Brilliant Lady

Introducing Brilliant Lady

Brilliant Lady follows sister ships Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady, but marks a shift in deployment. While earlier ships focused on the Caribbean and Mediterranean, Brilliant Lady will expand into new regions including Alaska and the US West Coast. A narrower design, enabling the ship to transit the Panama Canal, has made this wider deployment possible.

The ship carries around 2,770 passengers with a crew of approximately 1,160, maintaining the brand’s relatively low passenger-to-space ratio. As with the rest of the fleet, it is adults-only, with no facilities for children.

Design remains central to the concept. Interiors continue the collaboration with a group of international designers, combining a boutique hotel feel with a more informal, less structured approach to cruising.

Brilliant Lady is also equipped with modern environmental technologies, including energy-efficient systems to minimise fuel consumption and advanced wastewater treatment, aligning with the brand’s broader sustainability commitments.

What are the facilities on Brilliant Lady like?

Brilliant Lady follows the same general layout as its sister ships, structured around a mix of social spaces, wellness areas and entertainment venues.

Facilities include:

• The Aquatic Club: a central pool area with daybeds, DJ sets and a more relaxed, resort-style atmosphere
• The Dock and Dock House: outdoor lounge spaces inspired by Mediterranean beach clubs
• The Athletic Club: a gym complex with outdoor training areas, boxing ring and strength equipment
• Redemption Spa: a spa area with thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, mud room and treatment rooms
• The Runway: a red jogging track that loops the ship
• The Manor: a two-storey nightclub and performance space
• Voyage Vinyl: a record shop and listening bar
• The Galley: a food hall concept replacing the traditional buffet, with multiple made-to-order stations

The overall approach prioritises flexibility and informality, with fewer fixed schedules and more emphasis on social interaction and open-use spaces.

What restaurants and bars are there on Brilliant Lady?

Dining is a core part of the Virgin Voyages experience, and Brilliant Lady is no different, with over 20 venues available. There are no buffets or main dining rooms, and all restaurants are included in the fare.

Key venues include:

• The Wake: steak and seafood with a classic chophouse feel
• Razzle Dazzle: vegetarian-forward dishes with optional meat additions
• Extra Virgin: Italian cuisine with handmade pasta
• Gunbae: Korean BBQ with interactive dining
• Pink Agave: elevated Mexican cuisine
• Test Kitchen: tasting-menu concept focused on experimentation
• The Galley: casual food hall with multiple stations

Bars and lounges are spread across the ship, including:

• Sip Lounge: a champagne and caviar bar
• On the Rocks: a bar focusing on classic cocktails
• Draught Haus: a craft beer bar
• The Loose Cannon: a nautical-themed pub

Unlike many cruise lines, there are no speciality dining surcharges for these venues.

What is the accommodation like on Brilliant Lady?

Accommodation on Brilliant Lady is designed with a modern, minimalist aesthetic and a focus on technology.

Cabin categories include:

• Insider cabins: compact interior rooms
• Sea View cabins: cabins featuring porthole-style windows
• Sea Terrace cabins: balcony-style cabins featuring the signature red hammock
• Rockstar Quarters: the suite-level accommodation with added perks

Most cabins include:

• Mood lighting controls
• Tablet-based room management
• Rainfall showers
• Flexible bed configurations

Suites (Rockstar and Mega Rockstar categories) offer larger living spaces, terrace areas and access to Richard’s Rooftop, an exclusive sundeck.

What is the entertainment like on Brilliant Lady?

Entertainment on Brilliant Lady focusing on Broadway-calibre shows, but with an additional focus on immersive productions, putting the audience at the heart of the stories.

Here’s a taste of what to expect on board Brilliant Lady:

• The Manor shows, including cabaret, live music and DJ-led performances
• Interactive theatre and pop-up acts across the ship
• Live bands and acoustic sets in multiple venues
• Late-night parties and themed events
• Comedy and spoken-word performances

The programming is designed to feel less formal, with no strict dress codes or fixed seating.

What destinations is Brilliant Lady sailing to?

Brilliant Lady introduces new itineraries for the brand.

Planned sailings include:

• Alaska: departures from Seattle, focusing on sceninc cruising and nature-led itineraries
• The Pacific Coast of the USA: sailings along the US West Coast
• Panama Canal: longer repositioning voyages
• Caribbean: seasonal itineraries

Brilliant Lady expands Virgin Voyages’ horizons with its ability to transit the Panama Canal.

Who should sail on Brilliant Lady?

Brilliant Lady is designed for travellers who prefer a more informal, adults-only cruise experience. It is particularly suited to:

• Couples looking for a social but relaxed atmosphere
• Groups of friends travelling together
• Food-focused travellers who value included dining variety
• Guests who prefer fewer formalities and no dress codes
• Cruise newcomers who want a less traditional experience

What’s included in the fare on Brilliant Lady?

Virgin Voyages takes an all-inclusive approach compared to many cruise lines.

Here’s what’s included:

• All restaurants and dining venues
• Essential beverages such as water, soft drinks, tea and coffee
• Wi-Fi
• Group fitness classes
• Entertainment and shows

And here’s what's not included in the fare:

• Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
• Shore excursions
• Spa treatments
• Retail purchases

Note that gratuities are no longer included by default in the Virgin Voyages fares.

