A REMARKABLE new cruise ship loaded with more than 1,000 cabins was spotted leaving Tilbury and travelling up the Thames Estuary on Saturday, March 12.

The Valiant Lady is part of Virgin Voyages’ fleet and is on its maiden tour of the UK and sailed off the coast of Southend on Thursday, March 10.

Echo: The famous Virgin logo at the top of the shipThe famous Virgin logo at the top of the ship

Echo camera club member Rob Lay captured some close up images of the ship as it sailed.

The Valiant Lady features an impressive 1,330 cabins and has two luxury suites that boast their own turntables and a private hot tub.

Most of the cabins come with their own balconies and sea views. 

Echo: Another angle of the Valiant LadyAnother angle of the Valiant Lady

The ship is heading to Tilbury as part of the tour which also includes a trip to Liverpool.

Her first major voyage will take place in March and see her sail from Portsmouth to Barcelona - which will be her main home. 

Echo: The Valiant Lady close to a smaller boatThe Valiant Lady close to a smaller boat

Speaking to Virgin Voyages website last month, the firm's CEO Tom McAlpin said: “Following the success of our first lady ship, Scarlet Lady, we are so excited to debut Valiant Lady to the UK this March and begin our European tour.

Echo: The Valiant Lady logoThe Valiant Lady logo

"The lifting of UK travel restrictions has already shown promising signs with 70% uplift in bookings since December – and we can’t wait to welcome sailors on board."