Virgin Voyages is set to launch its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, from New York in September 2025.
This state-of-the-art vessel signifies an expansion in Virgin Voyages’ North American itineraries, offering passengers new and unforgettable travel experiences.
The Brilliant Lady will commence its maiden voyage on 5th September 2025 from New York. The ship, with a capacity to comfortably accommodate 2,770 passengers, was initially scheduled for launch from Puerto Rico. However, due to supply chain challenges, this has been postponed.
The inaugural season for the Brilliant Lady includes five sailings from New York during September and October 2025. These voyages range from five to 13 nights, visiting remarkable destinations such as Bermuda, Maine, Charleston, Boston, Halifax, New Brunswick, and Quebec City.
The Brilliant Lady boasts remarkable design features, allowing it to seamlessly traverse the Panama Canal and venture into Alaska’s stunning glaciers and fjords. This adaptability highlights Virgin Voyages’ commitment to innovative travel solutions.
According to Frank Weber, senior vice-president of fleet operations, the ship introduces a new cabin category featuring two hammocks on the balcony, enhancing the relaxing experience for passengers.
Virgin Voyages’ deployment strategy positions the Brilliant Lady in several U.S. cities, expanding its market reach.
Following its initial sailings from New York, the ship will relocate to Miami from October 2025 to April 2026. Here, it will embark on 17 Caribbean voyages lasting seven to 12 nights.
Among these exciting trips is a 16-night Panama Canal Crossing, departing on 21st March 2026. This voyage includes stops in Costa Rica, Antigua, Guatemala, and Los Cabos, before arriving in Los Angeles on 6th April 2026.
From April to May 2026, Brilliant Lady will conduct sailings from Los Angeles. Passengers will experience the scenic beauty of Baja California, Puerto Vallarta, and San Diego.
This phase reflects Virgin Voyages’ ongoing aim to provide diverse travel experiences, catering to various interests and preferences.
Brilliant Lady’s operations will move to Seattle from May to September 2026,
offering exploratory voyages to Alaska. These journeys promise an up-close encounter with the region’s unique natural beauty, including its iconic glaciers and rugged landscapes.
The Alaskan leg concludes the ship’s North American exploration, blending luxury cruising with the allure of untouched wilderness.
Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages’ chief executive, affirmed, “Virgin fans have been asking for years if we’d consider sailing from places like New York, Los Angeles or Alaska”.
The Brilliant Lady is a response to increased demand for diverse itineraries—a testament to the brand’s strong customer loyalty and innovative approach.
Sir Richard Branson expressed confidence in the venture, stating, “This ship is going to be brilliant in every way”.
Previous passengers will gain priority access for booking MerMaiden voyages, an opportunity that assures them of a place on these coveted trips.
The launch of Brilliant Lady from New York marks a significant expansion in Virgin Voyages’ operations, highlighting its commitment to offering innovative travel experiences.
This venture not only responds to customer demand but also reinforces Virgin’s standing as a leader in the cruise industry.
