LONDON – Tuesday 9 June, 2026 – Setting sail from Portsmouth on August 20–27, 2026, Virgin Voyages’ third annual UK Comedy Fest boasts some of the best laughs in the country, straight from the Mock the Week panel with Milton Jones to the Gogglebox sofa with Babatunde Aléshé.
On this epic seven-night round-trip sailing aboard Valiant Lady, Sailors can enjoy a no-fly escapade with stops in Bruges, Amsterdam and an overnight in Hamburg. This cruise combines the razor-sharp wit of UK comedians with the continental appeal of canals and cobblestone streets.
Three years in, Virgin Voyages has worked to develop a curated, premium festival-style line-up, with all the comedy but none of the compromise. From established talents like Lucy Beaumont and Seann Walsh to breakthrough stars like Jack Skipper and Louise Young, Sailors will have exclusive access to sold-out theater quality comedy - no ticket necessary. And because it’s an adults-only experience, there’s no need to hold back - just bold, unfiltered comedy in a space where performers can truly be themselves.
Virgin Voyages can now reveal the full world-class line-up of 15 confirmed comedians across stand-up, improv and storytelling:
- Seann Walsh
- Milton Jones
- Babatunde Aléshé
- Lucy Beaumont
- Kae Kurd
- Aurie Styla
- Desiree Burch
- Matt Richardson
- Laura Smyth
- Travis Jay
- Darren Walsh
- Jack Skipper
- Louise Young
- Ken Cheng
- Impro Allstars
Beyond the laughs, the sailing will explore Amsterdam’s scenic waterways and Bruges' fairy-tale architecture. And with an overnight in Hamburg, Sailors can get lost (intentionally!) among its hundreds of canals, particularly in the Speicherstadt, a UNESCO-listed labyrinth of narrow waterways and striking Gothic Revival buildings.
Onboard, travelers can experience an upgraded experience following Valiant Lady’s recent dry dock updates. Highlights include the launch of new restaurant Ariya, developed with Indie Culinaire and acclaimed celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan, alongside 20+ new happenings and 10 spaces redesigned - because great comedy deserves great surroundings.
Up for a laugh? With prices starting from £2,104 per cabin, sail onboard the UK Comedy Fest sailing from 20th - 27th August by booking online at virginvoyages.com/book.
About Virgin Voyages
Promising to Create an Epic Sea Change for All, Virgin Voyages is the award-winning, exclusively adult cruise line founded by Sir Richard Branson. Delivering unforgettable, relaxing vacations at sea, Virgin Voyages launched at the end of 2021. Inspired by superyacht design, its fleet of Lady Ships exemplify an elevated, boutique hotel at sea with contemporary spaces that strike the perfect balance of nautical chic and glamour. Currently departing from the sun-soaked cities of Miami, Barcelona, Athens and San Juan, the fleet offers more than 60 unique itineraries, sailing to 150+ incredible ports of call. On-board, 20+ eateries feature culinary experiences from Michelin-star chefs, stylish workout spaces and group fitness classes are offered daily, and a festival-like line-up of intimate and larger-than-life shows are on the agenda. Paired with modern, tech-savvy cabins, designer suites fit for a rockstar and a mermaid-inspired spa and thermal suite, the brand is taking the industry by storm. For three consecutive years – 2023, 2024 and 2025 – Virgin Voyages won best cruise line in Travel + Leisure’s highly coveted World’s Best Awards for mega-ship ocean cruise line, along with the 2023 and 2024 Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for best large ocean cruise line.
