Economy Class & Beyond

Voyagers turn 20 – but could they have been better?

30/07/2021 by Kevincm

a group of people holding a sign in front of a train

The Voyager (Class 220) and Super Voyager (Class 221 ) fleets were introduced in 2001 by Virgin CrossCountry and Virgin West Coast , as diesel multiple units to connect the networks that are unable to be served by electric trains.

They replaced locomotive-hauled trains that served the routes (inherited from British Rail Intercity days), as well as supplanting HST trains on some routes.

a train at a train station

They are designed to operate up to 200kph/125mph, and in some cases, tilt as well (in the case of some who have tilt-enabled units), and CrossCountry (whose units have tilt isolated).

The trains were manufactured by Bombardier, (acquired by Alstom in January 2021) and entered service in 2001.

The Voyager Fleet can be found across the length and breadth of Britain’s Inter-City network from Aberdeen to Penzance, London to Llandudno.

The allocations currently are:

  • Cross Country: 34 four-car Voyagers (Class 220)
  • Cross Country: 4 four-car Super Voyagers (Class 221)
  • Cross Country: 20 five-car Super Voyagers (Class 221)
  • Avanti West Coast: 20 five-car Super Voyagers (Class 221) 

All 78 units are owned by Beacon Rail, and maintained by Alstom at its Central Rivers depot, with heavy component overhaul taking place at Alstom’s Crewe and Ilford facilities.

Innovation to continue – but missed opportunities

Even though they’re 20 years there seems to be plenty of room for innovation still, with such as hybrid diesel/battery operation and intelligent engine stop/start, being developed for the type. 

However, there was a missed opportunity some years ago, when there was an opportunity to make them dual-mode, with an extra carriage to be added, which would allow it to powered from overhead electricity (as part of Project Thor). This was not taken up in the end. 

This brings us to the next issue with the class- capacity.

Too short when they were ordered and never expanded

The Class 220 Voyager and Class 221 Super Voyager were ordered primarily as four-class configurations, with Super Voyagers mainly made up of five car configurations.

These replaced trains that were on average seven carriages long. In addition, space was consumed with luggage racks and large (if rather smelly) toilet units -leaving an ever reducing space for passenger seats .

Whilst it was argued that the improved timetable would justify the four/five-car sets, passenger demand soared – leaving Virgin and Arriva Cross Country with standing passengers on long haul routes – to the point where InterCity 125 trains returned to some CrossCountry routes. 

And sadly, the units were never expanded… except for one member of the family.

Enter the Meridian 

The last member of the Voyager family is the Class 222 Meridians. These entered service with  East Midlands Trains  (operated by Stagecoach) and Hull Trains  and currently operate with East Midlands Railway (operated by Abellio). 

East Midlands Railway Class 222 train - Image, Luton Airport/East Midlands Railway

Curiously, whilst they ordered some rather long nine-car sets, along with some four-car sets. The nine-car sets slowly were reduced to eight cars, then seven, with the four-car sets being transformed into five-car sets. 

Currently, East Midlands Railway operates:

  • 6 Seven Car Sets (Class 222/0)
  • 17 Five Car Sets (Class 222/0)
  • 4 Four Car sets (Class 222/1)  

Peter Broadley, Managing Director, Services for Alstom UK & Ireland said:

“Twenty years of reliable, 200 km/hour operation across Britain is a very significant milestone. We are delighted to celebrate Voyager 20 with our friends from Beacon Rail, CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast and look forward to future innovations to achieve even greater sustainability.”

Rob Dee, Beacon Rail said

“The Voyager fleet is an integral part of Beacon’s portfolio, consisting of close to 2,000 items of rolling stock operating in 17 countries across Europe.  Since taking ownership of the Voyagers in 2017 Beacon has worked closely with our customers Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry as well as Alstom to ensure the Voyagers offer a high level of safety, reliability, availability and comfort to the travelling public. Beacon has also commissioned industry colleagues to develop a hybrid battery solution for the fleet. The hybrid will significantly reduce emissions in built-up areas whilst maintaining Voyager’s high-speed, go-anywhere capability”.

Tom Joyner, Managing Director at CrossCountry said:

“The Voyager fleet has provided a sterling service for countless passengers over the past twenty years. There are some innovative projects in the pipeline, which will ensure the Voyagers continue to form a key part of our fleet and we are looking forward to working with colleagues from Alstom and Beacon Rail on these in the months ahead.”

Gus Dunster, Executive Director Operations & Safety, Avanti West Coast said:

“The Super Voyager has played a key role in the transformation of the West Coast Main Line – being integral to a high frequency timetable and helping to put Shrewsbury and Blackpool back on the map. The recent £8.3m investment in the fleet has given the trains a new lease of life and they will continue to serve our customers with great distinction.”

The next years

The Voyager fleet will see continued demand – however, the Meridian fleet is set to be released in the near future, when their new Class 810 “Arora” Fleet.

East Midands Railway Class 810

In theory, this will displace the Class 222 Meridian fleet. In addition,  Avanti West Coast  will be adding Class 805 trains too, to replace their Super Voyager fleet. 

Avanti West Coast new Hitachi trains - image, Hitachi Ral

Where it will go in the age of Great British Railways – who knows. Hopefully, CrossCountry can benefit from these releases.

But one thing is for certain – we’ll be seeing a lot of the Voyagers to come for many years, as they connect Penzance to Aberdeen, from Bournthmoth to Manchester and the places in between.

Welcome to  Economy Class and Beyond –  Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.

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Bombardier and Virgin brand Super Voyager train

Posted: 2 September 2010 | | No comments yet

Bombardier and Virgin Trains have revealed a Super Voyager train jointly branded and with the theme “more trains, fewer cars, greener planet”.

Bombardier and Virgin Trains have revealed a Super Voyager train jointly branded and with the theme “more trains, fewer cars, greener planet”. At a ceremony at one of the train’s maintenance facilities, the unit was also named “Polmadie Depot”.

The proven Super Voyager fleet has been in service with Virgin since 1999 and has one of the highest reliability records for inter city trains. The branding is to celebrate the excellent partnership working between Bombardier, who built and maintains the trains, and Virgin Trains, their operator. Rail travel is recognised as one of the most environmentally-friendly form of transportation, prompting the theme of “more trains, fewer cars, greener planet”.

Bombardier’s Vice-President Services for the UK, Paul Roberts said: “This is an important development for our Super Voyager trains, demonstrating our dedication to and close working relationship with Virgin Trains, ensuring a high quality service for passengers travelling from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Birmingham and also between North Wales, Chester and London.”

Commenting on the launch, Colin S Walton, Chairman, Bombardier Transportation, UK said: “We are extremely proud of our relationship with Virgin and our Super Voyager product and we are pleased to be able to demonstrate that by having this bespoke branding. We are demonstrating what everyone knows with this branding – that travelling by rail is better for the planet”.

The Super Voyager unit will operate mainly between Scotland and Birmingham and also between North Wales, Chester and London.

Related organisations

Bombardier Transportation , Virgin Trains

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virgin super voyager

The Introduction of the Virgin Voyagers

"the first uk sighting of the voyager’s now familiar front end came on 6th july 2000... five months later to the day, a high-profile and ceremonious outing for 220001 set out to woo the press.".

Virgin Class 220 New Street 2001

THE DEAL IS SEALED

Virgin Class 220 Kings Norton 2001

PRE-VOYAGER

D9000 Virgin Trains

THE CLASS 220 APPEARS

Red badge Virgin Class 220s at Tibberton

CLASS 221 HITS THE SCENE

Virgin Class 221 brand new 2002

OPERATION PRINCESS

Virgin Voyagers

  • You are here
  • Everything Explained.Today
  • A-Z Contents
  • British Rail Class 221

British Rail Class 221 Explained

See also: Bombardier Voyager .

The British Rail Class 221 Super Voyager is a class of tilting diesel-electric multiple unit express passenger trains built in Bruges , Belgium, by Bombardier Transportation in 200102.

The class is similar to the Class 220 Voyager , but was built with a tilting mechanism enabling up to six degrees of tilt to allow higher speeds on curved tracks. Additionally, most have five coaches, and they have a different bogie design. They have a maximum speed of 125mph.

The trains are divided between three operators, Avanti West Coast (18 sets), CrossCountry (24 sets) and Grand Central (2 sets). [4] CrossCountry sets had their tilt function disabled in 2008 to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs.

The Class 221 units were produced as five- or four-coach sets. Each coach is equipped with a Cummins QSK19 diesel engine producing 560kW at 1,800rpm, [5] driving an electrical generator which powers two motors, each driving one (inner) axle per bogie via a cardan shaft and final drive. 1200miles can be travelled between refuellings.The coach bodies, the engines and most of the equipment of the Class 221s are the same as the Class 220s , but the bogie s are very different: the Class 220 Voyager B5000 bogies have inside-frames which expose the whole of the wheel faces, while the Class 221 SuperVoyager Y36 bogies have a more traditional outside-framed bogie. Unlike the Class 220s, the Class 221s were built with a hydraulic-actuated tilting system to run at high speed around bends, though this has now been disabled from the 24 sets operated by CrossCountry.

Each coach weighs between 55 and 57tonnes, with a total train weight of 281.9tonnes for a five-car set (227 tonnesfor a four-car set). The trains have air-operated (pneumatic) and rheostatic brakes, with an emergency stopping distance of at 60mph. [5]

Class 221 units are fitted with automatic sanding systems. The Avanti West Coast operated units are fitted with a Vossloh fixed rate sander and the Arriva Cross Country operated units are fitted with AB Hoses and fittings variable rate sanding system.

All Class 221 units are maintained at the dedicated Central Rivers TMD near Burton-on-Trent.

Formation and passenger facilities

As part of a franchise commitment to replace all of the Mark 2 and High Speed Train sets, Virgin CrossCountry ordered 40 five-carriage sets. In addition four four-carriage sets were ordered to replace High Speed Trains on Virgin Trains ' North Wales Coast Line services to Holyhead . However all entered service with Virgin CrossCountry.

In November 2010, Virgin Trains reformed its three four-car sets into two five-car sets and a residual spare two-car set by inserting the two intermediate (non-driving) cars from 221144 into 221142 and 221143, giving 20 five-car sets (and two spare driving cars). This was aimed at providing more flexibility and consistency in operating Birmingham-Scotland and London-North Wales services. [6] In 2017, a further reformation took place, allowing 221144 to be returned to traffic with CrossCountry, now operated by Arriva, involving the exchange of some vehicles between Virgin and CrossCountry and the reduction of two CrossCountry sets to four car formations.

All vehicles are air-conditioned and fitted with Wi-Fi . On some units, the at-seat audio entertainment system is still present however it has now been disabled since the Wi-Fi hotspot s were introduced. Power sockets are also available for laptop computers and mobile-phone charging. First-class accommodation has 2+1 seating, standard class 2+2 seating. Former Virgin Trains units are fitted with CCTV. These trains, unlike the older trains they replaced, have electronic information display boards in the exterior walls showing the train number, the time, the coach, the train's destination and the next station. This is also a feature of the and high speed DEMUs.

The trains have been criticised for providing insufficient space for luggage and bicycles. [7] Also, because the units are designed to tilt, the carriages have a tapered profile that narrows towards roof level, resulting in a less spacious interior than the conventional carriages they replaced.

The formation and capacity of each unit depends on the operator.

See also: Cross Country Route and Avanti West Coast . All units are owned by Beacon Rail , after they were purchased from Voyager Rail Leasing, [11] a consortium of Lloyds Banking Group and Angel Trains . [12] They are leased to the train operating companies .

On their introduction in 2002, Virgin Trains was the operator of all Class 221s, which it used on CrossCountry and West Coast Main Line services as well as on the North Wales Coast line.

