VIRGIN Voyages has announced the addition of its latest restaurant, Ariya (pictured), aboard Valiant Lady this May. The restaurant was developed in partnership with Indian chef Maneet Chauhan, and will debut following the vessel’s upcoming dry dock. The restaurant transforms Valiant’s Razzle Dazzle breakfast and brunch spot during the day...
VIRGIN Voyages has announced the addition of its latest restaurant, Ariya (pictured), aboard Valiant Lady this May.
The restaurant was developed in partnership with Indian chef Maneet Chauhan, and will debut following the vessel’s upcoming dry dock.
The restaurant transforms Valiant’s Razzle Dazzle breakfast and brunch spot during the day into a 220-seat, booth-style restaurant at night.
Highlights of the space will include a semi-private dining area, framed by decorative screens, made to resemble the intricate interior of a traditional jewellery box.
There will also be a feature bar backed by an eclectic DJ soundtrack of Indian classics, Bollywood hits, Punjabi pop, and global sounds.
Standout dishes will include lamb shank biryani, goan curried mussels, Malabar coconut crab cake, puffed rice and avocado chaat, tandoori pistachio-crusted snapper, and more.
Ariya has been named for Virgin founder Richard Branson’s great-great-grandmother, who hailed from Tamil Nadu.
Chief executive officer Nirmal Saverimuttu said Ariya could prove to be one of the reasons why an undecided cruiser may book with Virgin.
“Ariya is the next chapter in our food and beverage collection that we’ve been building with real intention since day one,” he said.
“Every restaurant we open is a statement about what we believe dining at sea can be, and Ariya says something we haven’t said before,” he added.
“Indian cuisine, done with this level of craft and this much heart, belongs on Valiant.”
Meanwhile, Virgin has announced its Red Hot Sailing Club voyages for next year, which celebrate the cruise line’s most loyal guests.
Two exclusive sailings from Greece and the United States will set sail next year, with guests offered an exclusive look at Virgin’s future.
The two sailings will depart from 04-11 Jul aboard Scarlet Lady from Athens, visiting Santorini, Crete, Kusadasi, and an overnight in Mykonos.
Another will travel from 08-13 Nov aboard Brilliant Lady from Miami, visiting Costa Maya and The Beach Club at Bimini.
Sailing Club members will be recognised with exclusive events, intimate gatherings, curated shore experiences, and specialty cocktail moments designed to reward repeat guests who continue to choose Virgin for their vacations.
These voyages will also offer a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective into Virgin’s evolution, with guests able to expect interactive sessions, and opportunities to engage with members of Virgin’s leadership team, who will offer insight into the past and future. MS
