by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:10 PM ET, Mon March 16, 2026
Virgin Voyages is launching a new Indian restaurant aboard Valiant Lady this spring.
Called Ariya, the restaurant will debut in May after the ship returns from dry dock. It’s been developed in partnership with Indie Culinaire by celebrity chef, television personality and cookbook author Maneet Chauhan. Ariya was the name of founder Richard Branson's great-great-grandmother.
Ariya will take over Valiant Lady’s Razzle Dazzle breakfast and brunch space each evening.
With room to accommodate up to 220 guests, the restaurant will feature dishes like lamb shank biryani, goan curried mussels and tandoori pistachio-crusted snapper.
Standout cocktails include the Maharani Morning with rose, cardamom and sparkling wine and the Golden Hour Spritz layered with saffron and honey. The restaurant will also offer a curated wine list, Indian small-batch spirits and a traditional chai tea service.
"Ariya is the next chapter in our food and beverage collection that we've been building with real intention since day one,” says Nirmal Saverimuttu, chief executive officer of Virgin Voyages. “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 adds: “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.”
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