With the decision to transfer those CrossCountry services that operated via the West Coast Main Line to the InterCity West Coast franchise at the same time as the former franchise was relet, on 11 November 2007 the fleet was split. Virgin West Coast were allocated 221101-221118 and 221142-221144 while CrossCountry gained 221119-221141. However, while CrossCountry was overhauling five High Speed Train sets, 221114-221118 were subleased to CrossCountry for 12 months.

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast uses the Class 221 units primarily between London Euston and Scotland via Birmingham New Street (despite the route being electrified throughout), between London Euston and Shrewsbury, and between London Euston and Chester and North Wales. They are also used by a few London Euston to West Midlands services.

The trains to and from Scotland often operate as double units and alternate between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley (in turn alternating with TransPennine Express trains to and from Manchester Airport ). When longer trains are needed for some of the busier services, a Pendolino will run through from and to London Euston, and the Super Voyager then fills in for it on the London to West Midlands route.

The trains on the North Wales route sometimes operate as double units. They run from London Euston and terminate at any of Chester , Holyhead , Bangor or Wrexham . The daily return service from London Euston to Shrewsbury also operates using the Class 221.

In December 2019, Avanti West Coast placed an order for 10 seven-car Class 807 electric units which will replace its Class 221 fleet, along with 13 Class 805 bi-mode units as part of £350million contract with Hitachi . [13] These are planned to enter service in 2023. [14]

In June 2022, units 221142 and 221143 were the first 221s to be returned to their owners after their leases to Avanti West Coast ended. The class are set to be replaced by new and 807 units from 2023 onwards. [15]

CrossCountry

CrossCountry's Class 221s operate alongside 220s on the routes inherited from Virgin CrossCountry. Since these routes are not cleared for tilting operation (with the exception of Wolverhampton to Stockport ), in 2008 the tilting equipment was locked out of use and shortly afterwards was isolated altogether, replacing the hydraulic rams with fixed tie-bars. This change was made to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs. [16]

Grand Central

In June 2023 it was announced that Grand Central would be leasing two Class 221 units (numbers 221142 and 221143) for use on services between London Kings Cross and Bradford . [17]

The Class 221s first entered service with Grand Central in 2023.

Technical problems and incidents

When first introduced, Class 221 units would frequently be stopped due to waves breaking over the sea wall at Dawlish in storm conditions, inundating the resistor banks and causing the control software to shut down the whole train. [18] This problem was fixed by an upgrade to the control software. [19]

On 8 December 2005, unit 221125 suffered an exhaust fire at . Other members of the Voyager class suffered similar fires in the 2005-2006 period due to an incorrectly performed engine overhaul. [20]

On 25 September 2006, unit 221136 collided with a car on the track at Moor Lane, Copmanthorpe , North Yorkshire. The 14:25 Plymouth to Edinburgh was decelerating on its approach to York station at 9pm when it collided with the car, which had crashed through a fence on to the line. Despite being derailed in the 100mph crash, the train remained upright. Nobody on board was injured. [21]

On 4 July 2009, unit 221112 was involved in a collision between with a set of freight train container doors on the Eden Valley Loop at . At 16:27, Virgin Trains service 1M86 from Edinburgh to Birmingham New Street passed service 4M16, a container freight train which was in the Loop. The train struck one or both open doors of wagons 12 and or 13 of the container train. The train crew heard the impacts and stopped to report the damage to their control at 16:28. The train suffered damage to all cars consisting of scratching to bodywork, in particular the doors, as well as severe damage to one door step. The Super Voyager was one of three trains to be damaged by the container doors; a Class 390 and a Class 185 were also involved. [22]

On 20 November 2013 a Virgin Super Voyager (unit 221105) overran the platform and ran into the buffers at . One passenger was taken to hospital. [23] [24] The RAIB report concluded that this was due to exceptionally low adhesion between wheels and rails, combined with train's sanding system being inadequate. The report recommended that the sanding equipment on the class be upgraded. [25]

In June 2014, one vehicle in CrossCountry unit 220007 was damaged after it caught fire at Eastleigh Works . [26] As a temporary fix, the damaged vehicle from 220007 was replaced with one taken from 221135. The two units were returned to their original formations in February 2015.

Fleet details

Vehicle numbering.

Individual vehicles, as-built, were numbered in the ranges as follows:

  • List of high speed trains
  • Class 222 Meridian

External links

  • Testing the Class 221s
  • Railway Herald Issue 150 page 6 contains an image of a reconfigured Super Voyager.

Notes and References

  • Book: Every Track - QSK19 for Rail Applications . Cummins Ltd . Daventry . 09/08 . Bulletin 4087201 . 2 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221202140716/https://mart.cummins.com/imagelibrary/data/assetfiles/0043213.pdf . 2 December 2022 .
  • News: Cutting noise and smoothing the ride . . 1 August 2000 . 216 SuperVoyager cars capable of tilting 6° ... will use the well-proven Y36 bogie with hydraulic tilt actuation. . 2010-12-20 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120604022558/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/cutting-noise-and-smoothing-the-ride.html . 4 June 2012 . dmy-all .
  • Book: System Data for Mechanical and Electrical Coupling of Rail Vehicles in support of GM/RT2190 . 22 June 2011 . SD001 . Rail Safety and Standards Board . London . 4 . 22 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120401203135/http://www.rssb.co.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/rv_coupling_system_data/SD001.pdf . 1 April 2012 . dead.
  • Web site: Our trains . 12 August 2023. Grand Central. en-GB.
  • Web site: Class 221 data . https://web.archive.org/web/20071027164919/http://www.therailwaycentre.com/New%20DMU%20Tech%20Data%20/DMU_220_221.html. usurped. 27 October 2007. 2 June 2008. The Railway Centre.
  • News: Virgin eliminate four car Voyagers . Virgin Trains is no longer operating any Class 221 Super Voyager trains as four-car units. . 3 December 2010 . 2010-12-20 . RailNews . Stevenage . https://web.archive.org/web/20120322125538/http://www.rail-news.com/2010/12/03/virgin-eliminate-four-car-voyagers/ . 22 March 2012 . dead .
  • News: GNER boss calls Virgin trains 'cheap and nasty' . Barrie . Clement . 12 January 2004 . The Independent . London.
  • Web site: About Our Trains - Experience . Virgin Trains.
  • Web site: Intercity West Coast Franchise Agreement (Interim) . Department for Transport.
  • Web site: Voyager Trains . Cross Country .
  • Web site: Beacon Rail buys Voyager DEMU fleet . Railway Gazette.
  • Book: Pritchard . Robert . Hall . Peter . British Railways Locomotives & Coaching Stock 2013 . 2013 . Platform 5 Publishing . Sheffield . 978-1-909431-02-7 . 246–7, 373 .
  • Web site: What's In Store Avanti West Coast . 2020-06-05. www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk. en.
  • Rolling Stock Special: New Trains on order . . 241 . March 2022 . 30 .
  • News: Holden . Michael . First two Avanti West Coast Voyager trains return to Beacon Rail . 14 June 2022 . RailAdvent . 14 June 2022.
  • Miles . Tony . CrossCountry stops tilting . . August 2008. 71.
  • Class 221 Super Voyager . Units . Rail Express . 326 . July 2023 . 21 . Mortons Media Group . Horncastle . 1362-234X.
  • News: Virgin Trains chaos 'over by Christmas' . . 20 November 2002 . 12 October 2023.
  • Voyager Train fleet "think smart" to operate past Devon sea storms . Virgin Trains . 2 December 2002 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20061016083818/http://www.virgintrainsmediaroom.com/index.cfm?articleid=272 . 2006-10-16 .
  • Web site: Virgin Trains Cross Country news . https://web.archive.org/web/20060926224803/http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/img/aboutus/downloads/CrossCountry%20News%20April%2006.pdf . 26 September 2006 . April 2006 . 4 . dead.
  • News: Car driver killed in rail crash . . London . 26 September 2006 . 12 October 2023.
  • Rail Accident Report: Container doors hit passenger trains, Penrith Station and Eden Valley Loop, Cumbria, 4 July 2009 . . 19 November 2009 . 13 October 2023 .
  • News: Passenger taken to hospital after Chester collision . RailNews. 20 November 2013. 22 November 2013.
  • News: Train crashes into Chester Station barrier . BBC News . 20 November 2013. 22 November 2013.
  • Web site: Report 26/2014: Buffer stop collision at Chester station . Rail Accident Investigation Branch . 10 December 2014. 13 October 2023.
  • News: Fire crews tackle train blaze in Eastleigh . 31 October 2022 . . Newsquest Media Group . 28 June 2014.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License . It uses material from the Wikipedia article " British Rail Class 221 ".

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Classes 220 & 221   Virgin Voyager & Super Voyager

This page was last updated 3 December 2002

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  • At A Glance

Reservations:

Assisted travel:.

virgin super voyager

Avanti Super Voyager (UK)

Welcome to the guide featuring the key things worth knowing when travelling by these trains which connect london and the west midlands to north wales..

At some time during 2024 these trains will be begin to be replaced by new trains .

At a Glance

Travel pass supplement, rail pass reservation fees, reservations.

Reservations are available

Time of Day

This train is solely used on daytime departures.

Food services available

Bistro (bar food and take away meals)

This train has a bar car with a counter at which hot food can be ordered along with snacks, sandwiches, salads and hot/cold drinks. These items can then be consumed in the bar car or taken back to your seats.

Accessibility

Accessing the train

Wheelchair Spaces

Dedicated spaces for wheelchairs are available on this train.

Bikes Allowed

Non-folding standard bicycles, can be taken on to this train, but must then be placed in the bike spaces. Check the info below regarding whether bike tickets and/or reservations are required pre-boarding.

Train Specification

Attributes of the train

Has a Conductor

A conductor will be present on board the train, their role includes making announcements and responding to passenger queries.

Which country these trains operate in.

Great Britain

This train operates on routes within Great Britain

Travel Passes

A complimentary WiFi portal is available throughout this train.

At Seat Catering

According to the time of day of travel, passengers will be able to choose from a menu of catering options, which will then be served at their seats.

Power Socket (UK)

The power sockets on this train are compatible with the standard 3-point plugs as typically used in the UK.

The First Class coach on an Avanti Super Voyager train - the Virgin branding has now been removed

If you won’t be making a short-distance journey* complimentary food and drink is served to first class passengers at their seats. *=this service is always available when traveling to/from London.

The service can be excellent value for money, although what you’ll receive depends on the day of the week - and on Mon-Friday, it also matters at which time you’ll be travelling. On early morning Mon-Friday departures breakfast is available, but later in the mornings the 'Rest Of The Day' menu becomes available along with a selection of sandwiches and snacks. The switch over between these two menus seems to occur between 08:30 and 09:00.

The departure time and not the length of journey will dictate what you will be provided with, because the menu is usually served between 30 mins and an hour after departure.

The Weekend is similar to what’s available from the Standard Class catering trolley, but with the key difference being that what you are offered in First Class will be complimentary. This weekend menu is also available when Mondays and Fridays are national holidays.

Trolley Service:

A catering trolley with hot and cold drinks and snacks should be taken through the train at some point during its journey.

...so the images will be updated once they have the new colour scheme applied

These Super Voyager trains are diesel powered so Avanti West Coast uses them for services which operated beyond the boundaries of the electrified lines.

Virgin Trains had been the previous operator, hence the images which show its branding, but they'll be updated as soon as the Avanti designs are applied to the trains.

These Super Voyager trains are used on these four routes:

  • London Euston <> Shrewsbury via Birmingham and Telford,
  • London Euston <> Chester,
  • London Euston <> Holyhead via Chester, Llandudno Junction and Bangor.
  • London Euston - Birmingham - Preston - Carlisle - Edinburgh (some departures)

They can also be used on other Avanti West Coast routes at weekends, when the services are having to be diverted from the usual route, due to works on the railway line.

