Brilliant Lady to Debut Bold New Adventures Across the U.S. and Beyond with Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is setting the stage for an exciting expansion as the Brilliant Lady prepares to join the fleet later this year. In her debut season, this stunning new ship will explore all four corners of the United States, offering travelers unforgettable cruise experiences like never before.

Valiant Lady at Sea

Starting her journey in New York, the Brilliant Lady will then sail to Miami, the West Coast, and Seattle, where she will make her highly anticipated debut in Alaska cruising in 2026. According to Natasha Salzedo, Director of Itineraries and Destinations, these itineraries are designed to bring guests deeper into some of the world's most captivating destinations.

From Miami, the Brilliant Lady will launch extended 10-night Caribbean sailings, featuring unique ports of call such as overnight stays in Cartagena and visits to Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, and Saint Maarten—offering travelers access to hidden gems not typically featured on Virgin’s San Juan-based cruises.

Virgin Voyages is also expanding across Europe, with new adventures to Iceland, Norway, and exciting 11-night Mediterranean voyages that include overnight stays in Istanbul. The brand's focus on a variety of cruise lengths gives "sailors" the option to combine back-to-back sailings for a richer, more immersive travel experience.

Each new itinerary is thoughtfully curated, considering both guided excursions and opportunities for independent exploration. “It’s important for the ship to fit, but that’s just one part of the puzzle,” Salzedo noted, highlighting Virgin’s commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences both at sea and ashore.

The Brilliant Lady is uniquely designed to transit the Panama Canal, a first for Virgin Voyages, thanks to her specially modified superstructure. This feature enables seamless repositioning for her inaugural Alaska season, sailing seven-night cruises out of Seattle every Thursday. Departing midweek allows Virgin to secure prime docking times and ensure a more relaxed, uncrowded shore experience for guests.

At Virgin Voyages, planning for the future never stops—new routes are already being developed through 2028. “A perfect itinerary lights up green for all our metrics,” said Salzedo, emphasizing that each itinerary is uniquely tailored to its region for maximum guest satisfaction.