Virgin Cruises Warns Guests of Delays at Spanish Ports

Virgin Voyages is warning passengers about longer disembarkation times in Spain following the introduction of new European Union border control procedures.

The cruise line said the delays are linked to the recently launched Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border management system that came into effect on April 10, 2026.

In a statement shared with guests onboard Valiant Lady, Virgin explained: “In short, every non-European traveller entering or leaving Europe now has to undergo a quick biometric check, including a facial scan and fingerprinting, instead of getting a passport stamp.”

“It’s a new way out of Europe, full stop. Every cruise line, every airport, every border. We’re all in this together,” the company added.

Virgin noted that the Port of Barcelona, despite being one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, had only been provided with eight biometric scanning machines. The company said it had spoken with other cruise operators and that some ships earlier in the week experienced disembarkation waits of between two and three hours during busy periods.

“We don’t like that either, so we’ve asked the local authorities for more kiosks. We have offered to pay for the infrastructure ourselves,” Virgin said in its statement.

Although authorities have not yet approved the request, the cruise line said it is continuing discussions and has already adjusted its disembarkation procedures in an effort to reduce inconvenience for guests.

As part of its European summer deployment, Valiant Lady is currently sailing from Barcelona on Western Mediterranean itineraries. Through late July, the 2,770-passenger vessel is scheduled to visit destinations in Spain, France, and Italy.