Seat reservations are available, but not mandatory when travelling on Avanti Super Voyager services:

When booking tickets, including any journey using Advance tickets, reservations will also be issued which show specific coach and seat numbers.

Rail pass users can either opt to board without reservations, or arrange reservations prior to boarding, either at an Advance Travel desk in a station at last an hour before departure, or by contacting Avanti's social media channels. There is no charge to rail pass users for booking an optional reservation.

Worth knowing is that for your travel ticket to be valid, you don’t have to occupy the seat(s) you will be assigned* when booking online. So if for any reason you want to travel in a different seat, you can do so. As long as you check that the alternative seat(s) you want to move to haven’t been reserved, so will be available for your journey.

*= Advance tickets can only be used on the departure selected when booking, but the departure info is on the reservation, so it shows the conductor that you are in fact traveling by the departure you selected.

If you have a seat reservation:

At London Euston the number of the platform (track) that a specific departure will be leaving from, normally appears on the information screens 10 -15 minutes prior to departure. This will signal the start of a race to board the train, join the throng if you have luggage, the space for storing luggage isn’t particularly generous, especially in Standard Class. However, if you don’t have luggage, but do have a reservation, you can take your time as your seat(s) will be waiting for you to occupy them.

If you will be boarding at a large station, where the train will be calling during a journey, there are now usually signs on the platform (track), which will show you where to wait for easy boarding into each coach/carriage.

Look out for the coach numbers on these electronic displays

You don’t have to occupy the seat(s) you will assigned when booking online, so if for any reason you want to travel in a different seat, you can do so. Though you'll need to use the on board info to check that the alternative seat(s) you want to move to, haven’t been reserved, so will be available for your journey.

If you don’t have heavy luggage, after departure it can be worth having a walk through the train, to see what seats are available in other coaches. It’s not unknown for some of the coaches on the train to relatively busy, while others will be comparatively empty.

If you don’t have a seat reservation:

Two Super Voyager trains can be joined together on departure, particularly when heading north from London. On arrival at one of the stations the train will call at, often Chester or Wolverhampton, the train at the front can leave the other behind, in order to travel on to more distant and therefore less popular destinations.

So take care when boarding, although the on board information and train conductor will help ensure that you’re travelling in the correct part of the train.

Coach C is usually set aside for travellers who haven’t made seat reservations, but there is something else worth being aware of if you don’t have reservations. On the departure screens at Birmingham New Street and Euston at the foot of the information for each train (below its list of calling points), you should be able to see something which resembles a table/chart. This info will show which of the coaches on the train will be busy, because most of its seats have been reserved, and which will be relatively empty. So if you don’t have a reservation, you can board into the coach in which you’ll be most likely to find available seats.

Standard Class:

On virtually all departures at some point during the journey a catering trolley will be taken through the train, from which you can order hot/cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches at your seat.

There is also an on-board café from which you can order hot food and a more extensive range of food/drink items. When two trains are joined together for a departure, the café service is usually provided on both of the trains.

First Class:

If you won’t be making a short-distance journey* complimentary food and drink is served to first class passengers at their seats – *this service is always available when traveling to/from London

The service can be excellent value for money, although what you’ll receive depends on the day of the week - and on Mon-Friday, it also matters at which time you’ll be travelling. On early morning Mon-Friday departures breakfast is available, but later in the mornings the brunch menu is served. The switch over between these two menus seems to occur between 08:30 and 09:00.

A lunch menu is available in the middle of the day, while a more extensive choice of multiple hot food options is available in the evenings.

The Weekend menu is similar to what’s available from the Standard Class catering trolley, but with the key difference being that what you are offered in First Class will be complimentary. This weekend menu is also available when Mondays and Fridays are national holidays.

Each First and Standard Class coach on the train offers a mix of table seats and airline style seats - and you can specify a preference for being sat at a table seat(s) when booking tickets.

Particularly if you will be travelling long-distance, prior to making a booking, ShowMeTheJourney recommends looking at the seating plans, which can be downloaded from the Avanti West Coast website. You can use these plans to check which seats have a limited view, because not all seats in First or Standard class line up with the windows - or to check which seats do have power sockets.

Power sockets are only available at all WINDOW seats in both First and Standard Class.

Quiet Coach

Quiet Coaches are available on Virgin Super Voyager trains, passengers travelling within them are requested not to make or receive calls during the journey - and to use headphones when accessing audio or video. Seats within this Quiet Coach can be requested when making a reservation,

Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available throughout the train.

Once your logged on to the Wi-Fi, you can access a complimentary entertainment portal . Though what you can access via this portal is more limited than on the Pendolino trains - the movies and TV shows aren't available on a Super Voyager, but you can access news, online magazines and games.

The maximum size of suitcase that can be taken on board is 30cm x 70 cm x 90 cm; more information is available here .

Travelling with dogs

Up to two dogs can travel for free with an individual, or group of travellers.

Spaces for non-folding bikes must be reserved ahead of travel, but these bike spaces can now be booked online as you book your journey tickets. A bike reservation facility is built into the booking path on the Avanti West Coast website - and it shows how many bike spaces are still available on each departure.

Or if you want to subsequently book a bike reservation after you have booked your travel ticket, you can do so by calling 0345 528 0253

Though before doing so it's worth looking up the departure you will be travelling by, to check whether bike spaces are available Also if you have booked Advance tickets, don't leave your bike reservation to the last minute. Your bike will have to travel with you on the specific departure that you're booked on to, but you won't be able to exchange your travel tickets to a different departure if you subsequently discover that no bike spaces are available on that train.

Avanti Super Voyager trains have both wheelchair spaces and seats with additional leg-room, the Assisted Travel page on the Avanti West Coast website includes the booking information.

Take the delightfully scenic journey between London and Glasgow from £30 with Advance tickets

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Virgin Voyages

virgin super voyager

Ahoy Sailor! Virgin Voyages is on a mission to create the world’s most irresistible travel brand. We’re seeking to redefine what you should expect from a holiday at sea and create an Epic Sea Change For All.

Our first ship, Scarlet Lady, is unlike any other ship you’ve ever met. With RockStar Quarters, champagne on demand and amazing food, this is cruising but not as you know it. 

Virgin Voyages' suite

Sailor wellbeing is our priority – we want you to feel your absolute best. A dose of ‘Vitamin Sea’ is naturally intertwined across the entire ship, with a mix of high-energy moments coupled with relaxation and rejuvenation.

A bar onboard Virgin Voyages' ship Scarlet Lady

Virgin Voyages is committed to having one of the cleanest fleets at sea, by investing in clean efficient technologies and implementing policies to reduce our environmental footprint. You won’t find single-use plastics onboard our ships – we want everyone to make use of recyclable and reusable materials.

Virgin Voyages second ship, Valiant Lady, calls Barcelona her home – setting sail through the Mediterranean in the summers and spending her winters voyaging down in the Caribbean.

In partnership with the Virgin Group, Virgin Voyages is jointly funded by Bain Capital, one of the world’s leading private multi-asset alternative investment firms.

Latest Virgin Voyages stories

virgin super voyager

Company History

Bain Capital (1984-founded) is based in Boston (Massachusetts USA) and specializes in private equity, venture capital, credit, public equity, life sciences and real estate, with assets (under management in FY2018) ~USD 105 billion. Virgin Group Ltd (1970-founded by Richard Branson and Nik Powell) is based in London (England UK) and specializes in global investments and branding through numerous fully- or partially-owned subsidiary companies in businesses like travel (cruises, hotels, tours, airlines, trains), hospitality, health, banking, retail, communications, entertainment, publishing, charity.

Virgin Group's best-known brands are Virgin Holidays, Virgin Voyages, Virgin Megastores, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Care, Virgin Trains USA (Brightline), and Virgin Airlines (Australia, Atlantic, Connect, and Galactic/spaceflights).

Virgin Voyages operates a fleet of four fully-owned cruise vessels constructed by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri SpA (at Sestri Ponente shipyard/ Genoa ).

In FY2018, Fincantieri reported revenue of EUR 5,4 billion. Currently ranked Europe's largest shipbuilding company, Fincantieri has 8 shipyards (all in Italy), in 2013 acquired VARD (Norway-based company with 9 shipyards) and in 2018 purchased 50% of STX France (Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard in St Nazaire ). Fincantieri builds both commercial and naval ships.

In 2020, Virgin Cruises officially started operations (from Miami Florida USA ) with the 2800-passenger Scarlet Lady . Three more sisterships were inaugurated in the following years - Valiant Lady (2021), Resilient Lady (2022) and Brilliant Lady (2024).

The announcement (initially for 3 ships) was made on June 23, 2015, in Miami, during a press conference (media event "making waves") for Virgin Group's new cruise travel brand. For the event, Richard Branson arrived on a helicopter, landing near Miami's Museum Park. He announced that the total building cost for the 3 ships is USD 2,13 billion (US$710M per unit). The announcement for the 4th ship was made on October 31, 2018, with order value ~EUR 700 million.

The company's current President and CEO is Nirmal Saverimuttu (1979-born in Zambian, raised in Australia), who in September 2023 succeeded Thomas Michael McAlpin (1959-born American). McAlpin joined DCL-Disney Cruise Line in 1995 (as VP of Finance, Business Development & Shore Travel Operations) overseeing the construction of the first Disney ships ( Magic /1998 and Wonder /1999) and the development of Walt Disney's private Bahamian island Castaway Cay . In 2004, he became DCL's President. Prior to heading Virgin Cruises, McAlpin served as CEO of The World Residences at Sea (in the period 2009-2014). Following his retirement from CEO and President, Tom McAlpin continued to serve Virgin Voyages as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Earlier in 2016, Virgin settled US$300M lawsuits filed by Colin Veitch (former NCL-Norwegian CEO), who claimed Virgin had stolen his ideas and moved on with the cruise line concept without him.

Tom McAlpin commented that the company is not to be considered a big player in the cruising industry, but rather "a small boutique line that will offer different experiences". McAlpin and Branson hinted that those experiences might take some cues from other successful Virgin ventures, like Virgin Hotels. The hotel chain is popular for offering free WiFi, minibar drinks at street prices, privacy doors allowing guests to go on about their business while room service brings requests, pet-friendly amenities with no weight or size restrictions.

In October 2016, "Virgin Cruises" was rebranded as "Virgin Voyages". At the time it was first announced, the company's founder Branson said his goal was to create a brand cruising experience that is more likely to appeal to millennials and other people who don't normally take cruise ship vacations.

In regard to onboard gratuities, the company has "No Tipping" policy, which means all gratuities are included in the base cruise fares. Also included in basic fares are beverages, all eateries, group fitness classes. The company also doesn't charge penalties or change fees. Customers are able to hold staterooms for 24 hours with no money down once they've placed a 20% non-refundable deposit. They also have a 7-day grace period allowing them to change bookings for any reason. Cruise departure date and names on bookings can be changed without fees or penalties. Shortly before opening the bookings on Scarlet Lady (Feb 14, 2019), Virgin announced all-inclusive deal policy by which cruises are sold "by cabin price". Fares are also inclusive of dining (shipwide / 20 options, some 24-hour), unlimited WiFi, all fitness classes. Cabin pricing only varies by the number of occupants. For 5-day itineraries, fares start from ~USD 250 pp per day (excluding taxes-fees).