Brilliant Lady: frequently asked questions

When did Brilliant Lady launch?

Brilliant Lady entered service in September 2025.

Is Brilliant Lady adults-only?

Yes. Like all Virgin Voyages ships, it is strictly 18+.

Does Brilliant Lady have a buffet?

No. The ship replaces buffets with The Galley, a food hall with made-to-order options.

What makes Brilliant Lady different from other ships?

It combines an adults-only policy with fully included dining, a relaxed approach to scheduling and a design-led onboard environment.

Will Brilliant Lady sail to new destinations?

Yes. It expands the brand’s reach to Alaska, the Pacific Coast and Panama Canal routes.

Do you need to dress up onboard?

No formal dress codes. Most venues operate with a come-as-you-are approach.

Is it a good choice for first-time cruisers?

Yes, particularly for those who want a less traditional cruise experience without formal dining or fixed routines.

Virgin Voyages reviews

Reviews

Amazing

First cruise ever. WOW why did I leave it so long? The Wprl at your feet is how I’d describe this trip. The places the staff the ease of booking . The food is such a treat. Lovely 🥰

5

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

Reviews

Luxury

Fantastic from start to finish: such welcoming crew, delicious high-quality meals, fun evening music and cocktails with a good kick!

5

Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady

Reviews

More than I could imagine

My first cruise and exceed my most bold expectations: travel, food, entertainment! Very indulgent

5

Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

Reviews

Not as good as last year

When we arrived shipside we were not welcomed as if it was a luxury experience and had to struggle aboard with our suitcases. The room was very noisy all day and long into the evening as we were just below the gym area. It was a very comfortable room with a sea view, but being on the 13th deck there was a huge overhang which hampered the view and we hadnt been made aware of either the noise issue or the restricted view. We couldn't secure a booking at any restaurant until we complained about it near the end of the cruise. It seemed that loads of groups had booked up everything and we weren't the only ones complaining that we couldn't get availability at any restaurant at any time. The comedians weren't funny at all and at the last gig I don't believe anyone there laughed once. The musicians were the same one almost every night and she seemed to have issues every single night and so only sang a one or two songs. We felt the food in the individual restaurants wasn't the quality of our previous cruise and were quite disappointed with the menu. The galley was generally good though. We also felt the entertainment wasn't as good as our previous Virgin cruise. Maybe we had high expectations as we had been a Virgin cruise before. We felt considering this was a cruise where most folk were 'indoors' most of the time Virgin could have tried a bit harder with the activities as if you dont like zumba or karaoke you are pretty much stuck. Not sure I would pick Virgin again

3

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

Reviews

Virgin are extremely good

I’ve been on 2 virgin cruises it luxury food was amazing & crew & entertainment brilliant

5

Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady

Reviews

4th Cruise & counting!

The food is incredible, especially Extra Virgin restaurant. The takeaway food is also amazing, the sushi boxes are fresh and tasty. Love the no kids element! Great atmosphere - it's what you make of it, you can find an area on the ship that suits your vibe.

5

Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

Reviews

Faeces

Firstly we had back pain issues but our brilliant cabin boys sorted that out with a topper. The toilet regularly blocked and multiple attempts to get the suction to work were unsuccessful with the bowl alarmingly filling up to the top. The major issue is a significant human faecal smell at three places at the back of the ship, flutes, vista, down stairs 5 at latitude and the squid and anchor bar on 7, The smell occurs intermittently but when in full flow! We left as soon as possible otherwise gagging would ensue. I pointed this out to the customer service who could not care less. Eventually I spoke to restaurant manager who said he would get back to me with a report , nothing was forthcoming. He said this was the first time he had heard about it, which is a blatant untrueth as Facebook is awash with reposts from several people on the boat. The staff in vista are brilliant but I feel sorry for them working in this environment. The preparation handling and consumption of food is potentially hazardous and denial is disingenuous. Mercifully, after a reconisce of vista restaurant ,the smell had abated on the last night ,so we could eat in the best restaurant.

2

Marella Cruises Marella Voyager

Reviews

2023-06-04 10:12:31

If you are traditional cruisers who enjoy some style and luxury, Arvia may not be the ship for you. The 5000+ guests make it impossible to find a quiet corner, avoid queueing for dining, go to a show or speciality restaurant without booking days in advance, or find room to sit in public indoor spaces on sea days. This may not be a problem for younger cruisers who've travelled extensively on larger ships and for whom this situation represents the norm, but for those who can sacrifice some of the glitz in favour of a bit of peace and quiet, it's probably better to travel with Aurora or Arcadia. There are wonderful public rooms, the Sky Dome had some great shows (but was hopelessly inadequate for the numbers who wanted to attend), there seemed to be sufficient sunbed spaces at least somewhere on the ship, although always very crowded . The cabins were well equipped but ours was apparently a 3-berth (though not advertised as such), with a ginormous sofabed dominating the room making access to everywhere difficult. The ports of call were well-managed and enjoyable, though if you wanted the free shuttle back to the ship in Barcelona you would have to join a 1/4mile queue in town. The food was acceptable, but often only warm, and in the famous Sindhu it was such a poor meal the four of us had our money refunded. The cruise was priced very well and on the face of it was great value for money but, as always, you get what you pay for. For us this didn't compensate for the inadequacies of mega-ship sailing.

3

P&O Cruises Arvia