Virgin Voyages has announced the debut of its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, set to take place in New York City in September 2025. This ship aims to bring a new level of innovation and excitement to the cruise industry, offering a variety of itineraries from multiple U.S. homeports during its inaugural season.
The Brilliant Lady will kick off its inaugural season with five cruises ranging between 5 and 13 nights from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. These cruises will include destinations such as Bermuda and Canada/New England, promising a unique and unforgettable experience for passengers. The maiden cruise is scheduled to depart on September 5, 2025.
Following its New York debut, the Brilliant Lady will embark on 17 voyages from October 2025 to March 2026, offering trips ranging between 7 and 12 nights. Passengers will have the opportunity to visit a range of Caribbean destinations, including the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), as well as Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Turks & Caicos; Antigua; Grand Cayman, and Cartagena, Colombia. Additionally, a special 16-night Panama Canal crossing from Miami to Los Angeles is scheduled for March 2026.
Pacific Coast Cruises
After its Panama Canal journey, the Brilliant Lady will sail four Pacific Coast cruises from Los Angeles, with trips ranging between 5 and 8 nights. These cruises will feature stops in Baja California, Puerto Vallarta, and San Diego, offering passengers a taste of the stunning West Coast scenery.
The Brilliant Lady will then head to Seattle for a summer of Alaskan cruises, although exact itinerary details are yet to be announced. Anticipating high demand for these Alaskan voyages, Virgin Voyages has opened early deposits for customers starting on May 8. These deposits will allow passengers to secure their priority booking window before cruises go on sale to the public, with placeholders set at $500 for Sea Terraces, $1,000 for RockStar Quarters, and $2,500 for Mega RockStar Quarters.
Innovative Design
Virgin Voyages has described the Brilliant Lady as a ship that showcases “the powerful intelligence of women across the globe.” Its unique design features an adapted frame that allows it to sail through the Panama Canal and navigate the glaciers and fjords of Alaska. The ship’s signature mermaid figurehead, inspired by historic Renaissance paintings and traditional Japanese and Chinese art, fashion, and beauty, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to its exterior.
The launch of the Brilliant Lady represents an exciting new chapter for Virgin Voyages, with a focus on diverse destinations, innovative design, and unparalleled luxury. This ship promises to revolutionize the cruise industry and offer passengers an unforgettable and truly unique travel experience.