Virgin Cruises' "non-commissionable policy" allows travel agents to earn across customer's entire transaction, including on add-ons (hotels, flights, travel insurance, spa treatments, tours/excursions, premium packages, onboard credits, taxes, fees). Travel agents receive 16% base commission on the transaction (increased from 10% by the expanded "Brilliant To Do Business With" program). "Red Hot Bonus" program additionally offers annually paid revenue up to 6% (in case certain production thresholds are met) in addition to 10% commission on everything sold prior the cruise (excepting taxes and fees).

Company changes 2019 (pre-inauguration)

In early-April 2019, Virgin Voyages signed an exclusive 7-year partnership deal with OSW (OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd) - a provider of health-and-wellness services and products on cruise vessels and in destination resorts worldwide. OSW provides all the wellness staff, services and products onboard Virgin ships, including yoga and gym trainers, massages, medispa treatments, salon (manicure-pedicure-hairdresser) services. Each ship has a 29-person OSW-employed professional staff. The served facilities include Crow's Nest (outdoor yoga studio), Redemption Spa, Dry-Dock (blowout bar), B-Complex (Fitness Center).

In April 2019, Virgin and Intelligentsia Coffee signed a deal to provide Intelligentsia coffee (Virgin Voyages Blend) and made-to-order beverages at all venues, including the specialty coffee bars ("Ministry of Ground" and "Ministry of Ground Too") served by expert baristas.

In June 2019, Virgin expanded the list of RockStar Suite-only perks with RockStar Agents (dedicated butlers per stateroom), specially dedicated hair and makeup crew (upon request), complimentary laundry service, complimentary Thermal Suite access (Redemption Spa), all-inclusive premium drinks (in all shipboard eateries and bars), personalized bottomless in-room bar (free of charge), option to curate in-port activities.

In late-October 2019 was approved the agreement for Brightline Miami to be rebranded "Virgin Trains" and Virgin Group to build a train station (Virgin Trains PortMiami) at the cruise port. The new station serves high-speed trains and connects PortMiami directly with the USA's intercity railway system and Orlando International Airport.

On November 12, 2019, Richard Branson announced that the second Virgin ship ( Valiant Lady ) will be seasonally homeported in Sydney (NSW Australia) . Branson was in Sydney to launch a partnership between Virgin Australia Airlines and Virgin Voyages and promote affordable Australian and Caribbean fly-cruise deals on Scarlet Lady.

On December 13, 2019, was officially released the "Ship No. 1" perfume (aka "the fragrance of Scarlet Lady"). The sea lavender-based perfume was created by Air Aroma - a company specializing in scent marketing and fragrance systems (diffusers, Aropromo sale scenting devices). Virgin's Ship No. 1 is infused throughout Scarlet Lady. The perfume can be also purchased (only online - via ItSmellsLikeShip.com) for USD 50 per bottle. All net proceeds from these sales go to Ocean Unite (non-profit foundation of 30+ political leaders and business tycoons).

On December 19, 2019, was announced the "Sailor Loot" (OBC/onboard credit) program. These promotions offer OBC (per cabin) for shipboard spending during the current voyage. The OBC is based on the stateroom category and ranges from US$ 100 (interior and oceanview) to US$200 (balcony) and up to US$ 400 (suites).

Now each Virgin cruise ship offers 50+ activities and events. The onboard programming features live performances (by the company's Hapenings Cast) and is managed by Richard Kilman (Virgin's VP of Entertainment).

Company changes 2024

In February Steven Worling (Senior Director of Infrastructure & Security) announced that Virgin Voyages would roll out fleetwide an improved connectivity (Internet/Wi-Fi package) with SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO (satellite service), with onboard connectivity 1,5 Gbps (max per ship). The Internet is provided via MEO and LEO satellites (Medium Earth Orbit and Low Earth Orbit). Shipboard Wi-Fi access is unlimited and for multiple devices per guest.

Company changes 2023

In February, Virgin replaced Harding UK (Bristol-based global travel retail business) with Starboard Cruise Services (Doral Florida-based company). As of 2023, Starboard was contracted by 11 cruise lines and operated on 90+ ships worldwide.

In March was announced an expansion of onboard entertainment fleetwide. The announcement mentioned new cabaret and game shows, new parties (80s Party, We Fancy), and more live music (by the hosted in The Red Room and The Manor program Festival Stage Acts/comedy shows rotating every 2 to 4 weeks). The list of new productions includes three fleetwide game shows (Duel Reality, Untitled DanceShowPartyThing, Miss Behave), the cabaret show Lola’s Library (fleetwide), as well as 3 new productions debuting on Resilient Lady (Persephone, Mind Mangler, Another Rose/Supper Club Series).

In April Virgin signed a partnership deal with WPT/World Poker Tour (2002-founded, internationally televised gaming and entertainment brand). The premium poker experience is offered on Scarlet Lady during all 4-5-night Caribbean itineraries. The ship's new WPT at Sea Poker Room is fitted with 8 poker tables and served by professional dealers. The new gaming venue hosts beginner training sessions, as well as cash games and WPT Prize Package poker tournaments with buy-ins between US$80-320. The US$320 buy-in WPT Prize tournament is held once per cruise. The prize (US$5000) can be used on any future voyage or WPT tournament.

In September, Nirmal Saverimuttu succeeded Michael McAlpin as the company's President and CEO. Along with the new appointment was announced a capital raise of USD 550 million (~EUR 512M/~GBP 440M) with funds managed by Ares Management's Private Equity Group. As of 2023, Ares had ~US$49,2 billion of AUM/assets under management.

In October 2023, Michelle Bentubo was appointed COO/Chief Operating Officer. In 2016-2023 she served the company as VP of Technology & Operations. Previously, she has held executive positions at Walt Disney World (Director of Experience Development), DCL-Disney Cruise Line (Director of Disney's Magical Express) and Bank of America (SVP Technology/2013-16).

In November 2023, Peter Hunt was appointed CFO/Chief Financial Officer. He previously served as CFO for Service King Collision Repair (1976-founded automotive company) and before that was in the leadership team of Virgin America Inc (2004-founded/2018-merged with Alaska Airlines).

Company changes 2022

In March 2022 was announced a partnership with Jennifer Lynn Lopez (1969-born American actress and singer) via her brand company "JLo Beauty and Lifestyle LLC". Jennifer Lopez joined Virgin Voyages as an investor and chief of entertainment/advisor/lifestyle officer. As part of the partnership, fleetwide was introduced "JLo Beauty" (onboard shop) selling the superstar's products at sea for the first time. In June 2023, she was appointed as Virgin's Chief Celebrations Officer.

In September 2022 debuted Virgin's loyalty program "The Sailing Club" by which repeat customers are provided with two main complimentary perks - "Deep Blue Extras" (premium WiFi, invitations to onboard cocktail parties, laundry services) and "Red Hot Booking Bonus Months" (discounted booking with additional OBC/onboard credit).

In September 2022 Virgin partnered with RSB/Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (an independent global membership organization). Virgin also signed long-term agreements with three providers of waste-based sustainable fuels (Argent Energy, GoodFuels, Twelve) to supply the fleet's bunker fuels.

Company changes 2021

In mid-November 2021 was announced an investment in Virgin Voyages by Patricof & Co (1969-founded by Alan Patricof, specializing in venture capital investments). The company is part of Apax Partners LLP (London UK-based equity firm) that also includes Multinational Management Group (1972-founded) and Saunders Karp & Megrue (1988-founded).

In December 2021 was announced the partnership with the House Spirits Distillery () for the fleetwide presence of the brand "Aviation American Gin" (aka Aviation Gin/alcohol volume 42%, produced in Portland Oregon since 2006). Signature cocktails (based on the Aviation Gin) available for ordering at each Virgin ship include "The Double Agent at SIP", "Razzle Dazzle's Electric Fizz", "Stella's Groove at The Manor", "Gunbae's French 75".

Company changes 2020

On April 1, 2020, the company launched its "Jet Transfers Direct to Ship" service. The exclusive "fly-cruise" deal is for RockStar Suite passengers only, allowing them to arrive and depart the boat via chartered or private aircraft. The planes land at The Runway - a top-deck open space (Deck 17 aft) surrounded by a raised Jogging Track.

Virgin cruise ships

On June 23, 2015, Virgin announced it had signed a Letter of Intent with Fincantieri (shipbuilder based in Trieste Italy ) for the construction of 3 ships scheduled for deliveries in 2020-2021-2022 (entering service in 15-month increments).

The shipbuilding order was officially finalized on December 21, 2016. The boats are of the so-called "Lady-class", mid-sized (volume 110000 GT-tons), max passenger capacity 2860 (1410 cabins/90% with balconies), 1150 crew-staff.

The shipbuilding contract was valued at ~EUR 2 billion. The first unit's construction (Scarlet Lady) started with the steel-cutting on March 22, 2017. For the vessel design and construction, Virgin contracted the marine architecture and naval design companies "Roman and Williams" (NYC), Concrete Amsterdam, Tom Dixon's Design Research Studio (London UK), Gem Srl (Italy), Softroom (London UK), WORKac (NYC), Knibb Design, HL Studio (UK), HKS Architects (Dallas USA), PearsonLloyd (London UK).

The first ship's ( Scarlet Lady ) keel-laying ceremony was held on October 31, 2017, and attended by Sir Richard Branson, Tom McAlpin, and Boy George (UK singer, songwriter, fashion designer) who performed as superstar DJ. During the ceremony were also revealed the ship design and hull art of the future Virgin "Lady Ships".

The next image shows the ship's stern (aft) and the signature funnel shape - designed to be a major part of its exterior design. The aft of the superstructure also shows the Promenade Deck and 7 decks of cabin balconies towering above.

Virgin Voyages cruise ship

Each boat has 86% balcony staterooms and 93% oceanview (outside) cabins. These newbuilds greatly differ from other passenger liners (as design) and target younger and more adventurous travellers (called "sailors").

Virgin's ships are adults-only (passengers under 18 yo/teenagers and kids are not allowed) and Bahamas- flagged (registered in Nassau ).

Dining on Virgin Voyages ships is ticket price-inclusive - no extra charges are applied to any of the 20-plus onboard dining options. The cruise company doesn't believe in "paying more for great food", so it ditched traditional surcharges levied in specialty restaurants. All eateries offer "exceptional made-to-order eats" - complimentary.

As part of the company's sustainable travel policy, Virgin banned single-use plastics and there is no buffet food on the ships. All shipboard food is made-to-order - to reduce waste and lower energy consumption and emissions. Savings are reinvested into fresh (locally sourced) top-quality products, exotic ingredients, highly trained staff, and clean technologies. In April 2019 was signed a partnership with Emerald Brand to supply the fleet with "Tree-Free" (disposable) paper products, including facial-bath tissues, paper towels, napkins, hot cups. Those are made from 60-100% Tree-Free materials via technologies that use by-products of agricultural crops usually wasted or burned.

The company doesn't follow any traditional cruise dining concepts. Virgin ships don't have a main dining room, buffet restaurant, dress code (formal wear policy), assigned dining times or seating. All these concepts were replaced with intimate (boutique hotel-type) eateries offering 20+ dining options - all of which are included in cruise fares.

