Virgin Voyages much-anticipated new ship is coming

Brilliant Lady, the line’s fourth ship, has arrived. We take a look at the itineraries that make up her MerMaiden season - and what exciting new sailings are on the horizon.

Introducing Brilliant Lady

Brilliant Lady will be Virgin Voyages' first ship able to transit the Panama Canal | Credit: Virgin Voyages

On board, there’s plenty to explore. Guests can make use of the wellness spaces, including the Redemption Spa and dedicated fitness studios, or enjoy a drink in one of many bars. These include On the Rocks (for cocktail aficionados), Sip Lounge (for Champagne lovers) and a Draught Haus (for beer experts). The ship’s design prioritises open spaces, varied venues and a social, relaxed atmosphere.

Evenings are lively, with the entertainment covering a mix of theatre, live music and original productions. Highlights include Red Hot, a tribute to Virgin Records; Out of Time, a time-travel-themed musical; and Electric, a glow party at sea. Scarlet Night returns with new visuals and choreography.

Dining remains a key focus. Razzle Dazzle, a regular favourite for brunch, transforms in the evening into Rojo, a Spanish-themed restaurant serving pan-cooked paella and cava. The Dock is getting an all-new menu, and Up With A Twist’s new dinner shows blend food and entertainment for an immersive experience. Dine in an elegant setting, while enjoying performances from a live band, dancers and vocalists. Fascinatingly, the end of the show changes based on the choices made by the audience.

Beyond the onboard facilities, Brilliant Lady brings something else big: it’s the first Virgin Voyages ship able to transit the Panama Canal.

Where will Brilliant Lady sail?

Brilliant Lady will sail a range of itineraries, from the Caribbean to Alaska | Credit: Virgin Voyages

The ship sets off from New York on 5 September 2025, offering sailings to Bermuda, and Canada and New England. Later in the year, Brilliant Lady moves to Miami for seven- to 12-night Caribbean cruises, stopping in places like Aruba, San Juan, Curaçao and Jamaica. A 16-night Panama Canal sailing takes the ship to Los Angeles in October.

There, Brilliant Lady sails California and Mexico itineraries from the City of Angels, before heading north in spring 2026 to cover the Alaska season out of Seattle. Sailors can book seven- to 12-night trips through the Inside Passage, visiting ports such as Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

The ship then returns to Los Angeles in the summer, before relocating to Miami via the Panama Canal to sail Caribbean voyages in Autumn 2026.

What sets Brilliant Lady apart

Virgin Voyages is all about a luxurious, grown-up and informal take on modern cruising | Credit: Virgin Voyages

This is Virgin Voyages' most refined ship to date, shaped by feedback from guests and crew. Spaces have been reworked to further improve the Virgin Voyages experience.

The ship is adults-only, so no children’s clubs or splash pools. Instead, expect long brunches, cocktail bars, pop-up performances and late-night DJ sets. It’s all about a grown-up, informal take on modern cruising.

With a strong focus on entertainment and food, Brilliant Lady offers something a little different – and her itineraries provide the chance to explore a broad range of destinations, from New York and Quebec to the Caribbean, Pacific coast and Alaska.

Brilliant Lady leads with her design, onboard experience and wide-ranging set of itineraries. The ship blends Virgin Voyages’ signature style with fresh ideas, offering a relaxed, adults-only way to explore North America, the Caribbean and beyond.

Virgin Voyages is a multi-award-winning adults-only cruise line. For more information about Brilliant Lady and its debut season, visit the Virgin Voyages website.