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Date Published: 10/12/2024

Virgin Voyages newest cruise ship makes the Costa del Sol its winter home

The 'Brilliant Lady' luxury liner has been anchored in Málaga Bay since October, where it will remain until spring

Naval enthusiasts on the Costa del Sol are in for an extended treat as one of the most easily recognisable luxury sea liners in the world is taking up residence in Málaga port for the entire winter.

The Brilliant Lady, Virgin Voyages' newest cruise ship, made its second stop at the Port of Málaga on December 2, where it is due to stay until spring.

Back on October 6 the liner made its first call, docking briefly at the eastern bay to restock supplies. After a few hours moored, the sleek vessel returned to Málaga Bay, where it has been anchored ever since.

The Brilliant Lady was joined in the south of Spain on October 11 by the TUI cruise, ‘Mein Schiff 7’, which celebrated its inaugural cruise call in Gibraltar after sailing from Cadiz.

This recent technical stop, similar to another on November 4 and a brief refuelling trip to Gibraltar in October, underscores the ship's extended presence in Málaga.

Scheduled to remain anchored in the bay until March or April 2025, the Brilliant Lady appears set to spend the entire winter in this Mediterranean port. While the timeline could shift based on Virgin Voyages' operational plans, the ship’s prolonged stay is already drawing attention.

Although the Brilliant Lady has yet to host passengers, its time in Málaga isn’t idle. Minor maintenance tasks are underway, with lifeboats ferrying crew and technicians between the ship and dock four’s western corner.

Málaga’s convenient airport access has also made it an ideal location for crew changes and technical work.

The ship, which was constructed at Italy's Fincantieri shipyard, is the latest addition to Virgin Voyages’ fleet of four sister ships. Spanning 17 decks and capable of accommodating 2,860 passengers in 1,408 cabins, the Brilliant Lady cost an impressive 700 million euros to build.

Its inaugural voyage - a five-day trip departing from New York to Bermuda - is scheduled for September 5 next year, after two previous delays to its launch.

Also of interest: Malaga beats cruise record as ship arrives with almost 7,000 passengers

Image: Mundomar Cruceros

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