew have been planning for so long to take the Virgin Voyages Down Under.”
“Our ships are very different to what you have seen in Sydney Harbour, or to anything else on the market. We leaned into superyacht design and emphasized incredible value, tasty food made from scratch, wellness amenities and sustainable practices. I can say all of this, but the best way to understand is to come aboard and experience it for yourself,” he said.
Resilient Lady will be docked in Sydney for two more days before sailing south to her new homeport in Melbourne. On 11 December, she’ll embark on her Aussie MerMaiden voyage, a five-night trip that will give Sailors a taste of Tasmania with stops in Burnie and Hobart.
With itineraries expected to sell out, travellers can secure a cabin now (and avoid the FOMO). For more information on Virgin Voyages, visit https://www.virginvoyages.com/ or follow Virgin Voyages on social media @virginvoyages.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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