David Gardiner

Journalist

A new ship in Richard Branson’s growing cruise line fleet will visit Port Douglas for the first time next year. 

Launched two years ago, the ‘adults only’ Virgin Voyages cruise line is making its Australian debut in December this year.

Resilient Lady – the third ship in its fleet – has itinerary stops including Melbourne, Sydney, Hobart and Burnie as well as New Zealand ports.

Then in the 2024-25 summer season, Port Douglas is on the next list of ports of call which also include Broome, Albany, Adelaide, Newcastle, Mooloolaba, Willis Island, Brisbane, Eden and Kangaroo Island. 

“Our loyal sailors have been asking for more places to visit with us, so we’re delivering in a big way,” Michelle Bentubo, from Virgin Voyages said. 

“New ports, new itineraries and more local and immersive experiences to create unforgettable getaways,” she said.

“From Morocco to Mooloolaba, Amsterdam to Bordeaux, Catania to Port Douglas, we now offer more than 120 incredible places you can explore aboard our award-winning ships you know and love.”

Resilient Lady features include a ‘hydrodynamic’ hull design, Climeon (climate control) technology, 93 per cent of cabins with ocean view and 86 per cent outdoor balconies with hammocks. 

It has 17 decks and carries 2,770 passengers at full capacity.

Its interiors – 1,330 ‘Sailor’ cabins and 78 ‘RockStar’ quarters – include high-tech touches, with tablets allowing the control of room temperature, opening and closing of blinds, music, television, and mood lighting.

Virgin Voyages said the line's target market is "anyone going on vacation without kids." While the average age of guests is 48 to 49, the target demographic is 34 to 62.

Resilient Lady is first scheduled to visit Port Douglas on December 19, 2024, as part of a seven-day round trip leaving Brisbane on December 16, also including Yorkeys Knob on the return leg.

The starting price for an ‘Insider’ cabin on that cruise is $3,970 (two-person share), while a ‘RockStar’ cabin will set you back $7,642.