Virgin Voyages cruise ship (top deck)

Virgin ships' signature facilities and venues include:

  • Athletic Club (training center) is an outdoor gym area with a boxing ring and gym club equipment) located top-deck aft. Part of the Sports Deck is also the raised jogging track (Runway track, red-white colored), sundeck with open-air lounge (furnished with double daybeds and semi-circular loungers), triple netting area (overlooking below decks), 10 private cabanas (cushioned bed, low table, 2 lounge chairs), beverage service (from the outdoor Sports Bar), foosball tables, swimming pool, showers.
  • MyBeast is an outdoor playground / poolside gym area.
  • The Crow's Nest (aft sundeck) offers 360-degree views and is furnished with loungers and mats colored in Virgin's signature red. Here are also hosted sunrise and sunset outdoor yoga classes.
  • The B Complex in an indoor fitness center with Technogym ARTIS equipment, floor-ceiling windows and separate rooms (studios) for cycling, yoga, cardio and spinning classes.
  • Gym and Tonic Bar serves cold-pressed fresh juices.
  • Pink Agave is a Mexican restaurant with porthole windows, metallic lighting fixtures, large tables, an elongated curved area (intimate seating with 2-seat tables), separate bar (in the Lobby), private dining room (can be booked for parties and other private events).
  • The Manor is ship's 2-deck high Disco Nightclub with a large dance floor.
  • The Dock is an outdoor lounge (aft on Deck 7) with cushioned wooden furniture (loungers, deckchairs, daybeds).
  • Test Kitchen restaurant features lab-like design (metallic furniture, beakers, test tubes),
  • Richard's Rooftop is a top-deck VIP area (Suite passengers-only sundeck) furnished with daybeds, deckchairs, circular loungers, large umbrellas, colored crystals.
  • Redemption is the ship's Spa complex (on Deck 5) consisting of a Reception, Mud Room, Salt Room, Hydrotherapy Pool, cold plunge pool, Jacuzzi, Thermal Suite (indoor spa with porthole windows, plunge pool and Jacuzzi), treatment rooms (for massages and treatments) with quartz-mattress beds, Dry Dock Salon (hairdressing services), Stubble and Groom (barbershop), Blow Dry Bar, Male pedicure Spa, Mani-pedi Spa. At night, the wellness complex transforms into a dancing lounge with live DJ music.
  • Razzle Dazzle is the vegan-vegetarian restaurant. Part of Razzle Dazzle is Red Bar - juice bar for fresh-squeezed juices and tonics, as well as crafted cocktails from a menu that varies every night. In two days per voyage, at Razzle Dazzle are hosted Drag Brunches featuring live entertainment by "sassy drag queens".

Via the Sailor App (when your phone is shaken), a secret Champagne button allows you to order Moet-Chandon Champagne (Brut Imperial, 750 ml bottle) delivered in an ice bucket and with two glasses. The service is called "Shake for Champagne" and provided anywhere on the ship. The premium wine can be also enjoyed at The Sip - the ship's wine lounge (Virgin's champagne house).- where also is available traditional British Afternoon Tea service.

Virgin cruise passengers are offered complimentary water (filtered and sparkling) at all onboard bars and restaurants. Throughout the ship, there are also complimentary water stations.

Virgin ships' hull art designs are Mermaid-themed (by different artists) and Inspired by traditional figureheads mounted on the bows of historic wooden ships. The designs symbolize the vessels' feminine spirit.

Ship technology

One of the cruise ships' features is the advanced clean energy system provided by the Swedish company Climeon Ocean. The new technology allows reducing CO2 emissions by converting the generated by diesel engines' heat into electricity for shipboard use. Each of the newbuilds has 6 such Climeon units, saving ~5400 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The ship's waste processing system is provided by Scanship.

On April 30, 2018, Virgin Voyages signed with Wartsila (marine technologies Finnish corporation / former shipbuilder) a 10-year "Optimised Maintenance Agreement" giving the corporation extensive and exclusive responsibility of the fleet's technical maintenance. Wartsila's "Dynamic Maintenance Planning" system allows maintenance works to be scheduled based on remotely (real-time) monitored and analyzed vessel performance data. This allows extending service intervals (when onboard equipment doesn't require maintenance).

The Virgin-Wartsila deal includes Remote Operational Support Services, Specific Fuel Oil Consumption, spare parts, engines technical advisory services, comprehensive technical support, personnel training. Wartsila-made ship equipment includes 46F diesel engines, Hybrid Scrubber System, SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction/exhaust gas cleaning) and NACOS Platinum series (navigation and automation control systems).

  • Each Virgin ship is powered by two 8-cylinder plus two 12-cylinder "Wartsila 46F" marine diesel engines. Wartsila's Hybrid Scrubber System operates in both open and closed-loop and uses seawater to remove SOx from the ship's exhaust. It also significantly reduces NOx emissions.
  • Propulsion is based on ABB Azipod XO system (electric drive motors with off-hull submerged azimuth thrusters / 360--degree rotating propellers). These units provide best maneuverability (allowing in-port navigation without tug assistance) and minimal vibrations/noise. By placing the propulsion units outside the hull, the Azipod system frees up space for more lower-deck staterooms.
  • ABB Ability technology is based on a network using real-time data transferred to remote centres monitoring and analyzing the propulsion system data and also offering remote technical support.
  • In July 2017, was announced that Wartsila (marine technologies Finnish corporation / former shipbuilder) is the provider of vessels' power plants. Among Wartsila's core products are large diesel engines for cruise ships and ferries .

In April 2019 was contracted V-Ships Leisure USA (ship management company) which is part of V-Group Ltd (vessel management and support services provider, industry's first with a dedicated cruise ship division). V-Ships Leisure is responsible for Virgin ships' technical support/management and crew sourcing.

Virgin cruise line's staff and crew uniforms were designed by Gareth Pugh and manufactured by Cintas Corporation (via the "Design Collective by Cintas" division).

  • Cintas Corporation (1929-founded, based in Cincinnati, Ohio USA) specializes in businesses products (both for rental and direct purchase) and services, including uniforms, mats, water coolers, cleaning/restroom supplies (chemicals, mops, microfiber towels, disinfectant sprays, hand sanitizers), first aid/safety products, fire extinguishers (also testing and repairs), employee courses (safety, training, compliance). In 2020, Cintas had 40,000+ employees and total revenue USD 7,09 billion (~EUR 6,12B / ~GBP 5,21B).
  • Virgin Voyages Crew apparel collection is based on sustainable fabrics and garments specifically designed according to job functions, body types and climates. Unlike the traditional cruise ship uniforms, Virgin's lack the officers' epaulettes (ornamental shoulder pieces that designate his/her rank), as well as ties and waistcoats.

The project was led by Gareth Pugh (British fashion designer) and supervised by Dee Cooper (Virgin Voyages' SVP Design and Customer Experience).

Virgin Voyages cruise line crew uniforms

Next image shows one of the initial (train-like) Virgin ship designs.

Virgin Voyages ship design

Virgin cruise bookings on Scarlet Lady were opened on February 5, 2019 (for customers with pre-sale deposits) and on February 14 (for the general public). Beginning February 5, 2019, at FirstMates.com (dedicated website), the cruise company offers all booking tools and information for travel agents (called "First Mates"), including downloadable and digital materials, interactive learning and more. For February 6th was planned the learning campaign "Cabin Fever" on Scarlet Lady staterooms as they went on sale. The website allows travel agents to make bookings on inaugural cruise season 2020 deals (from February 14) and to contact company's Sailor Services (from February 5) in case they have customers with pre-sale deposits.

Bookings for Valiant Lady cruises (Mediterranean 2021) opened on December 19, 2019.

In February 2020 was announced "The Band" - smart wearable technology to be introduced on Scarlet Lady (April 1). The device is made from recycled marine plastic (sustainability initiative) and developed via partnership with The Bionic Company. The lightweight device (RFID wristband) is mailed to all passengers and is complimentary (keepsake). The Band is activated upon boarding the ship and used for onboard purchases and payments (beverages, Casino gaming), booking tours, cabin access (room key), room service ordering (points guest's current location), VIP pass (for Richard's Rooftop).

Virgin's private island resort "Bimini Beach Club" (Bahamas)

The liner Scarlet Lady is the first cruise ship to stop at "Bimini Beach Club" (Virgin Group's private island resort in Bimini Bahamas ). The exclusive destination allows Virgin's Sailors to enjoy world-class entertainment from a rotating cast of DJs led by Mark Ronson. Virgin's Bimini Beach Club offers premium food with locally sourced ingredients and traditional Bahamian favourites like banana leaf-wrapped queen snapper, conch and mango salad, Bahamian rum cake. The complex has 6 bars, outdoor lounge areas with hammock groves, beach loungers, watersport activities, (optional/at extra cost) private poolside and beach-side cabanas for rent.

RockStar Suite passengers benefit from complimentary food service, exclusive bar and outdoor terrace lounge, VIP beach cabanas. The 7-mile (11-km) long island offers extraordinary activities like boating, snorkeling, wreck diving. The partially sunk wreck of SS Sapona (concrete-hulled steamship that ran aground in 1926) is located just a few miles off the island's southern coast.

Virgin's private resort is located on North Bimini Island and at a short bus transfer from the docking pier. It was built via partnership with Resorts World Bimini. This is a 750-acres (3 km2 / 1,2 mi2) beachfront resort-casino-marina-hotel complex operated by Genting Group (Malaysia-based multinational corporation). North Bimini is approx 68 km (42 mi) east of Miami .

Resort's building cost is USD 220 million. Virgin's Bimini Beach Club overlooks the sea and features a large lagoon-style swimming pool. The "resort experience" also features morning open-air exercises (yoga and meditation), afternoon DJ poolside parties, night beach bonfires and live musical performances.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Virgin Voyages postponed the cruise brand's in March 2020 inauguration (Scarlet Lady ship's Showcase Tour / media event in PortMiami) for July 15th (4-day "Richard's Birthday Bash"), with the maiden voyage departing on August 7th from Miami. The ship's originally planned inauguration was for March 29th, 2020 (3-day "Sneak-A-Peek Cruise").

All the scheduled between March 26-August 7th (a total of 29) departures were canceled. In mid-May 2020 were canceled 15 additional departures (through October 15). The 4-night "Richard Branson's 70th Birthday Cruise" (originally planned for July 15, 2020) was rescheduled for July 14, 2021. In late-September 2020 were canceled all Scarlet Lady's November itineraries, and in late-October - the remaining (December 2020) departures. The brand's inauguration was rescheduled for 2021 (January 3, then for May 9). In mid-December were cancelled more itineraries.

The brand's inauguration was rescheduled for August 6, 2021 (Scarlet Lady's Maiden Voyage from Portsmouth England). Valiant Lady's inaugural cruise program was also postponed (Maiden Voyage rescheduled from Nov 14, 2021, to March 18, 2022) and revised.

All affected bookings were provided with the option to cancel with a 125% refund (100% monetary refund) plus 25% in FCC (future cruise credit) or rebook with 200% refund in FCC. As a promo offer, all bookings made by June 30, 2020, received up to USD 500 per person in OBC (onboard credit). A full (100%) monetary refund was optional for cancellations made between May 21-December 31, 2020.

All rebookings made with the 200% FCC were fully refunded (200%) and additionally received 25% in FCC (to be used on another booking). Virgin Voyages also introduced the "Smooth Sailing Program" which allows for itineraries in 2020 (through December 16) the final payment dates to be moved to 60 days (previously 120 days) prior departure. Smooth Sailing also allows cancellations up to 48 hours (prior departure) with receiving a full (100%) refund in FCC.

Itinerary of Virgin Voyages

In 2016, Virgin cruise line's itinerary program was not detailed yet, but Branson mentioned one destination that was on the list - the Caribbean. When asked about Cuba being a potential port destination, he immediately replied "Yes!". This also meant roundtrip departures from a Florida port.

In 2017 was announced that the first Virgin cruise ship ( Scarlet Lady ) will be initially homeported in PortMiami for 7-day Caribbean itineraries departing on Sundays. During the inaugural season 2020-2021, the liner was scheduled to visit Cuba. The company's decision was influenced by conducted customer and travel agency research in the UK and North America. All Virgin cruises to Cuba had to offer an overnight stay in Havana , allowing passengers ("sailors") to explore the country's capital and its unique nightlife.

