Although most cruise ships today offer a wide variety of cuisines on board, Virgin Voyages takes a more modern and original approach to dining than most mainstream cruise lines.
Instead of spreading out dining options across a buffet, main dining rooms, and added-fee specialty dining restaurants, Virgin Voyages cruise ships feature a mix of intimate, casual and upscale eateries — and all of them are included in cruise fares.
From steak and seafood to Korean BBQ, the options are designed to appeal to every palate and impress with menus conceived by Michelin-starred chefs.
Last year, Virgin Voyages introduced a creative new Spanish restaurant, Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, on its newest ship, Brilliant Lady, and now the adults-only cruise line is taking cruise dining to a new destination on its Valiant Lady ship with a bold new Razzle Dazzle restaurant concept.
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Virgin Voyages introduces new Indian restaurant debuting on Valiant Lady
Virgin Voyages is launching a modern Indian restaurant concept, Ariya, this May aboard Valiant Lady, following the ship’s dry dock refurbishment. The new restaurant concept is a partnership with Indie Culinaire by acclaimed celebrity chef, television personality, and cookbook author, Maneet Chauhan.
The restaurant celebrates both the layered and technically complex culinary traditions of Indian cuisine and how a shared meal shortens the distance between worlds. The restaurant gets its name from Virgin Voyages founder Sir Richard Branson’s great-great-grandmother, Ariya, a curious traveler from the coastal town of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu who believed food could cross oceans more easily than language.
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Ariya will transform Valiant Lady’s Razzle Dazzle space each evening with a transportive Indian dinner experience. The restaurant will take guests on a sensory journey, encouraging exploration through intriguing dishes that pair India’s rich flavors and traditions with modern techniques, and a cozy, spice-toned setting that invites guests to linger.
“Indian cuisine is finally getting the global recognition it has always deserved and our Sailors get to experience it at its best, with Chef Maneet. The spice combinations alone will surprise people. That’s the goal: to make every Sailor at that table think, ‘I didn’t know food could do that,’” Virgin Voyages Senior Director of Culinary Program Development Chef Levi Mezick said in a press release.
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Ariya’s arrival corridor will set the tone for a dining experience worthy of guests’ attention.Virgin Voyages
(Virgin Voyages)Ariya’s menu invites discovery with dishes that showcase India’s diverse flavors
From saffron-infused classics to coconut-rich coastal flavors and vibrant regional specialties, Ariya’s menu will reflect India’s diverse culinary landscape and tell its story with contemporary flair.
Featured dishes include:
Malabar Coconut Crab Cake
Puffed Rice & Avocado Chaat
Tandoori Pistachio-Crusted Snapper
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To awaken the palate for the culinary journey ahead, the dining experience will begin with a complimentary welcome sip: jaljeera, a chilled blend of tamarind and cumin. Ariya’s beverage experience is thoughtfully crafted to enhance each meal with spice-forward drinks that feature the same regional influences as the food.
Featured cocktails include:
Maharani Morning with rose, cardamom, and sparkling wine
Golden Hour Spritz layered with saffron and honey
Saffron & Silk with scotch and toasted coconut smoke
Bangalore Old Fashioned with jaggery and cardamom
The Seventh Leaf, a botanical zero-proof creation
The restaurant will also offer a curated wine list, Indian small-batch spirits, and traditional chai tea service.
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This story was originally published by TravelHost on Mar 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Dining and Cooking