Virgin Voyages has announced changes to Resilient Lady’s upcoming repositioning voyage due to conflict in the Middle East.

Departing March 27, the 43-night ‘Sea Change’ voyage from Australia to Athens comprises three voyages, with each leg being impacted by ongoing conflict in the region. 

“The safety of our passengers and crew is our number one priority,” said Virgin Voyages in a statement. “Like many other cruise brands, we have been watching the current conflict in the Middle East closely, connecting regularly with global security experts to consider the impacts to the repositioning voyages planned for Resilient Lady in 2024.

“We remain concerned about potential escalations in this part of the world over the next 12 months and the risk that this presents for safe passage through the region. As a result, we have been left with no choice but to make changes to Resilient Lady’s repositioning voyage taking place on March 27.”

The dates for the three new voyages are: Sydney to Cape Town (March 27-April 17); Cape Town to Barcelona (April 17-May 4); and Barcelona to Athens (May 4-9).

In place of its former repositioning voyages, Resilient Lady will now be departing from Sydney for a sailing around the coast of Africa, with a brand new route stopping in Eden and Fremantle (Perth) in Australia, Port Louis (Mauritius Islands), Durban and Cape Town (South Africa), Walvis Bay (Namibia), Praia (Cape Verde), Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain), Casablanca (Morocco), Barcelona (Spain), Valletta (Malta), as well as Santorini and Piraeus (Athens) in Greece, all with extended time at sea.

All passengers on these former three legs of the repositioning voyages will have guaranteed spots on these sailings at no additional cost and a price protection commitment in place. If these dates are not convenient, they can receive a Future Voyage Credit based on their paid balance or a full refund.

In addition, Virgin Voyages will be protecting commissions for travel advisors, who it refers to as ‘First Mates.’

Virgin Voyages is now conducting a full review of other repositioning voyages and linked sailings that are geographically similar. An update on any further changes will be given in the coming weeks.

Source: Travelweek