Is the Virgin Cruise Ship Still in Portsmouth?

By Michael Ferguson

The Virgin Cruise Ship is one of the most iconic vessels in the maritime world, and it has been a staple of Portsmouth Harbour for many years. The ship was first commissioned in 1972 and has since become a major part of the port’s history and identity.

In recent years, however, the Virgin Cruise Ship has seen its presence in Portsmouth diminish. In 2015, it left the port for the last time and has not returned since. This led to some speculation that the ship may never return to Portsmouth again.

The reasons for this departure remain unclear and could be down to a variety of factors. One reason could be that the cruise industry as a whole is becoming increasingly competitive, with many companies offering cheaper alternatives to traditional cruising experiences. This could have led to fewer people opting for cruises on board the Virgin Cruise Ship, resulting in less demand for it in Portsmouth.

Another possible explanation is that there have been developments within Portsmouth Harbour itself which have made it less attractive as a port of call for such ships. In 2016, plans were announced to redevelop parts of the harbour which would make it difficult for large vessels such as cruise ships to dock there safely and easily. This could explain why the Virgin Cruise Ship hasn’t returned since leaving in 2015.

Despite these potential explanations, there is still hope that one day we may see this iconic ship back in Portsmouth Harbour once again. Many locals still fondly remember their experiences on board this vessel and would love to see it back in their city once more. If conditions are right, then maybe one day we will see this majestic vessel sailing back into its old home once more.

To answer the question posed at the start – Is The Virgin Cruise Ship Still In Portsmouth? – unfortunately, no; at present it remains absent from our local waters after leaving five years ago and not returning since then due to various factors which remain unclear.

However, there is still hope that one day we may see this iconic vessel sailing back into its old home once more!