  • 5-day "Mayan Sol" itinerary visits Havana (overnight) and Costa Maya (Mexico) . In Mexico, shore excursions include scuba diving (coral reefs) and Mayan ruins.
  • 5-day "Dominican Daze" itinerary visits Havana (overnight) and Puerto Plata (Dominicana) where shore tours include trekking, surfing, shopping.

The second Virgin ship ( Valiant Lady ) is homeported in Miami during 2022-2023 winter season.

On November 28, 2018, Richard Branson and Tom McAlpin announced in Miami the company's plans to build a new (Virgin-exclusive) cruise terminal in PortMiami. "Virgin Voyages Terminal" is sized 100,000 ft2 (9300 m2) and is on the seaport's northwest side.

Virgin Voyages passengers benefit from an impressive variety of cruises to choose from in the inaugural 2020 season of the line's new build . The 4- or 5-night "Havana After Dark" itineraries allow Sailors to explore the Cuban culture and include an overnight stay in Cuba's capital city.

  • The 5-night "Mayan Sol" itinerary visits Costa Maya Mexico . The Mayan ruins are just a short distance from the port and colorful coral reefs lie just off-shore. Virgin Voyages partnered with ITM Group for the land tours.
  • The 5-night "Dominican Daze" itinerary visits Puerto Plata . On the island are offered trekking, surfing and handicraft shopping tours.

All Virgin Caribbean cruises depart from homeport Miami Florida . Virgin ships are also seasonally deployed in Europe (via Transatlantic crossings), with planned visits to several major Mediterranean and UK ports (including Dover and Liverpool ).

However, following the 2019s (June 5 issued) US Government restrictions on USA to Cuba travel, Virgin Voyages revised all scheduled itineraries to exclude Havana . The new itineraries offer late-night call port departures (including a midnight departure) on all revised Caribbean voyages.

  • 5-night "Riviera Maya" itinerary visits Playa Del Carmen (across Cozumel Island), with opportunities to explore archaeological and ecological sites or touring the neighbouring Tulum (walled Mayan city).
  • 4-night "Fire and Sunset Soirees" (short-breaks) visit Key West Florida (sunset departure) and Bimini Bahamas (with a late-night beach bonfire party and midnight departure). The line's sailors can experience the cultural paradise of Key West, paired with an exclusive late-night beach bonfire soiree. The artistic fire installation draws inspiration from the fireball sculptures on Branson's Necker Island.
  • 7-night itineraries (for 2020 Xmas holidays) include the themed cruises "Holidaze and Nights" and "New Year's Ahoy" visiting Puerto Plata Dominicana with Bimini Bahamas and San Juan Puerto Rico.

All Virgin Caribbean cruises visit Bimini Bahamas as a private island destination.

In April 2022 was announced that in winter 2023-2024, Resilient Lady will be deployed in Australia and New Zealand (Virgin brand's debut in the region). With homeporting in Melbourne , the roundtrip itineraries ranged between 2-14 nights. Some voyages also visited ports in Tasmania (Hobart, Burnie).

Valiant Lady's inaugural cruises 2022

Virgin's second ship ( Valiant Lady ) starts its inaugural season (2022/Maiden Voyage departs March 18th) with roundtrips leaving from Portsmouth England .

  • 3-night "Long Weekender" to Zeebrugge Belgium
  • 11-night "Coast the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal"/UK to Iberia
  • 12-night "Late Nights in Portugal and Spain"/UK to Iberia

Follows a Western Mediterranean deployment (May thru October 2022) based on homeporting in Barcelona and 7-day roundtrips (Sunday departures) visiting large port cities in France, Italy and Spain. Valiant Lady's Caribbean program is based on homeporting in Miami Florida USA and includes 2-week Transatlantic crossings on repositioning between Europe and USA (RepositionCruises.com).

  • 8-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries (Miami roundtrips) are priced from USD 188 per night and visit Puerto Plata (Dominicana) , San Juan (Puerto Rico) , St Croix Island (USVI) and Bimini (Bahamas) .
  • 6-night Western Caribbean itineraries (roundtrips from Miami) visit Roatan Island (Honduras) , Costa Maya (Mexico) and Bimini. Fares start at USD 192 per night.
  • Special ( Christmas and New Year's ) itineraries and Atlantic Ocean crossings/relocation voyages are priced from USD 102 per night.

In the Caribbean, Virgin boats are homeported in Miami and all itineraries visit Bimini Bahamas as a private island destination.

Resilient Lady's inaugural cruises 2022

Virgin's third ship ( Resilient Lady ) starts its inaugural season (2022/Maiden Voyage departs August 14th) with roundtrips leaving from Piraeus-Athens (Greece) .

  • The 7-day roundtrip "Greek Island Glow" itinerary visits the Greek islands Santorini, Rhodes, Crete (Chania) and Mykonos.
  • The 7-day roundtrip "Adriatic Sea and Greek Gems" itinerary visits Croatia (Dubrovnik), Montenegro (Kotor), and Greece (Kerkyra/Corfu Island, and Argostoli/Kefalonia Island).
  • The "Greek Isles" program (scheduled between August 14 - October 23) ends with the 11-day Transatlantic crossing from Europe to the Caribbean (from Lisbon to San Juan/departure November 1st).

The inaugural Caribbean season 2022-2023 (Nov 12 - April 15) is based on homeporting in San Juan Puerto Rico and 7-day roundtrips.

  • The "Southeastern Caribbean Isles" itinerary visits Tortola Island BVI (Road Town), Guadeloupe (Pointe-a-Pitre), Barbados (Bridgetown), St Lucia (Castries) and Antigua (St Johns).
  • The "Sunsets In The Lesser Antilles" itinerary visits St Kitts (Basseterre), Martinique (Fort-de-France), Curacao (Willemstad) and Aruba (Oranjestad).

In 2023-2024 (December-March), Resilient Lady was deployed in Australia. The program included three relocation itineraries from Europe to Asia and Australia (RepositionCruises.com) - 14-day from Athens to Dubai (Oct 22), 15-day from Dubai to Singapore (Nov 5) and 15-day from Singapore to Sydney NSW (Nov 20).

Itineraries 2024-2025

Virgin's 2024-2025 (April) schedule lists 19 maiden/new ports and 27 different itineraries in the UK, Australia/NZ, and the Caribbean. Among these are the "Seachange Series" (ship relocation voyages) providing extended sea travel opportunities.

Resilient Lady is homeported in Piraeus-Athens Greece (May through July 2024) for Aegean and Adriatic itineraries. In the summer (August through September 2024) Resilient Lady visits Bordeaux ,  La Coruna , and  Bilbao on the relocation voyage to England.

On February 26, 2024, Virgin Voyages canceled Resilient Lady's 2024-2025 Australian program, citing security concerns (due to the Red Sea war crisis) impacting the ship's scheduled repositioning voyages through the Suez Canal (between Europe and Australia/RepositionCruises.com). Virgin also announced that Resilient Lady (after completing the Mediterranean season on October 20th/2024) will be deployed in the Caribbean and homeported in San Juan (Puerto Rico) offering 7-8-10-11-night roundtrips to St Maarten, St Vincent, Colombia, and Dominica.

Valiant Lady (from  PortMiami  and  San Juan Puerto Rico ) offers Caribbean roundtrips (winter 2023-2024) and in April 2024.

Scarlet Lady in summer 2024 is deployed in the Mediterranean and has scheduled two repositioning voyages - from Barcelona to Civitavecchia-Rome, and a Transatlantic crossing to Miami for a new Caribbean deployement.

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Virgin Voyages ship

Gene Sloan

Anyone looking for the best Virgin Voyages cruise itinerary will want to start with its sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

The three-ship line has focused most of its energy since its debut in 2021 on creating relatively short, fun, adult-focused voyages out of Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico, to the two regions, with two of its vessels spending a significant amount of their time on such itineraries.

For a line with so few ships, that makes sense, as the Bahamas and Caribbean account for the biggest chunk of demand for cruises.

Still, as Virgin Voyages grows — it has a fourth ship on order — it is likely to greatly expand its offerings in other parts of the world.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Already, in addition to a year-round presence in the Bahamas and Caribbean, Virgin Voyages has been offering regular sailings in the Mediterranean on a seasonal basis, from spring to fall, with at least one and sometimes two ships. With the arrival of its third ship recently, it also was able to expand its offerings with its first voyages to Australia and New Zealand.

While the latter voyages aren't starting up until the end of 2023, they're already open for bookings.

What are the best Virgin Voyages destinations you can visit and itineraries you can choose? Here are TPG's top five picks.

Short sailings to The Bahamas and Caribbean

virgin super voyager

Virgin Voyages got its start offering short sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Miami, and that's still the line's biggest cruise destination focus. In fact, one of Virgin Voyages' two vessels currently in operation, the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady , does nothing but short sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Miami.

In all cases, these sailings include a stop in the Bahamas. Some then add a Caribbean stop, while others add a stop in Florida.

Related: I've been on more than 150 cruise ships; here's why Scarlet Lady surprised me

Specifically, Scarlet Lady offers four different four- and five-night Bahamas itineraries out of Miami year-round. All include a stop at Bimini in the Bahamas, where the line has a private beach club , as well as a single call in either Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Key West, Florida. The four itineraries are:

  • Fire and Sunset Soirees itinerary: a four-night cruise to Bimini and Key West, plus one sea day
  • Riviera Maya itinerary: a five-night cruise to Bimini and Cozumel, Mexico, plus two sea days
  • Dominican Haze itinerary: a five-night cruise to Bimini and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, plus two sea days
  • Mayan Sol itinerary: a five-night cruise to Bimini and Costa Maya, Mexico, plus two sea days

In keeping with its "time to let loose" adults-only vibe, Virgin Voyages has built relatively late stays into several of the port calls on these itineraries, allowing passengers to maximize their fun time ashore. The typical stay at Bimini — where the line holds DJ-led pool parties at its private beach club late into the day — extends until 8 p.m., which is later than most ships stay at Bahamian ports. Visits to Cozumel, Mexico, also extend to 8 p.m.

Scarlet Lady has operated these sailings since it debuted as Virgin's first vessel in 2021, and it'll continue rotating through the itineraries until May 2024. At that point, Scarlet Lady's nearly identical sister vessel, the 2,770-passenger Valiant Lady, will take over these Bahamas and Caribbean routes.

Longer sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean

virgin super voyager

Initially, Virgin Voyages only offered shorter sailings of five or fewer nights to the Bahamas and Caribbean. But its list of itineraries in the regions is now peppered with longer voyages of six to eight nights.

These are sailings that stop in more distant Caribbean destinations such as St. Croix and Roatan, Honduras, and will appeal to cruisers who find trips of just four or five days too short.

Related: 11 things I loved on Virgin Voyages, and 6 things I kind of hated

For 2024, Virgin is offering four such longer itineraries, two of which are out of Miami and operated by the line's second ship, Valiant Lady , as well as its original vessel, Scarlet Lady:

  • Eastern Caribbean Antilles itinerary: an eight-night cruise to San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Croix; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Bimini, plus two sea days
  • Western Caribbean Charm itinerary: a six-night cruise to Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Bimini, plus two sea days

The other two longer Caribbean itineraries that Virgin is offering in 2024 are both out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and operated only by Valiant Lady.

  • Sunsets in the Lesser Antilles itinerary: a seven-night cruise to Aruba, Curacao, Martinique and St. Kitts, plus two sea days
  • Southeastern Caribbean Isles itinerary: a seven-night cruise to Tortola, Antigua, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia and Barbados, plus one sea day

Virgin also operates one-off sailings out of Miami around the winter holidays. Typical is a six-night "Valiant Caribbean Holidays" sailing out of Miami on Dec. 20, 2024, visiting Puerto Plata, Nassau and Bimini.

The Mediterranean

virgin super voyager

Another top destination for Virgin Voyages is the Mediterranean , where the line has been expanding quickly as it adds new ships.

