Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, Brilliant Lady, embarked on its inaugural cruise in September 2025. This adults-only ship boasts 17 decks and can accommodate 2,770 guests. It offers a fun and sultry atmosphere with a variety of activities, sights, and dining options onboard.
Before its maiden voyage from New York City, I had the opportunity to explore Brilliant Lady for nearly six hours. Despite the extensive tour, I still felt like I had only scratched the surface. Here are five key highlights about Brilliant Lady:
1. Brilliant Lady has home ports in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle. As the fourth and final ship in Virgin Voyages’ “Lady Ships” fleet, Brilliant Lady marks a long-awaited debut for loyal Virgin cruisers. The ship will visit various destinations, including the Caribbean, New England, Canada, the Mexican Riviera, the Panama Canal, and Alaska. Structural modifications have been made to allow Brilliant Lady to sail through the Panama Canal, opening up new travel possibilities.
2. The ship offers a range of cabin options to cater to all types of adult travelers, from luxurious suites to solo traveler accommodations. The Mega RockStar Quarters stand out as a top-tier choice, featuring exclusive amenities like a personal RockStar Agent, a spacious outdoor patio with a hot tub, and a music room. Standard cabins are also well-designed and spacious, with many featuring balconies or terraces.
3. With over 20 eateries onboard, Brilliant Lady provides a diverse culinary experience. All dining options are included in the cruise fare, including specialty restaurants. From quick bites at The Galley to upscale dining at Pink Agave and Gunbae, guests can indulge in a variety of cuisines. Exclusive to Brilliant Lady, Rojo by Razzle Dazzle offers a Spanish-inspired menu featuring dishes like paella and tapas.
4. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous amenities available onboard Brilliant Lady. From well-equipped gyms with ocean views to outdoor basketball courts and a scenic running track, guests have plenty of options to stay active during their cruise. Complimentary group workouts are included in the cruise fare, providing a fun way to stay fit while at sea.
5. Brilliant Lady introduces new entertainment options, such as Murder in the Manor, an interactive murder mystery show, and Up With a Twist, a dinner show featuring music and dancing. Guests can also enjoy classic Virgin Voyages shows like Duel Reality and Out of Time. Scarlet Night, a high-energy shipwide dance party, is a must-attend event for first-time Virgin Voyages sailors.
Overall, Brilliant Lady offers a vibrant and exciting cruise experience with a mix of entertainment, dining, fitness, and relaxation options. With its unique features and diverse offerings, this ship promises a memorable journey for all adult travelers.