Virgin Voyages Introduces New Indian Restaurant Coming to Valiant Lady
Key Aspects:
Valiant Lady is getting a brand new Indian dining experience, called Ariya, in May.
The restaurant will be hosted inside Razzle Dazzle every evening, which will remain a breakfast and brunch spot during the day.
The menu for the kitchen and bar has been designed in partnership with Indian Celebrity Chef, Maneet Chauhan.
Future guests of Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady have something new to look forward to. Ariya, a bold new Indian dining experience, is coming to the 2,770-guest ship this summer.
The popular Razzle Dazzle restaurant, which will remain a breakfast and brunch spot by day, will transform into a 220-seat Indian culinary sanctuary by night. It’s meant to cultivate a shared connection among guests and offer a break from the hustle and bustle of reality.
Soft lighting, cozy, cuddlore-inspired booths, deliberate pacing, and an electric soundtrack of Indian classics will whisk guests away to another world, using smell, taste, and ambiance to signal that the next few hours will be an experience that demands attention.
At the center of the restaurant, guests will enjoy a semi-private dining space that is framed by decorative screens to make them feel like they are inside a traditional Indian jewelry box.
“Ariya is the next chapter in our food and beverage collection that we’ve been building with real intention since day one. 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,” Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, said in a press release.
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“Indian cuisine, done with this level of craft and this much heart, belongs on Valiant Lady. Sailors who’ve sailed with us before will understand immediately why this belongs here. For those who haven’t, Ariya might be the reason they book,” Saverimuttu continued.
Even the name of the restaurant has a special meaning that helps to tell its story. Ariya was the name of founder Sir Richard Branson’s grandmother, who was a traveler from the coastal town of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu.
An Exciting New Menu
The menu and bar for this exciting new addition has been carefully curated through a partnership with acclaimed celebrity chef, television personality, and cookbook author, Maneet Chauhan.
“Ariya presents Indian cuisine with range and precision, pairing saffron-kissed classics with coconut-rich coastal flavors and vibrant regional specialties,” Virgin Voyages stated in an email to Cruise Hive.
Guests who dine at Ariya can look forward to expertly crafted dishes like Lamb Shank Biryani, Goan Curried Mussels, Malabar Coconut Crab Cake, Puffed Rice & Avocado Chaat, and Tandoori Pistachio-Crusted Snapper.
Chaat, which is a popular street food in India, will be at the heart of the carefully curated menu. It is known for being crispy, tangy, and deeply satisfying in a way that leaves diners wanting more.
The drinks at the bar have also been designed to complement the menu and draw upon the same regional influences as the kitchen.
Every experience will begin with a complimentary welcome sip of jaljeera, a chilled blend of zesty tamarind and cumin that serves as an excellent palate cleanser.
Afterwards, guests can order from an exciting array of exquisitely crafted cocktails and spirits, such as Saffron & Silk with scotch and toasted coconut smoke, Maharani Morning with rose, cardamom, and sparkling wine, and Bangalore Old Fashioned with jaggery and cardamom.
For those who don’t drink alcohol, the Seventh Leaf, a botanical zero-proof creation, is a standout option.
How to Experience Ariya
Ariya will debut exclusively onboard Valiant Lady at the end of May, after the 2022-launched ship completes its upcoming dry dock. The ship will undergo a month-long “glow up” from May 9-25, 2026.
When the 110,000-gross ton ship reenters service on May 25, she will begin her European season with the new dining experience open for business.
She will first homeport in Barcelona, Spain, from where she will offer 6- to 8-night sailings to destinations through Italy, Spain, and France.
The adults-only ship will then briefly homeport in Portsmouth, UK, operating 7- to 15-night sailings to destinations throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, and the Netherlands.
Guests who would like to be among the first to experience Ariya can still secure bookings on these sailings directly through the cruise line or by booking through a reputable travel professional, including Cruise Hive.
Virgin Voyages Introduces New Indian Restaurant Coming to Valiant Lady