In 2023, Virgin sent its new ship, Resilient Lady, to the Mediterranean through October to join Valiant Lady in the region, doubling up on its Mediterranean departures as compared to 2022. And the line plans a similar two-ship lineup for the Mediterranean again in 2024, when it'll be Scarlet Lady joining Resilient Lady in the region from spring to fall.

The addition of a second ship in the Mediterranean for the summer season has allowed Virgin Voyages to offer seven-night voyages every week during the season out of both Barcelona and Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens) — a first for the line.

For 2024, Scarlet Lady will be based in Barcelona (taking the place of Valiant Lady), offering two western Mediterranean itineraries that mostly focus on stops in Spain and France. Specifically, one will spend most of its time at the Spanish islands of Mallorca and Ibiza along with stops in Marseille and Cannes in France, while the other features stops in Ibiza; the French island of Corsica; Toulon, France; and the port for Carrara, Italy.

Resilient Lady will continue to be based in Piraeus, alternating between eastern Mediterranean itineraries that focus on the Greek islands and the Croatian coast, respectively.

Related: Don't miss these extra perks with the Virgin Voyages loyalty program

The Greek Islands itinerary, called Greek Island Glow, includes stops at Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos, as well as a visit to Bodrum, Turkey.

As with Virgin's Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries, its Mediterranean itineraries are specifically designed for fun-seeking travelers looking for a late-night experience.

In the case of the Greek Islands sailings, Resilient Lady's Santorini visit is a day call that continues until 10 p.m. The Mykonos stop on the same sailing is an overnight call, with the ship remaining in port until 2 p.m. on the day after it arrives.

The Croatian coast-focused itinerary, called Adriatic Sea and Greek Gems, also includes several late-night stops. The ship stays in Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia until 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., respectively. A call at Corfu, Greece, lasts until 9 p.m.

Australia and New Zealand

virgin super voyager

The first Virgin Voyages sailings to Australia and New Zealand on the line's new Resilient Lady will begin this winter. After its initial summer cruising in the Mediterranean, the vessel will reposition to Australia in December for a series of 11 sailings ranging from five to 14 nights.

Among them will be round-trip sailings out of Melbourne, Australia, as well as one-way trips between Melbourne and Auckland, New Zealand. Itineraries include:

  • Aussie MerMaiden: a five-night cruise out of Melbourne with stops at Hobart and Burnie in Tasmania, plus one sea day
  • Resilient New Year's Pacific Ahoy: a 14-night cruise from Melbourne to Auckland with stops at Hobart and Burnie in Tasmania; Sydney; and Tauranga, Napier and Picton in New Zealand, as well as five sea days
  • Tasman Sea, Fjords and Maori Shores: an 11-night cruise from Auckland to Melbourne with stops at Tauranga, Dunedin and Christ Church in New Zealand, and Hobart and Burnie in Tasmania, plus four sea days

A pair of one-way, 15-night trips between Singapore and Australia will bookend the Australia and New Zealand sailings. Scheduled for November 2023 and March 2024, the two sailings offer overnight stays in Bali and calls at Airlie Beach, Cairns and Darwin in Australia.

Transatlantic

virgin super voyager

The expansion of Virgin Voyages sailings in the Bahamas and Caribbean this year meant the line could send more ships back and forth between Europe and North America than in the past. That's created an expanded lineup of so-called "repositioning" cruises across the Atlantic that feature many sea days.

Among the transatlantic sailings on the line's schedule for 2024 are:

  • A 14-night voyage from Miami to Barcelona departing April 21, 2024, that includes 10 sea days plus stops at Madeira, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca. The voyage will take place on Scarlet Lady.
  • A 16-night voyage from Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) to Miami departing Nov. 28, 2024, that includes 11 sea days plus stops at Barcelona, Malaga, Madeira and Santa Cruz in the Canary Islands. The voyage also will take place on Scarlet Lady.

Related: Too hip or just right? Here's what it was really like to sail Virgin Voyages for the first time

Bottom line

Virgin Voyages is still a relatively small line with just three ships, and that means it can't offer too big a range of itineraries. But with at least one more vessel joining its fleet over the coming year, its destination offerings are growing.

The brand has the broadest array of options in the Bahamas and Caribbean, where it got its start, and is rapidly expanding in Europe. Sailings in Australia and New Zealand are just beginning this coming winter.

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Just Trains

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Voyager Advanced 2019

Voyager Advanced

Class 220 (non-tilting) four-car formation:

  • DMF (driving vehicle with First Class seating)
  • MS (Standard Class seating)
  • MSRMB (Standard Class seating with on-board shop)
  • DMSL (driving vehicle with Standard Class seating and luggage area)

Class 221 (tilting) five car formation:

LIVERIES Seven liveries are included:

  • CrossCountry (current)
  • CrossCountry (transitional)
  • Virgin Trains 'Flowing Silk' (221101 '101 Squadron')
  • Virgin Trains mid-2000s Red with CrossCountry logo
  • Virgin Cross Country
  • USA fictional
  • German fictional
  • Super Voyager 221 tilt operation - visible externally and from the cab, based on track curvature and speed
  • Bump mapping - gives greater detail on the models
  • Cab sway movement - see the movement as you start, stop, corner, accelerate and decelerate
  • Windscreen wipers clear rain from driver's front windows
  • ActivClag - dynamic exhaust output. See the diesel smoke density vary under load and light grey oil smoke emitted from the exhaust on engine start.
  • Animated passenger doors complete with external door interlock light and opening/closing sounds with warning beeper
  • Passenger windows rain effect - see the rain on the windows in Passenger view
  • Detailed passenger cabin view - with Train Simulator lighting for that 'being there' feeling
  • Acceleration and braking physics based on real timings
  • Quick Drive capability
  • TASS (Tilt Authorisation and Speed Supervision) operation, with Advanced TASS features and ActivWorld TASS markers. TASS demonstration track included
  • EPS limit signs
  • Throttle/brake with centre detent, hill start and Rail Driver compatibility
  • Limited Rail Driver compatibility
  • ActivWorld Tilt fail scenario trigger
  • Working external and internal door interlock lights
  • Working digital destination displays - in driver's windscreen and on the side of the passenger carriages. You can change the destination selection
  • Realistic LED marker lights - with Train Simulator lighting effects
  • Authentic headlight control - including flashing 'hazard' setting
  • Cab Lighting effects
  • Cab and gauge lighting - independently controlled main cab lighting and gauge illumination. There is even a separate controlled light to illuminate the driver notes clipboard!
  • Working headlights which illuminate the track ahead

DETAILED CABS

  • Highly detailed and authentic driver's cabs (different models for the 220 and 221 versions)
  • Working driver's Master key - drag the key and place in the lock
  • Train Management System (TMS) - partially simulated with boot-up sequence and anomaly warnings
  • Working Driver Vigilance Device
  • Tilt Isolate switch - operating in the Tilting Super Voyager 221. Activate it and you have no tilt
  • Auto slow-speed function - train will drive forward automatically at 3MPH for use in train washes
  • AWS self-test - move the reverser the first time and hear the AWS self-test warning
  • DSD (Driver's Safety Device) - move the reverser for the first time and hear the DSD self-test sound. The DSD will subsequently sound if you move to forward or reverse after stopping in neutral. Hear the DSD warning as you drive if you have not altered the controls for a set period of time
  • Working DRA (Driver's Reminder Appliance) - use the DRA to prevent the throttle from being applied at a station stop
  • Switchable externally audible alarms - never miss an AWS caution or DSD reminder when driving from the external view; these sounds can be heard from outside the cab, and this feature can be disabled from the cab.
  • NRN Radio - with unique ActivScript coding that gives you a random selection of different voices each time. Press the blue call button on the NRN (National Rail Network) radio to run the test call sequence
  • Variable speed windscreen wipers controllable by the Driver with intermittent, slow and fast settings
  • Sun blind - lower and raise the driver's sun blind (it actually restricts the sun)
  • Engine Start/Stop - start and stop the engine with the individual buttons
  • Horn - use the two-tone horn via the Spacebar and B keys
  • Guard to Driver signal - sounds after doors close
  • Driver to Guard signal - operable

SOUNDS Voyager Advanced 2019 features high quality sounds recorded from real Voyagers. There are separate sound sets for the driver's cab and the exterior view - you can hear the difference. In the driver's cab you can even hear the air conditioning start up and run!

  • ActivPax passenger cabin sounds - hear passenger noise and even mobile phones ringing!
  • Rheostatic brake sounds on brake application
  • Brake squeal sounds
  • Track joint sounds

ACTIVWORLD SCENARIO SUPPORT Both the 220 and 221 support the Just Trains ActivWorld scenarios that allow incidents and system failures such as passenger communication, fire alarm, engine failure on any of the units and brake failure. Scenario-based 'cold and dark' start-up mode - turn on the battery isolating switch and watch the systems come to life as they would in the real Voyager!   ADVANCED SCENARIOS Drive the Voyager 220 and Tilting Super Voyager 221 on 13 challenging and scenarios that employ our exclusive ActivWorld scenario technology on both default and add-on routes. Please note that some of the scenarios included with Voyager Advanced 2019 require additional payware items to allow them to run correctly if they are not supplied by default in Train Simulator 2019. Add-ons followed by ‘Steam’ in the scenario description can be purchased from the Steam website:

  • London to Brighton route Add-on
  • Great Western Main Line Route Add-on
  • Class 156 Loco Add-On

If you purchased Train Simulator after 20 September 2012, you will require the European Loco & Asset Pack (available to purchase via Steam) to obtain the following locomotives:

  • Black 5 Steam Locomotive

Add-ons followed by ‘JT’ in the scenario description can be purchased from the Just Trains website:

