When you receive an invitation from one of the world’s most popular and successful entrepreneurs to attend a gala launch you give it more than a cursory thought before saying yes.
This was the situation when an invitation to attend the Sydney launch of his newest ship, The Resilient Lady, arrived during the week.
This ship has all the bells and whistles and attitude of an adults-only cruiser with nothing spared to ensure the passengers have a moving and memorable sailing experience.
The new Resilient Lady will create magnetic memories for those who sail on her but the name in the first instance is unusual although it does make sense. ‘Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions’ is one definition. We hope she doesn’t experience any difficult conditions.
Founder and main man with the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson was on board for her Sydney debut on Tuesday 5th December before her scheduled cruise to New Zealand stopping at Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay for a similar launch celebration.
Branson, well known for his entrepreneurial flare last week gave away more than a million dollars’ worth of free cruising to 150 passengers on a Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Hobart. Many of the guests were hoping Sir Richard would offer more complimentary cruise vouchers at this launch but it was not to be! These summer sailings in Australia mark Virgin Voyages’ first new venture in the country since the introduction of Virgin Australia in 2000.
Mountains of Moet.
The Resilient Lady has 17 decks takes 2,700 passengers and has been designed to provide a homely experience. All cabins are fitted with the brand’s signature red hammock for utmost relaxation. Practically anything a guest requires can be obtained via the cabin tablet. Select cabins also have exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop bar, a serene location with unlimited champagne, private hot tubs, and stunning views – a welcome addition to this cruise experience. Guests were invited to wear a splash of the company’s favourite colour, red and that is what they did with gusto.
This is the fourth in the Virgin Voyages-operated fleet built in Italy.
Before sailing through the heads and heading south on an extension of her maiden voyage Resilient Lady and her crew threw ‘a getting to know us’ soiree where the award-winning ship many attributes were on show. Delicious fare, bottomless drinks of every variety a tour of the luxurious cabins, recreation areas and bars plus some outstanding entertainment, all hosted by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages CEO, Nirmal Saverimuttu.
Written by: John Savage
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