Cruise & Cruise Line

Virgin Voyages' New Cruise Ship to Feature Black Mermaid

Image: Valiant Lady's bow design to feature a Black mermaid. (photo via Virgin Voyages)
Image: Valiant Lady's bow design to feature a Black mermaid. (photo via Virgin Voyages)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 10:28 AM ET, Sat July 24, 2021

Virgin Voyages' second cruise ship will feature a new and unique bow design symbol.

Diversity.

The Valiant Lady, set to sail next year, will have a bow design that features a Black mermaid who will power the ship through the water and provide protection for passengers.

According to our sister publication Travel Weekly, Virgin Voyages says the Valiant Lady's Black mermaid "captures the energy of a woman moving confidently towards her dreams."

Created by artist Hillary Wilson, the mermaid "celebrates the strong, beautiful, friendly and modern embodiment of a Black American woman," Virgin Voyages said.

The cruise line's first ship, Scarlet Lady, also features a mermaid design on the bow. Virgin Voyages calls its mermaids "leading ladies" who are an important symbol of the brand, meant to keep passengers safe on their voyage.

"With diversity at the core of Virgin Voyages' brand ideology, it was a natural move to want to honor and represent different races and nationalities by telling those stories through the mermaids," Virgin Voyages said in a statement.

Bookings for the Valiant Lady's inaugural voyages have opened. The ship will enter service in March 2022.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...