Has the Virgin cruise already left Malaga Bay?

Accustomed to seeing it every morning, many residents of the eastern area of Málaga have missed today the Virgin Brilliant Lady, the cruise ship that has been anchored in the waters of Málaga or in the port since last October, as part of the ship's preparation plan. The ship, which has not yet been inaugurated, left the shipyard shortly before arriving here.

Where is it? Well, it is certainly not in front of La Malagueta beaches nor moored inside the harbor. The explanation is provided by the website Vesselfinder, which allows locating almost any vessel in real-time. According to this site, today it is in Gibraltar, where it most likely went to refuel, as fuel there is cheaper. This isn't the first time it has performed this maneuver, which has been repeated several times in recent months, as revealed by this same nautical information service.

In recent weeks, it has also not been visible for some days, although in this case, it remained in Málaga waters, specifically at the cruise terminal of the Levante dock. As confirmed by port sources, the ship has recently increased its docking maneuvers; it has also stayed moored overnight to allow the crew to rest and for resupplying.

This is because the Virgin shipping company has been the first to choose the Bay and the port to train its staff and obtain the necessary certificates and inspections before its upcoming service launch. The choice is due both to the calmness of these waters almost all year round and the good disposition of the harbor authorities, as well as the proximity and good international connections of the airport. Initially, it was to be in Málaga waters until May, but it has finally extended its stay, as confirmed by the Port Authority.

Therefore, the forecast is that the ship 'Dama brillante' will return to Málaga in the coming days, although this extended stay is already in its final phase. The 'Brilliant Lady' is scheduled to be inaugurated in August in New York, and will then start its routes in Miami.

Therefore, unless there is a change of course (as has happened in the past), July will presumably be the last month it spends anchored in front of La Malagueta. For now, there seems to be no signs of further delays, as the shipping company continues to announce the first route in the Caribbean on September 5th.

The 'Virgin Brilliant Lady', flying the flag of the Bahamas, is 278 meters long and 38 meters wide, with a gross tonnage of 110,000. It can sail at a speed of 20 knots, according to data available on the company's website. The ship has a capacity for 2,762 passengers, who will travel in 1,404 cabins (the vast majority with a balcony and there are 78 suites). They are accompanied by 1,150 crew members.

The accommodation spaces and leisure offerings are spread across 17 decks (with 14 elevators). The 'Brilliant Lady' is classified as a "top-level luxury" cruise and will be for adults only. Onboard there will be 12 bars and lounges, another 12 restaurants; cinema, library, spa, casino, jacuzzis (3); exhibition hall; theater; laundry; game room, and nightclub.