  • Bristol to Exeter
  • Newcastle to York Modern
  • Class 153 DMU Advanced

Train Simulator: North Wales Costal: Crewe – Llandudno Route Add-on with Train Simulator: North Wales Costal Route Extension Add-on Please note that both these route add-ons were previously sold via Steam but are currently not available to purchase. JT AD Voyager 1D91 London Euston - Holyhead Good evening driver. Tonight you are to take Virgin Trains 221101 '101 Squadron' to Holyhead. You are due to leave Crewe at 18:57. London to Brighton Route (Steam) Brighton Voyager Farewell Drive the last ever Cross Country service from Brighton to Birmingham using XC's 220 021 on the 14:30 to Birmingham New Street. Freezing February A Voyager that became stranded at Three Bridges due to heavy snow is to be used to work the final train of the night to London Victoria. The usual unit wasn't available and this is expected to be the final service until the early morning. Great Western Main Line (Steam) New Kid on the Block Today you are in control of a brand new Class 220 Voyager delivered earlier this morning. A depot instructor will lead you through the start-up procedure and the various new controls in this unit. We will then go out onto the main line to do some testing between here and Reading. Caught in the Cold This morning you are in charge of one of Arriva Cross Country's Class 220s on the first train of the day from Reading to Manchester. This service normally starts at Southampton but due to the snow it is starting here at Reading today. The train is 1M18 06:11 Reading-Manchester Piccadilly. It's just coming up to 6 AM and we are running late so need to get the unit started and set up ASAP ready to head into Reading with the empty train. Once at Reading we will reverse and head for Oxford where a Manchester driver will take over. It's not all going to plan, however; the weather has caused problems for other services and many are running late so you can expect further delays en-route to Oxford! Cajon Pass route (Note: This was a default route in previous Train Simulator releases. Not available to purchase separately) Across the Pond Drive a Voyager on a tourist trip over the Cajon Pass. The unit is only on here on hire to show what keeps Britain moving - but it has gained a special US livery! Castle Rock Railroad route (Note: This was a default route in previous Train Simulator releases. Not available to purchase separately. The same-named route available from the Steam Workshop does NOT support this scenario) Castle Rock Experience Take the Voyager on an express service along the length of the Castle Rock Railroad - it's rather different to the usual train on this service! Hagen-Siegen route (Note: This was a default route in previous Train Simulator releases. Not available to purchase separately.) German Tourists Take a party of German skiers on a hired Class 221 Voyager from Hagen to Siegen on a very wintry evening. Seebergbahn route (Note: This was a default route in previous Train Simulator releases. Not available to purchase separately. The same-named route available from the Steam Workshop does NOT support this scenario) On Test in Germany On a stunning summer's morning you are assigned to your first day of training on board the British Class 220 Voyager unit. Totham route (JT) Driver Training It's September 2002 and you have just finished with Class 47s on XC services around Britain. Today is your first day back after a two-week break and it's all changed! Gone are the oily, unreliable 40-year-old Brush veterans and in their place brand new Bombardier Voyager units. Mark, your driver instructor, will take you through the start-up procedure before you head out onto the line for an introductory drive. We will also be testing a few of the fault systems today so keep on top of your game at all times! Bristol to Exeter route (JT) Summer Saturday Service It's a summer Saturday and, as always, the holidaymakers are out in force for their annual holiday to Devon. These are the busiest days of the year here on the Bristol to Exeter line and today is no exception. You are in control of two five car Super Voyagers on a new service for the type. These units are currently replacing the Class 47s on the main services and will eventually see off the HSTs too! However, all is not well. One of our engines has failed and the guard in the second unit says that the temperatures on two of the other cars are not looking good. A Class 47 is also struggling on a southbound service and, to top it off, a Black Five is out on a rail tour to Plymouth! These days are sent to test us! Easy Like a Sunday Morning Today your job is easy (just like a Sunday morning, although it's Monday!). You need to get your Class 220 Voyager prepared for service at Barton Hill depot before working a stopping service down to Weston-Super-Mare and returning to Bristol Temple Meads. We are on hire to FGW today. The commuters are getting a change from their usual Class 150! Newcastle to York Modern route (JT) Rush Hour Express Take charge of a XC Voyager on 1S49 11:25 Plymouth-Dundee on a glorious summer evening. You will be in charge from York to Newcastle. Enjoy the trip - you should have no problems today! FREE ROAM SCENARIOS Free Roam scenarios are available for these routes:

  • Western Main Line
  • Scottish East Coast Main Line x 2

System Requirements:

  • Train Simulator 2022 / Train Simulator Classic
  • Intel Core-i5 4690 3.50GHz Quad Core or AMD Ryzen 7 1700 3.80GHz Quad Core or better
  • 4GB RAM (maximum possible under 32-bit Windows) / 16GB or more for 64-bit Windows
  • Windows 10 / 8 / 7
  • nVidia GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 480 with 4GB dedicated VRAM or more
  • DirectX 9.0c
  • Broadband Connection for Train Simulator 2019
  • Storage: High Performance SSD recommended
  • Sound card: DirectX-compatible audio device
  • 590MB hard drive space

virgin super voyager

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Voyager Advanced 2019

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Hattons Model Railways has closed down.

We are unable to accept any new orders or pre-owned trade-ins., your local online model railway store, dapol n gauge class 221 'super voyager' - new batch announced.

virgin super voyager

Previous model shown for illustrative purposes

Dapol are producing a new batch of their Class 221 'Super Voyager' DEMUs in N gauge. Five new models are to be produced covering most major liveries worn by the class under operation with Virgin Trains, Cross Country and Avanti West Coast. Each model will be available as a 5-car set. We expect this new batch to arrive during Q1 2024.

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IMAGES

  1. Virgin Super Voyager 221115 in Bombardier Branding livery

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  2. 'Along These Tracks' Train Photos Site : Photo Virgin Trains Super

    virgin super voyager

  3. Virgin Trains Super Voyager 221117

    virgin super voyager

  4. Virgin 'Super Voyager' 221106 passes Tamworth (26/10/15)

    virgin super voyager

  5. NEW LIVERY Virgin Trains Super Voyager 221101

    virgin super voyager

  6. Virgin Trains Super Voyager 221 in Crewe (HD)

    virgin super voyager

VIDEO

  1. Virgin Trains 'Super Voyager' passes Milton Keynes Central (4/7/16)

  2. The Virgin West Coast Super Voyager

  3. The Class 221 Virgin Super Voyager by Bachmann (Part 1)

  4. Virgin Trains Class 221 Super Voyager 221 142 'Bombardier Voyager' Arriving/Departing Preston

  5. Class 221113 Virgin Super Voyager interior study

  6. Virgin Trains Class 221 Super Voyager: “We Are Now Arriving At Carlisle”

COMMENTS

  1. British Rail Class 221

    The British Rail Class 221 Super Voyager is a class of tilting diesel-electric multiple unit express passenger trains built in Bruges, Belgium, ... Virgin Trains reformed its three four-car sets into two five-car sets and a residual spare two-car set by inserting the two intermediate (non-driving) cars from 221144 into 221142 and 221143, giving ...

  2. Best New Cruise Ships for Adults

    86,982 London buses. 100% Adults Only. Exclusively Adult experiences. From decadent dinners to drenched-in-red afterparties, reconnect with your plus one, best friends, and yourself to celebrate life's sweetest moments aboard our 100% adults-only voyages. Learn More.

  3. Cruises & Cruise Holidays

    Welcome to Virgin Voyages: our adult only cruise ships redefine luxury cruise vacations to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Europe, and beyond. ... Exclusive super-yacht inspired cabins built to optimize space and views. Decked out with gorgeously-designed furnishings and lighting to match your mood (and the incoming sunset), our spacious cabins ...

  4. The Virgin West Coast Super Voyager

    A look at the class 221 tilting Super Voyager units in service with Virgin on the West Coast Main Line.Featuring clips captured between 2017 and 2020 between...

  5. Cabins & Cruise Ship Rooms

    Comfort meets stunning design in Virgin Voyages' cruise cabins. Staterooms with ocean views, balconies, and luxe amenities guarantee you'll cruise in style. ... For solo Sailors looking for quiet moments with the sea from our super large single beds, or duos perched on our nautically-inspired window seats — the ocean is yours to make eyes ...

  6. Voyagers turn 20

    The Voyager diesel train fleet turns 20 this year, with service. As these trains march on, could they have been so much more? The Voyager (Class 220) and Super Voyager (Class 221) fleets were introduced in 2001 by Virgin CrossCountry and Virgin West Coast, as diesel multiple units to connect the networks that are unable to be served by electric trains.

  7. Virgin Trains class 221 Super Voyager At London Euston

    We take a view inside one of Virgin's Class 221 'Super Voyager' trains at London Euston while waiting to depart for Wrexham General.

  8. Bombardier and Virgin brand Super Voyager train

    The proven Super Voyager fleet has been in service with Virgin since 1999 and has one of the highest reliability records for inter city trains. The branding is to celebrate the excellent partnership working between Bombardier, who built and maintains the trains, and Virgin Trains, their operator. Rail travel is recognised as one of the most ...

  9. The Introduction of the Virgin Voyagers

    Virgin CEO Chris Green was presented with both the final Class 220 and the first 221, at Bombardier Wakefield, on 13th December 2001. Whilst the first 221 was technically handed to Virgin in late 2001, this was really a publicity measure, and it would be well into 2002 before any Super Voyager passenger service began.

  10. British Rail Class 221 Explained

    The British Rail Class 221 Super Voyager is a class of tilting diesel-electric multiple unit express passenger trains built in Bruges, Belgium, by Bombardier Transportation in 200102. ... On 20 November 2013 a Virgin Super Voyager (unit 221105) overran the platform and ran into the buffers at . One passenger was taken to hospital.

  11. SREmG

    Virgin Voyager & Super Voyager. photograph by John Lewis. On 3rd December 2001 220023 was the leading unit of the "Sussex Scot" pictured here at Kensington Olympia. The class 220 Voyager and class 221 Super Voyager are the state-of-the-art fleet of DEMUs designed, constructed and maintained by Bombardier introduced in June 2001 to revolutionise ...

  12. Bachmann Class 221 super voyager

    hello and welcome back to another video from Chelmswood Junction.in this video i show you you the Bachmann Class 221 Super Voyager.Now when I was given the s...

  13. On board an Avanti Super Voyager train

    These Super Voyager trains are diesel powered so Avanti West Coast uses them for services which operated beyond the boundaries of the electrified lines. Virgin Trains had been the previous operator, hence the images which show its branding, but they'll be updated as soon as the Avanti designs are applied to the trains.

  14. Virgin Voyages

    Ahoy Sailor! Virgin Voyages is on a mission to create the world's most irresistible travel brand. We're seeking to redefine what you should expect from a holiday at sea and create an Epic Sea Change For All. Our first ship, Scarlet Lady, is unlike any other ship you've ever met. With RockStar Quarters, champagne on demand and amazing food ...

  15. Virgin Voyages

    "Virgin Voyages Terminal" is sized 100,000 ft2 (9300 m2) and is on the seaport's northwest side. Virgin Voyages passengers benefit from an impressive variety of cruises to choose from in the inaugural 2020 season of the line's new build. The 4- or 5-night "Havana After Dark" itineraries allow Sailors to explore the Cuban culture and include an ...

  16. Virgin Voyages cruise destination guide: The line's 5 best itineraries

    Anyone looking for the best Virgin Voyages cruise itinerary will want to start with its sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean.. The three-ship line has focused most of its energy since its debut in 2021 on creating relatively short, fun, adult-focused voyages out of Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico, to the two regions, with two of its vessels spending a significant amount of their time on such ...

  17. The Class 221 Virgin Super Voyager by Bachmann (Part 1)

    The wait is over! Here's part 1 of the opening of the Class 221 Super Voyager by Bachmann in Virgin Trains livery.

  18. Virgin Voyages Cruises 2023

    Virgin Voyages Sailing Club. We're giving you just a little more time to complete two voyages with us, become a Sea-Rover, and get access to our Deep Blue Extras and Red Hot Booking Bonus Months. To lock your loyalty status in, get on board before December 31, 2023. New year, (another) new ship — and a shipload of incredible new experiences ...

  19. Just Trains

    Voyager Advanced 2019. With their distinctive shape, effortless performance and striking liveries, the Voyager 220 and Tilting Super Voyager 221 passenger trains have been criss-crossing the UK for over a decade. Now updated (July 2019) by Rob Skipworth, Voyager Advanced 2019 has updated external textures and upscaled cab interior textures.

  20. Elevate Voyage

    Exclusive super-yacht inspired cabins built to optimize space and views. Decked out with gorgeously-designed furnishings and lighting to match your mood (and the incoming sunset), our spacious cabins and suites are a stunning escape for peak relaxation and endless sunset views. THAT HORIZON WON'T GAZE AT ITSELF.

  21. Dapol N Gauge Class 221 'Super Voyager'

    Dapol are producing a new batch of their Class 221 'Super Voyager' DEMUs in N gauge. Five new models are to be produced covering most major liveries worn by the class under operation with Virgin Trains, Cross Country and Avanti West Coast. Each model will be available as a 5-car set. We expect this new batch to arrive during Q1 2024.

  22. Virgin 'Super Voyager' & 'Pendolino' crossover at Nuneaton ...

    Virgin West Coast Class 221 'Super Voyager' 221110 'James Cook' rushes through Nuneaton with a Chester to London Euston service, as Virgin West Coast Class 3...

  23. Bachmann Virgin Super Voyager DCC

    Back to my channel the Bachmann Class 221 Virgin Super Voyager. This five car set n 32-625 Michael Palin have three decoders. The light scheme with seven LED...