Virgin Voyages unveils plans for the Brilliant Lady, its fourth ship, marking a notable addition to its fleet.
- Originally scheduled for a Puerto Rican debut, the launch was postponed due to supply chain delays and logistical issues, now rescheduled for September 2025.
- The cruise line has incorporated significant design modifications, allowing the vessel to smoothly navigate the Panama Canal and explore the Alaskan glaciers and fjords.
- Brilliant Lady’s inaugural season will feature voyages from several prominent U.S. ports including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
- Passengers originally booked on prior schedules are being prioritised for the initial voyages, ensuring their experience is at the forefront.
Virgin Voyages has set an ambitious course with the introduction of its fourth ship, the Brilliant Lady. This new addition is set to launch from New York in September 2025, offering a fresh array of itineraries for North American destinations. Initially, the ship was supposed to depart from Puerto Rico, but unforeseen supply chain challenges prompted a rescheduling.
The ship’s design has undergone notable adjustments to facilitate its navigation through the Panama Canal, enabling an expansion of its destinations to include the majestic regions of Alaska. This marks a significant enhancement in the cruise line’s offerings, promising passengers picturesque and diverse travel experiences.
Michelle Bentubo, the Chief Operating Officer, indicated in a video briefing that the Brilliant Lady will operate from major ports such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle. This strategic placement aims to maximise the vessel’s reach and appeal to a broad demographic of cruise enthusiasts.
In its first season, Brilliant Lady will embark on five notable journeys departing from New York between September and October 2025. Destinations include Bermuda, Maine, Charleston, Boston, Halifax, New Brunswick, and Quebec City. As winter approaches, from October 2025 to April 2026, it will shift its base to Miami, setting sail for the Caribbean on voyages lasting between seven and twelve nights.
Among these Caribbean excursions, a highlight will be the 16-night journey through the Panama Canal starting in March 2026, visiting Costa Rica, Antigua, Guatemala, and Los Cabos before concluding in Los Angeles. Subsequently, from April to May 2026, the Brilliant Lady will conduct four voyages from LA, calling at Baja California, Puerto Vallarta, and San Diego.
The ship will then reposition to Seattle from May to September 2026, offering Alaskan cruises during the summer months. Virgin Voyages’ Chief Executive, Nirmal Saverimuttu, highlighted that these new itineraries from sought-after locations like New York and Los Angeles respond directly to longstanding passenger requests.
Frank Weber, the fleet operations senior vice-president, shared that new cabin categories, featuring a duo of hammocks on balconies, are among the innovative design tweaks aimed at enhancing the travel experience.
Noteworthy comments from Sir Richard Branson underscore his vision: ‘Virgin Voyages started as a simple idea for me and has blossomed into the world’s top cruise line with a full fleet of ships. This ship is going to be brilliant in every possible way.’
The debut of Brilliant Lady marks a significant expansion of Virgin Voyages’ service portfolio, promising diverse and memorable journeys.
