The Resilient Lady to be berthed at Melbourne’s Station Pier in summer of 2023-24

Melbourne has scored a major win over Sydney, with one of the world’s most modern ships to berth at Station Pier for several months.

Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin cruise line arm will make Port Melbourne its home port for one of its luxury ships in the summer of 2023-24.

The Resilient Lady will berth at Station Pier for a series of kids-free cruises over four months.

The announcement is a coup for Melbourne as most cruise ships are based in Sydney for the summer season.

It’s believed the Australian cruise ship industry lost about $10bn over the two years of pandemic restrictions, and suffered reputational damage when the Ruby Princess was identified as a source of many Covid infections in 2020.

Virgin Voyages president Nirmal Saverimuttu told the Herald Sun that the Resilient Lady would offer a ‘‘superyacht style” for passengers with fine cuisine and on-deck activities such as yoga and boxing fitness, and even a tattoo parlour. Some cabins will have outdoor showers.

“We will be probably the newest and most modern ship to be calling in Australia by the time we come next year because the ship will be essentially almost brand new ship,’’ Mr Saverimuttu said.

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady cruise ship is coming to Melbourne.

The Resilient Lady, one of four in the Virgin Voyages fleet, will sail from her northern summer base of Athens to Sydney in preparation for her Melbourne stint. Half of those passengers spots have been sold.

About 12 itineraries ranging from two to 12 nights were being planned for trips out of Melbourne to Tasmania, the east coast and New Zealand, Mr Saverimuttu said.

The ship can carry 2700 passengers.

Sir Richard, who founded the Virgin Blue airline in 2000, said Australia had a special place in his heart.

“We can’t wait for Australians and New Zealanders to meet our Resilient Lady and experience all that she has to offer in true Virgin style,” he said.

Mr Saverimuttu said The Resilient Lady would also offer a “shake for champagne” service – technology that allows a passenger to shake their smartphone anywhere on board and order a bottle of bubbly.

He said the cruise line was also proud of its stay late or overnight policy reflecting passengers’ reluctance to be bound by a 9-to-5 visit in port.

Bookings for the season from December 11 2023 to March 27, 2024 are expected to be open from Wednesday.